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Other scrumptious appetizers include fruity Blue Crab Tostadas and Tri-Color Shrimp Ravioli stuffed with shrimp, ricotta cheese and spinach. Among the main courses, worth a special recommendation is the house special––potato crusted sea bass served with asparagus and succulent garlic scampi shrimp. In case traditional Mexican is what you’re craving, try the Mexican Combination––stuffed chili, seafood enchilada, quesadilla, chicken sope, beans and guacamole, or go for the Tampiqueña (grilled beef filet) with all the trimmings. For the undecided, weekly recommendations are safe bets. Entrée prices range $17–$28 US with the Surf and Turf Combination at $42 US. With seating for 50, this restaurant is located at Km. 28 before the outlook in San José del Cabo. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 7 am to 10 pm. For reservations, call (624) 142-2666.––A.U.
Alexander
Alexander is one of those restaurants that just seem to stick. Located on the restaurant row on the edge of the marina, in a very competitive strip, Alexander will last when others have come and gone. Before jumping into the food part of this review, you must know that Alexander, a stone’s throw from the marina fishing boats, must be one of the best people watching places in Cabo. Swiss owner and chef, Alex Brulhart, has been in Cabo for 18 years and his signature cuisine with Swiss, French, Mediterranean and Asian influences is coveted for trueness and flavor. Start with the Escargots Chablisienne with garlic (of course!) and onions in an apple sauce or the Thai Shrimp served in a coconut shell with coconut and ginger sauce. Some of the entrées come with a fire show that can’t be had anywhere else in Cabo. Try the Tequila Shrimp––big shrimp with garlic, butter, onion and cream, flambéed table side, or the house favorite Chateaubriand for two with brandy and béarnaise sauce. Alexander also specializes in cheese, beef or seafood fondues. Keeping the flame theme alive, you should have the flambé banana or strawberry crepes for two for dessert. Appetizers from $6 to $8 US with entrées from $15 to $38 US. On the Cabo Marina near the Nowhere Bar. Open daily for breakfast from 8 am until 11:30 pm with seating for approx. 110 on the marina terrace. Reservations recommended. (624) 143-2022 ––B.F.
Alfredo Di Roma
Diners wanting to venture away from Mexican cuisine will delight in discovering a truly Italian restaurant here in Los Cabos: Alfredo Di Roma. Located by the Presidente InterContinental Los Cabos Resort in San José, this classy dinner house represents what fine dining should be. From the black and white photos of people eating pasta that adorn the walls, to the staff of waiters in their crisp, white shirts, everything says elegance. Both the outdoor patio and air-conditioned interior with large windows offer magnificent views of the estuary, lush with wild vegetation and native birds swooping down as you sip wine selected from the varied menu. Italian Chef Daniele Tonin doesn’t do fusion food here. Instead, he focuses on preparing authentic recipes from Italy the way they were intended, using handmade pastas complemented by homemade breads. If carbs aren’t on your mind, fret not. Alfredo Di Roma offers many pasta-free dishes, including the appetizer Insalata Tiepida di Mare (warm seafood salad) with calamari, shrimp, scallops, and more, drizzled with limejuice and spices. For those who seek all things rich, creamy, and classic, the Maestosissime Fettuccine All’Alfredo is the dish to get. Brought to your table piping hot, skillful waiters add heaps of parmesan cheese, mix and stir frantically, and then hand out the golden utensils deemed fit for such a meal. Main dishes $12–$26 US. Open 6 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed Sundays. Seating for 98. For reservations, call (624) 142-1001. ––K.F.
