Tahona features a gorgeous dining experience in Valle de Guadalupe with a desert-esque vibe and boats on land. This destination is perfect whether you’re staying at a nearby resort and dining for food/drinks. This was the last restaurant we visited as part of the Baja California weekend trip.
The Tahona Experience
Tahona is tucked in the valley of Guadalupe (minutes away from Ensenada). You’ll have to pass security before getting to the parking lot. Everything is dirt, so either be comfortable with dirtying your red bottoms or dress accordingly. There are multiple seating areas, including the boats, the main area, and an enclosed space. We were lucky to be in an enclosed area because it was freezing at the time. I’m sure it’ll feel amazing during the spring and fall.
It is highly recommended that you book a reservation ahead of time to ensure appropriate seating and accommodation!
The Menu
The menu is seasonal, so the website will not always reflect the latest menu. I was craving octopus (pulpo), but they didn’t have it anymore in the late evening. It is good news that they only store fresh ingredients. Menu items can include bone marrow, carpaccio, hummus, tacos, steak, guacamole, enchiladas, oysters, and more.
Drinks at Tahona are beautifully crafted. The themes vary from local culture to tropical (with coconut and pineapple). You can also opt for hard liquor. This restaurant also has delicious mocktail options, which have all of the same ingredients as cocktails minus the alcohol.
Here are the menu options as of March 2024 (I did my best to translate them)
- Salsa Molcajete
- Guacamole
- Molotes de Platano Macho (Large Platano Molotes)
- Empanadas de Atun Ahumado (Smoked Tuna Empenadas)
- Tiradito de Atun (Tuna Poke)
- Ceviche de Cenizas (Tuna Ceviche)
- Caramones a la Diabla (Spicy Shrimp Tacos)
- Asada Norteno (Grilled Beef Tacos)
- Colifor Estilo Mercado Negro (Cauliflower Taco)
- Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)
- Potage del Huerto (Vegetable Soup)
- Barbacoa de Res (BBQ)
- Fetuccine di Mare (Seafood Fettuccine)
- Parrillada Tahona (Large BBQ for 5-7 people)
- Tarta de Manzana (Apple Pie)
- Creme Brulee de Pepita de Calabaza (Pumpkin Seed Creme Brulee)
Asada Norteno Tacos
The Asada Norteno Tacos consist of flour tortilla, flank steak, beef chorizo, cheese, cabbage, and avocado. The tacos were delicious.
Tuna Poke
I don’t remember which menu item this was because the tuna poke was basically covered with cucumber slices. I enjoyed it, and it was not spicy.
Pumpkin Seed Creme Brulee
This is an interesting twist to traditional creme brulee with the pumpkin seed. You can actually taste the pumpkin in this dessert. I enjoyed it, though I was a bit put off that the dessert came before the actual entree. We dined pretty late, so the kitchen was backed up. It was a bummer, but I wish I could have enjoyed this dessert a bit more.
Tahona
Cuatro Cuatros, El Tigre, Carretera libre Tijuana-Ensenada Km.
89 El Sauzal de Rodriguez, 22760
Ensenada, B.C., Mexico