los cabos
Oh Cabo. After a girl’s trip to Cabo at the end of 2021, I truly fell in love with this little paradise next door. So much so that I booked another trip just 2 months following AND had the pleasure of visiting twice more in 2022. It has very quickly turned into a special vacation destination that I will continue to visit as much as humanly possible. Now, I will say my heart resides in San Jose de Los Cabos BUT you can never go wrong with a good ‘ol Cabo San Lucas vacay. In my opinion though, the region of San Jose is the perfect marriage of traditional Mexican culture with fine dining and resort living. And when I say fine dining, I MEAN IT. I have experienced my fair share of 10/10, gorgeous, stunning, impeccable restaurants but San Jose de Los Cabos quite honestly takes the cake in my life thus far. Stunning views + legendary chefs + superior menu items + the nicest people = the epitome of a 5-star dining situation IMO. That said, as I continue to explore what Cabo has to offer, you’ll see restaurants from across the city below. Here are my favorites (and know this list will continue to grow)…
In all honestly, Acre may be my favorite restaurant ever. On paper, it hits all my marks - beautiful setting (you quite literally feel like you’re in the middle of a tropical jungle), a robust menu including tons of healthy options, an impressive wine list, and overall magical vibe. Perched high above San Jose de Los Cabos, Acre restaurant is located at the iconic Acre Resort. Journey through lush tropical plants and trees, past the resort’s treehouse rooms to the modern, Tulum-style Acre restaurant. I can’t say it enough, this outdoor space is incredibly beautiful with unique touches of tropical bliss everywhere you look. Now let’s talk food and bev. You know I love my appetizers and Acre certainly impresses. Hands down the best brussels you’ll ever eat (and that’s saying a lot coming from me), special plates of local favorites like the Chocolata Clam Ceviche and the iconic Cheddar Biscuits (which I can’t enjoy but they smell and look divine), among many other choices. For your main, opt to share or enjoy your own individual meal…the options are endless. I’m a sucker for a loaded salad and the Chopped Vegetable Salad with shrimp is one I dream of. The short rib, chicken and fettuccine have been crowd pleasers in my experience, as well. Acre actually grows most of its produce on site so every dish features unbelievably fresh fruits and veggies - and believe me, you can taste the difference. It was here that I tried my first wine from the Valle de Guadalupe region and I immediately fell in love. The wines and craft cocktails are absolutely chefs kiss. My Cabo vacays will forever revolve around Acre reservation availability.
My favorites: Baja Oysters | Chocolata Clam Ceviche| Fried Brussel Sprouts | Chopped Vegetable Salad | Grilled Prawns | Half Roasted Chicken | Braised Short Rib | Fettuccine Frutti de Mare
When Will and I arrived to the One&Only Palmilla, our jaws dropped. Absolutely speechless. NO WORDS. This is one gorgeous resort. And its restaurants are just as, if not more, stunning. Agua is the property’s ocean-side restaurant. And I’m talking ocean-side…this space is located on the very edge of the resorts cliffs ensuring every guest has horizon and ocean views no matter where they’re seated. Restaurant guests are transported to Agua from the hotel check-in via golf cart which is absolutely a vibe. Upon arrival, you’ll see a beautiful bar, iconic umbrellas, orange and blue decor hues, and quite honestly the most dreamy view. Honestly, no picture would do this space justice. You HAVE to experience its magic in-person and it’s 100000% worth the visit. Our dining experience at Agua was 10/10. The most gracious staff, delicious dishes like fresh fish, local flavors and a delightful wine list. We LOVED our meal here. It was the perfect way to end a romantic birthday weekend with my hubby. Expect to be amazed by your dinner under the moonlight adjacent to the sea at Agua.
My favorites: Chocolata Clams | Pibil Sucking Pig Gyoza | Catch of the Day “A La Talla” | Tlayuda Oaxaqueña Style *Will’s Choice | Churros
Jardin Secreto is truly the secret garden restaurant of your dreams. Located in the adorable San Jose de Los Cabos Art District, this hidden gem screams cool, outdoor, romantic, jungle vibes. A short walk from the street entrance down a path bustling with greenery leads you to this trendy space where you’re greeted by a gorgeous dining room and dimly lit bar. We love and appreciate a vibey outdoor dining situation, especially in a tropical lotion, and Jardin Secreto understood the assignment. Further, the menu is incredibly diverse - from pizza, to oysters, to fish and red meat, there really is a dish for anyone at the table. And the cocktails…yes, 100000%, 10/10. These bartenders are TALENTED, whipping up cocktails so gorgeous, you’ll get lost in the art. I’ve enjoyed Jardin Secreto with girlfriends as well as for date night and I can honestly say it is the perfect place for enjoying a delicious meal and beautiful drinks with your favorite people.
