EXQUISITE

Dining & Nightlife

CULINARY

GEMS

From fresh-caught seafood to farm-to-table feasts, Los Cabos offers a dining scene as vibrant as its sunsets

Over the past few decades, Los Cabos has solidified its status as a must-visit destination, celebrated for its world-class hotels, breathtaking scenery, and endless sunshine. Adding further to its allure, the region’s innovative culinary scene has become a significant draw in its own right for travelers from around the globe. Though rooted in Mexico, the dining options in Los Cabos are decidedly international, with restaurants as diverse and abundant as the marine life in the Sea of Cortés.

GLOBAL FLAVORS

Over the years, Los Cabos’ culinary experiences have flourished to include a plethora of global cuisines, spanning from European to Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Middle Eastern, and, of course, Mexican. Set on the marina waterfront in Cabo San Lucas, Alexander Restaurant features gourmet European cuisine with an inspiring view. Chef and Owner Alex Brulhart’s menu includes fresh locally caught fish, succulent lobster, shrimp, duck, chicken, lamb, choice aged beef, and pasta as well as specialties like hang beef and fondue. His culinary creations include Swiss, French, and tropical influences. Here, guests can also enjoy a variety of appetizers or entrees flambéed tableside.

Captain Tony’s aims to please every palate with an extensive menu that has you covered any time of day — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Captain Tony’s offers a little bit of everything, including casual dining with sensational views of the marina and mega yacht row. The traditional palapa roof is an institution at its prime spot on the Los Cabos marina. Its “you hook it, we cook it” policy is still in place, encouraging anglers to bring in their fish and have it prepared to their liking.

Vibrant Cuisine is one of the best new restaurants on the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Created by Alexander Restaurant Owner Alex Brulhart, Vibrant Cuisine features a variety of local and international European and French dishes coupled with your favorite wine.

The menu includes soups, salads, pasta, steaks, fish and seafood, gluten-free and vegan options, and desserts. A few mouthwatering starters include wong tong, grilled octopus, Camembert cheese, fried calamari, fresh oysters, and portobello pita bread. Vibrant Cuisine is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and given its strategic location on the marina, reservations are highly recommended.

Casa Martín, a hidden gem in Cabo San Lucas, highlights Mexican cuisine. The ambience alone will set the tone for the exquisite meal you’ll experience. Offering indoor and outdoor dining, a few of Chef Roger Martín’s gourmet creations include the catch of the day, linguine habanero with shrimp, and seafood chili relleno. Don’t miss the volcano cake or banana chimichanga for dessert. Casa Martín also has a San José del Cabo location on Calle Miguel Hidalgo in the Plaza Chávez.

While its name translates to “Secret Garden,” Jardín Secreto Cabo is not the best-kept secret any longer. After opening its door five years ago, this urban garden restaurant in San José del Cabo’s art district has since been designated as Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2024. This upscale and inviting restaurant features unique dishes like octopus carpaccio, beef carpaccio, and white snapper with mild curry cream sauce and mushrooms.

On the cocktail menu, you can find enticing drinks like the Bacon Old Fashioned or the salmon drink featuring gin, Campari, and red grapefruit juice. Jardín Secreto is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features outdoor seating and live music nightly.

Nestled close to the Pacific Ocean, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos offers a variety of dining options. Enjoy Nobu’s signature dishes such as rock shrimp tempura, miso black cod, and yellowtail sashimi with thinly sliced jalapeño peppers. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa continues to bring the latest trends in Japanese-fusion cuisine to life with an extensive menu of inventive dishes and bold cocktails. If you suddenly find yourself thirsty, you can also find six bars at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, including a swim-up bar.

Nobu’s Ardea Steakhouse is a trendy outpost offering a laidback, relaxed atmosphere set apart by its exceptional menu and attention to flavor. Must-have items on the menu include a variety of fire-cooked meats, a selection of cheeses, artisanal sausages, handmade pasta, and pizza cooked in a traditional clay oven — all inspired by the chef’s roots and local ingredients.

