Credit: Google Maps.
La Baja, located in the heart of Ambler at 9 North Main Street, has just been named "Best New Restaurant, Burbs" in Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly 2025 awards, and for good reason.
Led by James Beard–nominated chef Dionicio Jiménez, the restaurant delivers a culinary experience to remember. Its doors opened last summer in the Ambler area.
Jiménez, known for his acclaimed work at Cantina La Martina, draws on his own life story and professional journey to craft what he calls "Cocina de Frontera," a border cuisine that blends the flavors of northern Mexico with Mediterranean, Asian, and even Italian influences.
Dishes at La Baja aren’t just meals—they’re stories on a plate. Highlights from the menu include burratina paired with black mole, kampachi tostadas topped with uni and Persian cucumbers, and risotto crowned with short rib braised in Mexican chocolate. Each dish reflects a unique cultural synthesis, sometimes incorporating Thai curry, chorizo, or bao-style presentations, all while maintaining a cohesive and thoughtful flavor profile.
Philadelphia Magazine praised the restaurant as a “one-man canon” of biographical cuisine, and it’s clear that every element—from the food to the ambiance—bears the imprint of Jiménez’s passion and creativity.
La Baja offers a BYOB dining experience with curated options for local wine and cider delivery, creating a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
The new restaurant is a welcome addition to Ambler’s dining scene.
You can check out the full menu here.
La Baja is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday's through Thursday's. On the weekend, it is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then reopens from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then reopens from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
