#17 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants Fauna sits right on the Bruma winery property, where we were staying, so it was an easy choice for dinner. Just a heads up: the seating is one long communal table. If you're picturing a quiet little two top date night, this isn't that. It's more of a "we're all in this together" setup, which actually ended up being pretty fun. We went for the full tasting menu with the beverage pairing, and it was absolutely worth it. The tasting menu consisted of 14 courses. They served things I never would've ordered on my own, and that ended up being the best part. The oyster and clam dishes were incredible, and the scallops were another standout. The drink pairing was surprisingly great too, way more adventurous than what I would've picked off a menu, and I ended up loving a couple of the wines I'd skipped during our earlier tasting at Bruma. Service was on point from start to finish, and the whole experience just felt special. If you're in Valle de Guadalupe, make time for Fauna. It's absolutely a must visit. read more

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Really cool spot! Walk up the stairs first to see the art piece next to the vinicola. The interior has outdoor section and indoor and it's all family style. It has a warm vibe. We had the ceviche, the waygu sopes, the duck toastada, and the rabbit dish. The rabbit dish was a bit underwhelming but the rest was delicious. We also had a mezcal drink and the churro desert which were also really good. Would definitely go back! Lots on the menu we didn't get to try. read more

We got food poisoning and it was a terrible experience to spend my birthday at a hospital in Mexico. Flies were everywhere and food was not clean. I would avoid that place. Waiters were very nice but unfortunately the food poisoning was a nightmare. I hope they do better in the future read more

This place was fantastic! It is beautiful on the outside and the inside is setup in long tables. We had a reservation as it was a weekend and we enjoyed every bit of this place. They had really cool bathroom sink that looked hand crafted. The service was so good that I couldn't set anything down without them coming over- they were just watching us. We shared the tasting menu which I highly recommend- there were so many amazing things, but the squid ink scallops were one of my fave. Very seafood heavy with oysters. We also got pork cutlet entree to share and it was delicious. I would love yo go back. It was a little pricey for Mexico, but well worth it! read more

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It's community style dining, you're gonna be able to talk to the person right in front of you. Gorgeous aesthetics really nice but don't come here if you wanna have a true Mexicano Ensenada experience save your money. The portions are extreme small don't come here hungry unless you're ready to drop 300 USD... read more

Came here for my birthday. They were very hospitable and wanted to make sure we were accommodated but the shared table vibe made it a little hectic. I would go back for the food, the lengua was one of the best dishes I had. But the drinks were not extraordinary and the prices were a little steep. The presentation was incredible and the fusion of seafood and meats was also good. Overall you should go if you are in the area - but I think with a smaller group may be easier. read more

Fauna - Broccoli - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

The best experience from delicious food, above and beyond service to most gorgeous vineyard setting. 11/10 for everything. We tried the Wagyu sopes and Borrego plate, HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Finished with the most delicious dessert. Portions are perfect for sharing if you'd like to taste a little of everything. The staff were so friendly and highly knowledgeable. I will be making more frequent 2 hour drives just for this place!! read more

Fauna - Wagyu Sopes and Scallops - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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I had one of the best food eating experiences I have ever had anywhere. Just a little background, Chef David Castro Hussong is considered one of the best chefs in Mexico and the world. His family owns the popular Hussong's Cantina in the downtown area that lays claim to have invented the margarita cocktail in 1941 by bartender Don Carlos Orozco. In 2023, this restaurant was named the best restaurant in Mexico. In the same year it was voted 5th best restaurant in Latin America. Prior to entering you see the nice ladies making fresh tortillas over an outdoor wood fire grill. As soon as you enter you realize that a good amount of their cooking is done with wood fire, so as soon as you walk in you feel the fireplace like warmth. Seating is communal, which can be awkward if you are sitting next to someone that is not talkative. Fortunately, I sat next to some nice people from California that were raving about their food. I enjoyed the tosdada with a smear of mole flavored mayo with duck that was very delicious. The wood oven cooked octopus was also very good with hints of the wood smoke. I also had whole fish that was once again cooked in the wood burning oven that was perfectly crusty on the outside and super tender on the inside. Also, I washed it all down with some beautiful wine from the winery (Bruma) in which the restaurant property sits on. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant because my experience was just that good! read more