Amarone
Ristorante Amarone is located on the outside of Plaza Puerto Paraíso, on the inside of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Look for the mall lighthouse tower while walking the marina boardwalk and you will find Amarone nearby. The view, from inside the restaurants’ air-conditioned seating to its outside patio, is all palms, ponds and white fishing boats with colorful catch flags flapping. The cuisine at Amarone is Northern Italian incorporating many ingredients imported from Italy. Mama never made Cream Tomato Soup this good, unless your mother was Chef Titta, and he got the recipe from his mother. The pastas are homemade with the Ravioli di Aragosta––lobster ravioli dressed with shrimp sauce, as a definite must-try. For the main course, the Saltimbocca del “Titta” prime rib medallion dressed in a marsala wine sauce and served with cheese gnocchi should be tried, or the Filetto di Manzo all’Amarone––beef filet cooked with Amarone sauce with grilled aubergine (eggplant) and onions. Do not leave Amarone without having their incredibly, delectably, “chococolatety” Tiramisu dessert. If you are a fan of vintage espresso machines, check out their circa 1960’s Faema at the bar. It is a work of art. Appetizers from $8 to $15 US with entrées from $15 to $45 US. Open daily 11:30 am until 10:30 pm, with seating for 95 inside and 85 on the marina patio. Reservations recommended. (624) 105-1035 ––B.F.
Baja Cantina Beach Grill
Facing the cascading rocks gliding gracefully into the sea at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, the conspicuous physical beauty of Baja Cantina Beach Grill is exotic and magnificent here at Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortés. If you came for a great view, there is a simply no better restaurant at which to experience El Médano. An elegant ambience lingers in the sea breeze and each evening live jazz music exudes harmony and provides a wonderful accompaniment to the stunning Land’s End sunset. Eat on the terrace overlooking the water, or with your feet in the sand, underneath the stars experiencing the amber moon and violet sunset merging into an electrifying aquatic oasis and painting the ever-changing canvas pink and vibrant purple with the flowing ethereal ink of heaven’s pen. The full bar and extensive menu provide numerous eclectic selections. The simmering shrimp, beef, and chicken fajitas are sensational, and the fresh fish and seafood dishes are simply exceptional. This Mexican seafood fusion triumphantly incorporates the beautiful music and uses the exquisite views to seduce your palate and captivate the senses. Baja Cantina Beach is located on Médano Beach in front of Cabo Villas Beach Resort. Dinner entrées range from $14 to $45 US for the lobster. Baja Cantina Beach is open from 8 am to 12 am for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with seating capacity for 150. For reservations and groups, call (624) 143-9773. ––M.D.
Baja Cantina Dockside
Baja Cantina Dockside is the quintessential Baja fisherman bar with an adjacent delicious restaurant. Covered by an enormous palapa, and smothered with fishing memorabilia, Baja Cantina offers extraordinary views of the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Baja Cantina has seemingly a life and vibrant pulse of its own. Even when all the other neighboring restaurants and marina bars seem to be empty, this spot is always overflowing with lively conversations and people of all ages. Both the bar and the restaurant get jam-packed most nights of the week, with a live trio providing Mexican music to accompany the delicious dining experience. The food is always exceptional and a recent renovation of the menu has expanded the delicious possibilities. Now it’s more enormous lobsters, shrimp, steaks, fish, tacos, fajitas, tortillas, and chilies. One exceptional dish is the filet mignon blanketed with fresh mariscos (seafood), wrapped in bacon sitting atop a warm bed of fiery picantes salsas. They still have their usual fish and shrimp specialties, but new combination plates, such as surf and turf and coconut shrimp have added a modern flair and an element of contemporary nuance to the traditional cantina restaurant. Baja Cantina Dockside is situated in front of L-M Dock at Cabo San Lucas Marina by the Tesoro Los Cabos Resort. Dinner entrées range from $11 to $45 US for the lobster. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 2 am for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with seating capacity for 100, and groups up to 150. For reservations and groups, call (624) 143-1591. ––M.D.
Brennan’s
Arriving in Cabo with a bang is the newly open restaurant Brennan’s, nestled high above the streets on Calle Libertad, between the downtown Papeleria Anita and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. This place has so many things not offered by other Cabo restaurants: ample, on-site parking, excellent prices, as well as a view of the city, the desert, and the sea that is to die for. Originally conceived to serve guests at the charming, Irish-themed Blarney Castle Inn nearby, Brennan’s combines Irish charm with Mexican hospitality. Its impressive rock-lined walkway and stone floor are made from loads of desert rocks found in the area surrounding it. The international dinner menu includes pasta dishes, traditional Mexican plates, seafood, and all sorts of meat and poultry, averaging $10 US per entrée. Bread is baked on the premises daily. This two-level establishment has a spacious, open-air bar on the terrace just below the restaurant, giving customers the ideal place to enjoy the Pacific breezes. This casual, window-filled restaurant has a doorless entrance, providing diners with endless vistas of the bay or Cabo’s twinkling city lights after the sun sets. Open daily 8 am to 10 pm serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seating for 150. For reservations, call (624) 143 2160. ––K.F.
