Pepe Salinas brings a contemporary, deeply thoughtful vision to Mexican cuisine—marked by technical precision, emotional depth, and a refusal to replicate the expected.
As executive chef of Balcón del Zócalo, at the top of the Zócalo Central Hotel, and the creative force behind the Taco Tasting Room, Salinas has redefined the culinary landscape of Mexico City. His food is not a tribute to nostalgia or folklore, but a new culinary language rooted in the present. Each dish is intentional, honest, and designed to provoke conversation, reflection, and emotion.
A passionate mentor and advocate, Salinas plays an active role in shaping the next generation of Mexican chefs. He serves as an ambassador for Pesca con Futuro and regularly collaborates on sustainability and food consciousness initiatives. His work has been featured at major events including Millesime México, Festival Que Gusto in France, Sabores Polanco, and the Food and Wine Festival.
In 2024, Salinas was named Chef of the Year by CANIRAC, one of Mexico’s highest culinary honors. His restaurants have received numerous accolades, including Restaurant of the Year by Culinaria Mexicana (2025), and Best Restaurant in Mexico City by Food and Travel, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable.
Salinas continues to challenge and evolve Mexican cuisine—creating a kitchen that is as intellectually driven as it is delicious.
