Besides enjoying its beautiful beaches, one of the best things about visiting Cabo San Lucas is trying its delicious food. Mexican cuisine is famous all over the world because of its ingredients and unique taste, so during your stay in Los Cabos don’t just settle for the buffet at the hotel, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the local restaurants and try all classic Mexican dishes plus Cabo San Lucas’ traditional and completely delicious seafood dishes.
In La Isla Tour we want you to have the most amazing experience in Cabo San Lucas, so we made a list of Mexican food dishes you must try and the best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas Marina you should visit for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Mexican cuisine in Cabo San Lucas
Everybody knows the classic dishes served in Mexican restaurants, like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but Mexican food is so much more than just that.
Every region has its own traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients served directly from farm to table, or in this case, from sea to table. Because of this, even the same dish can be somehow different if it is made in Mexico City, Cabo, or any other region of the country.
Cabo San Lucas is located in the south of the Baja California Peninsula (Baja California Sur), precisely at the geographic point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This basically means that Cabo San Lucas is a paradise for seafood lovers, so get ready to eat the most delicious seafood dishes.
These are some of the most popular dishes of Los Cabos that you should definitely try during your vacation.
Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are the signature dish of Cabo San Lucas, so going to eat tacos is something you can’t miss during your vacation.
These tacos are made with fried fish on a warm flour tortilla. Other fillings are also added and these can vary depending on the restaurant or the cook; usually, fish tacos also have other local ingredients such as salsa, lime, vegetables, and spices.
Shrimp Tacos
Along with the fish tacos, shrimp tacos are the main actors of the culinary scene of Cabo San Lucas.
For these we keep the warm flour tortilla but this time we fill it with jumbo shrimp, pico de Gallo, lime, onions, and other local vegetables. Shrimp tacos can also be made with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Seafood soup
Seafood soup is a popular dish in restaurants in Cabo San Lucas. While this isn’t necessarily a traditional Mexican cuisine dish you will definitely feel that Mexican touch that gives it a unique taste.
This soup is made with fresh seafood, including shrimp, crab, octopus, lobster, and fresh fish. The broth also includes tomatoes, onions, chiles and more. In some cases it can have a topping of manchego cheese, but always a corn tortilla on the side.
Chocolate clams
Don’t be confused by the name, this is not a dessert. These are a type of Mexican clams that receive their name because of the shiny brown color of their shell.
The clams are roasted and the meat is seasoned with lemon and other spices. These are great appetizers or an entry.
Smoked or fried fish
A fresh catch accompanied by vegetables, tortillas, and cheese is a classic dinner that everyone likes. Some of the local fish that can be caught in Cabo San Lucas are red snapper, sea bass, yellowfin tuna, and merlin. The fish can be prepared smoked or fried and it’s seasoned with fresh herbs.
If you want to try more than one fish, we recommend you order a mixed grill selection if available. This not only includes all the fish mentioned before but also grilled octopus, lobster, and jumbo shrimp.
Pork or chicken tamales
Tamales, also known as fajados are one of the traditional dishes of the Mexican state of Baja California and a great option if you are looking for a fish or seafood-free meal.
These are made with pork or chicken in corn dough, very well seasoned, and wrapped in corn husk.
Traditional Mexican fare dishes you must try
In Cabo San Lucas you will also find a lot of restaurants that serve many traditional Mexican fare dishes that you need to try if you want to have a complete Mexican cuisine experience.
As these dishes are originally from other regions of Mexico, most of them don’t include fish or seafood; instead, they are made with meat or chicken, and other Mexican ingredients like corn, chiles, peppers, different types of alsa and so much more.
These are some classic Mexican dishes that you can try during your vacation in Cabo San Lucas
Tacos al pastor
If we talk about traditional Mexican cuisine we need to start with the famous tacos al pastor, or shepherd-style in English. These tacos are a very well-known street food but you can also find them in restaurants.
The tacos are made with corn tortillas and pork meat. What makes them special is that the meat is cooked in a very particular way called Trompo in which the meat is stacked and slow-cooked very much like a shawarma. Al pastor are also served with fresh herbs and onions.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are one of those Mexican classics that you can’t miss, and you definitely will find them in all the best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas.
To make this dish, a tortilla is dipped in a special sauce made of chile and then filled with beef or fish, a lot of cheese, onions, beans, and more. The tortilla is then rolled, grilled, and topped with more cheese. This dish is a little spicy, but you won’t regret trying it.