CaboRey Dinner Cruiser
If you’re looking for a fun, yet elegant alternative to a dinner with a view, CaboRey Dinner Cruiser offers fine dining aboard the largest tri-level catamaran in Cabo. Instead of settling for a single vista, you can cruise the Cabo San Lucas Bay past the Land’s End Arch, up the Pacific coast, and then glide smoothly by the sparkling lights of the Médano Beach hotels and restaurant strip. The experience begins on the open-air sun deck, where you’ll relax to the sounds of live music with a cocktail in your hand and the wind in your hair. Then you’ll proceed to the elegant second-level dining room, where a three-course dinner is served by a well trained and pleasant wait staff. The set menu includes a salad with strawberry and mango dressings, nine entrée options, dessert, coffee and drinks. You can choose from Chateaubriand with merlot reduction, shrimp, lobster or sea bass filet with white wine cream sauce, and chicken breast with vegetables and a raspberry salsa. Special vegetarian entrées and combos are also available. A spectacular tango and Mexican folklore show concludes the evening with audience participation and great fun. The setting sun and rising moon illuminate the background for this unforgettable experience as you enjoy the delicious food, fine entertainment and, of course the view. The price is only $89 US per person, and includes open bar, dinner, show and the two-and-a-half-hour tour. The CaboRey departs daily at 5 pm from the main dock in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Reservations are required. Call (624) 143-8260 ––A.U.
Cabo Wabo
A must-visit for anyone who loves rock, Cabo Wabo Cantina is a staple within the Los Cabos community, with most people having heard of it before they even arrive here. Although the club itself is the draw for most Sammy Hagar (the club’s owner) fans and other rock aficionados, Cabo Wabo’s small, upstairs restaurant is worth a visit, too. Its main entrance overlooks Plaza de las Mariachis, on Marina Blvd. and has walls covered in photos of The Red Rocker with other industry legends, many of whom have come to Cabo Wabo to play. Music here is all rock, all the time, with a party-like crowd keeping the place jumping. The menu is small, but what they prepare is done just right. Made with Cabo Wabo Tequila, the signature dish is Sammy’s Tequila Shrimp, offered as a main dish or appetizer. As a starter, this specialty contains eight small shrimp, smothered in butter, with loads of minced garlic, spices, and the perfect dousing of tequila for $12 US. Can’t decide between Mexican and seafood? The lobster burrito, $28 US, is packed with soft chunks of this white meat and drenched with a tomato-based cream. The crunchy, breaded fish comes with steamed veggies and is a beautiful deep brown. Entrées range $17–$30 US. Seating for 50. All major credit cards and traveler’s checks accepted. Several meal options for kids. Open seven days a week, 10:30 am to 10:30 pm (restaurant) and 12 pm to 2:30 am (bar). (624) 143-1188––K.F.
Capitan Fish
Capitan Fish, located on the second floor of Plaza Puerto Paraíso on the marina side, has all the snap, crackle and pop of a franchise operation, but it is not a franchise. This restaurant has a very comforting feeling and the staff truly cares that you have crossed their threshold. As you may have guessed by the name, the focus is on fresh seafood, and Capitan Fish delivers. Appetizers range from $6–$15 US. You might want to start with the Tuna Carpaccio with thin slices of fresh tuna drizzled with a light, tangy soy sauce. The main courses vary wildly in price, from $15–$55 US because at the top end is lobster prepared in different ways. I tried the Lobster Thermidor, traditionally a cheesy mixture of lobster pieces with egg yolks and brandy stuffed back into the lobster shell. This preparation makes for easy eating and it is over-the-top rich, so much so, that it is easily shared between two people. If you are going with a group of three to five people, you should try the Parrillada, which is a platter combination of lobster, whole red snapper, octopus, crab and shrimp. The outdoor patio has a fantastic view of the marina and the boardwalk for people watching. Open daily from noon to 10:30 pm with seating for 80 in the air-conditioned interior and 40 on the marina patio. Call (624) 144-4966. ––B.F.
