Discover Umo Penthouse, part of Torreón's “gastronomic boom”
There's no doubt that Torreón, Coahuila, is experiencing a gastronomic boom that seeks to celebrate the roots and cultural heritage of the La Laguna region.
Located in the heart of the city that “conquered the desert”, on the fifth floor of the Hotel Nuve, an avant-garde hotel group with strongholds in Parras and Gómez Palacio, directed by Elías Rodríguez; Umo Penthouse stands as a culinary beacon that redefines the gastronomic experience in the region.
With panoramic views of the city and a culinary offering that fuses northern tradition with Arab, Spanish, and Chinese heritage, incorporating modern touches and a reinvention of local street food, this restaurant has become a must-visit destination for lovers of fine dining and mixology.
A space that elevates the senses
From the moment you step into the elevator at Hotel Nuve, the anticipation builds. Upon arriving on the fifth floor, Umo welcomes its guests with a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere. The décor, characterized by neutral tones and wooden accents, creates a warm and inviting ambiance. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space during the day, while at night, the soft lighting and the view of the illuminated city provide the perfect setting for memorable dining experiences.
Eugenio Villar's culinary proposal
At the helm of the kitchen is chef Eugenio Villar, whom we remember from his time at the Niddo restaurant, within the Parvada vineyard in Parras, who has managed to imprint his personal touch on every dish.
Their focus is on a timeless cuisine with strong roots in the La Laguna region: its street food and identity, the Arab heritage, touches of Chinese technique and respect for the local ingredients of this region such as meat, dairy, chilies and herbs, seeking through the ingredient and the gastronomic technique to generate emotions and memory that last on the palate.
We recommend starting with their guacamole with pork cheek chicharrón and pico de gallo seasoned with the very Arabic za'atar; continue with a dish of Spanish heritage (which is also strong in Torreón and La Laguna) such as their serrano ham croquettes stuffed with Lagunero goat cheese.
Then, some of their taco options are a must-try, perfect for sharing: our favorites were the pork jowl tacos on refried beans and roasted salsa; and “the caramels”, tacos of roasted sirloin and the traditional chilaca served on a flour tortilla.
For those with a hearty appetite, one of the chef's specialties is his arrachera steak in a northern-style mojo sauce made with chilaca peppers and ash, accompanied by grilled onions. Another must-try dish is his reinterpretation of one of the quintessential street foods of the Laguna region: grilled ribs. Eugenio elevates them to haute cuisine, creating a special black marinade to coat the ribs completely before grilling them over charcoal.
Grilled octopus has also become an iconic dish at Umo. It's marinated in local herbs and spices, such as cumin, and served with anchovy aioli and regional vegetables. And of course, no meal is complete without trying their goat meat in a butter and whole-grain mustard sauce.
Even the desserts highlight local ingredients. We recommend their date cheesecake (dates are abundant in the region due to its desert climate) or their apples from Arteaga, Coahuila, which are caramelized and topped with an oat and vanilla crust.
Cocktails and wine list
The experience at UMO Penthouse is complemented by a carefully curated selection of wines from Coahuila (Parras, Arteaga, Saltillo) and signature cocktails that surprise with their creativity and balance. They also feature international labels selected to perfectly pair with the menu items. However, the real stars of the pairing are undoubtedly the wines from the state.
The cocktails, meanwhile, are an ode to contemporary mixology, with combinations that incorporate local ingredients and innovative techniques such as lacto-fermentation, infusions, and clarifications.
Thus, with a proposal that combines a privileged location, high-level cuisine and impeccable service, a product of the attention to detail of the group's director, Elías Rodriguez, Umo Penthouse consolidates itself as a gastronomic benchmark in Torreón, inviting you to discover and rediscover the flavors of La Laguna from the heights, and opening the door to also discover this gastronomic boom that this region is experiencing.
Umo Penthouse
Av Abasolo 901, Centro, 27000 Torreón, Coah.