Forget about the usual resort fare! On a recent Cabo getaway, we decided to venture beyond the hotel walls and delve into the local culinary scene. For lunch, we stumbled upon hidden gems serving up delicious and affordable tacos. But our taste buds craved more! We discovered two incredible dinner spots, each offering a unique experience. From authentic Mexican flavors to a farm-to-table haven just outside town, our taste buds embarked on an unforgettable adventure. Join us as we share our favorite foodie finds for a Cabo San Lucas experience that goes beyond the resort.
Lunch
Cabo San Lucas is synonymous with world-class fishing, and naturally, their fish tacos are legendary. Naturally, they were a top priority on my recent trip. Thankfully, these delicious bites are both affordable and the perfect size for a satisfying lunch. During my exploration, I stumbled upon two fantastic restaurants renowned for their fresh, made-to-order fish and warm, homemade tortillas. Get ready to dive into these fish taco havens!
Los Cabos Fish Tacos – Cabo San Lucas
Nestled on Cabo San Lucas’ south side by the marina, Los Cabos Fish Tacos drew me in with its perfect 5-star rating on Google Maps. Intriguingly, their menu boasted only 3 items, with two starring fresh fish – grilled or fried. Knowing this was a “must-try” for our first day, we headed for lunch. As advertised, they were open solely from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Upon arrival, we discovered the magic behind the operation: two local ladies. Freshness was the name of the game, with tortillas made throughout the day and fish cooked to order. A vibrant condiment bar offered a symphony of flavors – shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, an array of sauces, and more. Three grilled and two fried fish tacos landed on our table, each begging to be adorned with our personalized selection from the condiment haven. The first bite confirmed the 5-star praise – these were phenomenal!
The total cost for 5 tacos? A mere $20, making it a fantastic and budget-friendly lunch for two. We left satisfied, vowing to return on future Cabo adventures.
Baja Brewing Company – San José del Cabo
Craving a change of pace from Cabo’s bustling energy, we took a delightful afternoon trip to the neighboring town of San Jose del Cabo. This laid-back beach haven offered a welcome contrast, with its relaxed vibe and charming streets. After exploring for a few hours, we stumbled upon Baja Brewing Company – the perfect spot to unwind.
The vibrant flag art overhead added a touch of whimsy to the restaurant’s atmosphere. We opted for the drinks-only section, where comfy couches and high-top tables with bar stools lined the sidewalk. We snagged two seats, enjoying the lively street scene as we perused the menu. Baja Brewing Company boasts an impressive selection – 10 distinct beers and a cider on tap. In perfect harmony with the setting, both my wife and I chose the Baja Razz, a refreshing raspberry ale. It was the ideal way to beat the afternoon heat and soak in the laid-back charm of San Jose del Cabo. If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss a chance to explore this gem and raise a glass at Baja Brewing Company!
Tacos Gardenias – Cabo San Lucas
After our delightful exploration of San Jose del Cabo, we returned to Cabo San Lucas craving a light lunch. Since my taste buds were still yearning for more fish tacos, I steered us towards a local legend – Tacos Gardenias – a taco institution serving their specialties since 1980.
The restaurant offered a cool respite from the Cabo heat with its breezy, open-air design complete with overhead fans. Unlike the previous fish taco haven, this spot boasted a wider protein selection. I dove into a trio of tacos – grilled fish, fried fish, and juicy asada (grilled skirt steak) – while my wife opted for a flavorful combination of shrimp, asada, and adventurous octopus. Our order arrived lightning-fast, everything perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The real star here was the build-your-own taco experience. Each table received a personal “toppings bar” overflowing with shredded cabbage, zesty limes, charred serrano peppers, pico de gallo, salsa, and diced onions. Not to be forgotten, a bottle of creamy sauce and fresh guacamole completed the DIY taco fiesta. Needless to say, this spot is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious, affordable lunch (or even a late-night bite!).
Dinner
Cabo San Lucas is a haven for adventurous palates, offering a spectrum of culinary delights. From the soul-warming comfort of traditional Mexican fare to innovative, organic farm-to-table creations, the dining scene caters to every taste. Here, we’ll share our top picks for unforgettable dinner experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Mi Casa – Cabo San Lucas
Fresh off the plane and craving authentic Mexican flavors, we ventured out from our hotel, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, for our first Cabo San Lucas dinner. Mi Casa, boasting a stellar 4.5-star rating and over 1,000 reviews on Google Maps, seemed like the perfect choice, and its close proximity sealed the deal.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by vibrant Day of the Dead decor adorning the waiting area. Led to our table, we were instantly charmed by the open-air dining room, allowing for a magical experience under the Cabo night sky. Potent margaritas and a delightful shrimp and fish ceviche kickstarted our culinary adventure. My wife then dove into the rich El Mole Poblano, while I savored a sizzling fajita platter featuring steak, fish, scallops, and house-made tortillas. The portions were incredibly generous, leaving us pleasantly full and unable to finish everything. The open-air atmosphere, coupled with the surprise serenade from a roaming mariachi band, created a truly special evening. Mi Casa is a must-try for both families and couples seeking a taste of tradition and a touch of magic in Cabo San Lucas.
El Huerto Farm to Table – Cabo San Lucas
For the most romantic dinner of our Cabo trip, we ventured 20 minutes outside the Waldorf Astoria to El Huerto Farm to Table. This highly-rated gem boasted a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google Maps and promised a unique and intimate dining experience.
Nestled on a working farm, the restaurant offered an open-air haven. A covered ceiling provided shade from the desert sun, while open walls created the feeling of dining outdoors. The music here wasn’t background noise; it was a curated soundscape, slightly higher in volume to become part of the overall ambiance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, whimsical white string lights twinkled to life, weaving an even more magical atmosphere.
We began our culinary journey with a shared appetizer of Swiss Chard & Ricotta Cheese Fritters. For her main course, my wife selected the Superior Farm’s Rack of Lamb, a masterpiece featuring goat cheese, roasted cabbage, spinach, and a sweet & sour sauce. I opted for the locally-sourced Ocean Farm’s Sustainable Totoaba, a dish showcasing the freshest fish with roasted broccoli, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, capers, and a decadent pilpil sauce. Both dishes were exquisite, perfectly complemented by the romantic setting. To cap off the unforgettable evening, we strolled along the farm’s paths, solidifying memories of a beautiful and magical night at El Huerto.
Final Thoughts
Cabo San Lucas exceeded all my expectations as a foodie paradise. The legendary fish tacos were undeniably delicious, living up to the years of rave reviews I’d read. But beyond those initial bites, every meal we experienced surprised us with its meticulous attention to detail, quality ingredients, and incredible flavors. From traditional Mexican fare to innovative farm-to-table creations, Cabo’s culinary scene is a true delight.
If you’re a passionate eater, Cabo San Lucas should be at the top of your travel list. One word of caution: make dinner reservations at least a month in advance, especially for popular spots like El Huerto Farm to Table. These tables get booked up fast! Have you ever explored the culinary delights of Cabo San Lucas? We’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
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