All About Cabo San Lucas
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Long a home to sunshine fun, Cabo is gaining respect for a sophisticated new dining scene that has exploded in the area. The Mexican government opened the area to development in 1990, bringing some exceptional restaurants along with the new resorts. Increasing tourism has also led to the opening of many new restaurants downtown, and a greater variety in the Cabo dining experience.
Whatever your dining decisions, the restaurant experience in Cabo promises to be memorable and offers plenty of variation. The combination of flourishing seafood markets, vacation wonderland environment, activities that will leave you famished and an ambiance that is both romantic and stimulating guarantees that you will enjoy Cabo's gastronomical delights.
Downtown
Nearly every place in town offers fresh seafood, purchased from the fish market each day, and fresh in Cabo means it was still swimming that morning! One popular seafood location in the downtown area is Mariscos Mocambo. Housed in a large palapa, dining is available either indoors or outside. Much loved by those who like seafood but not its typically high price, most meals cost less than MXN85.
It is not surprising that the most successful of older eateries are good, down-home Mexican restaurants. In the downtown area and across from the town square is Mi Casa Restaurant & Cantina, which is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Originally a church, this is a colorful location with brightly painted walls and a courtyard dining area. Recognized for its traditional dishes, the quality and quantity of its portions are superb. As you wait for your entree, nibble on a poblano pepper filled with seafood or try some tiny tamales. Watch as the house tortillas are pressed and cooked in the courtyard. Candles are lit at each table as daylight wanes. Relax and listen to the four-person mariachi band (Friday to Sunday during the winter season).
Marina
Marina-side, Seafood Mama's is a romantic choice for seafood lovers, and offers a delightful view of the Sea of Cortez. Brasil Steakhouse, a newcomer to the dining scene, yet a welcoming and festive downtown location that offers an all-you-can-eat, sit-down dinner. It begins with appetizers of hot chicken wings, soup of the day, three types of salads and other treats. Then, waiters bring grilled meats such as New York steak, BBQ ribs, chicken, fillet mignon and eight other meat choices. The traditional Brazilian drink Caipirinha, is recommended; this is the only spot in Cabo you will find it. The garden-like dining room is decorated with plants and fountains.
Medano
Another seafood location downtown is Peacock's Bar and Restaurant. Since 1989 this back patio dining room has been head-and-shoulders above many of its competitors. Part of its success is due to more than 30 varieties of appetizers. Try the seafood stuffed eggplant (MXN50) or Mexican-style escargots (MXN75). Keep your appetite in check though, because the seared yellow fin tuna (MXN140) or Blackened Cabrilla (MXN150) is on its way. Peacock's also offers duck, leg of lamb, New York steaks and much more.
Savor the salt air along with your margarita at one of the many beachside restaurants such as The Office. Whether the sun is coming up or going down, you can almost always find a bite to eat here. While the food is good, the location right on Medano Beach is outstanding. If you are looking for something more up-market, go to Edith's, just a half-block away. This lovely outdoor patio restaurant has linen-draped tables, a fine wine selection and a view of Land's End. Fresh salsas and tortillas complement the many seafood specials and grilled entrees. While you dine, a live jazz band plays softly in the background. If you are tired of seafood, try the steak seared at the outside mesquite grill (MXN275), or a chicken or pasta entree. If you aren't, (and why should you be?), there are excellent lobster, shrimp and fish dishes also.
Just several blocks away from the beach is a romantic dining experience. Casa Rafael's offers three dining rooms to choose from for your dinner party: the Ocean Room with tropical fish in a huge aquarium; the Garden Room set in a lush jungle-like garden; and a poolside dining area around an open-air pool deck. One of Cabo's widest selections in wine and fine liquors is available here; you are sure to find the proper accompaniment for your meal. Each selection from its menu is made-to-order, so substitutions and special requests are welcomed. After dinner, head to the Piano Bar or Cigar Room for a drink. Reservations are a must and the sooner made, the better.
El Corredor
Heading out of the city and down the Cabo Corridor toward San Jose gives you the option of some of the more recent additions to the restaurant scene. The only businesses along this route are the hotels and their respective restaurants. At the Villa Del Palmar, just outside Cabo, the Bella California provides an unforgettable romantic dining experience. Be sure to make reservations early and ask for a beachside table. It offers impeccable service and a clever combination of flavors from its eclectic menu; many fresh seafood entrees are available. Down the Corridor about six miles (ten kilometers) farther is a well-known favorite, Pitahayas, part of the Hacienda Del Mar hotel that also offers beachside dining. It boasts an underground wine cellar and a mix of native spices used in its Pacific Rim-style cuisine. Reservations and formal dress are strongly encouraged at this fine dining venue. A less formal experience with an equally impressive view can be had at the cliff-top Villa Serena.
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