Dining Out

Los Cabos may have a notable up and coming fine dining scene of international mention but the area’s fish tacos are a truly sublime experience not to be missed. The contents are as fresh as can be and no longer made of shark meat – the catch of choice that once put fish tacos in Cabo on the map. These dishes are wrapped in a warm flour tortillas as is the tradition along Mexico’s northern border. The fish inside is lightly battered and breaded, infused with lime and herbs, and topped with red cabbage and other items.

Admirers of true Mexican cuisine sometimes say that fish tacos are not entirely traditional Mexican dishes. First because of their English name, and secondly because they come from Baja California Sur, now famous as a tourist destination in North America.

But the truth is, as usually happens in the culinary world, the areas accessible by ocean or sea present us with dishes rich in fish and seafood. Baja California Sur is shaped like a swordfish, with its tail abutting the border with the United States. And as Baja California Sur is surrounded on all sides by the sea, it is quite natural that the popular tacos filling here is fish fried in Mexican sauce and under the Mexican salsa Pico de Gallo.

After Cabo fish tacos were invented in the coastal Pacific Mexican state of Baja California, they became a favorite dish not only of Mexico, but also of North American cuisine. In fact, fish tacos have been a trademark of the Baja California region since the 1950s. Over the years, this gastronomic tradition has gained many admirers all over the world. Many Cabo San Lucas guests make it an important part of their vacation to enjoy the finest fish tacos.

The delicate taste of the fish goes well with flamboyant complements such as guacamole, pico de gallo and tropical fruits such as mango. Baked, fried, or fried fish are delicious when marinated with olive oil, jalapenos, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, especially when served in a warm tortilla with all the spices.

Besides the amazing taste, fish tacos are also a great example of healthy food. The dish is rich in protein, essential Omega 3s, beneficial for both our body and brain.

Where to Go for the Best Fish Tacos in Cabo

If you want to enjoy the taste of the best fish tacos in Cabo San Lucas then here are some top places to consider. Be sure to visit the Tacos Gardenias restaurant for wonderful shrimp and fish tacos dishes. Tacos Gardenias is a favorite place for locals and tourists alike for authentic homemade Mexican food. This place is over 30 years old. Although they’ve updated the interior, their food still retains the traditions of days gone by. This small, cozy taqueria is located very close to the marina, a peaceful place usually devoid of crowds.

Another family-run taqueria serving great fish and seafood tacos is 1 & Only Taco, a solid, unassuming café also in Cabo San Lucas that serves very inexpensive, loaded tacos to collections of ardent fans.

The Sand Bar is another popular option to try great fish tacos in Cabo San Lucas. It is a beautiful spot looking out onto the ocean with great service and the atmosphere, all located on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Before or after enjoying these delicacies you can have a massage on the beach, an exquisite experience as you feel the breezes and listen to the surf to the relaxing motions of knowing hands. And massages at the Sand Bar cost a quarter of what they might at other resorts or in U.S. spas.

The Office on the Beach is another Fish taco hot spot where delicious stuffed tortillas come in three choices: Lobster Tacos, which are loaded with fresh lobster, sautéed with garlic, onions, California peppers, tomatoes, coriander and 0live oil. ​Then are the Fresh Sea Bass tacos stuffed with sea bass filet marinated in fine herbs and virgin olive oil. And finally,  Shrimp Tacos with Cheese full of shrimp sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, green peppers and smothered with Monterrey cheese. The outdoor seating makes it a perfect place for informal gatherings.

Further up on along the Tourist Corridor try Asi y Asado – a known the pit stop for taco lovers. Find more than two dozen variations on the taco theme in a grub shack so popular, it has been called out by Guy Fieri and others and offers a wide menu of other options as well, including tasty vampiro, arrachera (marinated skirt steak) and pulpo (octopus).

Naturally, there are countless cafes in Los Cabos, from three-seat beach stands to celebrity chef restaurants, that have made an art of wrapping seafood in chewy, warm flour tortillas. And an order is in order in the Baja no matter what the nature of your trip. Discovery is half the fun.

See our Los Cabos villa rentals here.

