Mariscos Macombo
Mariscos Macombo has been in business for 16 years, offering a BIG food and drink experience revolving around simply prepared seafood. The restaurant’s casual interior consists of one huge palapa-covered room, with 22 ceiling fans beating up a storm, five televisions mounted high on the walls and an open kitchen and bar. Their mantra “If you seek service and quality, you’ll find it in Macombo” is boldly reflected in the super-fast service making the simple, yet well-executed seafood specialties fly out of the kitchen. For appetizers the Fresh Scallops with lime juice are as fresh as they get, and the Shrimp Cocktail is a traditional rendition, with chopped chilies, onions and tomato sauce. There are many seafood entrees including Sea Zarzuela––lobster, shrimp, clams and Chinese sea snails cooked in a white cream sauce or Fresh Water Crayfish with garlic butter sauce or grilled. Oysters come grilled or breaded, I opted for the breaded with garlic, but either way they are fantastic. Fresh oysters are also available as an appetizer. In an atmosphere of casual comfort, Mariscos Macombo truly delivers on its promise of service and quality. Located on the corner of Leona Vicario and 20 de Noviembre in Cabo San Lucas, a few blocks up from Plaza Puerto Paraiso, Mocambo is open daily from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Appetizers range from $5 to $14 U.S. and entrees from $12 to $40 U.S. Parking lot and street parking available. Seating for 250. Groups welcome. For reservations, call (624) 143-3122 and 143-6070.––B.F.
Mi Casa de Mariscos
Living or vacationing in Los Cabos has its privileges––one of them is the abundance of fabulous fresh seafood prepared by some of the finest chefs. At Mi Casa de Mariscos, enjoy traditional live music, as you feast on a great bounty from the sea prepared using original Mexican recipes. Located in a Spanish hacienda-style building, where almost every inch of the colorfully painted walls is covered with an incredible collection of art from the many regions of Mexico. Chef Juan Carlos Garcia Rodriguez’ eclectic vision borrows from the regional specialties of his hometown in the state of Guerrero, as well as the local assortment of fresh fish and shellfish. The seafood-centric menu is heavily accented with comfort food. When in season, be sure to start any meal with fresh oysters. Also, try the Ceviche Colima, an interesting interpretation of the original ceviche recipe with finely ground carrots and spices. Mi Casa de Mariscos’ main fare includes many distinctive seafood dishes such as Pozole de Mariscos, a traditional Guerrero-style seafood stew, El Pescado Envuelto, moist sea bass fillet steamed in a banana leaf and served with mild chili salsa, as well as the ultimate Mariscada Real for two, which consists of lobster, octopus, red snapper, Rockefeller and devil oysters, and stuffed shrimp. Traditional Mexican specialties abound as well, thoroughly satisfying your south-of-the-border taste. Entree prices range from $12 to $39 U.S. Located in downtown Cabo San Lucas, just off Lazaro Cardenas, Mi Casa de Mariscos is open daily from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is able to accommodate groups as large as 400, and offers special pricing for groups. For reservations, call (624) 143 6898.––A.U.
Nick-San Japanese Restaurant
Although Nick-San could rest on its reputation and still do very well, with co-owner Chef Angel Carbajal Arteaga, and his well-trained kitchen staff, this simply isn’t going to happen. Nick-San continues to lead, amaze and surprise regulars and newbies alike. The downtown Cabo San Lucas location is minimalist with low-slung ceilings and a sweeping sushi bar. Try Oyster Ponzu––the salty, fresh small oysters are perfectly chilled and meaty, with the ponzu sauce adding the appropriate zip. The Callos Dinamita––baked Sea of Cortes scallops and stone crab mixed with white mushrooms, masago, chives and spicy red sauce, could only come from Angels imagination. From the specials menu try the Stone Crab Roll (also with tempura lobster)––crab inside mixed greens, avocado, cilantro sprout wrapped in soy bean paper with a mustard garlic curry oil sauce. The all-day menu features appetizers, sushi, tempura, specials, sushi and special rolls. From the Special Rolls menu, be sure to try the Spider Roll, Spicy Special Roll, or the Rainbow Roll. Appetizers are priced $5 to 22 U.S., specials range from $5 to $30 U.S., and rolls are $4 to $18 U.S. The wine list is decent, but beer or sake work best. It is not often I give the “Just Go” rating, but Nick-San deserves it. Just go and love it! Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Marina Boulevard, inside Plaza de la Danza in Cabo San Lucas. For reservations, call (624) 143 2491,143 4484 or 143 2354.––B.F.
