Gastroteca AZUL

Gastroteca AZUL offers a refined Mediterranean-meets-Baja dining experience created by Chef Patron Mario Lopez and his partner Juliann. 

In Europe, a gastroteca showcases Spanish, French, and Italian cuisine featuring food from local farms. The settings are homey and chic, making for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Gastroteca AZUL opened in November 2016 after Mario and Juiliann decided to bring sophisticated, farm-to-table Mediterranean cuisine to Loreto Bay. However, this journey was not a whimsical plan; it evolved over years of dedication and hard work. 

Our story begins when Juliann encouraged Mario to attend the California School of Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu. After graduating, he served in acclaimed kitchens, such as Gary Danko in San Francisco and La Mer in Honolulu. 

Fast forward through countless serendipitous events, and the couple found themselves considering Loreto. When developer Nellie Hutchinson offered the couple a space ideal for a restaurant, the rest, as they say, is history.

From the start, the restaurant positioned itself as more than just another place to dine in Baja California Sur. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavors brought to life by Chef Mario’s passion and culinary skills. The result is a fusion of local ingredients and classics with European staples.  

In 2019, Mario and Juliann expanded into the adjoining space to create a bar and lounge. The new addition adds yet another layer to one’s dining experience.

Additionally, its central location makes it easy to combine a day of sightseeing with a gourmet meal. For instance, after a day with Guaycura Adventures exploring Isla Coronados, celebrate with a chef-centric meal at AZUL. Or cap off an adventure to San Javier Mission with celebratory craft cocktails. 

While the restaurant is closed during the summer, it’s definitely worth exploring during the other seasons. 

Vibe

The exterior boasts a modern yet welcoming appearance, characterized by clean lines and Mediterranean influences. Warm wood accents, large windows, and a softly lit patio create a setting that feels inviting against the backdrop of Loreto Bay. 

Inside, the design is sophisticated and modern with handcrafted furniture, coastal color palettes, and lighting that creates both warmth and intimacy. At the same time, the contemporary look is warm and inviting, accepting and hip without being pretentious. 

A captivating design aspect is the open kitchen with counter seating. Here, diners get a firsthand glimpse of Chef Mario’s team crafting gourmet fare. Since the dining area is quaint, even if you’re not at the counter, you’ll still feel connected to the chefs. 

When the weather suits, consider dining al fresco on the patio. The open space and evening breezes make the meal even more enjoyable. 

The ambiance fits perfectly into a Loreto vacation. Here, you slow down, savor exceptional food, and take in the spirit of Baja at a leisurely pace.

Gastroteca AZUL: Menu & Drinks

With a seasonal menu that ebbs and flows like the tide, we’d be hard-pressed to list all the favorites. Therefore, we’ll list go-to options that frequently appear on the menu. 

Begin your dining journey with a shareable dish, such as the Fritto Misto. Locally sourced calamari and shrimp are coated in tempura batter and fried to a golden brown. Add the baby vegetables and Calabrian chile aioli, and you’re off and running with the flavors of Spain and Baja.

One standout is the lamb chops that are tender, flavorful, and expertly cooked. Chef Mario takes New Zealand lamb chops, spices them perfectly, and comes with a potato-turnip puree. Add the mint-cilantro sauce, and you have a meal that will delight your taste buds. 

The Greek chicken combines Mediterranean flavors with Baja ingredients. The chicken breast is marinated in rich herbsand spices for a delicious meal. The Tzatziki-Garbanzo salad, green herb sauce, and pita make this not only a healthy choice, but also a filling meal. 

Drinks are as creative as the cuisine. Signature cocktails, such as the Bloody Samurai, put an inventive spin on classics. The margaritas and mojitos are mixed with precision, making them ideal after a day on the water at Loreto Bay National Park. The extensive wine list pairs with the menu's dishes. 

Dining at Gastroteca Azul is a complete experience where flavors, drinks, and atmosphere unite as one. The thoughtful approach to ingredients and technique, paired with a setting that encourages lingering, makes it one of the most rewarding stops during a Loreto getaway.