This list of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo is a collection of my honest reviews and personal experiences, which I have accumulated since living here in 2021. It took me many months to compile it, and I am happy to share this with you!
Welcome to my home, food lovers! While often overshadowed by its party-centric neighbor, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo has emerged as a culinary hotspot, offering an eclectic mix of traditional and innovative flavors.
In this enchanting oasis, you’ll find a vibrant restaurant scene that showcases the best of Baja California’s culinary heritage while also celebrating international influences from around the globe.
From hidden taco stands and bustling seafood markets to elegant fine dining establishments and trendy farm-to-table eateries, San Jose del Cabo provides a delightful gastronomic experience for every kind of food enthusiast.
Join me as I embark on an epicurean adventure, exploring the must-try dishes, local ingredients, and culinary talents that make San José del Cabo’s food scene so extraordinary.
I am based in Los Cabos so the San Jose del Cabo restaurants in this list are 100% local. I also visited these restaurants personally and included a few you won’t find in other lists! If you come this way and want to hang out, I’d be happy to take you around these restaurants!
🗺️ I have been living in Cabo San Lucas since 2021 and this is a food paradise! As a foodie, I’ve made it a job to make travel easier for you. I’ve worked on this Cabo Restaurants Map for over a year, visiting all the restaurants, rating them, taking photos, and grouping them by cuisine. This map will be very useful for your trip!
San Jose del Cabo Restaurants Map
Here’s a map of the best San Jose del Cabo restaurants. I will continue to update this map, so save it for your trip to Los Cabos! Open this San Jose del Cabo Restaurants Map in full view or access the subscriber-only map for more restaurant options!
In a hurry? Here are my top recommendations for Los Cabos travel:
✈️ Los Cabos Trip Planning: I live in Cabo and I can help you plan your trip through a 1-1 chat. You may book a call with me here.
🛏️ Accommodations: Here’s an awesome map of all the best hotels in Los Cabos near the ocean!
🏄🏽 Things to do: Use the code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get a 10% discount on all local activities in Los Cabos!
🚗 Rental Cars: It’s easy to drive from San Jose del Cabo Airport! Book a rental car here for as low as $45 per day.
🛜 Staying connected: Get an E-sim for Mexico for as low as $5 per day. It has great coverage in Los Cabos and Baja California areas!
🚑 Safety: Do not travel Mexico without an insurance. I use SafetyWing for my digital nomad trips and Ekta Traveling for short trips.
1. Aguamala: best raw seafood restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Calle Zaragoza #221 Esquina Jose Maria Morelos
Aguamala is one of the best seafood restaurants in San Jose del Cabo. It is particularly popular because of its spot at the iconic colorful street of San Jose (next to Jazmin’s).
This is where you’ll ideally go for day drinking as they have small seafood plates for snacking. Aguamala is well-known for its raw food and here, you will get to taste fresh ceviche, aguachile, and other seafood delights from Baja California Sur.
During the oyster season, you must order their oyster platter ($50 USD). It is enough for sharing, and each of the oysters in the platter comes from the different seas of the Baja (Sea of Cortez, Pacific Coast, Punta Lobos). Some of the oysters even come fresh from Loreto daily!
Aguamala is affordable as you can spend $30 USD per person including drinks. The outdoor seating is usually full, but this is the best spot in the house. There’s even live music from Thursday to Sunday!
2. Señor Pez: best restaurant by the beach in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Tourist Corridor, 23457 Baja California Sur, Mexico
I discovered this restaurant by accidentally turning right to a dry stream in the Tourist Corridor. I saw a food truck by the beach and walked towards it. I was surprised to see that it was actually a restaurant with tables and chairs facing the beach! From then on, I always spent the weekends here because the beach is always empty, and I love dining by the ocean!
Pez translates to “fish” in English so expect seafood dishes here. They serve traditional Mexican seafood plates like tostadas, tacos, aguachiles, ceviches, and more! Compared to other beach clubs in Cabo, the prices here are cheaper, plus you have the beach to yourself!
The only downside is that you cannot swim in this part of Cabo. The current is strong, and the tide can be unpredictable. Watch my video on Instagram about this restaurant!
3. Carbon Cabron: best steak restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍Boulevard Cerro Colorado, México 1 Kilómetro 24.5
Carbon Carbon by renowned Chef Poncho Bravo is an upper-class dining style in San Jose del Cabo. The menu is small so you won’t get overwhelmed with what to order. And you come to Carbon Cabron for one thing: the steaks.