Set along the East Cape 45 minutes north of the San José del Cabo International Airport sits the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. An upscale dining experience, the Casa de Brasa restaurant offers visitors the opportunity to taste the rich heritage and fresh flavors of Mexico. During the day, Chef Maritza serves homestyle favorites in a relaxed poolside setting; but in the evening, the dinner menu elevates tradition with innovative preparations that will take you on an epicurean journey through Mexico’s unique landscape. The mouthwatering main courses include the rib eye and molcajete shrimp, Loreto chocolate clams, Cabo Del Este chicken enchiladas, or the Casa de Brasa catch of the day, to name a few.

Not to be missed is the exquisite Cayao Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol. Cayao by Richard Sandoval creates culinary harmony with Nikkei cuisine, melding together the flavors of Japan and Peru. Experience the favorites of Baja Mexican cuisine elevated by world-renowned Chef Sandoval in collaboration with Executive Chef Miguel Baltazar.

You’ll find this oceanfront bar and lounge just steps from the sea and sand, where you can also savor the energetic beach club vibes.

At The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, you’ll find the exquisite restaurant Manta. Designed by JSa Arquitectura and Enrique Olvera, Manta offers one of the most desirable and secluded playas in Los Cabos. As The Cape’s culinary centerpiece, Manta celebrates Pacific Coast locations and their cultures, taking inspiration from Mexico, Peru, Japan, and beyond. Chef de Cuisine Abisai Sanchez’s commitment is to source local and sustainable ingredients from Baja while maintaining a casual spirit.

MEXICAN FARE

While there are many spectacular restaurants throughout Los Cabos, there are several that specialize in tantalizing Mexican fare. Don Manuel’s at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is one such restaurant that features seasonal hacienda-style fine dining. The food is so scrumptious, the staff encourages guests to embrace the Mexican way of dining by ordering family style and sharing the dishes as a table.

Also located at the Waldorf Astoria is El Farallon, which offers cliffside dining at the edge of the ocean. This location is truly one of the most incredible spots to dine and watch the setting sun, all while enjoying the ocean-to-table menu featuring the daily bounty from local fishermen. After dinner, step over to the Champagne Terrace and explore the curated collection of 20 unique and ever-changing champagnes. Though the champagne lineup changes regularly, the beautiful sunset remains a constant.

While at the Waldorf, visitors can also explore the newest offering — the open-air Agave Study at Peacock Alley. Rooted in ancient tradition, the Agave Study at Peacock Alley generously shares Mexico’s cultural wealth through its artful experience and thorough exploration of agave spirits, ranging from tequila in Jalisco to mezcal in Oaxaca and every plant in the lands between. The Agave Study fully immerses you in curated tastings paired with local delicacies in a sleek, elevated setting.

Viva Restaurant at the Cabo San Lucas Country Club invites golfers and non-golfers alike to enjoy a meal under the stars. Featuring a variety of menu items and authentic Mexican dishes, Viva Restaurant includes a wonderful atmosphere free of charge. While dining and sipping a favorite beverage, customers can listen to live music and take in the nighttime driving range activities as family and friends practice their game under the lights.

THE MARINA GOLDEN ZONE

Recently, a handful of restaurants spread throughout the marina have banded together under the “Golden Zone” title: Baja Lobster Company, Jack’s Steakhouse, Presto Italian Restaurant, Los Deseos Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Golden Legend Sports Bar, and the Sandwich Factory. Visitors can purchase a Golden Lover’s passport and enjoy savings when visiting the different restaurants at the Golden Zone.

With a specialty in serving live lobster and fresh seafood along with local products, Baja Lobster has raised the bar for culinary excellence and fine dining in Los Cabos. Guests can select mouthwatering dishes like red snapper, lobster bisque, shrimp tartar, yellowfin tuna, or catch of the day. Enjoy your meal on either the marina deck or the air-conditioned lounge while taking in the incredible setting sun as it dips behind El Arco.