There is so much more to the Los Cabos food and restaurant scene than just tacos, melted ice, and tortilla buffets in identical resorts for those seeking the best restaurants in Cabos San Lucas In fact, Los Cabos offers some of the best cuisines from across the globe. The city has some of the best seafood in the Baja, with exquisite chocolate clams, juicy lobsters, and irresistible smoke marlin — delicacies that give the peninsula bragging rights.

Los Cabos is also well known for its brilliant flourish in fusion cuisines and Pan-Pacific culinary orientations. If you are looking to fully experience Cabo in all its culinary glory, then read on to find the best restaurants in Cabos San Lucas.

Nik-San

Simply put, Nik-San is one of the best Japanese Mexican fusion restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. The original restaurant opened downtown in Cabo San Lucas back in 1994, and since then, it has become one of the city’s most popular local sushi spots and remains on of its best restaurants. The restaurant’s superstar chefs, Ángel Carbajal and Masayuki Niikura, do not disappoint when creating the most beautiful and innovative fusion of Mexican and Japanese elements.

There are two Nik San restaurants in Los Cabos: one at the Shoppes at Palmilla near the One & Only Palmilla, and the second at the Plaza de la Danza in Cabo San Lucas. For most visitors, having sushi in Mexico might seem like an odd way to spend time at this popular Mexican beach resort destination. However, Nik-San prioritizes ambience, sanitization, and topnotch service. If you want a one of a kind dinner, choose the Omakase, a multi-course chef’s choice array that will explode your tastebuds.

El Farallon

Nothing beats enjoying a wonderful meal in a breathtaking cliff-side setting. Dining in El Farallon, hands down one of the best restaurants in Los Cabos if only for the setting, gives you the magnificent opportunity to enjoy great cuisine while looking over the stunning Pacific Ocean. Aside from this breathtaking scenery, El Farallon couples an intoxicating romantic atmosphere with the best fresh locally sourced seafood. The rustic, elegant atmosphere pairs wonderfully with the chef Gustavo Pinet’s market concept, in which diners get to pick the main course market style from a presentation of fresh catch on shaved ice. You will get to choose from a delectable assortment of sea bass, red snapper, tuna, dorado, lobster, shrimp, and clams.

Your entree choice is then weighed and taken to the chef to create a beautiful dish with exquisite soups and salads for you. For those who want to enjoy the ocean view without seafood, the menu is just as extensive and exquisite. The romantic feel in this restaurant is nearly unmatched and it is absolutely an unforgettable way to experience Los Cabos’ fine dining scene. Don’t want the meal? Choose the Champagne instead. The terrace above the rocks overlooking the ocean from this tight Cabo San Lucas vantage at the Pedregal is the right setting to sip from a menu of some 15 different champagnes ranging from Blanc de Blancs to Rosé and vintage champagnes, guided by a dedicated sommelier and complemented by a selection of moles and artisan salts.

Restaurant Cocina de Autor

When translated to English, the Spanish phrase “cocina de autor” means “signature cuisine.” In many ways, the name of this restaurant already promises you a memorable experience. Cocina De Autor, another of Los Cabos’s best restaurants, is the perfect place to experience the signature touch of renowned chef Sidney Schutte’s playful but artful menu. Each dish made in this restaurant has been artfully created with fresh local ingredients and unusual but somehow perfect pairings like clam and chocolate. Find this restaurant at the Grand Velas Resort above Cabo San Lucas along the Tourist Corridor marking the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez.

Wine pairings are also included for diners above the age of 18, offering an impressive and diverse selection. The eclectic menu focuses on what can be done with octopus, prawns and New York steak but there is also a vegan menu to consider, a rare option in Mexican dining. Price fixe multi course choices run around $170 per person.

Nobu Los Cabos

Long before its premiere in November 2019, the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos had been highly anticipated mostly because of the promised Nobu Los Cabos restaurant. Headed by the culinary world royalty, Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant promises a creative fusion of Peruvian ingredients and elements with Japanese cuisine. This seamless integration is presented with style, class, and high quality.