Not Argentine, not Texan, but you know, just Poncho Bravo style kind of heavy char cooking. The restaurant’s ambiance is dark but the fires from the grill illuminate the area. This is an open kitchen setting and you can always watch the kitchen action from your table.
The service is very personalized, and the waiters are highly-trained and educated about wine and steaks. It’s quite rare to encounter servers in Mexico who actually knows the food they are serving so this was a plus for Carbon Cabron.
Prices at Carbon Cabron are slightly higher than those at other San Jose del Cabo restaurants. A meal for two with steak, a vegetable side, and a decent bottle of wine can cost up to $300 USD.
4. Agave Kitchen: best rooftop restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Morelos, Alvaro Obregon Esq, Centro
I chanced upon Agave Kitchen after giving birth. I craved oysters during pregnancy and I heard that Agave Kitchen’s oysters were great! While there are many restaurants in San Jose del Cabo to have oysters, what drew me to this place was the rooftop setting. It is located on the “Gallery District” of San Jose del Cabo, so you’ll see the vibrant and most colorful street in town.
The seating is extremely comfortable, although I would recommend to come here at night or during sunset. It can be hot during the day but they have umbrellas and a shaded area. The waiters spoke perfect English and were able to recommend dishes.
The plates are not that big, so it’s safe to say it’s a place for snacking and sunset drinking. Their cocktails are also really good—I had two!
5. Javier’s: best restaurant in a resort in San Jose del Cabo
📍 P.º Malecon San Jose S/N-Lote 11, Zona Hotelera
Located inside the Cabo Azul Resort, Javier’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Jose del Cabo. The restaurant is on a beachfront property and boasts a mid-range dining space.
Javier’s has many seafood starters like ceviche, aguachile, and shrimp cocktail. During season, you must order the Baja oysters with chicharron, cucumber, onion, and cilantro relish, red hot Mexican and ponzu sauce, and fresh lemon.
They also have small snacks like tacos, guacamole, and empanada – Javier’s three crispy tacos where you can choose between shredded beef or chicken. If you have not tried fried tacos before, this is the place!
Restaurant prices at Javier’s start at $15 – $25 USD per plate, and main dishes can cost up to $30 USD. They only operate from 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM daily.
Even if you are not a guest at Cabo Azul Resort, you can still go to Javier’s but you have to reserve on OpenTable or call the number. The resort gates will let you in as long as you have a proof of reservation as a non-guest.
USE THIS MAP SO FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN CABO!
Find the best accommodation deals using this San Jose del Cabo Hotels Map. From resorts to vacation rental homes, this map will show you if your accommodation is in the best spot! You can also turn to me for questions about road situations.
6. Doña Pame: best local restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Av. Unión 39, Miraflores, B.C.S., Mexico
Doña Pame is not technically in San Jose del Cabo, but I included it in this list because it’s worth the 20-minute drive! I learned about Doña Pame in the recent Los Cabos Culinary Awards, and I’m glad I did!
Doña Pame specializes in Mexican food from the Baja California Sur Peninsula. You will see unique plates like machaca, clams, and other seafood dishes. This is an excellent spot for brunch as most of their menu items are for brunch.
The restaurant is in a ranch-type area where you will eat outdoors. They also have a farm at the back where you can see where they take all their ingredients for their food. Prices at this restaurant are incredibly cheap for what it is. The meals start at $10 USD; most plates are extensive and for sharing.
7. Jazmin’s: best Mexican restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Jose Maria Morelos 14, Gallery District
Even if Jazmin’s is not on the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo list, you will probably be drawn to it because it’s right on the most colorful street of San Jose! The space is really good for people-watching and for taking photos.
Jazmin’s has all the Mexican food you need to try for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! The breakfast specials like machaca, huevos divorciados, and huevos rancheros are all highly-recommended, all starting at $8 USD.
The lunch and dinner menus are even bigger with seafood as the main specialty. There are also salads, steaks, and vegetarian options, ranging from $15 – $30 USD per plate. The plates are big so order what you want and share it among your group!
Every Thursday, they have live music that features an authentic Mexican folklore band so make it your goal to dine here on Thursdays!
8. El Toro Guero: best seafood restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
El Toro Guero has branches all over Baja California Sur. You will find this iconic seafood restaurant in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Though it is quite popular among locals, this spot is less-discovered by foreign travelers yet.
This seafood restaurant is well-known for its straightforward Mexican seafood dishes, mainly specializing in shrimp. If you love shrimp, definitely try camarones al coco and their shrimp cocktail. The cocktail is not a cocktail per se – it is extremely filling!