You don’t have to be a pirate to enjoy dining at Jack’s Steakhouse! With a pirate theme featured throughout the restaurant, Jack’s delivers what steak lovers expect: mouthwatering rib eyes, filet mignon, porterhouse prime, or Jack’s surf and turf with lobster. The rack of lamb is another enticing entree, and if you’re visiting for lunch, try the rib eye wrap! Margaritas are a specialty at Jack’s Steakhouse that will harmoniously accompany anything on the menu.

Los Deseos (The Desires) is a Mexican restaurant and bar nestled on the marina as well. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Los Deseos features authentic meals like chilaquiles, various seafood, chimichangas, mole, and mango salad, to name a few The Italian restaurant Presto features unique Italian dishes and flavors that emphasize its originality. With offerings ranging from margherita pizzas to lobster lasagna all paired with a glass of wine, Presto brings the flavors of Italy to your table.

Its name says it all: The Golden Legends Sports Bar in Cabo San Lucas is your quintessential sports bar. This is where sports fans the world over come to get energized. Whether you’re a sports fan looking for a place to watch your favorite game or simply wanting to grab a cold beer and connect with friends, this is the place to stop. Open for lunch and dinner, Golden Legends features burgers, wings, salads, and more.

The Sandwich Factory offers a delicious alternative to a sit-down meal. Here, visitors can grab a freshly prepared sandwich and stroll along the boardwalk; and there’s also a great selection of ice creams, smoothies, and milkshakes to end your meal on a sweet note.

DELICIOUS DELIGHTS

Featuring three quality restaurants serving the Los Cabos region, Grupo La Lupita strives to offer nothing but the best. The first location, La Lupita Taco & Mezcal, offers delectable fare situated in a cozy atmosphere. Set in San José del Cabo’s swank art district, La Lupita offers great tacos during the day and even tastier ones at night. As soon as the sun sets, the band comes alive at this rustic-chic restaurant. The simple taco-focused menu, filled with fish, al pastor, and more, is usually accompanied with a local craft beer or a shot of artisanal mezcal. Regardless of the hour, reservations are highly suggested.

The second La Lupita restaurant blesses the shores of Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Its popularity has only grown with time, not only for the quality of the food but for the picturesque setting as well. La Lupita Médano Beach is a favorite of many for its quality location and endless possibilities for private events and catering.

The 7 Seas Seafood Grille, located in the Cabo Surf Hotel, offers eclectic seafood with Mexican influences. Executive Chef Alejandro Rodriguez Ponce strives to use fresh organic produce from the region, incorporating healthy and high-quality ingredients throughout the menu. With an emphasis on food from the sea, guests can expect menu items like fresh grouper, red snapper, tuna, shrimp, lobster, scallops, mussels, oysters, baby squid, and blue crab. The restaurant also offers front-row seats for watching surfers ply the Sea of Cortés’ crashing waves year-round.

Since its opening in 1986, Romeo & Julieta Ristorante has been a beloved institution in Los Cabos. Nestled in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, it seamlessly combines the elegance of Italian tradition with the warmth of rustic Mexican charm. Offering valet parking and a romantic, inviting ambience, each and every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure your comfort. Romeo & Julieta Ristorante is more than a restaurant — it’s a culinary haven where flavors enchant the senses and intimate moments bring hearts together.

Perched on a hill with breathtaking Pacific views, Pícaro seamlessly blends fine dining with an extraordinary natural setting. Its wood-fired grill and oven set it apart, creating a unique culinary experience. With attentive service and mouthwatering cuisine, every visit to Pícaro is a feast for the senses where time seems to pause and memories become unforgettable.

Located just one block from the Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cafetería Fiore combines Nordic and Japandi design to create a warm yet sophisticated ambience. Indulge in a menu of intense and unique flavors, complemented by freshly ground coffee, warm bread straight from the oven, and a variety of refreshing beverages. Perfect for families, this inviting café feels like a home away from home where each and every detail is crafted to delight.