El Galeon Ristorante Italiano
Sundown is the perfect time to visit this legendary landmark. A full moon would make it all the better––the view from the second floor location makes it the perfect romantic spot for dining. The elevator opens to a large, beautifully furnished dining room with windows overlooking the marina. The menu is so versatile that guests return time and again, sometimes within the same week, to try the different dishes. From the many antipasto selections, to the famous Caesar Salad created at table, to the rack of lamb and other delicious meats such as Osso Buco made with veal shanks braised with olive oil, the choices are exceptional. Fish, fowl, and beef dishes are available, as well as pizzas, and homemade pasta of every denomination. Chef Raffaele’s signature dish is filet mignon with anchovies and black olive sauce. Seafood consists of fish Florentine, lobster in a cheese and white sauce, and seafood Morney, a rich béchamel sauce made with Parmesan and Swiss cheeses. No matter if it is Italian cuisine you are craving, or the many Continental dishes, this is the place to come with that special someone, friends, or family. Appetizers from $9 to $14 US, entrées $14 to $33 US. Located on Marina Boulevard across from GaliPlaza overlooking the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Private or valet parking. Non-smoking, air-conditioned dining room. Open daily 4 pm to 11 pm. Live music nightly, except Wednesday, by famed pianist Ronald Valentino. For reservations, call (624) 143-0443. ––S.B.
La Roca Restaurant
Whether on vacation or not, you’ll feel like it at La Roca Restaurant in the Solmar Hotel, one of the oldest resorts in Cabo San Lucas. Terrace dining is a must under the tall palm trees wrapped with rope lights and view of the ocean beyond. Before or following dinner, wander along the meandering walkway to the edge of the pool area to see the waves crashing on the beach. Grill Night is Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Enjoy the selection of oak-grilled meats and seafood that come with soup and salad. Tuesday offers a special dinner that includes soup or salad, the Black & White combination of baked lobster tail and beef medallions, plus dessert for $30 US per person, a second glass of wine on the house. On Thursday, the special dinner includes lobster bisque and assorted charcoal grilled seafood for $50 US for two. Every Saturday, enjoy a Mexican Fiesta for $35 US per person that begins with tequila shots, all you can drink from the open bar, and a buffet of 18 different Mexican dishes. The music, the folkloric dance show, the games and prizes, convince you that you are definitely in México! Sunday is the Chef’s Special for $50 US. Whichever time you choose, you’ll enjoy live music, great food, and a beautiful atmosphere. A regular menu is also available, including a lunch with Thai fish in soy, cilantro, almonds and chilies. Seating for 25 in air-conditioned comfort and 40 on the terrace. Open for breakfast from 6 am until 10 pm. Live music nightly, except Tuesday. For reservations, call (624) 146-7700. ––S.B.
Lorenzillo’s
An unexpected surprise on the Cabo restaurant scene is Lorenzillo’s. With spectacular views of the marina and downtown area from its second level, above UltraFemme, or literally sitting over the water in the Oyster Bar on the ground level, this place is classy. Lorenzillo’s primarily features seafood but has a selection of beef and chicken dishes as well. The air-conditioned interior of this nautical themed restaurant is very elegant, decorated with stained-glass lamps and beautiful combinations of light, dark, and cherry wood. For those preferring a bird’s eye view, the outdoor section is the best choice. Starters here are numerous and will satisfy a variety of tastes. The Claraboya Caesar Salad is thoughtfully prepared, tableside, using oil, bacon, cream, egg yolk, mustard, Parmesan cheese, and spices. The Rockefeller Oysters are delectable. Eight large oysters are served warm, covered in cheese and creamy sauce, served over a bed of sea salt. Known as the live lobster house, Lorenzillo’s prepares it about ten different ways, not to mention the variety of dishes in which lobster is deliciously infused, such as the fillet of fish stuffed with lobster and shrimp, covered in a white sauce. The generous portions are obvious when the breaded fish arrives, accompanied by pasta and steamed vegetables. Entrées range from $25 to $45 US, for El Doblón, a giant beef chop on the bone. Lobsters are at market price. Seating for 200, open daily from 12 pm to 12 am. Oyster Bar downstairs seats 70 and opens at 10 am with same menu. For reservations, call (624) 105-0212. ––K.F.