Toro Guero’s ambiance is very Mexican, as you will find mariachi bands playing here from Thursdays to Sundays. The service is relatively fast, and everyone is well-coordinated with timing the orders well. Some waiters don’t speak English so this is an excellent chance for you to practice your Spanish!
Prices at Toro Guero start at $7 USD and can go up to $40 USD, depending on what you order.
9. Jardin Secreto: best restaurant in San Jose del Cabo for special occasions
📍Jose Maria Morelos 103, Gallery District
Jardin Secreto translates to “Secret Garden” in English, which depicts the garden-style (roofed) dining at this restaurant. It’s recommended for brunch but you can dine here anytime of the day, although I prefer the brunch concept since the space is gorgeous during daylight.
They do have live music every night which changes the ambiance of the restaurant so this is a good dinner spot for special occasions or dates. If you just want to check it out without eating, you can go here for cocktails or pre-drinks at the bar.
You’d want to come here during Thursday nights where they have the weekly “Jueves de Lechon” (Lechon Thursdays) where they serve the famous lechon from Miraflores, Baja California Sur. Lechon Thursdays costs $25 USD and you will get a 180 gram Mexican-style organic piglet.
They also have special brunch menus on Sundays featuring cochinita pibil ($10 USD), Baja-style fish tacos ($17 USD), and tacos de arrachera ($15 USD) among others.
10. Baja Brewing Co: best American food in San Jose del Cabo
📍San José del Cabo 1227, Centro
Burgers and beers? Baja Brewing Co is the place! This restaurant (and the beer company) is known all throughout Mexico. You can even see their artisanal beers in Mexican supermarkets! This absolutely means you have to order the sampler that contains 6 different specialties of the house for as low as $12 USD.
With this, you will have the chance to try all the best-selling artisan beers but mind you; the cups are medium-sized. Every time I have the sampler, I always end up getting drunk.
They also have a crowler you can order to go, perfect for going to the beach or parties. If you run out of anything to bring for dinners, the crowler takeaway is always a good idea!
As for food, Baja Brewing Co have typical plates that you can eat with beer. The burgers are top-notch and incredibly cheap. I am saying cheap because well-known restaurants like this always take advantage of raising their prices, but Baja Brewery only increases quality, not their prices.
11. Latino 8: best Latin restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
📍P.º Malecon San Jose Local 8, Campo de golf
Latino 8 is one of the most unique San Jose del Cabo restaurants because it specializes in gourmet street food. Their gourmet tacos all come with a nixtamal handmade tortilla. The taco items are not limited to seafood – there are pork, beef and vegetable options as well.
Every month, they have a house specialty, and in one of my visits, I was able to try their Chamorro which is a pork shank from Monterrey (with a little bit of Argentine flare). Chamorros are big in northern Mexican cuisine and it is not commonly found in many restaurants in the country.
Their main dishes are quite varied and feature dishes from different states of Mexico like cochinita pibil (Yucatan) and the pulpo a la Veracruzana (octopus from the state of Veracruz), valued at $16 USD.
12. Ruba’s Bakery: best bakery in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Jose Maria Morelos, Gallery District, Centro
I always pass by Ruba’s Bakery for to-go pastries, and I rarely sit here to eat. It is renowned for its exquisite selection of pastries and freshly baked breads! My favorites at Ruba’s include buttery croissants, flaky Danishes, and mouth-watering muffins! This is also my go-to for freshly baked bread – they have sourdough, baguettes, and ciabatta, which I always take home after the art walk!
Nestled in a beautifully restored 1940s casita in the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s art district, Ruba’s Bakery is a lovely spot for people-watching. The outdoor seating area is shaded by umbrellas, perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a casual dinner.
Ruba’s Bakery boasts an impressive selection of beverages to complement their delectable pastries. Coffee lovers can indulge in expertly crafted espressos, frothy lattes, and rich cappuccinos made with Mexican coffee beans.
The bakery also offers a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, and unique breakfast drinks. Ruba’s serves creative cocktails and an excellent wine list for those looking to unwind, perfect for pairing with their gourmet dishes.
Ruba’s is not only a bakery – they really have it all!
13. Organik: best healthy food in San Jose del Cabo
📍 Blvd. Antonio Mijares 1, Campo de Golf
Organik is celebrated for its commitment to serving fresh, organic, and healthy food. To be honest, my friend owns this and she’s recently opened it in San Jose. She already has branches in Sayulita and Nuevo Vallarta. I am so glad she brought Organik to Cabo!