Mole enchiladas
Mole is the name of some traditional Mexican sauces made with around 20 ingredients, including various types of chile, and spices such as pepper, cumin, clove, cinnamon, tomatoes, garlic, dried fruit, chocolate, and so much more. The result is a completely unique sauce with an incredible flavor.
Mole can be the main dish, accompanied by rice or tortillas, or can be added to other recipes like enchiladas. Mole enchiladas are also known as enmoladas and are a great way to try mole during your trip to Cabo San Lucas.
Stuffed green peppers
If you want to try something a little bit different, stuffed bell peppers are a great choice. The name says it all, These are baked green or red bell peppers that can have various fillings. The stuffing often includes a protein like chicken, beef, pork, or even turkey, rice, beans, corn, salsa, and a lot of cheese.
After baking, you get a delicious meal that feels homemade even if it is made in a fancy restaurant. You can find vegetarian and vegan versions of this dish.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a simple but very tasty dish that you can find in all regions of Mexico and in most Mexican restaurants all over the world.
A Quesadilla can be as simple as a flour tortilla filled with cheese that is grilled so the cheese melts. However, Quesadillas are often filled with other ingredients like shredded meats, chicken or beans, and different vegetables.
Quesadillas can be completely vegetarian, so if you are looking for a vegetarian option, this is a great choice. It is also possible to find vegan quesadillas that don’t include cheese, these have become a trend that started in Mexico City.
Carnitas
The Spanish word literally means “little meat” which by itself is a good explanation of this dish. Carnitas are made of pork meat that is slow-cooked until tender so it can be easily shredded. Then it is cooked at full heat so it gets crispy and delicious. This dish is accompanied by flour tortillas, salsa, guacamole, avocado, some vegetables, and more.
Caesar salad
Something that you probably didn’t know is that the famous Caesar salad was created in Mexico, specifically in Tijuana, by an Italian immigrant in the 20s.
It became extremely popular among Californian tourists and now is one of the world’s most popular salads. You can find the best Caesar salads in Cabo San Lucas.
Enjoy the best Mexican food on a private catamaran
There’s just one thing that could make all these Mexican dishes better and it is to enjoy them while sailing through Cabo San Lucas Bay and the Pacific Ocean in a private catamaran. Can you imagine having a romantic dinner in the sea during the sunset or enjoying a delicious meal with all your friends and family in front of The Arch?
In La Isla Tour we want you to live this experience, which is why we offer you different options so you can have a great lunch or dinner aboard.
In all our sailing tours we include a snack of nachos and chips with guacamole and salsa along with water and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy at any time.
If you want to have lunch or dinner, there’s the possibility of including a complete buffet for all the passengers, which is great if you are having a party or any type of celebration or having a private chef aboard.
For drinks, it is also possible to have a bartender to have cocktails during the whole trip. When booking your sailing tour with us, ask our staff about the availability and our various food and drink services.
Best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Cabo San Lucas that you definitely should visit to try all the dishes mentioned before and so much more.
Cabo has something for everybody, so other than Mexican restaurants you will also find great Italian restaurants, Japanese cuisine, pizza places, and so much more to have an unforgettable dining experience every day.
Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas to eat the best Mexican food
Tacos Gardenias
Tacos Gardenias is a popular restaurant in downtown Cabo San Lucas where you can eat real Mexican cuisine. The food here is incredibly tasty and the prices are affordable. Their menu is very diverse, you can eat fish or beef tacos, enchiladas, pozole, fresh seafood and so much more. Tacos Gardenias is an unmissable spot to have the complete experience of Cabo San Lucas, its beautiful setting, and colorful decor will make you feel the Mexican spirit just by walking in.
Edith’s
Another option to try the traditional Mexican cuisine in Cabo San Lucas is Edith’s. This beautiful restaurant is located in Médano Beach and is a favorite for locals and tourists. They serve all of Cabo’s traditional dishes that were mentioned above. On their menu, you will find seafood soup, smoked red snapper, fish tacos, and more. This place is great for enjoying some margaritas in front of the ocean. Before you go, don’t miss the chance to order something from their dessert menu like their delicious flan.
Manta
Manta is a restaurant located at the Thompson Hotel that offers a variety of plates created by the head Chef and owner Enrique Olvera that are a Mexican and Peruvian flavors fusion. On their menu, you will find a divine selection of dishes with fish, seafood, and Mexican cuisine ingredients. One of the tourists’ favorites is the sea bass with mole.
But the food isn’t the only good thing at Manta, the restaurant has a fantastic location just in front of the beach. As this is a high-category restaurant, it is necessary to make reservations with time.
Los Tres Gallos
Los Tres Gallos is another great place to visit if you want to eat some classic Mexican dishes in Cabo San Lucas. Here you will find all the delicious and traditional dishes of Mexican cuisine like, pozole, cochinita pibil, and more, plus some amazing desserts that will make you ask for more.
This place has a good location near Médano Beach, offers a beautiful setting outdoors, has a bar to drink cocktails or beer, and its prices are also quite cheap, so it is definitely a great restaurant for diners.
La Lupita
La Lupita is one of the trendiest and most popular restaurants in Land’s End Cabo San Lucas. They serve traditional Mexican food with a modern twist and it is also a great place to have fun at night with friends. Here you will find a lively atmosphere in front of the beach with live music or a DJ so you can have a late dining or just stay enjoying the music and drinking margaritas.
The Office
If you say that you were busy at the office during your trip to Cabo San Lucas, technically you wouldn’t be lying. The Office is one of the best restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, it is located on the beach, so you will be sitting with your feet on the sand while you indulge in the best local dishes.
Here you will find a fantastic menu with a variety of dishes including seafood, grilled octopus, grilled fish, ceviche, fish tacos, and many cocktails and drinks. Order some tequilas or margaritas and relax.
El Farallon
El Farallon is one of the fanciest restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, so it is fantastic for an intimate dining experience. This restaurant is located at the luxury Waldorf Astoria resort and they are famous for their ocean-to-table menu created by some of Mexico’s best chefs. Here you can enjoy the best lobster in town, fresh seafood, and drink a good wine with your food. The service at El Farallon is unbeatable and the atmosphere is exquisite.
Paradero Restaurant
This restaurant on the Paradero Todos Santos resort is a popular spot for visitors and locals because of its Japanese-Chinese-Mexican fusion dishes. The Mexican dishes combined with Asian flavors are completely marvelous and worth trying. This restaurant in Cabo San Lucas is open to visitors and if you happen to be staying at the resort you will also be able to enjoy an amazing breakfast that includes omelets with fresh vegetables, french toast with a side of homemade ice cream, and more.
Flora Farms
Flora Farms or Flora’s Field Kitchen is an authentic farm-to-table restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. Here you will find many options for lunch and dinner that are made with natural and sustainable ingredients. Their wood-fired pizzas are delicious and they have various vegetarian options.
Something interesting about this place is that all the meat they use is from animals that were raised humanely. The portions at Flora Farms are big, so it’s a good place to go with family or friends and share.
Sunset Monalisa
If you want good food and a beautiful view, Sunset Monalisa will be a terrific option. This is a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant with a full ocean view, a lively atmosphere, and reasonable prices, the perfect combination. You can’t miss their lobster risotto which is a guests’ favorite among their many dining options.
Enjoy the whole culinary scene of Cabo San Lucas
If you are in the mood for non-Mexican dishes, there are also many restaurants in Cabo San Lucas where you can find a lot of amazing things to eat. We invite you to explore Cabo’s city center during your stay to discover all its great places to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon coffee with dessert and so much more.
Noah – Japanese food
If you are looking for Japanese food, this is a fantastic place to go. Noah has the best sushi and sashimi in town. This restaurant has a wide range of Japanese dishes combined with Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients from Cabo San Lucas.
Jazamango
The variety of flavors and dining options that you will find in Jazamango is incomparable. All the dishes on its menu are made with locally sourced ingredients fused with flavors from all over the world. Some of the options are pasta, barbeque, many desserts, and cocktails with fresh fruit, tequila, or mezcal. On Sundays, they have special menus that you can’t miss.
Seared
If you are looking for a steakhouse, this one will give you an unforgettable dining experience. This elegant restaurant offers an exquisite menu of traditional-style steak including wagyu, rib eye, and Kobe. Visit Seared for a fancy diner, and don’t forget to take a look at the dessert menu.
Coffee Lab
Coffee Lab is the place for a good coffee and a great time. In this coffee shop, you can find coffee, drinks, breakfast, and snacks, along with entertainment proposals like live music, movie nights, art galleries, and more.
Romeo & Julieta
Romeo & Julieta is one of many Italian restaurants in Cabo San Lucas Marina. Here you can find many different and delicious types of pasta, pizza, Caesar salad made tableside, lasagna, lobster risotto, ravioli topped with olive oil, and a variety of Italian desserts.