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Fauna is a gem nestled in the heart of Guadalupe Valley, located on the Bruma winery property. From start to finish, our experience was nothing short of spectacular. The tasting menu was inventive, beautifully plated, and full of locally inspired flavors. The flavors were bold. The tasting menu changes frequently, so make sure to plan a return visit. Each course was delicious and the pacing was just right. Much of what they use is grown right on the property, and they source the rest from local farms and ranches that share their commitment to sustainable, responsible farming. The dishes are served family-style, encouraging a shared dining experience, which is perfect for a small group. Which leads me to my only "dislike," the communal wooden tables. I don't particularly enjoy this type of seating, but the food and service were outstanding, so I was able to "get over this." The open-air setting is stunning, with a view of the surrounding vineyards and a relaxed. The staff was knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing, and they clearly take pride in every detail of the meal. All in all, it's more than a meal, it's an enjoyable experience you don't want to miss. Reservations are highly, highly recommended, and it's best to allow at least two full hours to enjoy the meal. Then check out Bruma. read more

Incredible meal at Fauna! We ordered the fish and the octopus, and there was more than enough to go around. It's community-style seating, which felt a little awkward for the first five minutes, but it turned into such a fun experience. We ended up sharing food and stories with our 'table neighbors' all night. read more

Fauna - Pulpo - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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Incredible food and dining experience. Will be returning! Definitely more on the expensive side but worth trying if you like a higher end dining experience. My best tip: GET THE CARROT DISH & THE. BONE MARROW DISH. You won't regret it. read more

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The hallmark of a 5 star restaurant is where i end up loving dishes i never thought i would even like. This was the restaurant i was most looking forward to during this trip and it did not disappoint. Beautiful property and excellent service. The Smoke brocolli with chiltepin definitely did not look like something I would like but it was possibly my favorite dish of the night Octopus with grilled tomato was as good as any i had in Barcelona Sweetbread with potato puree was amazing Wagyu cross steak - huge australian (possibly US?) wagyu steak cooked to perfection. Came out to be around 135 usd which is quite the deal considering a comparable steak at a fine dining restaurant back in LA would cost 300-400 usd. Overall awesome meal and definitely would recommend. read more

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10/10 - the atmosphere, the hospitality, the food - this experience was everything we asked for and more. Can't wait to come back. read more

Fauna - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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Nothing but great things to say about this restaurant. The food was excellent. The communal tables are good for large parties or for making new friends. The cocktails were delicous and the server was very attentive. I would highly recommend this spot. read more

Opted out of the tasting and ordered à la carte, but shared everything with the group. We were so happy to get in here on our last minute trip, as the food was amazing, as was the service. Our trip was actually in May so this review is a bit delayed. However, after having visited the *other* restaurant with a Michelin star in the area, I would highly suggest this one first. read more

Fauna - So delicious we forgot to take a photo before. Everything was pretty rich. - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

One of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Tasting menu with the drink pairings is an amazing value. I can't wait to go back read more

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Beyond me how this gem of a place did not get a Michelin star. The setting is the perfect indoor/outdoor ranch type setting with wood tones and smokey vibes. As the evening set in the stars were popping and the lighting was just right. Staff was uber friendly. They all seem to speak both English and Spanish. I probably asked 20 questions. But they were patient and helped us dial in the perfect experience. I counted about 20 shareable plates in the tasting menu. More than enough food. The star of the show....scallops in squid ink sauce with flour tortilla. The simple oysters. The lemon sorbet palate cleanser. The deserts were all A+. The wine pairing was the only let down. The cocktails were amazing. Everyone in my party was over the moon. A must try if you visit this region. read more

