According to Travel + Leisure, “Los Cabos is a tale of two Mexican towns—Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—set at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula,” and both areas are fun and worthy of a visit. The latter is deemed a cultural hot spot ideal for art and shopping while the former, Cabo San Lucas, is noted as the more fun-loving region.
The two points are separated by the Tourist Corridor (the official name of the 20 mile stretch of shops, restaurants, and activities running between the two), and from one end to the other are amazing restaurants to try. A destination popular with many celebrities, it is not just “A-list gloss,” as that same source notes. In fact, on the “outskirts of San José del Cabo, a farm-to-table food scene has emerged…There’s also a burgeoning industry of artisanal food purveyors and drink makers in the area.”
Travelers find “trailblazing restaurants,” along with delicious street food options that emphasize regional favorites. And we are going to look at three of the top dining options in Los Cabos at this time.
Sunset Monalisa
An authentic destination on its own, this award-winning restaurant has some of the most spectacular views in the entire region. Sitting as it does just above the sea and living up to its name by offering unimpeded sea views, it is a TripAdvisor, Tribune the Express, and CNN travel recognized establishment.
Popular as a wedding and special events venue, it is the most sought out eatery in Los Cabos. So, reservations are a must. It sits right at the end of the Baja Peninsula and gazes out at the famous Arch at Lands End. It is home to three venues and three unique menus, though all emphasize a unique spin on Mediterranean cuisine.
Chef Casiano Reyes has described it as “novel Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood,” and visitors and choose from:
· Sunset MonaLisa – The fine-dining venue with open-air dining that takes in the amazing views.
· Ocean Terrace by Veuve Clicquot – This is a more casual spot that also features al fresco dining and amazing views
· Sunset Point – This is the most casual option with lunch and dinner menus, tapas, pizza, cocktails and 180-degree views of the bay
The Sunset MonaLisa menu features a popular “Spontaneous Tasting Menu,” which can include three or five courses and which uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared to perfection by the chef. Alternately, there is the house specialty Duck Leg Confit, popular Trio of Oysters, and the different house-made pasta that are “must try” favorites.
Whether you go for a casual lunch at Ocean Terrace or the full experience at Sunset MonaLisa, you are sure to book a return as soon as possible.
Mama’s Royal Cafe
According to local experts, Mama’s Royal Café is “the oldest ‘gringo’ restaurant in downtown Cabo San Lucas,” and has been a local fixture for the past 30 years. It specializes in immense breakfasts, just like “mama used to make,” and offers a menu of over 40 different types of omelets.
Their menu also features their signature eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, and unique spin on French toast, which features “a rich mixture of ricotta and cream cheese, topped with fruit and pecans, flambeed in orange liqueur.”
Every patron is treated to their choice of freshly squeezed juice and flavors range from the classic orange to “grapefruit, mango, and papaya, or a Mimosa from the full bar.” Coffee is “bottomless” and there is seating for up to 40 inside and an additional 40 on the flower-covered patio. Open daily from 7:30 AM until 2 PM, and offering sandwiches and salads at the lunch hour, they are a must-try option as the restaurant is popular with locals and travelers alike.
Their most popular dishes include the King Kong omelet, their Texas Tornado, a chicken-filled crepe with poblano chiles and avocado, or their “Nopalitos con Huevos, scrambled eggs with fresh cactus and mild chiles , or any one of many more regional dishes.”
And while we are on the subject of “regional dishes”…
Quacamole and Tacos
What is more iconic in the world of Mexican food than the taco or a delicious bowl of tableside made guacamole or “quacamole”?
While in Los Cabos, it is fool-hardy to avoid an experience at some of the cheaper local favorites because it would mean missing out on some of the best tacos and quacamole you might ever find. According to an array of sources, the top local spots for authentic Mexican favorites, including top-rated tacos and guac are:
· La Lupita Taco and Mezcal – A local favorite noted for its barbacoa, al pastor, and its “Taste of Lupita, with sides of blue chips, pumpkin seed and tomato dip, guacamole and fresh lime.”
· Las Cazuelas del Don – Noted for its tortilla soup, it is also a popular spot for salsa and guacamole.
· Los Claros – Famous for fish tacos.
· Guacamaya’s – Noted for its pork tacos.
· Taqueria Rossy – Famous for all of its different tacos.
· Las Guacamayas – This is noted for offering the very best guacamole in Los Cabos.
· The Office on the Beach – A famous and popular destination for Mexican classics, but especially its quacamole and tacos.
Fine dining options are in great abundance in Los Cabos, too, and you can always find plenty of unique, gourmet spins on tacos and guacamole. Some of the most highly rated establishments at this time include Pitahayas for its cellars and romantic meals, Los Tres Gallos for its casual atmosphere and its mole dishes, Nick San for its unique sushi made with Mexican ingredients, El Farallon for its amazing setting and its local seafood, and the modern Manta at the Thompson Hotel with its Pacific Rim cuisine and multi-course meals.
There is much to see, do, and eat in Los Cabos, and the options here are just a tiny assortment of the culinary delights that await.