Los Compas is an AMAZING little restaurant. If you don't speak or read any Spanish, it is pretty challenging. Fortunately for me, I can muddle through both and was able to enjoy a fantastic meal.
Tijuana is probably the most un-pedestrian friendly city that I have ever been to. Fortunately, there are wonderful Uber drivers who can transport you to this little gem effortlessly. Also, if you have a car, it is in a shopping center with convenient free parking.
The restaurant is TINY!!! It is on two levels with about half a dozen tables on each level and a few tables out front. All of the tables seat 2-6 people, but they could be put together for larger parties. The open kitchen (the action!) is on the first floor and there is a bar/alcohol storage area on the second floor. Because the space is so small, the décor is minimal. There is bright multi-colored mural and wine adorns a wood faced wall. The tables are fancy - big leather seats and butcher block tables.
Fortunately, even fine dining is casual these days, so we were not underdressed for lunch. They were ready for service at opening - 1PM - and we were seated immediately for our reservation in the nearly empty restaurant. They have a short wine list with only a few selections by the glass, but they are focused on Baja California. So, we were able to dry some delicious local white wines. Based upon the current conversion rate, most of the wines are $5-$6.
They began by bringing blue corn chips and fresh salsa to the table. The chips were different - almost like they were baked rather than fried. The salsa was fresh and smokey with a gentle heat. We started with the Caesar salad. The composed salad was made of lightly dressed kale and other greens finished with slow roasted tomatoes and Parmesan cheese ringing a pool of briney dressing. Absolutely delicious! Perfectly made dressing and exquisite produce.
Our next starter was the Tacos Chino, which were fresh blue corn tortillas with tender sautéed chicken, mushrooms and Chinese sausage, cauliflower escabeche, red onions and cilantro. It was a delicious taco with rich and tangy elements and a lot of freshness.
For our entrees, we ordered the carnitas and the quail. We decided to make tacos of the AMAZING carnitas with the incredibly fresh yellow and blue corn tortillas that we were served. It felt like a super tender pork loin but it translated to pork jowel. Regardless, the uber tender pork was served along a citrus laced avocado puree and served with pickled napa cabbage, carrots and red onions with fresh cilantro. Basically, it was the simplest looking pork that was quite possibly the best and most tender piece of pork that I have ever had.
The quail was also very tender and flavorful. The grilled, spice rubbed bird was served with roasted cherry tomatoes and roasted potatoes around a herb chimchurri and finished with pieces of chips and fresh greens and kale. It was simultaneously rich and fresh - perfectly prepared.
Of course, we could not skip dessert in this exquisite restaurant. We went with the apple tart. The shortbread like crust loaded with cinnamon and butter stood up to the warm Bailey's sauce below. The mezcal laced almond ice cream atop the tender cinnamon packed apple filling was a genius combination with just a hint of smoke to compliment the nutty and toasty elements. I cut it down the middle to not avoid a single bite of my half - one of the best desserts ever and definitely the best apple tart that I have ever had.
The service was courteous and accommodating. With tip, our extravagant lunch (with 3 glasses of wine) was a mere $78 and change. It was an experience par excellence that I hope to repeat. read more