Situated at the Southern tip of Baja Califorina in Mexico, Los Cabos is a tourist hotspot rapidly growing in popularity. Its idyllic geographical location, a spot where golden desert meets shimmering sea, has deliciously influenced the cuisine on offer here, with most dishes incorporating fresh local seafood. The two towns which form the Los Cabos region, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, offer many diverse options in which to sample a variety of tasty food options. Here is our list of the ten best restaurants in Los Cabos.
Los Cabos resort © Ian D. Keating/Flickr
Huerta Los Tamarindos
Tucked away on a small dirt road is the hidden gem of Huerta Los Tamarindos. Serving tasty Mediterranean-style food, the restaurant specialises in home-made pizzas and soups, whilst also offering a range of seasonal options such as their renowned seafood pasta. Customers can get hands-on with their food here, as Los Tamarindos offers four-hour cooking classes with the aim of educating about the importance and benefits of organic food. As well as being a popular restaurant, Los Tamarindos is an organic farm and market selling the freshest in Mediterranean ingredients.
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm, closed Tuesdays
Watch out for: An impressive wine and cocktail list to complement the dishes
Address and telephone number: Animas Bajas, 23400 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur MX, +52 624 105 6031
Fresh produce © Chiot's Run/Flickr
Habañero Gastro Grill and Tequila Bar
Habañero Gastro Grill is a Mexican fusion restaurant located between downtown San José del Cabo and the hotel zone of the region. It's open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and specialises in innovative and daring drinks. As the name suggests, Habañero is famed for its extensive tequila menu, with unique concoctions such as the spicy jalapeño margarita on offer. As a bonus the place is air conditioned, making it a great spot to gather with friends and family on scorching summer nights. With tasty breakfast items like chilaquiles and omelettes, and delicious dinner dishes like fajitas and burgers, Habañero has something for everyone.
Price: Mid-range
Opening Hours: 8am-10:30 pm
Watch out for: Freshly made cinnamon buns
Address and telephone number: Blvd. Antonio Mijares. Plaza Misión Int. 4, 23400 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, MX, +52 624 142 2626
Chilaquiles © Jeff Kramer/Flickr
HOLA MARIA
HOLA MARIA is a family owned business that strives to serve delicious Mayan cuisine made the traditional way, and succeeds admirably. The most popular dishes are thecochinita pibil, (pork marinated in achiote), relleno negro, (chicken and pork stew), and pollo en escabeche, (chicken in vinegar and onion). Reasonable pricing makes it an excellent choice for families, and it is a top spot to get a quick street taco made with authentic flavors. The horchata and the flan serve as tasty complements for customers are looking for a larger meal.
Price: Budget
Opening Hours: 9am-8pm
Watch out for: The cochinita pibil
Address and telephone number: Mega Comercial Mexicana, Planta Baja., 23440 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, MX +(52)6241421881
HOLA MARIA storefront/Courtesy of HOLA MARIA
Cocina del Mar
Part of the Esperanza resort, Cocina del Mar is so close to the Sea of Cortez that it is literally cut into the rock overlooking the ocean, creating a three-tiered terrace where diners can enjoy a Mediterranean meal with a view. The menu is predominantly Latin, and is acclaimed for incorporating an abundance of exquisite seafood into its dishes. Diners can also order from an exclusive menu at the ceviché bar, which features items such as mackerel, shrimp, sea bass and scallops. The resort looks particularly beautiful in the evening, making it a great spot for a candlelit dinner.
Price: Fine dining
Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm & 6pm -10:30 pm
Watch out for: Beautiful table settings and an extensive wine and tequila menu
Address and telephone number: Esperanza Resort | Carretera Transpeninsular 7km, Cabo San Lucas 23410, MX, 624-145-6400
Cocina del Mar/ Courtesy Esperanza, An Auberge Resort
Burrito Surf
Burrito Surf emanates an extremely casual atmosphere, and is a great spot in which to relax and enjoy tacos, burritos, or just some chips and salsa. Food here is made to order, and the restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest of ingredients. A range of tasty vegetarian and vegan options are available, top picks of which include the Veggie Dilla, grilled mushrooms and poblano peppers. An outside seating area offers customers a choice of dining settings and contributes to the laid-back ambience of the place. Be sure to go for fish taco Friday and get a great deal on one of their classic taco options.
