Rosarito once again became a showcase for the finest flavors of the Pacific as the Fish and Seafood Festival returned to the gardens of Hotel Rosarito, bringing together celebrated local and international chefs in a feast of creativity and tradition.

In its latest edition, organized by CANIRAC Rosarito, the festival introduced a refreshed format that spotlighted the most exquisite and innovative culinary creations. Restaurants from Rosarito, Tijuana, San Quintín, Tecate, and Ensenada presented dishes crafted with sophisticated techniques and bold combinations.

The day brimmed with interactive experiences: live cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, culinary contests, and a wine pavilion curated by sommelier Ana Ley.

A highlight came from international fine-dining chefs Oliver Seki, Diego Vargas, and Jairo Villalvazo—culinary ambassadors who have represented Mexico at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or in France, often dubbed the “Olympics of Gastronomy.” Before an eager audience, they staged a gastronomic ritual: garlic-sautéed crab claws draped in an aromatic mussel and parmesan sauce, served with warm garlic bread.

Other acclaimed restaurants offered exotic preparations featuring fish, shellfish, and seaweed, paired with aromatic herbs and inventive sauces. Among the standouts were Rosarito’s Trenta Quattro, Occio Alta Cocina, Las Rocas, Chaberts, and Popotla; Tijuana’s Innato, Maximiliano, and Barra Conchita; Ensenada’s Seki; Tecate’s Cempoalli; and San Quintín’s Almejazo, which wowed guests with its paella.

Fine wines from the region and a variety of desserts rounded out the experience.

The festival also hosted a culinary competition sponsored by the Baja California State Fisheries Secretariat.

This year’s winners:

• First place: Máxico Tesoro Nacional with producer León del Pacífico
• Second place: Occio Alta Cocina with producer Las Olas
• Third place: Blarlic with producer Progreso

The “Saladitas Award” went to Caesar restaurant in collaboration with producer Rova, while the crowd favorite tasting was awarded to El Almejazo from San Quintín.

Rosarito Mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz presided over the awards ceremony alongside CANIRAC president Octavio Machado Angulo, praising participants for elevating the region’s gastronomy. The event also welcomed Baja California’s new tourism secretary Zaida Luz López, CANIRAC national executive president Claudia Ramírez, and Miguel Ángel Badiola, representing the state governor.