2 Best Restaurants in Baja California Norte, Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula

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With a modern history not much older than the Carretera Transpeninsular, most Baja California towns have appropriated their local cuisine from the cultures of mainland Mexico. In many regions, the best lunches and dinners are had at curbside taco stands, where fried fish is served atop tortillas—with shredded cabbage and salsa to add at your discretion. It's hard to find a good sit-down restaurant south of Ensenada, but the few that exist usually serve fantastic local seafood. There are a handful of exceptional restaurants popping up in Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe where award-winning chefs are offering a farm-to-table experience. When restaurants are limited, opt for the local hot spot, which is always a better option than paying premium for a chef's half-baked take on "international cuisine."

La Casa de la Langosta

$$$

Seafood soup and grilled fish are options at the "House of Lobster," but clearly the lobster, fried Puerto-Nuevo style, is the star. This is one of the best spots in town to try the deep-fried recipe created by Susana Diaz Plascencia in 1956; otherwise, try their fresh lobster steamed or stewed with seafood and salsa inside a traditional molcajete stone. Most wooden tables in the large dining room are covered with platters of fried or grilled lobster and all the standard accompaniments like rice, beans and paper-thin flour tortillas. Start with the clam chowder or jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon. The medium-size lobsters tend to be a bit more flavorful than the larger ones. There's an actual wine list here, and it has several Baja wines. On a hot day opt for the tart margaritas.

Lunario

$$$$

This jaw-dropping restaurant at Lomita winery is your chance to try a six- or eight-course tasting menu with a wine pairing. Grab a table overlooking the vineyards or head indoors, where a glass-roofed dining room allows the stars to shine over your table. At the helm is twentysomething chef Sheyla Alvarado, who changes the tasting menus weekly. Expect mouthwatering dishes like spider crab, suadero tacos, oyster mushrooms, firewood lamb, and, for a sweet and smooth finale, camomilla with honey. If you've fallen hard for one of the courses, simply ask for seconds at no additional cost.

Ejido el Porvenir, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
646-156–8469
Known For
  • Spectacular wines from Lomita and Carrodilla wineries
  • Observatory-esque dining room
  • Menu featuring local ingredients
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.–Wed.

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