The Best Restaurant in Baja California Norte, Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula

Background Illustration for Restaurants

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."

El Rey Sol

$$$

From its chateaubriand bouquetière to the savory chicken cooked in prune sauce, this classy French restaurant has been family-owned since 1947. Louis XIV–style furnishings and an attentive staff make it both comfortable and elegant. In addition, the restaurant pays tribute to its heritage with family photographs that line the hallways, starting with a portrait of founder Doña Pepita. As the oldest French restaurant in Mexico, it's also considered one of the top of the pack with more than 10 Five Diamond Awards. Impressive preparations of Caesar salad, crepes Suzette, and café flambé create a show at your table. For larger parties, request one of the three private rooms modeled after Paris and the Palace of Versailles. The sidewalk tables are a perfect place to dine and people-watch. The small café in the front sells pastries that are made on the premises.

Av. López Mateos 1000, Ensenada, 22800, Mexico
646-178–1733
Known For
  • French pastries
  • Table-side Caesar salad
  • First-rate service

Something incorrect in this review?