The Mango Deck
It would be a mistake to take the Mango Deck seriously, because it is all about fun. This restaurant is the heart of Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. There is covered deck seating back off the beach if you want the quiet zone––I didn’t. I sat down for lunch in beach umbrella land, which runs almost to the water’s edge. The view of Land’s End, Lover’s Beach and the hoi polloi of vendors and vacationers are better than a cocktail…almost. Happy hour seems to run all day, so order up a bucket of cold beer and watch the show, something will happen soon. Contests like Sexy Dance, Deep Sea Beer, Dive and Splash, Wet Shirt and The Mirror keep Mango Deck chugging all day long. The ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s tunes blasting through the speakers sound better with every cold beer. For some beach food, try the Shrimp Ceviche and think about sharing this huge appetizer with a friend. Mango Deck food menu is geared for the beach and includes nachos, wings, pasta, sandwiches, hamburgers, tacos, quesadillas, molcajetes, fajitas, burritos, as well as surf and turf combos. The food has never disappointed at The Mango Deck and neither has the circus sideshow. You can’t come to Cabo and not go to Mango Deck. Remember to taxi or have a designated driver. Appetizers from $6 to $12 US with entrées from $10 to $30 US. Open daily 8 am to 11 pm with seating for 250 on the sand. Reservations possible. (624) 143-6777 ––B.F.
Nikki Beach
Nothing short of extraordinary, Nikki Beach sets the standard for ambience, cuisine, and views for Los Cabos eateries by creating a place in which sensuality and sophistication abound. Its beachfront location on Cabo’s Playa El Médano, inside the ME by Melia Cabo Resort, only reaffirms the international reputation this place has for being the chic spot beautiful people and celebrities flock to. Romantic dining elsewhere in Cabo pales in comparison, as only Nikki Beach offers beachfront dining surrounded by glowing tiki torches, candles, and rose petals, perfect for a special occasion. Exotic music completes the relaxing, lounge vibe and complements the waves coming ashore just feet away from your table. Averaging between $150 and $180 US per couple, the limited but inventive menu for the romance-on-the-beach option includes the Nikki Beach Salad (with salmon, cantaloupe, and figs), a variety of sushi rolls (like eel, breaded shrimp, and fruit-filled, with kiwi, banana, and strawberry), cream of goat cheese soup (with a Merlot fusion glaze), grilled lamb stuffed with pear, and delectable desserts. Seating consists of oversized, white leather cushions on a four-post canopy bed surrounded by flowing, sheer curtains. For those not wanting something so intimate, the standard menu is offered at the open-air restaurant and contains an abundance of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Sushi, seafood, salads, and steaks take on new forms here. Main dish prices go from $12.50 to $37 US. Restaurant seats 86. Lunch served from 11 am to 6 pm; with dinner 6 pm to 11 pm. Call (624) 145-7800, ext. 789. ––K.F.
Pitahayas
As the recipient of the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award, Pitahayas’ Pacific Rim menu and unbeatable service have undoubtedly impressed the most fastidious of critics. The facility itself, however, is worth just as much fanfare. Looking out onto the Sea of Cortés, from within the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Resort on the corridor, this restaurant has created the romantic, tropical paradise only seen in movies. The beautiful, oversized palapa allows diners to enjoy shaded comfort along with the constant sea breezes that drift in and out of the restaurant. Cocktails can be enjoyed on the second-level terrace as waves batter the sand below. Visual stimuli are very important in the food as well, so German Chef Volker Romeike infuses color and creativity into each plate. The Lobster Martini demonstrates this perfectly: lobster meat marinated with ginger, mixed with avocado and mango in a spicy cocktail sauce. There’s no better way to salute the sea than with Pitahayas’ Seafood Trilogy––a sweet half lobster, coconut shrimp, and peppered fish with fruit relish. Wine drinkers will no doubt enjoy a tour of the wine room below the restaurant, displaying several hundred international bottles, each nestled snugly in the temperature-controlled cellar. Entrées range from $25 US to $36 US. Open 7 pm to 10 pm. Closed Wednesday. Can seat up to 500. Reservations suggested. (624) 145-6126 ––K.F.
