Chef Javier Plascencia’s ANIMALON restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California earns a second Michelin star!
By Mayté Rodríguez Cedillo
For the second year in a row, the flagship restaurant ANIMALON is recognized for its fine dining experience consolidating its position as one of the most refined and moving culinary offerings in the country.
Beyond its cuisine, Chef Javier Plascencia embodies the evolution of Mexican cuisine: creative, sophisticated, sustainable. ANIMALON restaurant first started out as a place for Javier to cook for his family and friends while listening to music. A place in Baja’s wine country under a 250-year-old oak tree. ANIMALON has now evolved into a Michelin Star restaurant were his son in law, Chef Oscar Torres is at the helm of daily operations and his daughter Lauren Plascencia is the wine director. ANIMALON is also a symbol of a philosophy that celebrates the best of the country through its ingredients, its stories, and its talents.
The announcement came during the highly anticipated Michelin Guide 2025 ceremony held in Mexico City on June 3rd., an event that brought together the biggest names in the national and international culinary scene. For Javier, this recognition is much more than an award: it’s a tribute to his roots, to signature Mexican cuisine, and to a vision that blends emotion, technique, and memory.
“Today we are very proud to celebrate our second Michelin Star – a dream that I’ve had since I started cooking professionally. I’m enormously grateful to all the people that have walked through this kitchen, this dining area, to my very first team! What memories! Thank you to all the loyal clients and all of those that have enjoyed this unique experience in Valle de Guadalupe. My outmost respect and admiration to Chef Oscar Torres and Lauren Plascencia. This star is for the entire team that daily give their best to be better, may that flame of curiosity, experiment, respect and above all ‘to serve,’ never go off,” said Javier.
The Michelin Guide debuted in Mexico in 2024. Inspectors visited five states, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo and Mexico City.