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My husband had planned to have his birthday dinner here for MONTHS- it was going to be the highlight of our trip. Last minute his cousins decided to join so two reservations were made, it was a total of 14 of us and we were ready to enjoy our dinner. First group arrived and we got outside seating in a "communal" table, the table could hold over 25 people and it was just 7 of us so far so when the next group arrived we figured we would all be able to be seated together. We were immediately told we could not sit together since reservation was not made for group of 14, we tried to explain second reservation was last minute but it was all family. Waitress checked with manager and we were told second group would have to sit inside- despite table having space to hold all! We decided to split group. When it was time to order they wanted us all to order their tasting menu, only two in the group were interested in that, the rest wanted a dish from menu- we were told if not everyone got it the two would not get it- they said they wanted us to all have the "same experience" manager came back questioning why we didn't want tasting menu and offered a "more affordable tasting" that was insulting. I told them it was my husband's birthday and if he couldn't get tasting menu then all 14 of us would leave. They "allowed" him and his brother to order it finally. Was food great? A lot of it was but it was a horrible experience, it ruined his birthday dinner, he was unable to sit with his family who only came to restaurant because of him and he had to deal with tasting being denied. I understand the whole tasting experience but it should be more clear on their reservations and not forget more than food it's about people coming together to enjoy a dinner regardless of what they want on the menu. I personally will never go back. read more

Fauna is the amazing restaurant which made it to the 50 best restaurants in the world list and also rated the #1 restaurant in Mexico in 2023. Sharing the same property as the Bruma Project, which has a wine tasting cellar, a cocktail bar, and a B&B on site of a lovely property. Back to Fauna.... You'll be seated at a very long communal table which I thought was fun and different for a higher end, romantic ambiance restaurant though understandably that may not be ideal for everyone. We made friends with some of the patrons seated near us and they do space you on so you're not elbow to elbow. Ordering can be a tasting menu or a-la-carte. We opted for the a-la-carte with recommendations from our attentive server. Dishes were unique, flavorful, and fresh! Portion sizes are also quite large. From the uniquely prepared vegetables, fresh seafood, to savory meats, I don't think a single item disappoints. While you can have the Bruma wines with your meal, I recommend ordering cocktails, fantastic! Save trying the wine for the winery tasting room (cheaper there too). This is a foodie experience so expect a slow drawn out meal, perfect to enjoy and savor the dishes, ambiance, and conversations with your friends/dates. Don't forget to check out the bathroom, I love cool designs and their sink piping is quite unique! Worthy of an old school bathroom mirror selfie. read more

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The four dishes I shared below are exactly why Fauna earned its spot as #1 restaurant in Mexico. You're looking at culinary near-perfection executed with technique that rivals any world-class kitchen. The small appetizer bites deliver concentrated flavor bombs. Each piece balances texture and taste without overwhelming your palate. The precision in portion and presentation shows Chef David Castro Hussong's attention to detail. That octopus dish with vegetables represents Fauna's signature style perfectly. The charred tentacles stay tender while the accompaniments add brightness and acidity. This is the kind of seafood preparation that also made them #17 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. The sliced duck arrives cooked to perfect medium-rare. Their mole preparation uses pine nut puree with pasilla de Oaxaca, chilhuacle and guajillo chiles. The kampachi with olive oil demonstrates their mastery of raw preparations. Clean fish with that bright green sauce that complements rather than masks the seafood. This dish embodies their philosophy of letting ingredients speak for themselves. Service matches the food quality. Staff knows every ingredient and preparation method. They time courses perfectly and accommodate dietary restrictions without attitude. The communal dining experience adds energy without feeling chaotic. You sit at long shared tables surrounded by gardens and rolling hills. The atmosphere enhances rather than distracts from the exceptional food. This is destination dining that justifies the drive to Valle de Guadalupe. Fauna delivers consistently innovative Mexican cuisine that respects tradition while pushing boundaries (truly). Book ahead. This level of culinary artistry doesn't happen by accident! read more