Puerta Vieja
Quite simply, Puerta Vieja is everything a restaurant should be, and then some. Just a five-minute drive from Cabo’s main entrance, on the corridor, this is one of the few places from which visitors can get an unobstructed view of Cabo’s famed El Arco, the bay, city, and surrounding desert landscape simultaneously. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Decorated elegantly with deep browns and rich earth tones, accented by wrought-iron candleholders and sconces, this would seem to be a typical Cabo restaurant. However, Puerta Vieja defies the myth that fancy must cost a fortune, instead offering fine meats, seafood, and Mexican cuisine at the most reasonable prices in the area. Entrées begin at $7 and top out at $29 US, for the shrimp and New York steak. The steamed lobster tail is $9.95 US. Jumbo shrimp options include coconut, Mediterranean, ajillo (garlic and butter), and curry, for only $20 US. These shrimp are so large that they could be confused with a small lobster tail. The mother of all meals here is the Puerta Vieja Specialty, consisting of three jumbo shrimp, three small pork chops, and one lobster tail, costing only $28 US. End your evening with the flan, topped with caramelized, crispy walnuts for a mere $3 US. Open daily 12 pm to 10 pm with live music nightly 7 pm to 10 pm. Seating capacity for 200, offering tables indoors, on the spacious terrace, or in the private VIP room, which seats 12. Kid’s menu available. For reservations, call (624) 104-3252 ––K.F.
Solomon’s Landing
Solomon’s Landing offers a glistening marina ambience, an exceptional view, and a wide variety of delectable dishes. As far as menu diversity goes, here you’ll find limitless options at fair prices. The casual setting perched above the marina provides a great spot for people watching and admiring the boats. The Mexican combo is luscious, consisting of a wonderful and generous synthesis of traditional Mexican dishes such as chile relleno, chicken enchiladas drenched in delectable red sauce, fried fajitas, served with steaming rice pilaf, smoldering black beans, and guacamole. The shrimp and fish are also exquisite, cooked to whatever specification you prefer, served with a colorful medley of succulent roasted vegetables. The fresh sweet Pacific red lobster is phenomenal, steamed to perfection and then seared in golden butter like no other restaurant knows how. The pastas are amazing, and sushi is available as well. In fact, you could eat at Solomon’s Landing every day and night for an entire month before exhausting the possibilities. Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance here, and you’re likely to be greeted by the owner himself, who will make sure your experience is impeccable. Dinner entrées from $14 to $60 US for the combo platter for two of lobster, shrimp, fish, and filet mignon. Solomon’s Landing is located on the west side of the Cabo San Lucas Marina behind Tesoro Los Cabos Resort. The restaurant has a seating capacity for 130 and is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm. For reservations call (624) 143-7606. ––M.D.
Sunset Da Mona Lisa
As the late afternoon sun begins to paint the sky over Land’s End in vivid violets, roses, and reds, the spacious terraces at Sunset Da Mona Lisa become magic windows to the Sea of Cortés, and as the moments pass and the city lights illuminate the panorama, an even more incredible vista extends in front of you. Known to be a favorite spot for special occasions and events, this gourmet restaurant is a must-visit on any Cabo itinerary. The menu speaks mostly Italian, but it’s seafood oriented. As the cooler season rolls around, Chef Emanuele Olivero presents his new menu to incorporate fresh seasonal produce and add a touch of wintertime. You will find more rich sauces and piping hot dishes, but the light essence remains untouched. Extraordinary creations are prepared with only the finest and freshest ingredients, yielding a selection of pastas, fish and shellfish that are to die for. Daily specials are especially worth a try, as they include chef-recommended off-the-regular-menu items. With the new menu, you will still be able to have some of the all-time favorites, but the new selections are equally fabulous. Entrées range $19–$38 U.S. Live music entertainment. Thursdays 6 p.m.–10 p.m. Sunset Da Mona Lisa seats 80 in the air-conditioned palapa-covered dinning room and 120 on the terraces. Group capacity for up to 200. Open daily 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Valet parking available. Reservations suggested. Call (624) 145-8160.––A.U.
The Brigantine
Dining at The Brigantine is an extraordinary culinary experience consumed with exceptional Pacific Ocean vistas. The views will enchant you as soon as you step through the main lobby entrance to the enormous Playa Grande Resort. The Brigantine is a festive and elegant oceanfront restaurant, unlike anywhere else in Los Cabos, filled with sophisticated glamour, yet without all the pretentiousness commonly associated with fine dining. Sitting by the ocean, tables are perfectly situated to permit watching many of the famous party boats, catamarans, and sailboats flutter back and forth, while the sun dances tirelessly across the horizon and provides breathtaking panoramic background for your meal. The intimate romantic setting is heavenly, and the service at The Brigantine is always exceptional, with an experienced wait staff taking care of every detail. The menu is extensive, with many great dishes to choose from and an impressive wine list. The seafood molcajate bowl for two is delicious, and the Caesar salad is prepared right in front of your table and served with a sweet, delectable dressing. The insatiable setting is simply exquisite and the live piano music provides an ambience of elegant sophistication. The Brigantine has a seating capacity for 60, and it is ideal for weddings and private parties. Most entrées range from $20 to $38 US, with the seafood molcajate for two listed at $50 US. The Brigantine is located at the Playa Grande Resort. Open from 6 pm to 11 pm. For reservations, call (624) 143-7575. ––M.D.
Trinidad
If you’re seeking vistas while dining, Trinidad, located in Las Tiendas de Palmilla, offers panoramic elevated views from the terrace. Enjoy views of palm trees, lush gardens, and a commanding view of the residences atop the famed One & Only Palmilla Resort, with the Sea of Cortés beyond. Trinidad is the newest offshoot of the family that made Nick-San so famous in Los Cabos. Offering an exciting blend of Mrs. Trinidad Arteaga’s secret ingredients of traditional old México, this fine eatery is just the spot to enjoy a memorable meal in pleasing surroundings. The interior suggests an old world Mexican charm with hand-painted columns and wall murals. A different twist on Mexican food awaits you at Trinidad, with delicacies such as Coyoacán-style tostadas, huarache––a flat tortilla that looks like the traditional leather Mexican sandal served with various toppings; or bread stuffed with chicken or beef, dipped in a spicy pepper sauce. Seafood includes red snapper, octopus served in almond sauce, and lobster Baja California-style, served with rice, beans and tortillas. Poultry dishes include duck and chicken, each with different sauces, such as chipotle that has a smoky chocolaty flavor, or mole, a rich brown sauce made with many blended ingredients. Meats include a shredded lamb dish, or slow-roasted pork, as well as medallions of beef served in cuitlocoche sauce, a smoky-sweet flavored fungus that grows on corn. Suggested wine pairings are shown on the menu. The air-conditioned dining room seats 40, the popular terrace 90. Appetizers are $4 to $7 US, entrées $15 to $45 US for New York Black Angus Prime beef. Open from 12 noon to 10:30 pm. Reservations at (624) 144-6170. ––S.B.
Villa Serena Restaurant
When people want a relaxing place to enjoy a casual dinner with a view of the Sea of Cortés, especially at sunset, they head to Villa Serena. Manuel Bobadilla has been satisfying diners since 1990, with his delicious seafood, good service, and serene ambiance. As the sun goes down, the twinkling star lights come on, shedding a lovely glow under the large palapa roof. Lobster is the mainstay on the menu with various combinations––shrimp, fish, or lamb chops. But first, start with Oysters Rockefeller (in season), or the almost a meal-in-itself shrimp cocktail served American-style with cocktail sauce. Fish is always a good choice, especially the fish of the day, the whole red snapper, or your own catch cooked the way you like it. Mexican dishes are tempting, as are the meat dishes including pork ribs, or the chicken breast stuffed with shrimp and spinach. A guitarist plays nightly (except Monday) for your dining pleasure. When the lights are dimmed, you’ll know someone is celebrating with a flaming Mexican coffee, a sho
Follow Sandra Berry, Anna Urbanik, Kirstin Frieze, Matthew Dexter, Bradley Fraser and David Mandich on a tasting tour.
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