Dining on a Budget in Baja — Family Style Pizza Paired with Awesome Views and Tasty Brews
By Chris Mejia
While winding your way through the vine-laden foothills surrounding Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine country, there’s one spot that captures the free-spirited, rustic charm of old-meets-new Baja California more than almost any other: Ochentos Pizza. Tucked away in the small community of San Antonio de las Minas, this pizza place doesn’t just serve food — it delivers an experience: warm hospitality, open-air terraces, vineyard views, and handmade family style pizzas that locals and travelers alike return to again and again.
Set under shady trees with vineyard breezes drifting through, the atmosphere is pure Valle—casual, creative, welcoming, and outdoorsy in that distinctly Baja way. The owners greet guests like old friends, and many visitors stay long after their plates are empty, enjoying the scenery, live music on select nights, and the incredibly friendly vibe.
What Makes Ochentos Special
Driving up the dusty, winding road from the quaint village that is San Antonio de las Minas (off highway Mex 3), you might almost miss the turn. But once you arrive, the atmosphere hits you: wooden terraces shaded by trees, rustic farm-style décor (think saddle seats, wine-bottle accents, wooden tables), a gentle breeze, and the inviting aroma of wood-fired pizza and local craft beer. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a welcoming countryside hideaway where friends gather, laugh, and linger long after the plates are empty.
This longstanding local favorite has been operated by the same family for decades. The owners and staff make you feel right at home, like your part of their community. Regulars describe it as “an oasis in the desert,” a place where people come not just to eat, but to connect, share stories, and enjoy simple pleasures: fresh air, family-style pizza, and handcrafted beer.
Add live music on certain nights, a laid-back vibe, and sweeping views of the valley and vineyards below, and you’ve got a setting that’s ideal for a relaxed lunch or a romantic evening under the stars.
What to Order — 10 Customer Favorites
Ochentos doesn’t just serve pizza — it serves Baja pizza: inventive, flavorful, and often infused with local ingredients and regional flair. Here are some top picks…
- Habanero & Honey Pork — A sweet-heat favorite layered with marinated pork, habanero salsa, caramelized onions, and a splash of Baja honey. Reviewers love the balance between fiery and mellow.
- Truffle Mushroom — Perfect for wine-country palates. Made with cremini mushrooms, roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and a whisper of truffle oil added at the end for depth and aroma.
- Baja Asada — A local sensation. Topped with grilled carne asada, charred poblano strips, caramelized onion, and a light smear of refried beans beneath the cheese. A perfect blend of taco-stand soul and Valle style.
- Ajo Rostizado (Roasted Garlic) — Slow-roasted garlic cloves, olive oil, basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Simple, bold, and beloved by regulars.
- Chipotle–BBQ Carnitas — Crispy carnitas drizzled with a chipotle-BBQ glaze, topped with mozzarella and bright pickled onions. Smoky, tangy, and addictive.
- Triple Ochentos — a carnivore’s dream: pepperoni, ham, and salami. Rich, savory, and satisfying — perfect for group dinners.
- De Camarón (Shrimp Pizza) — an adventurous, Baja-style twist: salsa chipotle with honey, scallions, caramelized peppers, garlic, and fresh cilantro. A good pick if you want something lighter or seafood inspired.
- La Griega (Greek-style Pizza) — for a different flavor profile: spinach, feta cheese, tomato, Kalamata olives, red onion, rosemary, and thyme. Great vegetarian-friendly option with Mediterranean flair.
- Valle del Mar (Shrimp & Avocado) — Grilled shrimp with lime crema, roasted corn, charred jalapeño, and fresh avocado slices added after baking. A coastal-inspired crowd favorite.
- Garden Torpedo (Vegetarian) — A colorful medley of zucchini ribbons, grilled corn, heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese, and rosemary. Bright, clean flavors for a lighter meal.
Beyond pizza, visitors enjoy the house craft beers from onsite Chivo Gruñón brewery — a perfect pairing, especially after a day exploring the vineyards.
Where to Find Ochentos & How to Get There
- Address: Rancho Cimarrón s/n, San Antonio de las Minas, Municipio de Ensenada, 22766, Baja California, México.
- Phone: +52 646 130 0651
- Website: ochentos.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ochentos.pizzeriarustica
- Social / Instagram: @ochentospizza
Driving directions from the main highway (Mex 3):
From the main route into the Valle de Guadalupe, head toward the town of San Antonio de las Minas. Once you reach town, follow the signs (or your GPS) up the hill to “Rancho Cimarrón.” The last segment is a rural dirt road — slow down (it’s bumpy), follow the curves, and soon you’ll catch the scent of wood-fired pizza and see the rustic terraces of Ochentos. Many first-time visitors note that the location feels “off the beaten path,” but that’s part of its charm.
The Verdict: Why Ochentos Pizza Should Be on Your Valle de Guadalupe Itinerary
The perfect day of wine tasting doesn’t necessarily have to be paired with Michelin-style dining. For something more relaxed, less expensive, and with far less pretense, you might opt to pair your Valle de Guadalupe vineyard tour with a more down-to-earth dining experience: good family-style pizza, easy-going vibes, and a bit of bohemian-country charm at Ochentos. Whether you’re a group of friends looking for a fun afternoon or evening, a couple seeking an easy-going dinner with romantic Valley views, or a craft beer lover wanting a break from the wine — this place delivers.
From the wood-fired oven to the rustic terraces, the ivy-covered fences to the friendly bark of resident dogs in the yard, Ochentos Pizza has built an atmosphere that feels like home. And with standout pizzas, house made craft beer, and a backdrop of Baja countryside, it’s hard to resist.