Tijuana's Finest Dining
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Imagine tiny, tender duck burritos seasoned with Mayan spices; flash-fried conch diced and tossed with avocado and warm gorgonzola cheese; delicate
squash-blossom quiche, with a touch of chili and cheese, in a poblano sauce.
These are but a few of the sublime gourmet adventures waiting just across the border in Tijuana. Yes, Tijuana.
In the past three years, the fine dining scene in our sister city to the south has exploded with upscale, gourmet restaurants that are inexpensive by
Southern California standards. The following nine standouts represent the best, with options that include Mayan, Aztec, Argentinean, Spanish,
French-Mexican fusion and the best of Baja's fresh seafood, done in all new ways.
All nine selected restaurants have been certified by the Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau in meeting strict standards for international
visitors. All are within a few minutes of the border and have English-speaking staff and/or English menus. All have secure parking, and most are a
short, inexpensive cab ride from the border.
To help plan your adventure dining forays, you'll find directions and more details on each restaurant's individual profile.
Buen provecho! Enjoy!
Prices are per person based on a three-course meal, excluding beverage, tax and tip.
$= less than $20
$$= $20-$30
$$$= $30-$40
La Diferencia: Dine in an Old World Mexican courtyard, complete with gurgling fountain and singing birds, while you savor gourmet pre-Columbian dishes
prepared as they were centuries past. A dozen visits and you'll still not be able to sample everything you'd like to try on this unusual menu. But, a
first-visit must is the divine squash-blossom quiche appetizer for starters. (It has a little kick of chili, of course).
Blvd. Sanchez Taboada No.10611-A, between Blvd. Abelardo L. Rodriguez & Escuadron 201 in Zona Rio
Phone: 01-52 (664) 634-7078 or 634-3346
$$
Hacienda Cien Anos: This 2-year-old restaurant also capitalizes on the Mexico City trend toward gourmet recreations of Old World Mexico cuisine and
uses authentic ingredients and preparation methods. Salmon ceviche, luscious marrow soup and chicken in fig sauce with chipotle are just a few of the
signature dishes. Colorful, multilevel dining and exciting Mexican art add to the dramatic atmosphere.
Blvd. Sanchez Taboada No. 10451, corner of Escuadron, in Colonia Aviacion in Zona Rio
Phone: 011-52 (664) 686-6679 or 686-6389
Fax: 011-52 (664) 686-6396
$$
Palmazul: Drop-dead gorgeous, this wow of a place recreates Baja Sur's enormous cave paintings on its walls, features outdoor fire pits and giant
boulders in the bar, and specializes in Baja California cuisine. There's a huge raw bar, an eclectic and exciting seafood selection with everything
done more than a little differently, as well as Baja quail, venison, duck and beef.
Blvd. Salinas No. 11154 Col. Aviacion, C.P. 22420, between Calle Pablo L. Sidar & Calzada Aguacaliente in downtown Tijuana
Phone: 01-52 (664) 622-9773 and 9775
$$
Rincon San Roman: This romantic hideaway, overlooking the sea and the Coronado Islands, features French-Mexican fusion offerings created by
world-famous chef Martin San Roman. From lobster bisque in puff pastry to ostrich filet in plum/red wine sauce, the food is simply divine. The white
chocolate Napoleans are worth the trip alone, but the warm French fudge balls will also leave you rhapsodizing.
Fifteen minutes from the border at Km. 19.5 on the Rosarito-Ensenada Scenic Road (the toll road), in the Real del Mar Golf and Equestrian Community
Phone: 011-52 (664) 631-2242
$$$
Villa Saverio's: Elegant but friendly, this spacious restaurant combines the warmth of Mexican service with a menu of gourmet surprises, like lobster
tortellini with pine nut filling, mesquite-roasted oysters and New York steak with Bourbon-coffee sauce. Saverio's unique blend of Baja and
Mediterranean flavors will kick-start your appetite every time.
Calle Escuadron 201 S/n., on the corner of Blvd. Sanchez Taboada in Zona Rio
Phone: 011-52- (664) 686-6443 and 6442
$$
La Casa de Mole: Even Mexican grandmothers don't attempt the dishes featured here: mol?s (mole-ays) made of dark chocolate and exotic chili
combinations; adobados and other special sauces that take days to create and feature dozens of different spices, chilies and unusual ingredients. The
food, as well as the splashing waterfalls and riot of plants in this informal local favorite, will make you feel like you've escaped to the Mayan
jungle.
Paseo de los Heroes No. 10501 in Zona Rio, between Lazaro C?rdenas and Mision San Diego
Phone: 011-52 (664) 634-6920
$
Gypsy's: Funky, fun and never dull ? in menu or decor. If you long for coastal Spain but it's just not in the cards this year, Gypsy's will tide you
over with flamenco music and exotic Catalan-style dishes like lobster croquettes, Spanish-style octopus, Mallorcan sausage and, of course, the
restaurant's signature dish, paella ? heaped with all the exotic ingredients you love.
In the Pueblo Amigo Shopping Plaza: Paseo del Centenario No. 9211, Local 20, Centro Comercial Pueblo Amigo, in Zona Rio
Phone: 011-52 (664) 683-6006
$
Cheripan: Sleek, simple and an Atkins-lover's dream. Enjoy Argentinean-style meats, sausages, codfish dishes and grilled specialty cuts, all seasoned
South American style and served in generous Pampas-sized portions. The mixed-grill platter is the combo to try, with Argentina's famous chimichurri
sauce on the side, but don't pass up the turnovers, either. And, if you know Argentinean history, you won't be surprised to find tiramisu, pesto and
Rossini rolls on the menu, too.
Avenue Sonora (3rd Street), just off Blvd. Agua Caliente, between Toreo & Torres in downtown Tijuana
Phone: 011-52 (664) 971-0099
$$
Mr. Ace's: Silver, crystal and the subdued elegance of Old World Europe. While romantic Gypsy violin music plays, you'll enjoy fine continental
cuisine, such as house specialties beef Wellington, veal Oscar and steak Diane. An open kitchen and lots of flaming tableside preparation add to the
interesting atmosphere.
Near the racetrack on Ave. Hipodromo No. 19 in Col. Hipodromo, between Tapachula & Trincheras
Phone: 011-52 (664) 686-6061
$$$
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