This Los Cabos dining fixture marked its grand reopening in the spring, but we’re still celebrating its return. Cabo is simply not Cabo without Peacock’s. The elegantly appointed restaurant’s commitment to superb customer service and organic, locally sourced produce and seafood remains while the ownership has also introduced a new-look menu that features many items slow-cooked in Peacock’s wood-fired oven. The yellowfin tuna tataki appetizer is done in a black sesame crust on a bed of lime, ginger, and serrano pepper, and the hearty lobster chowder comes with oven-baked garlic grissini. Chilean chef Mary José Aravena’s talents are at their best, however, with slow-cooked entrées like the red wine–cardamon reduction beef ribs (roasted for six hours until tender) and the succulent suckling pig (roasted overnight and ably complemented with tarragon, Cambray potatoes, mushrooms, and tomatoes). For those in the mood for lighter fare, the restaurant and adjoining lounge area also offer tapas and Tuscan-style pizzas. The kitchen is open, so you can watch the creative process while sipping wine or enjoying a tropical cocktail at the bar. Paseo del Pescador, near the entrance to ME Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1858, www.pea cocksrestaurant.com. Nightly 5 p.m.–midnight. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. $$–$$$$ C.S.
The beauty of Los Cabos is that you have the opportunity to escape the stresses of back home without having to want for anything—including a quality farmers market. The thrice-weekly organic farmers market at Mar Adentro Spa and Wellness Clinic rivals anything Portland or Santa Monica has to offer. And its produce is what goes directly into the menu at Penny Lane Cafe. The alfresco dining space is beyond lovely, and the menu is excellent. Come in the morning for chilaquiles and freshly squeezed juices. At lunch, you’ll find a grilled wild salmon salad with arugula and ginger-soy dressing. Come nighttime, turn to the new, adjacent Casianos restaurant for a spontaneous dinner experience. See the full review on page 75. Mar Adentro Spa and Wellness Clinic, Camino del Colegio 225, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 172-0129, www.pennylanecafe.com. Daily 7:30 a.m.–5p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$ A.A.
An evening at the award-winning Pacific Rim restaurant Pitahayas is an otherworldly experience. The magnificent (this is not an overstatement) palapa, the waves lapping against the sand, and the wondrous creations chef Volker Romeike pulls forth from wholesome, locally sourced ingredients make for a magical evening. Here, you can sip on a cocktail as you enjoy a beautiful Cabo sunset, then dine on starters like the duck crepes or handmade shrimp wontons as stars blanket the night’s sky. Entrée highlights include the short ribs with wasabi mashed potatoes, as well as crab-crusted sea bass and twice cooked pork belly. The dessert menu is filled with confections that could easily be confused with works of art. Chief among them is crème brûlée trio. Manager José Rojas Torres ensures your experience will be extraordinary. Hacienda del Mar, Cabo del Sol, km 10 on the Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 145-8010, www.pita hayas.com. Nightly 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $$–$$$ A.A.
“Abracadabra!” and “Presto chango!” The words conjure up images of magicians pulling rabbits from hats and waving wands in the air. The chefs at this appropriately named Italian eatery on the Cabo San Lucas Marina daily perform feats of magic in an intimate space that could be described as a hidden gem. It’s a no-frills spot that emphasizes flavor and authenticity above all else. Chef Roberto Masciadri hails from Lake Cuomo, and he’s brought a wealth of experience and recipes with him to Los Cabos. Our perennial go-tos include the three-cheese pizza prepared with mozzarella, blue cheese, and cream cheese (a local favorite) and the lasagna. Pastas are made mostly in-house, save the spaghetti, which is imported from Italy. Not only is the menu packed with must-try options; it’s also one of the most affordable menus in all of Cabo. So, go ahead: Splurge on the tiramisu. You won’t regret it. Marina Golden Zone, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 145-6011, www.goldenzonecabo.com. Major credit cards and vouchers accepted. Daily 11 a.m–11 p.m. $–$$ A.A.
Its name means “old door,” and indeed the gateway to Puerta Vieja is a 150-year-old portal that leads guests to an attractive restaurant known in equal measures for its international menu, charm, and affordable prices. For 16 years, owner Manuel Bobadilla and chef Roberto Rendon have refined and perfected a that appeals to both taste buds and wallets. Choose from daily musical entertainment in the salon (including a weekly Cuban-themed party), the view of Land’s End from the sunset terrace, or the intimate setting of the wine cellar, which houses a wine selection worthy of the most discriminating oenophile; all make for an enchanting experience. Begin your dinner with the grilled asparagus with goat cheese or clam chowder served in a bread bowl. The signature dish is a feast that includes New Zealand lamb chops, jumbo shrimp, and lobster tail. There are many tempting options ranging from Neopolitan-style lasagna to New York steaks that it is difficult to choose only one. The portions are so generous, though, you’ll want to bring your appetite. Finish off the evening by ordering a Mexican coffee and watch the tableside fire show. Km 6.3 on the Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 104-3252, www.puerta vieja.com. Daily noon–11 p.m. AmEx, MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$$$ C.M.
