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$$$$ | |
Argentinean chef Guillermo Gomez delivers an elevated culinary experience at Cocina del Mar, the elegant restaurant in the exquisite Esperanza Resort. Using daily market ingredients and focusing on simple seafood, Gomez presents inventive dishes such as lobster macaroni, grilled Kumiai oysters, or the impressive seared totuaba. Grilled Angus is accompanied with a charred chili meat sauce. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the waiter delivers a banana soufflé in a cast-iron skillet, topped with homemade ice cream. Opt for a table on the cliffs where waves crash so close, you can feel the spray.
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km. 7, The Corridor, Baja California Sur, 23410, Mexico
Known For
- Romantic location on the cliff
- Delicious banana soufflé
- Whole fish encased in salt and herbs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Las Animas Bajas |
This alfresco dining experience is built right in the center of the self-sustaining Flora Farms. It's a charming oasis featuring a farm-to-table restaurant, spa, gift shop, cooking school, organic market, and culinary cottages (private homes), all under the Flora Farms brand. Meals are homemade including produce and meat (chicken and pork) grown on the property and bread baked on-site. Wholly organic meals include favorites like fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, massive pork chops fired in the wood-burning oven, butternut squash ravioli, and a selection of pizzas and seasonal salads. Even the sausages served with sweet potato chips are homemade. The adjacent Farm Bar serves unique takes on classic cocktails delivered in Mason jars, like the ginger and beet margarita or the Farm Julep (watermelon juice with basil, mint, and rum). Flora's is a wonderful learning experience for families by day and a romantic spot for couples by night. There's live music nightly at 7:30 and cooking classes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 to 2 pm (cost $115 includes lunch).
Flora Farms, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico
Known For
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Farm setting with live music
- Produce raised on-site
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and daily 2:30–5 pm
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$ | Centro |
In a relaxing garden filled with retro decor, waiters in mesh trucker hats and black T-shirts deliver remarkable urban Mexican cuisine with a dash of Grandma’s secret recipes. Under the shade of a mango tree, start with the trio of salsas infused with orange and chipotle, served with a basket of freshly fried tortilla chips. Local breakfast favorites are the French toast and Costa Azul (baked eggs with a Dijon cream sauce). Or go straight to the lunch menu, featuring the pork shoulder sandwich, jicama mango salad with citrus cream dressing, and a cheese-and-vegetable stuffed poblano sandwich. All pastries are crafted in-house, including the sinfully divine churros, served with sweet milk.
Manuel Doblado 24, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400, Mexico
Known For
- Delightful breakfast under the shade of a mango tree
- Yummy churros and gourmet coffees
- Fresh squeezed juices and healthy smoothies
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
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$$$ | |
It's quite soothing to sit in this restaurant at Cabo Surf Hotel, at the ocean's edge under the shade of a palapa while watching the surfers. For breakfast munch on their machaca con huevos (eggs scrambled with shredded beef) washed down with a fresh-fruit smoothie. Later in the day, grab some fish tacos or a Mediterranean tuna wrap with a blueberry mojito. Burgers are piled high with jalapeños and caramelized onions. For something light, try the crab cakes on a bed of tomato chutney with arugula. Drop in to watch the sunset and dine on fresh fish with a flavorful mango sauce. With a focus on healthy cuisine, the kitchen uses all local organic ingredients, cooks with olive oil (instead of butter), uses soybean oil for deep-frying, and will not serve marlin, mahimahi, or parrotfish due to commercial overfishing. Your entertainment is simple: a wonderful view that never stops changing.
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 28, The Corridor, Baja California Sur, 23401, Mexico
Known For
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Inventive seafood cuisine with eclectic style
- Regional organic vegetables
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Marina San Lucas |
Ideally located along Cabo San Lucas's busy marina walkway, Alexander's is where Switzerland meets México. Pull up a chair at one of the sidewalk tables and start with a meat-and-cheese fondue, a treat for which Swiss chef and owner Alex Brulhart is known. You could finish with the chateaubriand for two in a rosemary demi-glace, or the filet mignon and lobster surf and turf combo—but it's the flambéed tequila shrimp and sake lobster that draw wonder and awe.
Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico
Known For
- Meat-and-cheese fondue
- Incredible flambéed tequila shrimp
- Delicious sake lobster
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Although Los Cabos and Baja are not coffee-growing regions, the folks in the town of El Pescadero roast the finest beans from the Sierra Norte mountains in the Mexican state of Puebla. They turn them into the area's best gourmet coffee drinks, which may be enjoyed at tables in the adjoining garden. Baked goods and light fare headline the daily menu offerings, with more filling options—such as vegetarian frittatas—available for Sunday brunch. Other Sunday specials include live music and a farmers' market.
Hwy. 19, Km 64, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, 23300, Mexico
Known For
- Area's best gourmet coffee drinks
- Live music on Sundays
- Farmers' market on Sundays
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$$ | Playa El Médano |
A branch of the established San José del Cabo microbrewery, the beers are brewed in San José, meaning what you get here is "20 minutes fresh." No quibbles with the system; the eight house brews and seasonal additions are a flavorful change from the ubiquitous Tecate. The location of this outpost on the rooftop of the Cabos Villas resort on Médano Beach, however, ups the ante with a semi-open-air venue and view of the ocean.
