A foodie’s guide to Los Cabos — Mexico’s next big culinary destination
Situated on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is known for several things: glistening, sandy beaches, showboating sealife, luxurious resorts and — let’s be honest — Americans on tour. Unlike the rest of the country, what it’s not known for, however, is its culinary prowess — which, if you ask me, is set to change.
Thanks to a growing number of standout cafes, bars and eateries, Los Cabos is becoming a foodie destination in its own right. So, if you want to catch glorious rays and watch walloping whales, all while refining and satiating your palette, this is just the way to do it.
Due to the nature of the beast, fare at fuss-free, all-inclusive resorts can often be disappointing — no matter how luxurious the spot promises to be. Not at sister hotels Pueblo Bonito Pacifico and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, though. Set within mere moments of one another in the Quivira Los Cabos area, the two polished, sun-soaked resorts offer delight in every bite.
Sister hotels Pueblo Bonito Pacifico and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach are set in the Quivira area
Pueblo Bonito Pacifico
The former, a serene, romantic, adults-only retreat nestled on a secluded beach at the base of the hills is perfect for feeling the sand between your toes when hopping onto a linen-draped cabana, or enjoying a late night cocktail by the fire pit. Meanwhile, the more family-friendly Sunset Beach boasts extra vibes and panoramic views of the coastline from every angle.
Between December and April, both resorts are in prime position for whale watching, and are host to excellent eateries at all times – from the homely, eccentric embrace of refined Mexican haven, LaFrida, to fresh, Asian-inspired fare at the contemporary Zao Shen Asian Kitchen. While the cornucopia that is The Market offers well-honed, expertly crafted cuisines for every craving, including Italian, casual Mexican and indulgent diner classics.
As tempting as it is to sling back margaritas and totopos by the pool from dusk until who knows when, venturing around the region to experience its breadth of culinary offerings is a must.
La Confianza by Julyanna Ortega
Founded by the force behind renowned bakery, Taller 17 (which yes, is just around the corner, and yes, deserves a visit, too), Julyanna Ortega, this warm, laidback hobbit hole in downtown Todos Santos is an excellent spot for a slow, relaxed coffee and pastry, or a long, winding evening fuelled by natural wine, agave-forward cocktails and quirky Mexican small plates. Keep an eye out for pop-ups with some of the country’s most promising culinary talent here, too.
Av. Legaspy, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico. instagram.com
Los Tamarindos by Enrique Silva
Los Tamarindos
A vast organic farm and restaurant with rooms situated five minutes from San Jose Del Cabo, Los Tamarindos is the place to go for a tranquil, wholesome, wholly delicious dining experience. Led by chef Enrique Silva, the picturesque farm-to-table restaurant predominantly celebrates the flavours and iconic dishes of coastal Mexico, with the odd Mediterranean or broadly ‘Asian’ influence thrown in from time to time. Sunset is the optimum time to dine, though the destination’s accessible and thoroughly enjoyable cooking classes utilising produce plucked from fields only yards away is perhaps even more fulfilling considering you get to eat the fruits of your labour, too.
C. de Las Animas s/n, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S. lostamarindos.mx
Nicksan by Angel Carbajal
The vast coastline enveloping the Los Cabos area boasts a delicious variety of seafood, making sushi a must. Enter: Chef Angel Carbajal’s Nicksan in downtown Cabo San Lucas, a thirty year old institution beloved by locals and visitors alike. A bustling, wood-clad dining room serving big vibes, the menu offers expertly executed Japanese classics, many of which are infused with Mexican influences. My recommendation? Order everything from the signature menu and two of the addictive tuna, avocado and habanero-infused red onion tostadas. You won’t regret it.
Blvd. Marina Lote 10 Local 2, Plaza de la Danza, Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. nicksan.com
Semillón by Javier Plascencia
Semillon
Set within the lush Puerto Raíz sanctuary in downtown Cabo San Lucas, Semillón is perhaps the most romantic restaurant in all of Los Cabos. The brainchild of Michelin starred chef, Javier Plascencia (whose other restaurants include Animalon, Erizon, Finca Altozano and Jazamango), the secluded, produce-forward restaurant serves fine-tuned Mexican flavours fused with global inspiration outside amongst beautifully lit foliage. Expect a mix of well-loved classics such as a fried soft shell crab and lamb barbacoa tacos sitting alongside beef tartare-topped oysters and bass, carrot and coconut curry. Looking for a way to shift a Margarita-induced hangover? Opt for the restaurant’s indulgent brunch, soundtracked by live, local music.
Lote 100 Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico. puertoraiz.com
After receiving the nod from Mexico’s first ever Michelin awards this year, you’d think Alex Branch would be satisfied. Not quite. Instead, he and his refined yet accessible Mediterranean inspired restaurant are on the move. Where? We’re not quite sure yet, but when he finds Nao its new home, be sure to place it at the top of your ‘to visit’ list. Promising fresh yet indulgent flavours and a hyper-creative, out-of-this world cocktail list, we’re sure it’ll remain an excellent spot for a sultry supper. Here’s hoping the roasted beetroot served with pomegranate molasses returns to the menu…
Transpeninsular Km. 24., San José del Cabo, 23400. instagram.com
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Los Cabos
Seeking something to distract you from your next foodie fix? You’re in luck, because the people of Los Cabos know how to do organised fun. Between December and April, a whale watching excursion with Cabo Adventures is a must, during which sailors glide up close up of the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas and will likely catch more than a glimpse of the aforementioned mammals teaching their babies to breach.
Daredevils can explore the region’s lush landscape via the Cabo Adventures zip lines or RTV experiences. And those looking to keep their feet on firm ground can explore the crooks and crannies of Todos Santos, replete with shops and shacks selling local craftworks steeped in lore, religion and tradition.
