Background music is romantic, and note the word “background.” For music to be romantic, it must be almost too soft to hear. By such definition, elevator music may fit the category, but it’s positively not romantic. Thankfully, elevators are less common and restaurants more plentiful here in Los Cabos.
You special evening will be made even more memorable when that romantic music tugs at your heart.
El Galeón Restaurant is probably one of the most romantic settings to hear the marvelous maestro pianist, Ronald Valentino, who has been wooing diners for many years with his Gershwin-style repertoire. The piano bar at Casa Rafael’s is just the place when in the mood for some romantic music, with the smooth sounds of Juan Carlos Maradiaga tickling the ivories. Pitahayas at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar has an incredible Latin jazz duo called Alebrije, who serenade diners with their string and wind instruments, playing both captivating renditions of classic tunes and beautiful original compositions. Their alluring sound wafts through the night air, enhancing the already amazing ambiance. The lyrics of troubadour Jaime Martinez have created the mood at the beachside Villa Serena Restaurant. Its sister restaurant (owned by the same restaurateur), Puerta Vieja, has soft piano music most evenings.
Most wandering Mariachi groups are very talented with a menu of tunes you can hear most anywhere as they move from location to location, table to table, morning, noon and night. Those who dress in the charro outfits look very handsome, indeed. The larger groups with trumpets can be most enjoyable, especially when they know how to play “El Niño Perdido” (The Lost Boy). If you haven’t heard this intriguing melody, be sure to request it when you’re invited to select a song. Romantic evening diners mostly prefer to hear the Mariachis play from a distance, as opposed to right in front of their table, but it’s their choice. If romancers don’t want to be interrupted, all they have to do is decline when approached at their table. La Roca Restaurant at the Solmar Resort is the perfect spot for both romance and to enjoy Los Marlin’s classic Mariachi music. Anywhere in Los Cabos, the soft harmonic ballads of Mariachi beguile you with a sound for which Mexico is legendary.
One of the best places to experience a romantic sunset or moonrise is at the Sunset Grill rooftop restaurant at Cabo Villas, overlooking Médano Beach. Listen to Leyenda, the group that plays on Monday nights, as they entertain with a touch of Peruvian, folkloric and Santana selections. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, the soothing sounds of Arturo’s saxophone drift from Los Corsarios along the Golden Zone on the marina near Puerto Paraiso. Saxophone music and candlelight inspire romance, even in the most pragmatic.
The Chef’s Table in San Jose del Cabo piped in music is well chosen and eclectic. The unobtrusive sounds are a perfect accompaniment to the ambience of the various dining rooms and areas of this gorgeous spacious new restaurant. The elegant Sunset da Mona Lisa has romantic recorded music on weekday evenings and a live musical group called Sexto Sentido on the weekends. This group plays everything from romantic ballads, made famous by singing stars in Latin America like Luis Miguel and Julio Iglesias, to salsa and samba hits. For the savory sound of Italian opera and joyful music, dine at the new Venetian-style Casanova Ristorante in Cabo San Lucas. A live soft jazz group performs there on Thursdays. The melodies of the trio at Los Garcia in Puerto Paraiso are intoxicating and powerful, while the romantic jazz music around the corner at Amarone is a must on Friday evenings to hear the talented Daline Jones.
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant has piped in Mexican music, primarily romantic ballads, many composed by the talented Conchita Bulnes, wife of the restaurant owner. The Cuban group at the Tropicana in San Jose del Cabo has been drawing crowds to hear their great voices and to sway to their sexy Cuban beat, but be sure to check the new show schedules to know when the soft romantic music gives way to a lively Cuban review. La Voilá, also in San Jose, has a pleasant variety of music, from ideal French instrumentals to soft opera that go perfectly with the restaurant’s courtyard location. If you don’t catch Sexto Sentido at Sunset da Mona Lisa, you’ll find them at Voila on Friday evenings.
Romance is personal. To be romantic, you must be personal and do personal kinds of things, the kinds of things that will make a woman feel she is the most important woman in the world. No one can resist the energy of romance when made to feel appreciated and loved. Don’t underestimate how powerful it is. Your personal well chosen settings create romance. Add music and you add magic. Los Cabos does not lack places where you can express your love. Romantic evenings with soft alluring music make it the perfect time.
Note: It’s best to call the respective establishments for reservations on your “date night.” and to confirm it will have the live music you are hoping to hear.
