Lunario Restaurante, México en Ensenada

We have been here before. First time was an awesome experience. This last time was average at best. I know it’s a tasting menu but the portions were significantly smaller than our other visit. The wine pours for the pairings were very small(thimble size) with no refills. For most dishes we were finished with our wine before we finished with the food. Last time we were there there was a generous pour plus the waiter was ask if we’d care for a bit more. Also, when we were there before there were more than 5-6 wineries for the pairings. This time there were only 2. The service seemed rushed, which was odd as we were the last seating for the evening . On our previous visit the course was explained explicitly and the same with the wine pairing. This time the explanations were just rattled off with generic comments. We paid a premium price for the experience but the whole experience was average. Many other restaurants to go to in the Valley de Guadalupe. Most likely our last visit to Lunario. We had really hyped up Lunario to our special friends who had never been here. It was disappointing for all of us.

Lunario Restaurante was truly a highlight of my Valle de Guadalupe experience. As we searched in the night for our dinner spot, it appeared like a magical mirage in the dark countryside. All of a sudden, there were twinkling lights and the sound of running water as we approached a pond with waterfall, and a storybook bridge. A waiter greeted us and led us into a 7 table room, warm and intimate. We were given the choice of a 4 or 6 course prix fix meal with wine pairing. We chose the 4, which included a wonderful amuse buche of raw shrimp on a crisp cornmeal platform. We were off to a good start. A wonderful, savory butternut squash soup followed, then raw sea bass in a chilled coconut sauce with melon. A fabulous duck dish was the last course before our palate cleansing pre-dessert and then the finale featuring fried plantain, corn and other flavors. The food was elegant, fresh, and innovative. Our party was asked about our particular preferences, and were accommodated. The waitstaff were attentive, yet inobtrusive. Benjamin, the sommelier, was personable, informative, and confident. We had a delightful experience, and I can't recommend them highly enough.