Written by Ben Coley
LUNA ROJA BRINGS BOLD MEXICAN FLAVORS TO DOWNTOWN DALLAS
Luna Roja, a new modern Mexican restaurant, is set to open in the heart of Downtown Dallas on Thursday, April 2. Located just off Elm Street, the restaurant celebrates the bold, dynamic flavors of Mexican cuisine through refined shareable plates and an immersive TacoKase experience in a lively, communal setting. A thoughtfully curated tequila selection and craft cocktails round out the menu, creating a new gathering spot that reflects both the spirit of Mexico and the energy of Downtown Dallas.
A MENU MEANT FOR THE TABLE
The menu highlights regional Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients, with many dishes designed for sharing. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Luna Roja offers a range of dishes that showcase bright, vibrant flavors. The menu is led by Chef Omar Larson, whose background in fine dining kitchens and culinary development across Dallas leans into Luna Roja’s approach to expressive flavors, refined technique and shareable plates meant for the table.
Lunch shareables begin with Shrimp and Scallop Aguachile with a fresh, cucumber radish salad, avocado purée and a spicy aguachile verde drizzle on a crispy tortilla, along with the Street Corn Croquettes finished with cotija, jalapeno, fresh lime and tajin. For the mains, standouts include the Torta Luna, a Bolillo roll filled with slow-cooked citrus pork, melted cheese, onion, cilantro, salsa verde and avocado, along with the Taqueria Smash Burger, beef patties topped with Oaxaca cheese, poblano rajas, caramelized onions, Maggi burger sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickle, both served with crispy fries.
Larger plates for dinner pack a variety of protein and flavors with dishes such as the Ancho Glazed Short Ribs served with sweet potato purée and charred poblano relish, Chipotle Honey Glazed Half Chicken with charred poblano mashed potatoes, roasted carrot, onion escabeche charred lime and the Carne Asada, featuring a 44 Ranch skirt steak with bean purée, enchilada guajillo sauce and guacamole. For seafood lovers, guests can opt for the Crispy Skin Salmon with black bean purée, salsa verde cruda, radish, lime oil and microgreens or Seared Scallops with sweet corn purée, salsa macha and charred scallion relish. Desserts options include Crispy Churro Donuts, Dulce De Leche and Tres Leches Cake.
Weekend brunch features dishes such as Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna Tostadas layered with citrus-soy, chipotle aioli, salsa macha avocado, radish and cilantro and Huevos en Purgatorio with poached eggs simmered in chile de árbol tomato sauce and topped with cilantro, queso fresco, pickled red onions and radish, served with corn tortillas. Sweet offerings include the irresistible Tres Leches French Toast and Ixcacao Chocolate Waffle. Brunch cocktails range from traditional and fruit-forward mimosas to tequila-based Bloody Marias and the signature Michelada “Hair of the Dog.”
Available for both lunch and dinner, the Taqueria menu showcases heirloom corn masa tortillas filled with options like Al Pastor with charred achiote marinated pork, pineapple, onions, cilantro and salsa verde cruda, Guajillo Shrimp with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and green chile aioli and Wild Mushrooms with herb requeson, huitlacoche, arugula and roasted chilis. Luna Roja will also introduce a TacoKase Experience, a chef-led tasting inspired by traditional Japanese Omakase highlighting a curated progression of tacos and complementary flavors. The experience is offered as a monthly activation, giving guests an opportunity to explore seasonal ingredients and specialty creations from the culinary team.
A TOAST TO TEQUILA
Luna Roja’s beverage program features over 50 selections of tequila including blancos, reposados, añejos, extra añejos, mezcal and sotol, highlighting the diversity of Mexico’s celebrated spirit. Curated tasting flights let guests explore the depth and surprising range of flavors through horizontal, vertical or single-estate experiences. Signature cocktails include the Mexican Mule “La Mula” with Milagro Silver tequila, ginger beer and lime, or the Spicy Mango Margarita with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, serrano, agave, mango, lime and tajin. An extensive beer, wine and mocktail selection ensures options for every guest.
THE HEART OF LUNA ROJA
Luna Roja’s interiors beautifully fuse contemporary Mexican design with traditional symbolism, creating a vibrant and culturally rich environment. Murals by FGIII Fine Art Productions, textured stone accents, and saturated colors evoke the spirit of Mexican heritage, while the spacious bar, outdoor patio and dining room provide versatile spaces for guests to enjoy this visually striking setting in Downtown Dallas. The restaurant also features a private dining space ideal for intimate dinners, celebrations and special occasions, where Luna Roja works with guests to curate a personalized experience tailored to their event needs.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Breakfast: 6 a.m.-11 a.m. Monday-Friday
Lunch: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Dinner: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday / 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Bar: Open-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday / Open – 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday