Balam Cocina de Raíz
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Balam Cocina de Raíz

Maya and Sudcaliforniano cooking in Pueblo Nuevo

Balam Cocina de Raíz is a restaurant on Calle Ignacio Altamirano in Pueblo Nuevo, a quiet neighbourhood near the centre of La Paz. Balam is the Maya word for the jaguar, and the restaurant calls its style "cocina de raíz", cooking from the roots.

It began as a pop-up in Guadalajara serving traditional Maya dishes made with native, organic ingredients and old techniques. In 2023 it grew into a broader contemporary menu that brings Mexican cooking together with the food of Baja California Sur. The project was created by corporate chef Jorge Octavio Hernández Molina, who is from La Paz, and the kitchen is led by executive chef Ivana Vinessa Pérez Preciado. There are vegan options, outdoor seating and a cocktail bar.

It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 2:30 PM to 11 PM, and closed Monday and Tuesday. Diners on Google put it at about MX$200–600 per person, so it is one of the more affordable places in this section.

What you'll find

  • Maya-inspired dishes alongside Baja California Sur cooking
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating and cocktails
  • About MX$200–600 per person

At a Glance

Serves:
Maya, Contemporary Mexican, Baja California Sur
Price:
$$
Reservations:
Recommended
Alcohol:
Served
See the menu

Payment

Credit & debit cards: Verify
$USD acceptance: Varies — pay in pesos or card to be safe

On the Map