The sophisticated atmosphere is accented with unmistakable Japanese detailing in the wood, and the stunning Pacific Ocean views. Accompanying the celebrated menu is a lengthy and impressive wine list. Should you prefer a less fancy and less pricey option. Malibu Farm is also operating at this resort that is partially owned by Robert Di Nero. Malibu Farm offers an eclectic menu of Mexican delights fused with fresh catch, organically grown vegetables and healthy side dishes in an airy indoor-outdoor romantic setting.

Edith’s

Edith’s is a precious secret tucked into the heart of Cabo San Lucas and a fun experience in dining with excellent food, pleasant service, and a beautiful setting. The cozy setting brings beautiful rustic wood tables, thatched ceilings, and an overall barefoot ambience. You can find a beautiful combination of flavorful Baja home-grown recipes and elements from Edith’s hometown in the Guerrero mountains.

Seared at One&Only Palmilla

Seared by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his internationally renowned, culinary style to contemporary wood-fired cuisine. The restaurant is convenient to guests staying at Elegant Mexico’s Villa’s del Mar properties as it is just a two-minute ride away for guests via their provided villa golf carts and they have signing privileges at all One&Only Palmilla’s restaurants.

Seared showcases the finest cuts of meats, the freshest seafood and delectable sides with one of the most extensive wine lists in all of Mexico. But the chef is wide and varied in his talents and offers such options as aromatic artichoke tagine with kumquats and corn nut crusted salmon.

Caviar, too, is on the menu – Daurenki, which is the result of pairing two sturgeon species found in a lake that borders both Russia and China that produced a wonderful new caviar. It is offered with egg toast and herbs or chive crème fraîche on warm blinis. Not a caviar fan? Try oysters from Laguna San Ignacio in La Paz.

Food in Focus

Dining in Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas can be an adventure in luxury with restaurants to pin on your “been there, done that” list. With these curated restaurants in Los Cabos, the choices are easy and the meals are memorable. See our Palmilla vacation rentals with chefs here.

Los Cabos is turning into a foodie destination, with a burst of new restaurants that can be Michelin- star fancy to on-the-beach casual.  The Mexico resort destination has everything it takes to be a sought-after destination for travelers all over the world. There are magical beaches, year-round sunshine, water-based activities, a fun nightlife, an abundance of fancy hotels. Adding to that list are Los Cabos restaurants with phenomenal food!

So, whether you’re a curious rambler or an enthusiastic connoisseur seeking new dining experiences in Los Cabos, we’ve got you covered with these six must-try Los Cabos restaurants.

Los Tres Gallos

There’s no way you can be in Los Cabos without stopping by one of the top traditional Mexican restaurants in the area! This charming restaurant is a destination for anyone searching for authentic Mexican flavors and aromas — from sopa de tortilla to quesadillas to every other fantastic Mexican dish you can imagine!

Michel Zermeño (the co-owner, along with his wife) likes to bring his mother to the kitchen every once in a while to make sure the food is being made with love and to maintain that authentic touch.

If the extensive Mexican menu isn’t satisfying enough – although that’s near impossible – Los Tres Gallos gives you a mesmerizing open-air experience: a brick-walled courtyard decorated with string lights, mariachis, and fruit trees.  The final tip is to try their mole dishes (a popular Mexican sauce); those will leave you hooked!

Location: Leona Vicario Esquina 20 de Noviembre, Cabo San Lucas. 1.4 miles  from El Arco

The Office on the Beach

Enjoying the freshest seafood with the golden sand of Medano Beach between your toes, what else could someone wish for?

The Office On The Beach came into being the ‘70s when few visitors went to the then-isolated, remote peninsula. With a wide array of mouthwatering goodies on their menu, this small kitchen quickly became a firm favorite for locals.

Their dishes are primarily simple and delicious: beef burritos, coconut prawns, and plenty of cuba libres and margaritas. And, what’s more: incredible live musical performances happen on the beach in front of you. Put this on your map for repeat visits. It may become your favorite hangout in Los Cabos.

Location: Playa El Medano S/N, El Medano Ejidal, El Medano, Cabo San Lucas

Los Tamarindos

When it comes to fresh food, Los Tamarindos reigns supreme. Located in a farmhouse that dates back to the 19th Century, this farm-to-table restaurant constantly changes the menu according to the seasonal crops they grow in the surrounding fields.