CABO AFTER DARK

In the heart of Cabo San Lucas, the Mango Deck on Médano Beach boasts an incredible view of both Lover’s Beach and El Arco. Open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Mango Deck is popular throughout the day; but things get kicked up a notch after sundown.

Live entertainment is part of what makes Mango Deck a favorite among both locals and visitors, and they have recently added nightly musical performances! The Mango Show orchestra performs on Sundays and RNB Ban plays on Mondays. Tuesdays are all about soft rock and ’80s favorites, while Wednesday and Thursday feature rock performances. Every Friday you can listen to ’80s and ’90s rock, and a violinist performs on Saturday nights.

Situated in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, The Wine Bar delivers a refined experience reminiscent of a London lounge or a classic Boston venue. A haven for wine enthusiasts, it offers an extensive selection of wines by the glass complemented by a thoughtfully curated menu featuring cheese boards, fondue, and other perfect pairings. The airy, well-maintained atmosphere is ideal for wine tastings and exploring a variety of spirits and craft beers. With its welcoming ambience and personalized service, The Wine Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying meaningful conversations and memorable evenings.

DINNER AND DRINKS WITH A VIEW

The vibrant nightlife of this Mexican paradise beckons like a lively mariachi band. After a day of exploring, embrace the magic of Los Cabos after dark, where a new world of excitement emerges under the cover of night.

The Rooftop at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, comes alive when the sun goes down. The rooftop al fresco sky garden offers sweeping views of El Arco and the twinkling lights of Cabo San Lucas. The Rooftop at The Cape features open-air bars, sunken communal seating, a fire pit, and serene water views. Here, expert mixologists create specially handcrafted cocktails and serve up artisanal local beers from around the region.

Try The Cape, a mixture of basil- and mintinfused mezcal, pineapple, grapefruit juice, and angostura bitters; a Sunset Spritz, made with prosecco, Aperol, St-Germain, and orange; or an Herbal Espresso Martini, combining espresso, Tito’s, Nixta, and bitters. Appetizers include popcorn shrimp or an heirloom tomato salad, and while there are several delicious main courses, The Rooftop double cheeseburger is always a big hit.

Rooftop 360 at Corazón Cabo Resort is officially the highest terrace in town, making this the perfect spot to sit back, wine and dine, and enjoy the best view in Cabo San Lucas. Standing at nine stories high, the bar is flanked by sparkling infinity pools, while the twinkle-lit ambience and handcrafted pergolas make for a chic fairy tale on high.

Whether you want to lounge without lifting a finger or are looking for refreshing drinks and good vibes, Corazón Beach Club has you covered. Amenities include a swimmable beach, private cabanas, a full-service bar and restaurant, and a resident DJ.

Set on Médano Beach in Los Cabos, Club Cascadas de Baja offers stunning views of El Arco. Treat yourself to the unforgettable luxury of dining on gourmet cuisine while overlooking the breathtaking view or dining by romantic candlelight under a blanket of stars. Club Cascadas de Baja also features a host of on-site activities for all ages, such as tennis and a fitness center; and guests can also choose to relax and be pampered at the Cascadas Beauty Salon & Spa.

CULINARY FESTIVALS

The world is once again welcomed to partake in the Festival Sabores de Sudcalifornia (Southern California Flavors) on March 9, 2025, in Miraflores, a beautiful small town located about 45 miles north of San José del Cabo.

The eighth annual Southern California Flavors Festival offers visitors an opportunity to discover the best of the region’s gastronomy at Doña Pame Restaurant in Villa del Carmen in Miraflores. This organic food event preserves the authentic flavors of the southern Baja region while promoting its gastronomy, products, and traditions. Local music and typical regional folklore will also be an exciting part of the festival.

One of the premier gastronomical events along the Baja peninsula is the aptly named Gastrovino — a boisterous gathering of culinary cuisine and drinks destined to be a lifetime highlight for anyone attending.

The 2024 Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival took place from November 29–December 1, in the artsy town of Todos Santos. Visit gastrovino.mx.gastrovino.mx for 2025 event dates.