Nikki Beach Cabo San Lucas
While most every space of the recently renovated ME Cabo (formery Melia Cabo San Lucas) still smells like fresh paint, there’s one spot that hasn’t changed much––because why would you change something everybody loves just as it is? Nikki Beach Cabo San Lucas, part of the international celebrity chain, has attracted Cabo’s fashionable and pretty set for more than two years. Its chic and relaxing decor, and a perennial party atmosphere with live musical performances and the hottest DJs, make Nikki Beach a perfect beachside spot for a fun afternoon with friends. The menu is seafood-centered, boasting sensational interpretations of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, yielding the best in “global cuisine.” At Nikki Beach salads, paninis, sushi and an array of surf and turf specialties are even more delicious because of the soothing proximity of the sea. Pil Pil Shrimp––sauteed with chili-, garlic- and parsley-infused olive oil is a great way to start your meal. Fried Asian Salmon with chambray potatoes is delicately accented with touches of rosemary, papaya and kiwi, while the Mediterranean Catch of the Day comes with asparagus and heart of palm salad. The Nikki Beach Special is an out-of-the-ordinary combo encompassing a feast of rolls, shrimp, crabmeat, salmon, tuna, sashimi and vegetables. Entrees range $14–$32 U.S. and sushi $11–$15 U.S. For special occasions, romantic dinners can be arranged under the stars of Playa el Medano with a private server. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Seating for 120. Located on Medano Beach inside ME Cabo Resort. For reservations, call (624) 145-7800 ext. 705, 741 or 789.––A.U.
The Original Park Restaurant
You want to eat at the legendary Original Trailer Park, but where is it? The Gotfried family has moved their celebrated dinner house lock, stock and soup ladle. Now, simply called The Original Park, this Cabo tradition is located adjacent to their other successful restaurant, Lenny’s Deli, on Cabo’s main boulevard. The same menu is now prepared by the same chefs in the new location. Tender steamed lobster is one of their specialties, or you can order over 75 other dishes from the traditional wall menu. Don’t miss fresh seafood in one of their signature sauces. If you like just a little ‘tang,’ try the Shrimp or Scallops Dynamite, done perfectly in a creamy chili reduction of mushrooms, chives and cheese; it’s a dish you’ll never forget. Also popular is the Pungent sauce which pairs hot, sour, sweet and garlicky hues: perfect with shrimp. Meat eaters can’t go wrong with the 16-ounce filet, tender and flavorful. Vegetarians will find a number of options, including stir-fry, tasty quesadillas and chile relleno. Dinner entrees range $21–$48 U.S. Come hungry, portions are gigantic and each meal is served with salad, yummy homemade soup, bread, potatoes and coleslaw. If you have any room left, desserts, such as the German Chocolate Cake, are homemade and delicious. Light eaters, diabetics and others with special dietary needs are cheerfully accommodated. Seating for 220 and parking available. The Park is located at the corner of Lazaro Cardenas and Paseo Del Pescador, open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed Monday. Reservations suggested, (624) 143-1927.––C.B.
The Shrimp Factory
If you love shrimp, The Shrimp Factory is your holy, mouthwatering temple. Delicious shrimp are quickly delivered in an intimate open-air environment. The easily accessible, dimly lit restaurant is illuminated by bright flickering lights, creating a festive ambience, while the colorful drunken dancing shrimp decorate the walls outside, as if to evoke entrance within this palapa-covered seafood establishment. Mexican music accompanies the delicious food, which is mainly a diverse selection of shrimp dishes cooked to perfection. This unpretentious restaurant is casual and features a full bar. The delectable menu offers Mexican and American specialties for those who don’t worship seafood. I ordered the Camaron Imperial (Imperial Shrimp) stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon and savored its rich flavor with a Chardonnay. The Shrimp Factory is a fiesta for shrimp lovers and the undisputed king of shrimp in Los Cabos. The service is amazing and no reservations are required. The Shrimp Factory can supply your private parties with however many shrimp you desire. Single person entrees range from $7 to $55 U.S., with most shrimp entrees priced $17–$20 U.S., and $70 U.S. for the special seafood combination for two. Lobster is market price. The Shrimp Factory has seating capacity for 140, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11p.m. This treasure-trove of shrimp is located across the road from the Tesoro Los Cabos Resort on Boulevard Marina at the corner of Vicente Guerrero. Call (624) 143-5066.––M.D.