Fauna is still hands down the best fancy restaurant in VDG! I'm super surprised they didn't get a Michelin. We've been to Deckmans, Animalon and Lunario and Fauna is still the best. I love their tasting menu. Do it with a group! It's family style. Within the appetizer, entrees and dessert you get about 4 items. So you end up trying everything. This time we didn't get the broccoli and got the carrot which was less impressive. But everything else was delicious. They changed their seating, it's a long shared table for all parties. It sucks for a couple bc you're across from random people, but I saw some people making friends with the random people they sat across from. Definitely would come back. Cocktails are amazing too! read more

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The place is beautiful, it is surrounded by the vineyard and a small garden where they grow vegetables. The food was good and the drinks were also delicious but I didn't appreciate the hostess, she was rude, curt, condescending and a liar. I spoke to her manager who was able to diffuse the situation but it set the tone and only chose to stay because a friend had recommended it to me. The server and the busboy were both really kind, attentive and polite. They were both knowledgeable about the menu and had great recommendations. The manager sent us an appetizer to apologize for the hostess' rude behavior. Would go back for the food. read more

Fauna - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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Fauna at Bruma is one of the top restaurants in Valle, and we have been fortunate to have eaten here multiple times, with friends and colleagues. Everything is delicious: the crudo, salads, vegetables (especially the charred cabbage), the seafood, chicken, and local beef. Desserts are always exquisite too, and service excellent. Their current sommelier is wonderful, too. You can book on OpenTable, which is convenient. Also good for before or after wine-tasting at Bruma. It's one of the few restaurants open Monday and Tuesday, so are there for firm meetings in Nov. '23 and Nov. '24, and had a big multi-course dinner there w/ the firm a few years ago and just recently for 30+ people, and the food is always top notch. Just minus one star, because we tried to cancel once 3 weeks in advance, and they refused to return our deposit (the full amount, paid in advance). But, the food and drinks last time were really good: oysters, broccolini, grilled octopus, charred cabbage, steak, chicken, fish, assorted desserts, and wonderful wine and cocktails. read more

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The food was amazing. Their cocktail menu is excellent. We started off with the corn fashioned and the dirty guava margarita. Both were excellent and I would order again. Dining is communal and we sat outside. They provided blankets but it was still a little too chilly in my opinion to give this place 5 stars. All of the dishes were excellent and the pulpo and sea bass were my favorite. Service was a bit lacking and delayed, which is another reason for the 4 stars instead of 5z read more

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This place fulfilled every taste bud! I been lucky enough to visit some great restaurants but as a Mexican foodie I feel like this place delights all my taste buds. The food is amazing, the portions are generous and the staff is friendly. Worth every penny! They also baked a cake for my husband's birthday and made his day beyond special. read more

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I had the pleasure of dining here for my anniversary. the ambiance set the tone for a perfect evening charming, cozy, and inviting with just the right touch of elegance. The food was nothing short of exceptional, each dish beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor. Our server ALVARO GUERRERO was incredibly knowledgeable, offering insightful recommendations and guiding us through the menu with ease. Their attentiveness and expertise truly enhanced our dining experience. The entire meal was flawless, and the combination of outstanding service, incredible food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere makes Fauna a standout. I can't wait to return! read more

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Wow!!! Such a memorable dining experience. I can't even put into words how delicious, unique and creative their food is here. I came for lunch with a group of friends who were familiar with the region and had previously tried many of the local restaurants. Fauna came highly recommend and did not disappoint. We ordered the pre-fixe menu which consisted of seasonal chef's selections paired with wine. We were told to expect 3 "courses" plus desserts, but each course included several (3-5) dishes, and the portions were generous! This was by far the best meal of my life, no joke. If you enjoy a variety of seafood and meats, you must try this experience. The price was roughly $160 USD per person, and you are definitely getting your money's worth. The service was also wonderful. The staff was friendly and very attentive. We had one person in our group with a food restriction and they were very accommodating. As for the final sweet course, we were served 3 or 4 different desserts paired with a dessert cocktail. Delicious! I wish I could remember everything we ate, but there was just so much! Hopefully the pictures/videos do it justice. read more