Callejon del Pescador, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico
Known For
- Ocean views
- Open-air dining
- Fresh brews
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Marina San Lucas |
This large, casual, sportfishing-oriented cantina, just around the corner from the Tesoro Los Cabos Resort, draws crowds with its all-day drink specials. Boasting a top marina location near L-M-N Dock, an excellent view of the sportfishing and mega yachts, $2 cervezas all day, affordable eats, and American sports on multiple TVs, it's a favorite of the sportfishing deckhands and boat captains. You can enjoy a Captain's breakfast special for under $8, a budget-friendly afternoon appetizer menu, or splurge a bit more for daily seafood and steak specials. Most meals can be had for under $20. Saturday night is Ladies' Night—ladies drink free from 8 to 10 pm—and if you stay late, you'll catch the live DJ and dancing. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the restaurant.
Dock L-M-N, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico
Known For
- Late-night DJs and dancing
- All-day drink specials
- Budget-friendly eats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | Playa El Médano |
Set in Cabo San Lucas's boutique Bahia Hotel, Bar Esquina is making a name for itself as one of Médano Beach's best restaurants. Whether you're craving eggs Benedict in the morning to help you absorb last night's party, a wood-fired pizza, or a burger on a pretzel bun, Bar Esquina is the neighborhood's top option for expertly prepared American-style comfort food. For dinner try the highly recommended tuna tartare, short rib, or beef fillet. With tall cocktail tables in the bar, an open-air dining room, chalkboard menus written on columns that front an open kitchen, and frequent live music, this place offers a cool atmosphere and great dining just off the beach. For a quick refuel, there's Esquina Coffee Shop right next door. Open at 7 am, it sells juices, coffee, and smoothies for takeaway.
Av. El Pescador, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23453, Mexico
Known For
- Delicious tuna tartare
- Live music
- Good food after a night out
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$ | Laguna Hills |
Fronted by miles of secluded East Cape beach, this casual seaside cantina (with cheap cervezas) gets rave reviews from locals who make the 10-minute drive out of San José del Cabo. The palapa restaurant serves reasonably priced seafood entrées, such as coconut shrimp; breakfast burritos; hefty build-your-own burgers; and house flan. Indeed, this custardlike dessert could easily be enough for two or three—try it with a shot of Kahlúa poured over the top. Also, Sunday breakfast is a big hit.
Old East Cape Rd., San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23401, Mexico
Known For
- Giant burritos
- Coconut shrimp with piña colada dipping sauce
- Laid-back bar with sandy floor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, Closed Aug. and Sept. No dinner Sun, Cash only
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Omelets, bagels, granola, and whole-grain breads delight the breakfast crowd at this casual small eatery; deli sandwiches, fresh salads, and an array of burritos, tamales, and flautas (fried tortillas rolled around savory fillings) are lunch and dinner highlights. Check for fresh seafood on the daily specials board. Gourmet pizzas, pasta, and steak are also available.
Calle Centenario 33, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, 23305, Mexico
Known For
- Delicious deli sandwiches
- Gourmet pizzas and pastas
- Daily seafood specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, No dinner Mon. Closed last two weeks of Sept.
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$$ | Centro |
Lobster's the thing here, but daily specials like surf-and-turf combos round out the list. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this typical Mexican sit-down locale has a happy hour that runs from 8 am to 6 pm—and prices are super cheap. You can get a lobster tail with rice and beans for 14 bucks; El Charro tequila shots are a mere 20¢; and Don Julio tequila shots are less than $3. As you sit under the open-air palapa enjoying this feast fit for a king, strolling mariachis will pass by, providing your dining soundtrack.
Hidalgo at Zapata, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23450, Mexico
Known For
- Excellent people-watching
- Open-air dining
- Incredibly cheap and generous food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sept
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$$ | La Poza |
For those fortunate enough to stay at the sumptuous Posada La Poza just outside town, lunch at its equally lovely restaurant will be one of the highlights of your Los Cabos vacation. Owners Juerg and Libusche Wiesendanger call their offerings "Swiss-Mex"—Mexican food with European touches and careful attention to detail. Start with the vegetarian-based tortilla soup with three different types of dried chilies to give it just enough kick. Then sample the smoked-tuna flautas, quesadillas with chicken or shrimp, or marinated arrachera (flank steak) strips. You'll find dishes such as lamb shoulder in winter. Believe it or not, there is enough of an evening chill in the air that time of year that dining next to the fireplace feels cozy. Top your meal off with a sorbet, flan, or mousse, and possibly the best selection of wines in the region (all Mexican from northern Baja's Guadalupe Valley).The restaurant is open to hotel guests for breakfast (included in the room rate) and lunch; with dinner available by request from Sunday to Thursday. The restaurant is no longer open to the public, save for groups of six or more who reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
Camino a La Poza 282, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, 23305, Mexico
Known For
- Swiss-Mex cuisine
- For hotel guests only, except to parties of six or more with 48 hours notice
- Dinner on request five nights per week
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$$ | |
It's well known that Las Ventanas is one of the best hotels in Mexico, and the on-site dining likewise does not disappoint. A diverse Mexican menu pays homage to the country's culinary traditions, with a focus on family recipes. Highlights include seared octopus with mole chichilo, poblano chili stuffed with seafood, and kurobuta pork with puréed corn. For a social appetizer, start with the "Taco Experience," a customized taco bar for two served on a rotating turntable. If you haven't already blown through your dinner budget, order the tiramisu, eclair, or mango crumble. There's live music nightly, and private cooking demonstrations in the Rosewood herb garden (by reservation).
