The emergence of Cabo San Lucas as a world-class travel destination is closely tied to the opening of Cabo Wabo—Sammy Hagar’s iconic nightclub and restaurant—in 1990. Back then, as the Cabo Wabo website points out, “Cabo San Lucas was pretty small for such an elaborate nightclub. Later, when this town at the tip of Baja California grew into the prominent vacation destination that it is today, it seemed as if [Hagar] had looked into a crystal ball.
The long corridors and stairwells in the new and quite grand JW Marriott Resort all lead to Café des Artistes, the elegant yet understated signature restaurant from award-winning chef Thierry Blouet. The restaurant—Blouet’s third in México—faces the Sea of Cortés, and diners are treated to his culinary creations, which fuse Mexican flavors and ingredients with his French heritage. Seafood and fresh fish are favorites.
With its combination of Cantonese and hot-and-spicy Szechuan cuisine, Chins has made an outstanding impression in Los Cabos, especially with those seeking delicious Chinese fare in a simple yet sleek and sophisticated environment. Chef Paul Zamudio uses mild seasonings so that each finished dish is well balanced and the flavors are not overwhelmed.
The old adage is true. If you want to eat well, eat where the locals do. In Los Cabos, there’s one favorite local haunt that immediately comes to mind: Campestre Restaurant Bar. Although the restaurant is a bit removed from Cabo San Lucas’s main drag, it’s well worth the time it will take for you to find it. (Any concierge or taxi driver could also give you directions.) Locals and longtime expats flock to Campestre for its home-style cooking, generous portions, and excellent customer service. This is a spot where you’re just as likely to see a young family enjoying a meal together or overhear an important business meeting.
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.
With Invita Bistro, Italian-born chef Antonello Lauri lovingly invites guests to enjoy the sights and flavors of his homeland. The charming restaurant, which is located just across from the town square in Cabo San Lucas, features not only impressive scenes of the square’s gazebo but also views of the colorfully painted villas that cling to a Pedregal hillside and an enormous wine-themed painting from local artist Yandi Monardo.
Satisfy your craving for Mexican food at this lovely rooftop restaurant at the Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda Del Mar resort. Mexican food is loved by many because of its unique and delicious flavors, so when the craving hits, you’ve just got to have it. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is the place. Take the glass elevator to the alfresco rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy your morning coffee with a beautiful sunrise, or a mango margarita when the sun goes down. Stop at the bar for cocktails and appetizers, then head upstairs for dinner specials that are offered nightly.
Due to popular demand, La Casa de Don Juan—a breakfast favorite since it opened in 2014—has expanded its menu and hours. And while you can’t come to Cabo without stopping in for breakfast—try the eggs with steak or mole or omelets—you’ll also want to try out such traditional Mexican dishes as menudo (tripe with white or red sauce with cilantro, onion, oregano, and lime) and chicharrones (fried pork skin) served in a red sauce.
One reason for La Dolce’s popularity is its simplicity. There’s nothing complicated about the menu; it’s strictly Northern Italian fare in a trattoria-style ambience. Co-owner Stefano Miotto brings to Los Cabos his heritage of the northern region of Italy, which is known for using less tomato and instead using wine or broth for liquid and for relying heavier on butter instead of olive oil. Seafood and fish are big here; think mussels in wine sauce.
The Cabo San Lucas restaurant scene is full of unexpected finds, and you can count Los Barriles chief among them. The downtown spot is known for its eclectic Asian menu—with everything from ancestral recipes to forward-thinking fusion–but you can also enjoy budget-friendly breakfasts and many Mexican favorites.