The food there is as fresh as it can be — locally produced chickens from the restaurant’s own flock of Cornish hens, freshly caught fish by a local fisherman, freshly-cut seasonal crops, and a drinks menu derived from fresh local ingredients. And, since tequila is the star spirit in these parts, you’ll find plenty of it at Los Tamarindos.

If a Mexican menu made with love isn’t yet enough for you, Los Tamarindos offers you a hands-on experience with their cooking classes, which are held in their adjoining kitchen terrace.

Location: C. de Las Animas s/n, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo

Nick-San

Sushi fanatics, this is your chance to experience the heavenly fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with unique Mexican ingredients. Though the idea of cuisine fusion is quite common nowadays, the award-winning restaurant, led by Chef Angel Carbajal, has been among the top restaurants in Los Cabos for more than 26 years.

Find a wide variety of rolls to taste on from their menu — tuna tostada (featuring a Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna belly on a rice cracker tostada, served with habanero, infused red onion, sliced avocado, and sesame seeds), Home-Made Gyozas (stuffed with shrimp and scallops and finished with serranito soy sauce), and many other mouth-watering options are available.

Plus, there are options for lobster lovers. Sample the fried lobster curry, the clear lobster rolls, and the lobster sambal.

If you want to further your Nick-San experience, they have their own apparel line – Wasabi — with shirts and many other branded clothing options at Nick-San’s two locations.

Locations: The Shoppes at Palmilla, Local 116, Corredor Turístico in San José del Cabo; and Plaza de la Danza, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Cabo San Lucas

Cocina de Autor

Among all restaurants in Los Cabos, only a few are led by a Michelin-star chef. If you want to know what it feels like to have your dinner prepared by two-star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte, Cocina de Autor is precisely where you should head.

What to expect: A sensational, creative, and playful dining experience that can start with a cocktail tour held by the mixologists at the restaurant’s bar. Then, you’re led to your table to sit and enjoy an innovative 8-10 course tasting menu featuring the freshest, finest, locally-produced meats and seafood. To make things even better, the restaurant was designed to be an ode to sophistication, where the exteriors and interiors feature stunning views of the lily pond and gardens.

Location: Grand Velas Los Cabos, Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 17, San José del Cabo, Corredor Turístico

Comal

There are tons of reasons to give Comal a shot, especially with your romantic partner, and at the top of those reasons is enjoying the picturesque views of the Sea of Cortes. This ocean-front restaurant at the Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is currently one of the hottest restaurants in Los Cabos. The decor is designed by a high-profile designer with a beautiful perch over the sea and mood lighting from a wall lined with flickering candles.

Dishes here are prepared with an taste for the traditional and authentic, but injected with an innovative, adventurous accents. In addition to their tasty traditional dishes, you can find some intriguing fine-dining options on their menu, such as wagyu barbacoa and duck carnitas. Kumamoto Oysters with Aji Amarillo, Chives and Shallot are a straight shot for appetizers.

Location: Carretera Transpeninsular San Jose-San Lucas Km. 15, Playa Chileno Bay, Cabo San Lucas

Los Cabos Restaurants: Foodie Takeaways

Our list of six must-try foodie experiences in Los Cabos barely scratches the surface. You can really have it all in Los Cabos; each place has its own special charm and its own unique dining experience.  Whether traditional Mexican cuisine, sushi, fine dining with a deluge of romance, oeuvres by top chefs, farm-to-table sensations, or a relaxing shorefront experience … take your pick. All options are on the table.

Flora FarmsFlora’s Field Kitchen showcases the best in handmade food using their own farm ingredients. For those guests that want to sample fresh delights straight from the adjoining farm (including meats!), look no further. NicksanA gourmet Japanese restaurant in the center of Cabo San Lucas, complete with Champagne Lounge Bar with live jazz music, this is a local favourite. La Revolucion | Comedor de Baja California Located inside the a historic building in the heart of downtown, La Revolucion takes its name from it’s approach to revolutionizing the way things are done in the kitchen! The brains behind the restaurant — Renowned Mexican Chef Benito Molina and top mixologist, Osvaldo Vazquez. To stay close to the best restaurants in town, Elegant Mexico is proud to showcases some of the most stunning villas in the Los Cabos area — take a look at all of our properties here!