There is nothing like a grandmother’s love…or her cooking. At María Corona, an enchanting restaurant in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas, the capable kitchen celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine and relies heavily on recipes crafted by the owner’s México City grandmother. This is classic Mexican at its best, presented within the dining hall (covered by an impressive palapa) or outdoors: The tree-shaded patio, its twinkling lights, and wafting music conjure Old México. The signature cactus margarita is one of a kind, and the perfect way to begin your alfresco dinner. There are several items prepared tableside; try them all. The queso fundido (freshly prepared melted cheese with chorizo, corn, epazote, and mushrooms) is a fiery show and delectable appetizer. The guacamole is quite possibly the best in Los Cabos. For an only-in-México experience, order the chamorro de cerdo (pork shank), cochinita pibil, or shrimp in sweet-’n’-spicy mole. Save room for the homestyle desserts. But note: While flan is ubiquitous on many a menu in México, it is rarely so well executed as at María Corona. Live music Mon–Sat. Free Wi-Fi. 16 de Septiembre (between Morelos and Leona Vicario), Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1111, www.bajacantinagroup.com. Daily noon–midnight. MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$$ A.A.
The chocolate clams—named for their color, not their flavor—at Mariscos Mocambo were the inspiration for this issue’s “Quintessential Cabo,” page 64. The article highlights the city’s absolute-must-have dishes, and these large brown clams (a regional speciality) top the list. They are not, however, all you’ll want to sample while at this Veracruz-style seafood spot. It’s a favorite of locals—and for good reason. Mocambos’ chefs make the most of the abundant waters that line the peninsula. There are locally sourced dishes like spicy camarón aguachile (shrimp with serrano chile and lime), chilpachole de jaiba (crab soup with a touch of chipotle and epazote), and shrimp ceviche. You could fill up on starters, but you’ll want to save room for plates like the pulpo en su tinta (octopus in its ink), which is prepared here with white rice, onion, and jalapeño. Leona Vicario and 20 de Noviembre, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2122, www.mariscosmocam bo.com. Daily Noon–10 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $–$$$ A.A.
The name translates to “My Home,” and Mi Casa could not be any more appropriately named. Guests here are greeted as warmly as family. The garden setting is picturesque and fragrant with the scent of flowers and lemon trees. Softly cooing doves provide a melodic soundtrack for a truly cultural dining experience. The 15-item-long appetizer menu has something for everyone, including vegetarian options. Try the ceviche costeño campechano, which comes loaded with scallops, shrimp, and octopus in this zesty tomato-lime cocktail, or the tamales surtidos, a sampler of regional tamales. Mi Casa provides a feast for the taste buds and the eyes: Artwork adorns the walls. It may appear as if Frida Kahlo herself had chosen the arrangements. The artwork—like the cuisine—has been handpicked from every region of México to represent the diversity and beauty of this land and its people. Here, the chile en nogada is teeming not only with flavor but also with tradition. The not-only-for-Independence-Day fare features a huge poblano pepper stuffed with meats, seeds, and dried fruit, then topped with a creamy cherry sauce and garnished with pomegranate; it’s an experience in itself. The tortilla soup, one of Mi Casa’s most-famous dishes, is always a popular choice. To complete the experience, order some homemade mango ice cream infused with tequila; now that’s México! Alvaro Obregon 19, San José del Cabo, (624) 146-9263, www.micasa restaurant.com.mx. Also located in Cabo San Lucas: Avenida Cabo San Lucas S/N, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8245, www.micasarestaurant .com.mx. Mon.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sun. 5:30 p.m.–10:30.p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and vouchers accepted. $$–$$$ W.A.
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” It’s rare that you have the opportunity to quote Colin Powell in a restaurant review, but his words ring true when describing the endearing—and recently expanded—Mis Sueños Restaurant Bar on the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The name translates to “My Dreams,” and it’s through the consistently excellent cooking and customer service that Mis Sueños creates a heavenly experience for diners. Anglers flock to Mis Sueños—chef Mardonio Dominguez prepares customers’ catches five different ways, including as sashimi, blackened, Vera Cruz, or Rockefeller style—but the restaurant is a treasure for anyone who loves seafood or hearty steaks. Shrimp is served seven different ways, including tempura, a jumbo shrimp platter ($23 U.S.), and a shrimp cocktail. A great starter to share is a bowl of mushroom buttons in a spicy cream sauce; dunk hot bread. If tuna is available, try it seared with capers. Cabo San Lucas Marina next to the Cabo Plaza Hotel, Space Q, Cabo San Lucas (624) 143-0981. Daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m. MasterCard and Visa accepted. $$–$$$ A.A.
This chic Italian café fuses “the art of Italian baking”—local, fresh, organic—with a casual yet sophisticated setting near the Cabo San Lucas Marina. For a relaxing morning, stop in for an almost-too-pretty-to-drink vanilla latte, some chocolate pannetone, and free Wi-Fi. The smell of freshly baked bread may be too much to resist. Return midday for a strawberry lemonade, Italian fries with truffle oil, and Neapolitan-inspired pizza; I heartily recommend the Milanesa, with salame milano, mushrooms, mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato sauce. The team behind Pan di Bacco believes “wine isn’t just for gourmets and special occasions; it’s for everyone, every day.” As such, they’ve created a wine list that’s affordable and fun … and pairs excellently with a dinner menu that includes everything from light salads and antipasti to gnocchi alla sorrentina, DIY cutting boards, and mini-burgers. Don’t leave without ordering a dessert (perhaps the traditional Neapolitan lemon tarte or classic tiramisu) with a limoncello digestif. Free valet parking 4 p.m.–midnight at the Misiones, across the street. Ignacio Zaragoza S/N, between Boulevard Marina and Lázaro Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-3127, www.pandibacco .com. Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–midnight, Fri.–Sat. 9 a.m.–midnight. MasterCard and Visa accepted. $–$$$ A.A.
