Jorge Vallejo is an internationally acclaimed chef known for his innovative cuisine that highlights the flavors and ingredients of Mexican tradition. As the founder of Quintonil in Mexico City, Vallejo has led the restaurant to numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars and prominent positions in the rankings of the world's best restaurants.
The Biography
Jorge Vallejo was born in 1981 in Mexico City. From a young age, he showed an interest in cooking, influenced by his country's rich culinary tradition. After completing his studies at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Vallejo had the opportunity to work with world-renowned chefs such as Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and Grant Achatz at Alinea.
In 2012, together with his wife Alejandra Flores, Vallejo opened Quintonil, a restaurant named after a Mexican green herb used in many of his recipes. The restaurant quickly became a reference in the international gastronomic scene, directly earning two Michelin stars in 2024, when the guide arrived in Mexico.
Quintonil's cuisine is characterized by the use of local and sustainable ingredients, with dishes that reflect the authenticity and richness of Mexican culture. Vallejo is known for his sustainable approach to cuisine, using ingredients grown in the restaurant’s urban garden and maintaining a low carbon footprint. Some of his most iconic creations include the “Green Chileatole” and Quintonil’s “Festival of Entomophagy,” a celebration of insects and the many ways they are consumed in Mexico.
In 2022, Jorge Vallejo received the prestigious Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, an award voted on by his fellow chefs in recognition of his contribution to global cuisine. Additionally, Quintonil was ranked #12 on the 2023 Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list and #9 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants global list, but has remained at #7 on the 2024 World’s Best Restaurants list.