My favorites: Beef Carpaccio | Oyster Tasting | Palo Verde Salad | Fusilli Pasta *Will’s Choice | Brussel Sprouts
You’ve likely already seen photos of Cabo’s nest-like structure on the water located in the stunning resort that is the Viceroy - the Nido has blossomed into an iconic dining experience, and I fully support. Not only is the space unique (I mean it when I say nest on the water) but the food is 10/10 divine. As a half Japanese woman myself, I absolutely appreciate the flavors of Japanese cuisine, and Nido delivers the best of authentic Japanese grill - fresh produce, meats, seafood and traditional sauces and seasonings - served unexpectedly and beautifully. I enjoyed a luxurious meal here with a group of girlfriends as well as a romantic date with Will, and I’m still dreaming of all the flavors experienced on both occasions. I absolutely recommend dining here with a group so that you can enjoy a sampling of all this menu has to offer.
My favorites: Tuna Avocado Ceviche | Tuna & Kampachi Nigiris | Pressed Pork Skin Dumplings | Steamed Pork Belly Buns | Salmon & Rib Eye Robatayaki
Described as a “hotspot taco joint for visitors and locals alike,” La Lupita is a must for authentic Mexican tacos. With one location in the heart of San Jose de Los Cabos Arts District and another in the Marina of Cabo San Lucas, you can’t visit Cabo with a visit to this iconic taco spot. I’ve been to both locations and I can honestly say the vibe is consistent - indoor/outdoor space, live music, always busy and truly just a fun atmosphere. And the tacos…WOW. There are so many delicious options to choose from and it truly makes the experience so enjoyable. That’s all I’ll say. Take a look at the menu yourself and I promise you’ll instantly crave tacos. 100000% stay for a churro and live music ;)
My favorites: Miso Fish | Drunken Barbacoa | Chipotle Shrimp | Mushroom & Cactus | Roasted Ribs
I had the absolutely pleasure of staying at the GORGEOUS Hacienda Beach Club and Residences for the wedding of one of my best friends. Located on site with the most stunning view of the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Hacienda Cocina y Cantina is a must if you’re in the mood for delicious, authentic Mexican food with a beautiful backdrop. The restaurant itself is perched above the sand adjacent to the resort’s gorgeous pool. But the best part…the tables for large parties which sit directly on the sand. I was able to dine here with Will, some of my closest friends and their partners, and the experience was quite honestly magical. Watching the sun set over Cabo’s scenic sea rocks while enjoying a delicious meal and drinks with your besties…what more could you ask for?! From breakfast, to dinner and most definitely dessert, this is a menu you won’t want to miss out on.
My Favorites: Ensalada Orgánica | Guacamole de la Casa | Pollo con Mole de Puebla | Arrachera *Will’s choice | Churros de la Casa
Javier’s Cantina
Having essentially claimed Cabo Azul as our second home with 4 stays in the last year, we were SO EXCITED to finally dine at the new renovated and absolutely stunning Javier’s Cantina. Now, I was born and bred in Orange County and frequented the Newport Beach location of the Mexican hot spot with my girlfriends in high school. Plus, with a location at the uber fabulous UTC Mall in San Diego, I’ve had my fair share of visits to this lovely restaurant. But none of them can compare to the local, ambiance and overall vibe of its location at Cabo Azul in San Jose de Los Cabos. With prime real estate right on the sand, no table is spared from a gorgeous ocean view in this space. This location pays homage to quintessential Javier’s aesthetic - dark wood accents, tropical greenery, rope chandelier, bold seating and fire…yes, FIRE. While other locations feature smaller decorative fire pits, the Los Cabos restaurant has a dedicated outdoor seating area surrounding its fire pit, giving all the Love Island vibes. It is truly the most spectacular place to enjoy a cocktail pre-dinner and watch the sun set over the sea. And this menu never misses. Javier’s prides itself on delivering authentic tastes of Mexico elevated by unique flavors and variety. This restaurant is special, romantic and quite honestly iconic for this brand.
My favorites: Guacamole | Ceviche | Javier’s Chopped Salad with steak | Enchilada | Chile Relleno and Taco *Will’s choice
