Written by Abbey Bowling
DALLAS (KDAF) — Luna Roja, a new modern Mexican restaurant, is scheduled to open in the heart of Downtown Dallas on Thursday, April 2. Located near Elm Street, the establishment focuses on regional flavors through refined shareable plates and an immersive tasting experience.
Chef Omar Larson leads the culinary program, utilizing his background in fine dining to create a menu centered on expressive flavors and communal dining. The restaurant will feature a monthly TacoKase Experience, a chef-led tasting inspired by traditional Japanese Omakase, alongside a beverage program with more than 50 selections of tequila.
The lunch menu features shareable plates such as Shrimp and Scallop Aguachile with avocado purée and Street Corn Croquettes finished with cotija and tajin. Main course options for midday service include the Torta Luna, which features slow-cooked citrus pork on a bolillo roll and the Taqueria Smash Burger topped with Oaxaca cheese and poblano rajas.
For dinner, the restaurant serves larger plates including Ancho Glazed Short Ribs with sweet potato purée and a Chipotle Honey Glazed Half Chicken with charred poblano mashed potatoes. Seafood selections include Crispy Skin Salmon with black bean purée and Seared Scallops with sweet corn purée and salsa macha. Dessert offerings at the restaurant include Crispy Churro Donuts, Dulce De Leche and Tres Leches Cake.
Weekend brunch service includes unique dishes such as Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna Tostadas with chipotle aioli and Huevos en Purgatorio, which features poached eggs in a chile de árbol tomato sauce. Sweet options include Tres Leches French Toast and an Ixcacao Chocolate Waffle. The brunch beverage menu offers mimosas, tequila-based Bloody Marias and a signature Michelada.
The taqueria menu is available for both lunch and dinner, featuring heirloom corn masa tortillas. Filling options include Al Pastor with charred achiote pork and pineapple, Guajillo Shrimp with green chile aioli and Wild Mushrooms with herb requeson and huitlacoche. Roja will also host a monthly TacoKase Experience, a chef-led tasting inspired by Japanese Omakase that highlights seasonal ingredients and specialty taco progressions.
The beverage program centers on a selection of more than 50 tequilas, including blancos, reposados, añejos, extra añejos, mezcal and sotol. The bar offers curated tasting flights and signature cocktails such as the Mexican Mule “La Mula” and the Spicy Mango Margarita. Guests may also choose from a selection of beer, wine and mocktails.
Roja will operate with specific hours for different services. Breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner hours run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with service extending until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is held Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The restaurant opens to the public on Thursday, April 2. Weekend brunch will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.