Discover the richness of Japanese cuisine in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. While Daikoku has deep roots in Japan—its menu and decor celebrate the Land of the Rising Sun—this is a restaurant that quickly earned accolades and won over hearts (and stomachs) in Los Cabos. The ambience is sure to win you over, too, starting with a serene koi pond. A bougainvillea tree has been shaped into a bonsai dwarf sprouting blossoms of peach and white, likened to a cherry blossom. A wooden paddle wheel gives a soothing whooshing sound of water.

Take advantage of cooler fall and winter temps and dine in Daikoku’s delightful Japanese garden. (On a warm summer night, you may want to opt for the air-conditioned dining room with a glass floor showcasing a Zen garden below.) We’re never able to pass up the sake when here, but there are other choices including wine, Japanese beer, and the usual cocktails. On our last visit, I chose a cool sparkling wine that went well with our teppanyaki grilled items, like rib eye and shrimp with vegetables (another popular choice is a mixture of shrimp, fish, beef, salmon, and chicken). Sides include fried rice, asparagus, mushrooms, and other delicacies.

Our chef showed off acrobatic skills with knives and spatulas, shaping the fried rice just so, stacking the sliced onions into a pyramid and then filling the hole with oil and setting it on fire, a delight to us as well as other diners nearby. On other occasions, the chef’s recommendations have included a listing of nine rolls including a lettuce roll with avocado, cucumber, shrimp with Japanese horseradish, and a mixture of Japanese spices. Plaza Nautica, Blvd. Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-4038, (624) 143-4267. Daily noon–11:30 p.m. AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. $$–$$$

Contact page in Los Cabos Guide: www.loscabosguide.com/daikoku