Animalón

Many restaurants claim to be transporting, but how many deliver on the promise? Animalón certainly does. In season, this spot shines with an al fresco dining space under a centuries-old oak tree (during colder months, they move to a pop-up space). It's the very definition of tranquility, yet with owner Javier Plascencia at the helm, it's equally thrilling.
The contemporary Mexican cuisine pulls influences from all over the country. The kitchen's vision is apparent in dishes like beer-braised barbacoa wrapped in a banana leaf, steamed and smoked in a pig's bladder, then served tableside for a dramatic presentation. Ceviche is ubiquitous, but here a custom molcajete with a blue corn tostada dusted with frozen avocado is lifted to reveal diced kampachi for a dish that truly impresses.