Alcaravea Gourmet
My four-foot-nine mother always says that the best things in life come in small packages. That’s an adage that applies to both her and chef Enrique Diaz’s exceptional Alcaravea Gourmet restaurant in downtown Cabo San Lucas. What began as a small, 15-seat Mediterranean café has grown to a still-cozy 60-person-capacity restaurant that consistently blows away patrons’ expectations—and the competition. Online travel sites are filled with reviewer comments like “Hands Down Best Place in Cabo” and “Been Here, done it, and will do it again.” We can understand their enthusiasm after having sampled dishes like the Alcaravea mushrooms (the mushrooms are sautéed with white wine, extra-virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Marsala wine, sage, basil, and oregano, then baked), Sea Earth carpaccio salad (thinly sliced fish, salmon, and beef are served with arugula and Parmesan), and the carbonara prepared with freshly made pasta. The wine list impresses, as does the dessert menu: Don’t leave without sampling the decadent tiramisu. Avenida 16 de Septiembre and Ignacio Zaragoza, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3730. Mon.–Sat. noon–11 p.m. All major cards and vouchers accepted. $$–$$$ A.A.
Arre Mango
Cabo’s premier karaoke bar also happens to have an excellent dinner menu and unbeatable prices. Arre Mango—part of the distinguished Grupo Mango restaurant family that also operates Mango Deck and Mango Cantina—brings the festive party vibe from Médano Beach to downtown Cabo San Lucas, where its spacious, well-appointed venue comes to life with music. The karaoke catalog includes more than 100,000 songs in English and Spanish Come early, though, to enjoy a family-friendly dinner; the comal de arrachera is a feast that includes tortillas, guacamole, salsas, sausage and traditional arrachera steak. Don’t pass up the signature, secret-recipe Arre Mango cocktail or the brand-new Paloma served in a traditional jarrito from Guadalajara. Then stick around to show off your singing chops. Valet parking. Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 144-4300, www.arremango.com. Sun. 8 p.m.–3 a.m., Tues.–Thurs. 8 p.m.–3 a.m., Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m.–5 a.m. AmEx, MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$ A.A.
Baja Cantina Beach
In this issue of Los Cabos Magazine, we highlight must-have dishes that demonstrate why Los Cabos has earned its designation as the culinary capital of Baja California Sur (“Quintessential Cabo,” page 64). Chief among those menu items is the Baja Cantina Beach “canoa,” a canoe filled with ice and topped with selections from the sea (lobster, shrimp, fish, and scallops) as well as the finest in meat cuts for the chef to prepare to order. Baja Cantina has recreated a culinary tradition that started centuries ago by bringing the freshest ingredients to you. The canoa, though, is but one of many reasons to visit the spacious, beachfront restaurant, bar, and beach club. Its location on the sprawling Médano Beach makes it an ideal spot for relaxing during the day; retreat here for a beer and ceviche after riding a wave runner through the Cabo San Lucas Bay. The vantage also looks out toward the arch at Land’s End. Come nightfall, you can reserve the private tiki hut for a romantic dinner, saddle up on one of the swing-seats at the beachfront bar for a margarita, or select an item from its sophisticated-yet-accessible dinner menu. Médano Beach, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1111, www.bajacantinabeach club.com, callcenter@bajacantinagroup.com. Daily 8 a.m.–11 p.m. MasterCard, Visa and vouchers accepted. $–$$$ A.A.
Baja Cantina Marina
The team behind Baja Cantina Marina—as well as its sister restaurants, Baja Cantina Beach, the Tiki Bar, and María Corona—have clearly identified a recipe for success. The Cabo San Lucas Marina spot is never empty, and it serves as the headquarters for the world’s richest annual fishing tournament, Bisbee’s Black & Blue. Speaking of fish, seafood specialties headline a dinner menu that is also rich in pastas, steaks, and traditional Mexican favorites. Start with the superb ceviche, made from the fresh catch of the day, or dip into a hearty cioppino with shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, Mexican sea bass, red wine, and tomato broth. For your entrée, I recommend the baby back pork ribs marinated in Baja Cantina’s house barbecue sauce or the culichi-style fish and sautéed shrimp bathed in poblano chile sauce and melted cheese. Each are delicious, but then again, you really can’t go wrong at Baja Cantina. Combo platters for two are yet another excellent option, particularly the Puerto Nuevo, which boasts couples-friendly portions of filet mignon, shrimp, and lobster. Special events include ladies’ nights on Fridays, featuring live music and free drinks for female guests. The restaurant was awarded with Cristal certification for its consistently safe and hygienic preparation of food. Baja Cantina, Cabo San Lucas Marina at Dock L-M behind the Wyndham Resort, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1111, www.baja cantinamarina.com. Daily 8 a.m.–midnight. AmEx, Master Card, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$$ C.S.
Baja Lobster Co.
This Cabo San Lucas Marina mainstay is like a living, breathing celebration of Baja California Sur’s abundant sea life. Since taking over the Baja Lobster Co. kitchen, chef Samanta Tirada has quietly but expertly updated the menu. The lineup includes a happy mix of traditional and innovative preparations of lobster, shrimp, tuna, and more. On your first trip, try the deservedly popular Sea Star salad, which is made of fresh mixed greens with bite-size pieces of octopus, scallops, calamari, and melons. My personal favorites include the piquant aguachile shrimp (the shrimp is marinated in lime juice and a three-chile sauce), salmon carpaccio, coconut shrimp, grilled tuna medallions, and the lobster with curry (prepared with coconut milk, apples, pears, bananas, and curry). For non-seafood eaters: The filet mignon and chicken in peanut sauce are chef favorites. Don’t pass up the house speciality apple strudel. To escape the heat of the Los Cabos fall months, you can retreat to the air-conditioned dining rooms. But for a relaxing evening, try the cantilevered deck. The views (and bar) will be your reward. Marina Golden Zone, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 145-6011, www.goldenzonecabo.com. Major credit cards and vouchers accepted. Daily 3 p.m.–midnight. $–$$$ A.A.