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km 19.5, The Corridor, Baja California Sur, 23400, Mexico
Known For
- Gourmet tacos
- Traditional Mexican dishes from around the country
- Nightly live music
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Centro |
From its chateaubriand bouquetière to the savory chicken chipotle cooked with brandy, port wine, and cream, this classy French restaurant has been family-owned since 1947. Louis XIV–style furnishings and an attentive staff make it both comfortable and elegant. In addition, the restaurant pays tribute to its heritage with family photographs that line the hallways, starting with a portrait of founder Doña Pepita. As the oldest French restaurant in Mexico, it's also considered one of the top of the pack with more than 10 Five Diamond Awards. Impressive preparations of Caesar salad, crêpes Suzette, and café flambé create a show at your table. For larger parties, request one of the three private rooms modeled after Paris and the Palace of Versailles. The sidewalk tables are a perfect place to dine and people-watch. The small café in the front sells pastries that are made on the premises.
Av. López Mateos 1000, Ensenada, Baja California Norte, 22800, Mexico
Known For
- French pastries
- Table-side Caesar salad
- First-rate service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$ | Centro |
The scent of fresh-baked French baguettes and a picture-perfect display of croissants, éclairs, colorful candies, and ice creams greet you at this café-bistro just off San José del Cabo's main square. In the creperie area, the cook tucks delicate crepes around eggs and cheese, ground beef and onions, or shrimp and pesto. If you choose to eat in, salads, and other standard fare are offered. The patisserie has a well-designed drink menu of fine wines and tequilas and a full list of organic coffee and tea-based drinks.
Manuel Doblado at Av. Hidalgo, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400, Mexico
Known For
- Organic local coffee
- Chocolate truffles
- Scrumptious breakfast crepes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Centro |
Celebrity chef Tadd Chapman and partner Miguel Guerrero joined forces to re-launch this traditional Mexican restaurant in its new location and with fresh new culinary techniques. Opt for lunch specialties of octopus tacos and black scallop ceviche, and for dinner, try the seafood risotto, or the grilled NY strip with habanero chimichurri. Exceptional breakfasts—ranging from stuffed French toast to eggs Benedict prepared five ways—are served from 8 to noon for about $10.
Jose Maria Morelos 134, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Known For
- Home-baked banana zucchini bread
- Guacamole with chapulines (grasshoppers)
- Octopus tacos
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$$$ | Marina San Lucas |
For a good steak in a rustic atmosphere accented by wood tables and leather stools, head to La Casa Country. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with sports games playing on oversize TVs in the background, La Casa is the spot for toothsome carne at reasonable prices, and a wide variety of Mexican fare. The establishment is set against the bustling backdrop of the marina's many boats.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23453, Mexico
Known For
- Marina views
- Abundant steak options
- Generous breakfast menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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This food-cart stall off Ensenada's bustling Calle Primera is the place where locals get a solid helping of the region's seafood. Established in 1960, La Guerrerense has been featured on international shows like Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Popularity has led to the opening of a neighboring restaurant by the same name, but it's the original cart that keeps crowds ogling a small army of cooks cracking clams, shucking oysters, and piling the freshest fish onto tostadas. After you choose from the day's catch—shrimp, uni, clams, lobster, octopus—stand back and wait while your dish is prepared. Once it's ready, make your way through the throng of hungry patrons, and dress your plate from the selection of bottled salsas and condiments on display, which are also for sale. Most-loved is the salsa made with toasted peanuts, oil, garlic, and fresh chilies. Owned by Sabina and Luis Eduardo Oviedo, the spot is a mainstay on the Ensenada food scene, and not to be missed.
Calle Primera at Alvarado, Ensenada, Baja California Norte, 22800, Mexico
Known For
- World's best tostadas
- Fresh ceviche with mango
- Homemade salsas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner
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$ | Centro |
Claiming to have "the best damn breakfast restaurant in the entire country," Mama's is a casual, lively, indoor-outdoor spot in Cabo San Lucas that serves bountiful plates of omelets and poached eggs with avocado and ham, and finger-licking fried potatoes. Mama's lives up to their claim of having the "World's Best French Toast"—a treasure stuffed with cream cheese, strawberries, mangoes, bananas, and pecans, and topped with orange liqueur.
Calle Hidalgo at Zapata, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452, Mexico
Known For
- "World's Best French Toast"
- Homemade salsas
- Fresh-squeezed juices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sept
