In today’s episode, we bring you ten of the most essential restaurants in San Jose del Cabo. No trip to Los Cabos is complete without visiting the charming colonial town of San Jose. With so many amazing dining options, not to mention the great street food and small taquerías on which to choose, narrowing this list was not easy. We decided to omit any resort restaurants. One of the great things about Los Cabos is how safe and approachable the area is for exploring. So be sure to venture beyond Cabo San Lucas and the gates of your resort to fully get the true feel of this wonderful destination.
First up is Los Tamarindos.
Located in a 19th century farmhouse, Los Tamarindos is the original organic farm-to-table restaurant. The menu is ever changing by the seasonal crops growing in the fields surrounding the restaurant, with head chef Enrique Silva following recipes from a variety of regions and generations.The restaurant’s meat and fish options are seasonal and full of freshness; the fish is hand-selected and the chicken comes from its own farm-reared flock of Cornish hens. The bar is fully equipped so come early and stay late.Also opt for one of Los Tamarindos’s popular cooking classes, held in the restaurant’s adjoining kitchen terrace.
Habañeros Bistro
Long a best-kept secret by locals, Habanero’s Gastro Grill & Tequila Bar offers gourmet Mexican fusion cuisine at affordable prices. For 16 years this restaurant by accclaimed chef owner Tad Chapman has prospered. Chef Tadd is involved in 3 restaurants and spends a great amount of his time at Habaneros where he has been able to express his Mexican Fusion style with a focus on fresh seafood and the grill. A recent move to the courtyard at El Encanto Inn gave them more space and a great location on the heart of Centro Art District. The newest partner Miguel Guerrero was welcomed aboard as they begin this new stage. It is great to see all the original waiters, bartenders and servers who bring knowledge and smiles to your breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinners.
Next up we bring you H Bistro–
Also located within the Historic Centro Art District H Bistro has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. H Bistro is a recently remodeled and historic art gallery. They kept the lovely brick walls for a lovely European bistro style. H BISTRO is the perfect blend of refinement and relaxation. People feel comfortable and content, and at the same time, share the bold flavors and fresh ingredients that we love.H BISTRO’s Cuisine is a creative blend of international offerings. An extensive wine list and a romantic, refined atmosphere make H BISTRO an outstanding choice for a special dinner. Chef Herrera created many private as well as club events for the many famous personalities who regularly visit Los Cabos as the executive chef at Querencia and Club Ninety Six at Palmilla. In addition to owning and operating H Bistro Chef Herrera is available for private dining and events.
Next is the festive La Lupita Tacos & Mezcal
If there is a local watering hole in downtown San José del Cabo it’s La Lupita, a joyously colorful cantina with a serious mezcal list and the best al pastor tacos in town. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio, and order a flight of mezcal, which comes with three pours served in traditional jicaras, the hollowed out gourds used for sipping mezcal. With a prime location in the historic centro this fun filled spot has a wide variety of delicious tacos. Recently chosen as one of the five best tacos in Los Cabos. Come sit down and order a variety of styles and sample the delicious Mezcal. The waiters are well versed on this desert gift from the Gods. They will gladly explain why Mezcal unlike Tequila should be ordered Joven or young.
Panazia Cocina Mexiatica is a newer option at a great location where La Panga used to be right across from the old Mission Church on the Zocalo. A fresh take on Mexican Asian fusion which presents a nice option for those looking for variety. Start off with oysters on the half shell or a variety dumplings. Second course of salads then wontons with crab, yummy. I often enjoy their spicy Mongolian Beef or fried rice offerings plus chow menu noodles. They feature a nice Peking duck which is hard to find south of the border. Chef Paul and Chef Zamudio bring their creative best at this second location of Panazia Cocina Mexiatica.
Next up we are taking a little road trip out to the east Cape for some seriously great sushi.
Zai’s Sushi Surf Bar is a super chill new restaurant about 25 minutes east of San Jose. Well worth the scenic drive. Be sure to make reservations as this is a favorite spot for surfers, off roaders and adventurers. They bring some excellent flavors to their wide variety of sushi, ceviche, salads and rice dishes. Excellent selection of adult beverages as well. Be sure to plan a visit on your next East Cape exploration. Insider’s Tip bring some apples to feed the local burros and a cooler full of your favorite beverages and stop at any of the endless beaches for the day.
Flora’s Farm is a world unto itself.
What started off as a 25 acre organic farm has turned into one of the most sought after experiences in Mexico. Flora’s Field Kitchen is the nucleus of this vision. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in the middle of the garden makes the farm to table concept extra fast and fresh. The day begins hours before dawn as the staff begin baking the breads, harvesting the crops and preparing the menu for the days guests, the owners and all the private events and high society weddings that may occur on any given day.
The harvesting of the greens continues throughout the day. All meats served at Flora’s Field Kitchen come from their nearby 150-acre ranch where animals are humanely raised on diets that do not include hormones or antibiotics. The experience gives you the feeling of wellness and balance that is incorporated into their menu and way of life. It is actually a simple formula, combine hand made food using farm fresh ingredients.
And moving on we go next door to Acre. This 25 acre destination is best described as an oasis where urban sensibility meets organic farm in the Baja. The heart and soul of this is the award winning project is the restaurant and bar. Executive Chef Larbi brings an elegant yet simple style that focuses on the organic produce. The vibrant atmosphere of the jungle combined with the music of their in-house DJ and the inventive cocktails of their mixologists creates a unique dining experience in the foothills of the Sierra de la Lagunas. Taking a que from their famous sister bar Keefer in Vancouver they have elevated this experience with a Mexican twist. The folks at Acre have a deep understanding of the nuances of Mezcal and their private label selection is on display on the rooftop tasting area. They recently added a second breakfast and lunch restaurant called Fausto’s Cafe.
Nick San
Just a few minutes from San Jose del Cabo at the Palmilla Tiendas. From beautiful atmospheres and artfully designed dishes, to rich textures, delectable aromas and tasty bites served in casually refined settings for a memorable dining experience.
When it comes to Japanese food with deep Mexican roots, Nicksan is the place to find fresh and innovative dishes, the “Nicksan Style” masterfully balances the Japanese tradition with the Mexican palate. Indulge in the award-winning cuisine of Chef Angel Carbajal and see for yourself why Nicksan has been among the top restaurants in Los Cabos for over 26 years. Embark on a memorable journey between the culinary traditions of Japan and the unique flavors of Mexico. Sit back and join the group of loyal followers, celebrities, tourists and local patrons who have made Nicksan their reference for Japanese food not only in Los Cabos, but in Mexico.
And finally we bring you to the last but not least essential restaurant La Revolución.
La Revolución Comedor de Baja California is a restaurant located inside a historic building in the heart of art distric. The name is inspired by the idea of ”revolutionizing” or transforming the conventional way of doing things in a restaurant, taking into account its architecture, food, cocktails and service.
Renowned Mexican Chef Benito Molina presents a menu of contemporary Mexican food inspired by the Baja California peninsula, with local organic and sustainable products. For his part, mixologist Osvaldo Vázquez offers a creative selection of cocktails designed to pair with each of the different dishes on the menu. We recommend you arrive thirsty and hungry. Their appetizers can easily make up a whole meal tapa style.
This is an ideal location for dinner after Art Walk on Thursdays so be sure to make reservations.
And this concludes our 10 essential restaurants in San Jose del Cabo. Be sure to give us a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your Los Cabos loving friends. Thanks for watching.
