NEMI

NEMI is a contemporary Mexican tasting-menu restaurant set in the historic center of La Paz, and the first and only restaurant in the city to enter the MICHELIN Guide, earning Selected status in the 2026 edition. Chef Alejandro Villagomez, who spent a decade in the kitchen at Pujol in Mexico City, opened NEMI in 2019 to channel that fine-dining grounding into a personal vision rooted firmly in Baja California Sur. The menu is a single guided journey built almost entirely around regional product, from the Sea of Cortez and from local ranches and gardens, presented across a sequence of refined courses. Optional Mexican wine pairings round out an evening that reads as a quiet celebration of place.

The dining room is small, low-lit and unhurried, with warm timber tables, woven-back chairs and slim table candles that throw a soft glow over each setting. Floor-to-ceiling glass connects the space to the streets of old La Paz, while greenery, hand-thrown ceramics and crisp linen keep the mood intimate rather than formal. Service moves at the gentle pace of a tasting menu, with the team walking guests through each course and its provenance. With only a handful of tables and dinner served Monday through Saturday, NEMI feels less like a restaurant and more like a chef-led table, ideal for an anniversary, a special date night or a leisurely evening dedicated entirely to eating well.

Why NEMI Stands Out

First Michelin listing in La Paz — NEMI is the first and only La Paz restaurant recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, holding Selected status in the 2026 edition, a milestone for the city dining scene.

A chef shaped at Pujol — Founder and chef Alejandro Villagomez spent roughly ten years at Mexico City landmark Pujol before bringing that discipline home to Baja California Sur.

Baja from sea, ranch and garden — The tasting menu leans almost entirely on regional ingredients, drawing on the Sea of Cortez along with nearby ranches and gardens for a true sense of place.

Mexican wine pairings — Courses can be matched with a thoughtful Mexican wine pairing, spotlighting national producers alongside the kitchen seasonal, product-driven cooking.

Must-Try Dishes

Garden snacks and aguachiles — The meal opens with delicate small bites such as green melon dressed as an aguachile or watermelon infused with Mexican sake, a fresh, produce-forward overture to the menu.

Hoja santa tamal with huitlacoche — A tamal wrapped in hoja santa arrives with bright salsa verde and earthy huitlacoche, finished with an airy quesillo foam for a modern read on a Mexican classic.

Grilled Sea of Cortez prawn — A whole prawn from local waters is grilled until caramelized and plated with charred citrus, a clean, fire-kissed expression of Baja seafood at its simplest.

Braised wagyu beef cheek — Among the heartier courses, slow-braised wagyu beef cheek meets silky celery root puree and a glossy jus, balancing richness with restraint.

Hours & Reservations

Hours: Mon: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Tue: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Wed: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Thu: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Fri: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Sat: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Sun: Closed. Days and hours may vary by season, so confirm with the restaurant.

Reservations: Recommended; book on OpenTable or call ahead.

Best time: Dinner, for the full tasting-menu experience.

Good to know: MICHELIN Selected 2026 — the first restaurant in La Paz to enter the guide. Tasting-menu only, dinner, closed Sundays; chef Alejandro Villagomez spent a decade at Pujol.

Reviewed by What's In Cabo Editorial Team, 2026-06-26. Sources: Official site nemirestaurante.com (hero image, contact email, OpenTable widget rid=1270354); Instagram @nemirestaurante (handle, dinner Mon-Sat); MICHELIN Guide guide.michelin.com (Selected 2026, address, phone, GPS 24.1643043/-110.3119191, priceRange 'Spare no expense', 5 gallery photos, tasting-menu courses)..