Price: Budget
Opening hours: 11am-9pm; closed Sundays
Watch out for: Fresh, healthy food options in a casual environment
Address and telephone number: 23470 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur Centro MX, +52 624 143 0098
Burrito © eric molina/Flickr
Café Santa-Fé
After a long vacation in Los Cabos, it's understandable that diners sometimes seek a food break from tacos and burritos, no matter how tasty they are. Look no further than Cafe Santa-Fe, which has been serving Italian-style cuisine for the past twenty years. Located just north of Cabo in Todos Santos, Cafe Santa-Fe gives tourists the perfect excuse to venture off the beaten path and try something a little different. The restaurant is bursting with rustic charm, housed in a renovated 1850’s building, and serves a delectable range of Italian classics such as spaghetti bolognaise and tirimasu.
Price: Mid-range
Opening hours: 12pm-9pm; closed Tuesdays and September and October
Watch out for: A cozy, welcoming atmosphere
Address and telephone number: Calle Centenario No.4 Todos Santos, Baja California SurMX, +52 612 145 0340
Seafood pasta©Benjie Ordoñez/Flickr
Las Cazuelas del Don
“For the pleasure of sin,” is the enticing catchphrase at Las Cazuelas del Don, a restaurant which organizes its menu according to the seven deadly sins of sloth, lust, gluttony, envy, greed, pride and anger. Reasonably priced, food options here change daily, allowing customers to experience a wide range of tasty dishes on even the shortest vacation. Once customers pick their main dish, usually a meat such as chicken or pork, they can choose if they would like it served in a taco, sandwich, potato or volcano.
Price: Budget
Opening hours: 1pm-10pm; closed Sundays
Watch out for: Food cooked in traditional “cazuelas” or pans
Address and telephone number: Malvarrosa esquina Guijarro, Col. Magisterial, 23405 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, MX ,+52 1307386
Street tacos© Daremoshiranai/Flickr
Flora’s Field Kitchen
Flora’s Field Kitchen, the restaurant section of Los Cabos' Flora Farm, is a celebration of everything to do with fresh food. All of the ingredients used here, including the bread and meat, are grown or raised organically on the premises. Guests can eat outside surrounded by greenery and flowers, a natural dining environment encouraging an appreciation of the world around. Walking tours can also be scheduled on the farm, enabling customers to experience the full meal process from harvest to plate. Menus change depending on seasonal crops.
Price: Fine dining
Opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm
Sunday Brunch: 10am to 2:30 pm
Watch out for: Live music performed nightly on their Hay Bale stage
Address and telephone number: Las Animas Bajas, San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, MX, +52 1 (624) 355-4564
Fresh produce©Christopher Paquette/Flickr
Mariscos la Pesca
If you’ve taken a vacation to Los Cabos to experience the fresh seafood, then La Pesca is a must-visit restaurant. The entire menu revolves around the seafood that makes Baja California dining so unique. Menu items include tuna tartare, kahlua shrimp and whole fried fish. The octopus is superb, prepared either grilled or sautéed in garlic, and the frozen tamarind margaritas are tangy and delicious.
Price: Mid-range
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Watch out for: Comfortable atmosphere with both outdoor and indoor seating
Address and telephone number: Blvd. Mijares y Benito Juarez. Col Centro. San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, MX, +52 624 130 7438
Fishing boats © Lisa Andres/Flickr
Blue Fish
Blue Fish serves a tasty variety of Mexican specialities including tostadas, fish cocktails, ceviche and tacos, among others. The restaurant makes excellent sashimi to order, both from the catch of the day and from fish featured daily on their menu, such as octopus and scallops. Unlike some restaurants, Blue Fish serves alcohol on the premises, making it an ideal spot for a friendly gathering or casual family dinner.
Price: Mid-range
Opening hours: 11am-7pm
Watch out for: Menu changes based on changing availability, and can deliver to boats if ordered in advance
Address and telephone number: Plaza Peninsula, Carretera Transpeninsular KM 29.5, Local 14 A, Colonia La Joya, CP 23405, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, MX, +52 1726652