For romantic atmosphere, warm service, and memorable Mexican cuisine, it’s hard to beat María Corona. The downtown Cabo San Lucas restaurant serves as an honorable guardian and preserver of traditional Mexican recipes and cooking methods. The chef and his staff do things the old-fashioned way. The tortillas are hand rolled, the salsas are prepared in stone molcajetes, and the guacamole is prepared fresh at your table. Even the moles are made from scratch: Chiles are toasted, and the almonds are ground on traditional stone metates. This commitment and attention to detail lead to predictably delicious results. The mole poblano is absolute magic, but all of the dishes are superb. Start simply with tortilla soup, sample the melted glory of panela fondue, then finish with the Mayan-style pork pibil or the María Corona platter with chorizo, panela-packed chile rellenos, and chicken covered in a rich, chocolaty mole sauce. Tacos, quesadillas, carne asada, and other traditional culinary pleasures are also available, all complemented by a romantic and recently redone courtyard dining area. Come Sunday mornings to enjoy María Corona’s all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. There more than 20 dishes included, and, really, who wants to cook on a Sunday? Parking is not a problem thanks to valet service, and an air-conditioned dining area is on hand for those seeking to beat the afternoon heat. Prospective kitchen maestros may want to ask about the restaurant’s cooking classes. Calle 16 de Septiembre, between Morelos and Leona Vicario, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1111, www.mariacoronarestaurant.com. Nightly 3 p.m.–11 p.m. AmEx, MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted.

Contact Page in Los Cabos Guide: www.loscabosguide.com/mariacorona/