Solomon’s Landing
For classic Cabo marina-front dining, specializing in fresh seafood (especially lobster), and tender Sonoran steaks and ribs––visit Solomon’s Landing. Options for the undecided include Northern Italian, Sushi and Mexican entrees. Triumphant fishermen bring their catch here where the chef will cook it for them. The palapa-covered restaurant affords the diner views of people strolling the yacht harbor boardwalk just steps away. Chef and Owner Brian Solomon was trained in Le-Cordon-Bleu-style cuisine years ago in New Orleans. He and his wife Dawn (author of Napa Valley wine book) both share a love of the culinary arts and Baja food. They feature sushi-quality fresh fish in all their seafood dishes. Try the small exquisitely tender and juicy scallops from Baja’s Magdalena Bay or the Pacific Coast Rock Lobster––the largest, most delicate and sweetest tasting of the species. Locally caught mahi mahi, sea bass and red snapper can be enjoyed prepared a variety of ways. The sushi menu offerings include Maki Rolls, Nigiri, Sashimi, Cones and a garden of sushi salads. The sushi bar includes traditional drinks such as sake served warm or chilled, Japanese beers, and even a martini with sake, vodka, and a dash of wasabe. Hold onto your sombrero! Dinner entrees range from $8 to $35 U.S. Located on the west side of the marina behind the Tesoro Los Cabos Resort. Seating for 150, Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to midnight; the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Call: (624) 143-7606.––D.M.
Sunset Da Mona Lisa
A look at the view and you’ll know you came to the right place. A look at the menu and you’ll know you came to the right place for Italian seafood. The menu is loaded with Italian dishes, most with a different twist for the seafood lover. Try orange-scented octopus with potatoes, garlic, parsley and sherry vinaigrette, or carpaccio of scallops, deep fried calamari, or yellowfin tuna with manchego cheese. Share a selection of all four in an “Indulgence” for three people. If you dare go further, the Mona Lisa Quartet of four pastas may satisfy the hunger pangs. Ravioli, penne, spaghetti, or orecchiette (little ears) are all served with a rendition of seafood, either tuna, blue crab, or mussels and shrimp. In Los Cabos, there’s always lobster and at Sunset Da Mona Lisa, you can order it en papillote (in parchment). For the connoisseurs in the group, the Monuments Beach Montage for two is a medley of lobster, shrimp, and scallops all in one succulent combination. The tasting menus might be just the ticket for those that cannot decide. There’s the Mediterranean, or the Grand Mona Lisa in three courses. Entrees from $23 to $42 U.S. Suggested wines from the extensive wine list to be paired with your meal make your dining, either indoors or alfresco, a real pleasure. Located at Km. 5.5 Transp. Hwy., Misiones del Cabo. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations recommended, call (624) 145-8160.––S.B.
Zuomo
The state of Oaxaca is Mexico’s Garden of Eden, where hundreds of varieties of ancient herbs, spices and fresh seafood abound. At Zuomo, Chef Sergio Figueroa brings Oaxacan cuisine to your table. His rich and flavorful mole sauces can take two days to prepare out of dozens of ingredients. Try the Mole Negro Artesanal––served with honey-baked duck or chicken. My duck was succulent and the spicy chocolate mole thick and delicious. A Mayan masterpiece that will be enjoyed by both vegetarians and steak lovers is the Lasagna de Tortilla con Huitlacoche, Flor de Calabaza y Requeson. This lasagna features tortillas rather than flat noodles, regional cheeses, corn truffle and squash flower. Enjoy the delightful simplicity of fresh seafood cooked with fine Mexican herbs, tender Angus beef marinated in garlic and vinegar sauce, or the scrumptious red semi-spicy mole over beef. Desserts include Baked Pear with Tangerine Sauce and Fresh Ground Black Pepper, and a unique ice cream of tropical mamey fruit and Oaxacan cheese. In addition to the essence of Oaxaca ubiquitous at Zuomo, the chic, minimalist decor of black tables, marble, dark wood and tile reflects the chef’s experience and culinary training at Zen monasteries in Japan. Zuomo is located in Plaza Las Velas one block below the Mega shopping plaza in San Jose del Cabo. Open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Prices range $8–$40 U.S. Seating for 40, groups up to 150. Reservations: (624) 105-2828.––D.M.