Fauna - Second course: steak, lamb, fish, butternut squash - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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The veggie review! We did the tasting menu and asked to make it vegetarian. It is an unusual style tasting where everything comes like a family style sharing and it is all a surprise. Each course instead of a single dish was an amalgamation of so many different sides with it. I was amazed at the different flavors and textures in every course. There were lots of mind blowing dishes and nothing was in the didn't like category. The staff was friendly and attentive. What a great experience, would come back here. read more

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Awesome winery and restaurant. Can't beat the quality and value. Went there with the family, 6 of us had the course dinner and came out to $600 including wine. read more

We had the 5 course tasting menu, which was served family-style, and every dish was a delightful surprise. The team thoughtfully changes plates after each course, making the experience feel even more special. As we dined with vegetarian friends, we were thrilled by the incredible variety of options they had--packed with flavor and creativity. The salads were vibrant and fresh, while the main courses, including the lamb in chili oil and the flavorful fish. But the desserts? Simply to die for. Every bite was perfection I highly recommend visiting for dinner, as the atmosphere is absolutely magical. . A truly memorable dining experience that I can't recommend enough! read more

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After being somewhat disappointed with Primitivo, my wife and I were a bit wary with all these places with social media hype, but Fauna is definitely worth the hype! The atmosphere, service and above all the food were ALL 5 stars. One thing that might be a bit of a turn off would be the seating, as it is communal, so you'll be seated next to other groups, some of which are lilouder than others. We were fortunate enough to be seated at the end of the table, so it wasn't too bad. I would 100% recommend trying this spot! Make sure to make a reservation in advance. read more

Fauna - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, BCN

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My favorite meal during my trip to Valle De Guadalupe. I wish I could have tried the tasting menu but everyone in your reservation needs to order it. Every dish was exceptional and served family style. I'm normally still hungry after dining in fancy restaurants but I definitely ate too many fresh tortillas. Highlights for me were the braised lamb and octopus. They were served with flour and corn tortillas. I've been to numerous "World's Best" restaurants and this place definitely did not disappoint. read more

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An elevated dining experience in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe. Celebrating husband's birthday and this restaurant did not disappoint. You are seated family style and everything is served as a shareable item within your own party. We had the Abalone with coconut which was exquisite. Then the Wagyu Sopes. Next beef tongue with sea urchin and couscous which was a HUGE portion. The beef tongue was smoked for two hours and super tender. We loved this dish. We then had the Rockfish Adobo which was our favorite. The whole fish was cooked to perfection with crispy skin. The service was impeccable. They have a great selection of local Bruma wines to pair. For dessert we had the churro with guava. This was the most elevated churro we've ever had! This restaurant has won awards for a reason! read more

