Inspiración 9 — Restaurant in Baja California

The proprietors deserve high praise for the concept. The menu offers selections for all types of vegans, from lovers of simple salads and veggie wraps to those with a passion for the transformative powers of the open flame. The atmosphere is open, welcoming, and casual.

I asked the server for the favorite appetizer (six tacos) and entree (hamburguesa al carbón) and I ordered both, which seemed to startle the server.

The chips and salsa arrived at the table right after I placed the food order and the limonada followed quickly behind. The chips, salsa and limonada were first indication that the kitchen was very serious about the flavors they serve.

The chile salsa packed a lot of heat in a small drop and the salsa verde packed just as much flavor. The chips themselves were crunchy but not hard on the teeth, lightly salted, and the corn base was mildly sweet.

The limonada emphasized lemon over sugar, exactly my preference.

When my appetizer arrived I understood why the server was taken aback by my order of both the appetizer and the entree as a party of one: the six tacos are REGULAR size, not chiquitos. I knew right then I'd be taking the burger I'd ordered home with me. I loved the presentation. The filling was grilled to perfection, the guacamole was fresh and bright, and the tortillas were rich. My vegan diet at home is primarily beans and, as such, I thought the frijoles on this particular plate were the sole missed opportunity of the entire experience. They weren't bad at all, they just didn't match the inspired level of art I found in every other element of the dish.

I thought I'd blown part of the experience by taking the burger home but it was actually amazing even a few hours after it was prepared. The patty had a crispy outside and a light, tasty inside. I wouldn't do it the disservice of comparing it to any imitation meat burger. The flavors and textures set it completely apart from the imitation meats. I can't compare it to the legume-based patties I've tried either. Most of those have left me wanting for flavor or were just too heavy. I'm selecting this one as the standard for all the vegan burgers I try in the future.

I have to come back to this restaurant many times. The menu has a lot of exploration opportunities and I'd happily order the dishes I've already tried again and again.

Final note: I just beat the dinner crowd coming in at 4:30 on a Saturday afternoon. As I left the restaurant, there were at least two parties waiting outside...

Best vegan food I've had in Tijuana. Everything on the menu is delicious. Probably the only Vegan place in Tijuana I would recommend.

However I am knocking down a star due to the fact that the restaurant doesn't have enough servers for the dine-in clientele. The poor waitress that is there is in charge of all the tables and it seems in charge of all the ubereats orders. Speaking of the ubereats orders, the motorcycle drivers come into the restaurant screaming about their order and just making themselves a nuisance inside. They need to fix that. Maybe have an extra window or something so you can have your meal in peace.

Edit: on my 3rd visit it seems they've got a second gentlemen working the tables so service...

I was visiting Tijuana and love to explore the vegan food world of places I stay. I’m from New York City and have experienced some of the finest vegan cuisine there. From eleven Madison park to Abcv to superiority burger this restaurant ranks up there with the best. Unpretentious delicious food that lets the vegetables speak for themselves. I don’t write many reviews but when something moves me it deserves to be known. Thank you for nourishing me during my visit and inspiring me to cook with your influence. I am a professional fermenter and appreciate...