Home

Download

Benefits

Ensenada

North America

Mexico

Restaurante Laja, located at km 83 Tecate Vivienda in the heart of Ensenada, Baja California, is a culinary gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its innovative tasting menu, this restaurant emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and a unique farm-to-table philosophy. With a serene ambiance featuring a rustic farmhouse vibe and a large stone fireplace, Restaurante Laja is perfect for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable meal in a tranquil setting.

At Restaurante Laja, the dining experience is centered around a fixed tasting menu that changes frequently, showcasing the best of seasonal produce. Guests can expect a delightful array of dishes that are both unexpected and flavorful. Highlights include:

Five-course tasting menu featuring local ingredients.

Cocktails and wine pairings available to enhance your meal.

Vegetarian options and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

Restaurante Laja is conveniently located in Ensenada, a city known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant culture. After enjoying a meal, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the scenic beaches, local vineyards, and the bustling Ensenada fish market. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in exquisite Mexican cuisine.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4aGNuNElnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJw8SxDqWP2IARHqJt_AUSAu4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR4aGNuNElnEAE

I was hoping for...more. First, the service was the highlight. Friendly, accommodating, and attentive. The ambiance was nice, with a large stone fireplace and overall farmhouse vibe. We were the only diners there but it was a Thursday evening, so I suppose that was it. That said, felt lonely.

The food...feel sad to say this but meh. We got the 5 course tasting menu. There was no printed menu of the dishes so pardon the simple descriptions; this is all I can remember. The first course was vegetables on a puree of white beans and fennel. EXCELLENT.  2) Fried rabbit on a mayonnaise sauce. OK, putting something fried in mayonnaise without any acid is just too rich on rich. 3) Fish in a puttanesca sauce. Now, I don't like puttanesca, so there's that, BUT my fish wasn't cooked properly. Not seared and rare in the middle, but just undercooked. 4) Chicken in a sauce I can't remember. SUPER juicy and perfectly cooked but the seasoning and sauce...big meh from me. 5) Oy. I really didn't like this one. Lemon verbena flan in a honey-like sauce with fresh cherries. The cherries were lovely but otherwise...sugar on sugar on sugar. Yikes. Don't make this again...ever. Start over.

Overall, felt overpriced for the quality of the food. Would skip this one.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyaS1hN2pBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJw8SxDqWP2IARHqJt_AUSAu4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyaS1hN2pBRRAB

It is a total splurge dining experience!  The (fixed) menu is ever-changing and the descriptions don’t remotely do justice to the dishes. Everything is unexpected, interesting and a party of flavors.

Cocktails (my Negroni) were delicious. The menu wine pairings were good mates but were on the small-pour side (1 Oz) We left plenty full from the meal, and chef kindly accommodated a special request.

Very pleasant service and zen like atmosphere.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNzME9HVEpREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJw8SxDqWP2IARHqJt_AUSAu4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNzME9HVEpREAE

This is the best meal I’ve ever eaten. The care and love that went into each dish, service, and wine selection was perfect. Best natural wine I’ve ever tasted. Striped bass tartar was the best dish I’ve ever eaten. This place lives up to the hype. And quite the bargain compared to tasting menus north of the border, especially given the quality. Simply superb. Not much more can be said. To be fair, we were the only ones in the restaurant for the entire meal, so we had lots of attention. Highly recommend visiting the garden—the source of all produce ingredients. We will be back as frequently as possible.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKcUlHZ2lRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJw8SxDqWP2IARHqJt_AUSAu4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKcUlHZ2lRRRAB

We enjoy a great dinner to celebrate our 35th anniversary. Chef Jesus and new Restaurant manager Luis really know how to  make you feel welcome and treat you to some of the best dishes we have had at el Valle. And if dinner was not enough, we close our weekend with a visit to their brunch. I really recommend Laja Restaurant.
Thanks to all the Laja staff.
Jorge C

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURHNHZpeE1REAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJw8SxDqWP2IARHqJt_AUSAu4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURHNHZpeE1REAE

The service was decent. We had the tasting menu with wine selection. The wines were not impressive and the portions were really small for the price. The food wasn’t great or filling. The fish had a weird strawberry sauce that didn’t go well. The dumplings were cold and undercooked we even sent them back and it did not make much of a difference. The fish dish was also a bit cold and the dessert was bland.

Discover Gourmet Dining at Restaurante Laja, Ensenada

Dine In

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Wine

Serves Breakfast

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Brunch

Serves Dessert

Allows Dogs

Good for Children

In the heart of Baja California, Restaurante Laja beckons with the allure of culinary innovation nestled amidst the natural beauty of Ensenada. This remarkable restaurant encapsulates a unique gastronomic philosophy, where local sourcing meets artful cooking techniques. Each dish is crafted with seasonal produce and local seafood, showcasing the essence of the Pacific's abundant harvest. Prepare to be delighted as each plate tells a story, inviting you to partake in a celebration of flavor, culture, and stunning vistas in the charming town of Ensenada.

Restaurante Laja

Indulge in culinary magic at Restaurante Laja in Ensenada, B.C. Experience stunning views and authentic flavors. Book your table now!

Discover Gourmet Dining at Restaurante Laja, Ensenada

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions