Ajonegro

The story

Ajonegro: Michelin-Starred Mexican-Spanish Fusion in Logroño

Ajonegro: Two Cultures, One Kitchen

In Logroño’s city centre, Ajonegro is the realisation of a cross-cultural partnership. Mariana Sánchez, originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico, and Gonzalo Baquedano, a native of Logroño, have built a restaurant that draws equally from their two culinary worlds. Their cooking is rooted in respect for seasonal produce, with a menu that changes throughout the year. Some dishes lean Mexican, others Spanish, and many merge the two into something both familiar and surprising – a personal take on tradition that has earned the restaurant a Michelin star.

The Chefs and Their Philosophy

Sánchez and Baquedano describe their approach as “the union of two cultures.” They work with local Riojan ingredients – asparagus, peas, game – alongside Mexican staples like corn, huitlacoche, and chipotle. The result is a style of fusion that feels deliberate rather than gimmicky. The kitchen’s foundation is a traditional one, but the plates carry a distinct, personal stamp.

What to Expect on the Plate

Ajonegro offers two tasting paths. The Menú Corto (€80) is a concise sequence: aperitivos such as a crispy taco filled with Riojan stew and a house gilda, followed by dishes like Alcachofa César (artichoke Caesar), steak tartare of Iberian pork with chipotle, and a taco al pastor. The longer Menú Degustación (€100) expands to include a white asparagus and trout course from La Rioja, cured sea bass ceviche, a lamb taco with salsa borracha, and grilled venison. Both menus close with a Mexican chocolate and coffee dessert and petits fours. The kitchen works with seasonal products, so dishes may shift slightly – a sign of respect for what is fresh.

The Space and Recognition

The dining room is comfortable and contemporary, suited to the focused, unhurried service expected of a Michelin-starred establishment. Ajonegro’s star, awarded in 2026, acknowledges the high quality of cooking here – a recognition that feels earned through the chefs’ clear vision and consistent execution. For anyone interested in how Mexican and Spanish cuisines can speak to each other with clarity and depth, this is a compelling stop in Logroño.