Los Cabos has made quite a name for itself among the high-society set. With more luxury resorts than any other category, a marina brimming with million-dollar yachts, and a guest list of international glitterati, it’s considered one of the most exclusive destinations in Mexico.
You’d imagine that dining here would have to be next level – and it is. At the same time, Los Cabos remains committed to its roots as a former fishing village. The chefs who have opened restaurants in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are fiercely proud of the land, the sea, and the bounty they provide, as well as the farmers and fishermen who make it all possible. Curating menus that reflect the destination is vitally important to the ethos of the restaurant scene.
The juxtaposition of the two is where Los Cabos shines. Big-name chefs rub elbows with down-home cooks across various price points and atmospheres. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly poured champagne cocktail at sunset or just a simple cerveza to wash down your fish taco, there’s a restaurant to match your cravings.
Best High-End Restaurants in Los Cabos
Los Cabos is an epicenter for five-star resorts and yacht culture, so finding high-end cuisine can often be easier than seeking out the hidden gems. Here are a few superb places to start.
Sunset Monalisa
What could possibly be more romantic than a spectacular cliffside Mediterranean-style dinner at sunset, overlooking the iconic Cabo San Lucas arch at Land’s End? Not much, honestly.
Spread across several tiers above the crashing waves of the Pacific, Sunset Monalisa offers deliriously dreamy dinners with tasting menus that range from $94 to $319. For an elevated experience, guests can add a wine-pairing option.
El Farallon
At the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, El Farallon restaurant raises the bar on an already chic experience. Built directly into the side of a cliff, diners can enjoy the ocean’s waves practically kissing the elegant stone pier beneath them. Guests can sample one of 20 unique champagnes at the Champagne Terrace before moving to the alfresco dining area, where the menu changes daily, relying heavily on that day’s catch.
Manta
Enrique Olvera, the driving force behind Mexico City’s acclaimed fine-dining spot Pujol, showcases his culinary talent at Manta, the signature restaurant at the Cape Hotel. With international influences and a focus on Baja seafood, Olvera’s menu positions Manta as a destination for diners willing to indulge.
Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Los Cabos
A champion of the farm-to-table movement in Mexico, Los Cabos’ restaurants have long been committed to supporting local producers.
Paradero Todos Santos
Todos Santos is emerging as the “it” town when visiting Los Cabos. The boho chic Paradero Todos Santos features a locally sourced menu designed around freshly caught fish, sustainably raised meat, and an onsite organic garden.
Acre Resort
Ten minutes from San Jose del Cabo, Acre’s unique treehouse-style bungalows are complemented by a 25-acre organic farm that provides the majority of ingredients for the resort’s renowned restaurant. Regularly changing menus, influenced by seasonal availability, highlight the chefs’ creativity, so don’t pass on cheddar biscuits or duck croquettes if they’re offered.
El Mirador Oceanview Restaurant
Perched atop a hill, El Mirador Oceanview Restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Pacific and exquisite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion cuisine. Most ingredients are locally sourced, crafted into culinary delights such as exceptional tuna tostadas and organic herbs cultivated in their garden.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Los Cabos
With the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez surrounding it, Los Cabos thrives on its rich maritime resources.
Oystera
Situated in a former sugar factory, Oystera serves fresh oysters and crudo, complemented by crafted cocktails in an artistic atmosphere adorned with gardens and boutiques.
El Marinero Borracho
Highlighting San José del Cabo’s fishing-village roots, El Marinero Borracho serves casual seafood dishes, including ceviches and tacos. Enjoy outdoor dining under a breezy palapa while sipping Pacifico beer.
Mariscos El Torito
Originally a small street cart, Mariscos El Torito has grown into a popular spot, known for its ceviches, fish tacos, and grilled fish, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Best Baja-Style Restaurants in Los Cabos
The culinary landscape of Baja is distinguished by its focus on seafood, ceviches, and grilled meats, showcasing regional flavors.
Tacos Gardenias
For the finest Baja experiences, Tacos Gardenias provides popular choices like ceviche and shrimp cocktail, alongside the signature fish tacos.
La Panga Antigua
Located in a scenic courtyard, La Panga Antigua serves elevated versions of traditional Mexican cuisine, with ingredients sourced locally to ensure fresh flavors.
Salsitas
A beloved cantina-style restaurant in San José del Cabo, Salsitas is known for its laid-back atmosphere and fantastic happy hour, offering fish tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and hearty burritos.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Cabos
While fully vegetarian or vegan restaurants are rare, many eateries in Los Cabos accommodate those with dietary preferences in elegant fashion.
La Rana Vegana
La Rana Vegana is a pioneer in the local vegan scene, with a menu featuring everything from salads and tacos to pizzas and quesadillas.
Namaste India
Due to Los Cabos’ international flavor, options like Namaste India are readily available. Although not exclusively vegetarian, the diverse menu features various flavorful vegan options.