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You know, I've fallen in love in Mexico before, but sadly those days are gone and I never thought that I'd find love again south of the border, until I reconnected with a beauty that goes by the name of, Fauna. Much like a lot of Mexico, she's absolutely stunning but in the most humble of ways. She's not the least bit pretentious and welcomes you in with open arms. Fauna introduces you to her friends as you gather around large family tables and a night that starts off as a dinner amongst strangers ends as collaboration of "it was so nice to meet you" and "it was a pleasure enjoying dinner together tonight." Strangers no more, love stricken together by the hospitality of our communal new mistress, Fauna. The five folks in my group went decided to dive into Fauna's tasting menu, a decision that I both don't regret one bit and encourage future guests to do. Course after course rolls out from the kitchen as the servers feet scrape across the dusty dirt floors - I told you she's humble. All of the dishes that we had seen and anticipated ordering made their way in front of our open mouths and the did not disappoint. In fact, they over delivered. We knew the broccoli was going to be good, but let's be real, how good can broccoli actually be. The answer is: incredible. Clean, light, simple, but insanely flavorful. There is a reason you'll see picture after picture of this dish. Not only is she beautiful, she's delicious. Another dish that we knew we'd order if not for the tasting menu was the ceviche. Ya know, I've always prided myself on making a great ceviche and my friends will agree, but this version was out of this world. You have no idea what you're about to dive into with the cucumbers on top masking depths of complicated flavors, but once you're into it, you ain't getting out... until it's all gone. For me a piece of meat is always going to be the best bite, and it was on this particular night, but I'll get to that. There was a dish that stole a little piece of my heart and almost made me cheat on the meat. Who is this homewrecker, you ask? A damn salad taco. Yep, a grilled piece of lettuce and loaded with layers and layers of flavor that I can't even begin to explain. And for this reason the staff serves fresh tortillas to make a taco out of it with the intention of taming this beast a little bit. This was truly insane, but so am I, I suppose. Okay, what can you really say about a NY strip that hasn't been said before? I mean, chefs across the globe just don't toy around with a good piece of meat and the consistent "secret" to making a steak delicious is to start with a quality product, season well, and cook it to a perfect medium rare. Fauna did exactly that and one of my dining companions declared it to be the best NY that he's ever tasted. That says a lot coming from a guy who will rarely order this particular cut of meat. Pair this love affair with some of Fauna's house wines and it makes for a tryst of taste that you'll never forget. There's good reason why Fauna comes in as the second best restaurant in Mexico and the sixteenth best in Latin America, and for $200.00 a head after tip, I'll keep paying this culinary lady of the night that calls herself, Fauna. read more

Food: We ordered the Fauna feast and it did not disappoint! Every dish had amazing flavor, fresh ingredients, and was cooked to perfection. Their hand made tortillas were so soft and delicious, as well as their desserts! I highly recommend getting their Fauna feast, especially if it's your first time. Service: Everyone was very attentive and friendly! Ambiance: There was outdoor and indoor seating. If you sit outside you can see them making their hand made tortillas, but if you sit inside you can see the chefs in action as they have an open kitchen concept. Music in the background made it very lively and enjoyable. I would recommend making reservations in advance as they tend to get very busy. read more

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Food was good but missing the wow factor for us. The concept is great, big large family style dining tables forces you to engage with other diners yet feel too far apart from your own group. Food is unique and clearly sourced locally. The scallops with squid ink is unreal, have not tasted anything like that thus far. The oysters were good but more commonly. Dessert was good but did not blow us away. Hands down the best part is the handmade tortillas made fresh in an outdoor oven by the local folks just steps from the dining area. read more

Definitely one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had. The food is different but tastes amazing. Staff were very welcoming and super attentive. There's always someone checking in on you. The scenery is beautiful. We got to experience the sunset and the place looks amazing even at night. read more

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Que maravilloso! Eso es la segunda vez que probemos ese lugar. Este vez era magnífico. Pedimos el menú degustación y una botella de nebbiolo. Platos de salpicón con lentejas, una ensenada César con algas marinas, y las vieras con tinta de calamar era el mejor plato que comí en todo el año. Si vienes a Fauna solo para probar este plato estarías en el cielo. Todo con tortillas hecho a mano afuera. Sentimos a dentro a una mesa grande compartido con otra gente. Me gusta esa manera de comer porque es un poco simpático estar con otros patrones del restaurante. El servicio era bien y nuestra favorita mesera, Uva, ayudamos disfrutar nuestra postre! read more

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Im sad to report the service was terrible. Four out of six people in our group didn't get their food. Finally, after an hour we asked, and apparently the waiter had not input the order for the other four people. They were apologetic, and the food came quickly after that. They also gave us some dessert and some wine for their mistake. And the food was delicious. However, after we paid our $300 plus bill, they came back to tell us that they had overcharged us and would have to return the money via cash. At the end of the night, our group was tired. Frustrated and hangry. To spend that amount, and to have such an exhausting night was too much. read more

Dishes flow like art A tasting built to linger Each bite speaks with care Colors rich and bold Aromas rise, layers shine Every course refined Valley winds run soft Flavors deep as ocean blue Baja on each plate read more