Cabo is famous for its turquoise water and dramatic sea cliffs, and travelers from the US and Canada have been flocking here for years to soak it in. What surprises a lot of first-timers, though, is how good the food scene has gotten. Between marina seafood houses, cliffside fine dining, and taco stands that have been feeding the same families for decades, Cabo has quietly become one of Mexico's most exciting places to eat.
This guide breaks down where to eat in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and everywhere in between, from the special-occasion splurges to the $5 fish taco stand locals swear by. And since where you stay affects how easy it is to reach these spots, we'll also point you toward the right kind of home base, whether you're in town for a week or planning a longer stay.
Propersavvy offers vacation rentals across Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Corridor, for every budget, from cozy condos near the marina to private villas with ocean views. You can book safely online in minutes, or reach out to our team directly if you'd rather talk it through first.
Best Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is where most travelers land, and the marina area is packed with options, some built for tourists, some built to last. A few names come up again and again among both critics and regulars:
- Mi Casa, on the main plaza, has been serving traditional Mexican dishes since 1990. It's one of the few marina-adjacent spots that's stayed consistent as the city around it has changed.
- Nick-San is a Latin-Japanese fusion spot worth booking ahead for. Order the omakase and let the chef take over, the tuna tostada and habanero-spiked lobster curry are standouts.
- La Casona is the move for a proper steakhouse night, known for dry-aged beef and an elegant open-air dining room.
- RosaNegra and Bagatelle are the go-to picks if you want dinner to turn into a night out, both lean into a high-energy, social dining format that's popular for celebrations and group trips.
If you're staying at one of our vacation rentals in Cabo San Lucas, most of these are a short rideshare or golf cart ride from the marina district.
Best Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas with a View
Cabo's coastline does a lot of the work here, several restaurants are built specifically to take advantage of it.
- Sunset Monalisa is the one everyone mentions first, and for good reason. Perched on a cliff over the Sea of Cortez, it delivers one of the most dramatic sunset views in Mexico, paired with a Pan-Asian and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Reservations are essential in high season.
- El Farallón, carved into the cliffs at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, is one of the most striking dining settings in Baja, fresh seafood served practically at the water's edge.
- Manta, from chef Enrique Olvera, blends Pacific Rim, Japanese, and Peruvian influences with a modern, design-forward dining room overlooking the ocean.
For travelers weighing where to base themselves for easy access to these cliffside spots, our guide on where is better to stay, Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo breaks down the pros and cons of each area.
Best Casual Restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
Not every meal needs a reservation or a dress code. Cabo has plenty of laid-back spots that are just as memorable.
- Los Cabos Fish Tacos, a no-frills taqueria near the marina and Medano Beach, keeps it simple: fried fish tacos, grilled fish tacos, and quesadillas, with a toppings bar of house-made salsas. It's one of the best-value meals in town.
- The Outpost Los Cabos offers a relaxed, well-designed atmosphere that's less formal than Cabo's high-end dinner spots but still polished enough for a nice night out.
- London Bistro & Café is a solid casual pick for crepes and espresso if you want something lighter during the day.
If you're traveling with kids, casual spots like these tend to be the easiest fit, pair that with the right property and the whole trip gets simpler. Our post on is Cabo good for families covers what to expect and where families tend to have the best luck.
Where Do Locals Eat in Cabo San Lucas?
Walk two blocks inland from the marina's main drag and prices drop fast, that's usually where you'll find the places locals actually eat at.
- Los Tres Gallos is a standout for traditional Mexican flavors made with real care, popular with residents who want something beyond the tourist menu.
- El Peregrino, in downtown Cabo San Lucas, is known for its scallop bisque, fish risotto, and shrimp fettuccine, with a loyal local following.
- La Lupita offers an upscale take on street food, tacos and mezcal done right, and a favorite for a more authentic evening out.
This is also where staying in the right neighborhood pays off. Guests in our long-term rentals in Los Cabos, Mexico tend to find these spots quickly once they settle in and start living more like a resident than a tourist.
Best Restaurants in Cabo San José
San José del Cabo, about 30 km east of Cabo San Lucas, has a completely different food scene, quieter, more chef-driven, and generally better value. This is where the Baja Med movement (fresh, local, farm-to-table Mexican cooking) really shows up.
- Jazmin's, in the historic art district, is a vibrant spot for cultural Mexican dining and an excellent stop during the Thursday Art Walk.
- Las Guacamayas does Baja Med cooking without the destination-restaurant price tag, making it a great intro to the style.
- Don Manuel's, at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, serves hacienda-style Mexican dishes built around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
If you're deciding how much time to spend on each side of Los Cabos, our guide on how many days do you need in Cabo San Lucas can help you plan enough time for a proper day trip (or overnight) in San José.
What Are Must-Try Foods in Cabo?
A few dishes you shouldn't leave Baja California Sur without trying:
- Aguachile — shrimp or fish cured in lime juice with a chili base, usually served ice cold. It's Baja's answer to ceviche, and often spicier.
- Fish tacos — battered or grilled, topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Cabo does this dish better than almost anywhere in Mexico.
- Marlin tostadas — smoked or shredded marlin piled onto a crispy tostada shell, a local staple you'll see at both taco stands and sit-down restaurants.
- Chilaquiles — a classic Mexican breakfast of fried tortilla chips simmered in salsa, topped with eggs, cheese, and crema.
- Fresh oysters and scallops — the Sea of Cortez produces some of the sweetest shellfish around, often served with nothing more than lime.
Where to Stay While You Eat Your Way Through Cabo
Good food is even better when you're not rushing back to a hotel room or fighting for restaurant reservations tied to a resort's dinner schedule. ProperSavvy has Los Cabos vacation rentals in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Corridor, for every kind of trip:
- Short-term rentals in Cabo San Lucas for a week-long getaway near the marina and nightlife
- Cabo beach vacation rentals if waking up steps from the sand is non-negotiable
- Cabo San Lucas homes for rent long term if you're planning an extended stay, a workation, or a seasonal escape from winter up north
- Properties across every budget, from simple condos to private villas with full kitchens, pools, and ocean views
And once you're booked, our Cabo San Lucas concierge services can handle the details that make a trip actually unforgettable, private chef dinners, airport transfers, boat charters, and grocery stocking before you arrive. You can read more about our concierge services and what's included.
A few more resources to help you plan the rest of your trip:
Whether you're booking a short-term stay for a food-focused long weekend or looking into long-term rentals in Los Cabos, Mexico for the season, ProperSavvy makes it easy to book safely online, or reach out and our team will help you find the right property for your trip.