It’s hard to say no to queso. But when it comes to choosing a restaurant for your next south-of-the-border food fix, consider skipping the usual Tex-Mex in favor of a place that spotlights more authentically Mexican techniques and ingredients. That concept fueled the direction that executive chef Omar Larson took when creating his menu for Luna Roja in the heart of Downtown Dallas.
“The menu is designed to offer something for everyone. It brings together classic flavors and familiar dishes that feel comforting and approachable, while also introducing more modern, bold, and exciting plates that keep the experience fresh and engaging,” Larson says.
Located in the former Elm St. Cask & Kitchen space in the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas, Luna Roja debuted in April with a colorful refresh of the two-story space. The focal point of the dining room is a wall-to-wall mural of a robust agave plant eclipsing a mystical-looking red full moon—as a nod to its moniker, which translates to Red Moon.
To fully experience Luna Roja’s menu, bring friends and order several dishes to share so you can appreciate the creativity coming from both the kitchen and the bar. Service is attentive, welcoming, and unhurried, making it an easy place to settle in for the evening.
“We take pride in defining Luna Roja as a modern Mexican restaurant rather than a Tex-Mex concept. Our culinary approach draws inspiration from classic Mexican techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are also indigenous to various regions of Mexico, which we present in a more contemporary and refined way,” Larson explains.
Luna Roja currently stocks more than 50 agave-based spirits, including tequilas, mezcals, and sotols. Kicking things off with a cocktail created by general manager Lawrence Glass, or a simple sipper is a good place to start.
“I bartended for three years before stepping into leadership, and even as my role has grown, my passion for bartending has never left. I still love being behind the bar whenever I have the opportunity, whether that means helping the team power through a busy service or connecting directly with guests,” he says. “For me, bartending has always been one of the most exciting parts of hospitality because it brings together energy, creativity, and genuine guest interaction.”
To get a feel for Luna Roja’s approachable cocktail program, Glass suggests starting with the spicy mango margarita, michelada, or paloma. Margarita options also include prickly pear, tamarind, and classic lime, plus El Primo, which is made with Texas-based Lalo Tequila. For those skipping alcohol, aguas frescas and other non-alcoholic drinks are available as well.
Once the drinks arrive, start with a few shareable plates for the table. For something richer, there’s queso fundido with optional add-ins like wild mushrooms, chorizo, or crispy pork belly. Seafood starters, however, are where Larson’s menu really shines. Tuna tostadas topped with avocado and salsa macha bring plenty of freshness and crunch, while the shrimp and scallop aguachile with cucumber and radish salad feels especially well-suited for the summer season.
“It’s bright, refreshing, and layered with just the right amount of heat, paired with our house chips and salsa,” he says. “From there, I would move on to the pork shank carnitas. They’re slow-roasted, deeply flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender, served with salsa verde, escabeche, and exceptional flour tortillas from La Nortena Tortilleria here in Dallas. To finish, I would absolutely recommend our housemade tres leches, served with peach purée and whipped cream.”
Because Luna Roja is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, you can visit any time of day and enjoy a slightly different menu experience each time. For Downtown workers, the Express Lunch makes it easy to get in and out with combos that include a non-alcoholic drink starting at $13 (or $15 with a cerveza if you’re out to play). And like any good happy hour, Luna Roja’s offerings feature an array of botanas for $6-$9 and boozy options for $4-$9.
However, it’s the highly anticipated chef-led TacoKase experience (a riff on Japanese omakase tastings) that offers diners the opportunity to really get inside Larson’s culinary mind. Launching on Thursday, June 4, the TakoKase events will recur monthly with a new menu each time. Reserve a table for the 6:30 p.m. experience, and indulge in seven gorgeously plated courses for $79 per person, or $99 with beverage pairings.
“It’s built around small bites, creative and unique tacos, and a few fun surprises along the way,” Larson says. “It is designed to be playful, memorable, and a reflection of the creativity behind the concept.”
Luna Roja is now open daily at 6 a.m. on weekdays, and closing as late as midnight on weekends.
Luna Roja, 1525 Elm St., Dallas, lunarojadallas.com