The menu features a variety of nutritious options, including vibrant açaí bowls, wholesome salads, and hearty grain bowls. Their dishes are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring quality and sustainability. I recommend you try a range of delicious smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and wellness shots. The ginger and turmeric shots are my favorite!
The interior has a minimalist aesthetic, featuring natural wood accents and plenty of greenery, creating a serene environment. The seating arrangements are comfortable and spacious, with both indoor and outdoor options available. This restaurant is large and can accommodate big groups.
Love coffee? Organik has it too! Apart from the coffee, they also have matcha lattes, herbal teas, kombuchas, infused waters, and specialty drinks. The menu is small so you won’t be too overwhelmed. I’ve tried all the dishes and drinks at Organik, I highly recommend this restaurant in San Jose del Cabo!
14. Pan di Bacco: best breakfast restaurant in San Jose del Cabo
Pan di Bacco is renowned for its delectable breakfast menu, featuring a delightful array of Italian-inspired dishes. The breakfast menu also includes various savory options such as eggs benedict, avocado toast, and traditional Italian frittatas.
It is located within the charming El Merkado, a food park in San Jose del Cabo that has different eateries. While there are many places to eat inside the food park, I only come to Pan di Bacco for breakfast. The wifi here is fast so I also recommend this for digital nomads. The menu features a diverse range of options, from hearty breakfasts to wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers.
Tips for dining in San Jose del Cabo restaurants
Helpful Spanish phrases for booking restaurants in Cabo San Lucas
Again, some of these restaurants don’t have OpenTable reservation links, but you still need to reserve. If you are not fluent in Spanish, here are some helpful phrases you can use when calling on the phone:
- Puedo reservar para esta noche? = Can I reserve a table for tonight?
- Puedo reservar para esta noche por 10 personas? = Can I reserve a table for tonight for 10 people?
- Soy vegetariano/vegano = I am vegetarian/vegan
- Tengo alergia = I have food allergies
- No como lácteos = I don’t eat dairy
- Quiero reservar para a las ocho = I want to reserve for 8:00 PM
Are San Jose del Cabo restaurants expensive?
The cost of eating out in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the specific location within the city. There are options for various budgets, from affordable street food to high-end luxury dining experiences.
In general, you can expect to find:
- Street food and small local eateries (tacos, tortas, etc.): 30-60 MXN per meal ($1.50 – $3 USD)
- Mid-range restaurants (Mexican or international cuisine): 200-500 MXN per meal ($10 – $25 USD)
- Fine dining and luxury restaurants: 600-2,000 MXN per meal ($30 – $100 USD)
San Jose del Cabo restaurants FAQ
Where do celebrities eat in Cabo?
In Cabo, celebrities are often spotted indulging in the region’s finest dining experiences, where they can savor exquisite cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views and stunning ambiance.
One popular celebrity haunt is Flora’s Field Kitchen, a picturesque farm-to-table restaurant nestled amidst lush gardens and organic fields. This enchanting spot offers a true farm-fresh experience, attracting A-listers with its seasonal menus and locally-sourced ingredients.
Another favorite among the rich and famous is the luxurious Edith’s, renowned for its sumptuous Mexican and Baja Californian dishes. Here, celebrities enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere, mesmerizing sunset views, and mouthwatering delicacies like the succulent mesquite-grilled seafood platter.
For those seeking an intimate and exclusive dining experience, the renowned Agua by Larbi at One&Only Palmilla is a perfect choice. This oceanfront gem offers a sophisticated setting, where celebrities savor world-class Mediterranean and Mexican fusion dishes crafted by the talented Chef Larbi Dahrouch.
Is it worth visiting San Jose del Cabo?
Absolutely! San José del Cabo is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and world-class amenities.
As the more tranquil and historically rich counterpart to Cabo San Lucas, it provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Mexican charm and the relaxed pace of Baja California living.
San José del Cabo is home to pristine beaches, such as Palmilla and Costa Azul, where you can unwind and soak in the sun or partake in various water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing.
The town’s vibrant art scene is evident in the thriving Gallery District, which boasts an array of galleries and studios showcasing local and international artists. The weekly Art Walk is a must-visit event that allows you to explore the area while appreciating the work of talented creatives.
History and architecture enthusiasts will find joy in the picturesque colonial buildings, colorful plazas, and the iconic Mission of San José del Cabo Church. The town’s culinary scene is another major draw, offering diverse dining options, from traditional Mexican cuisine to innovative international dishes.
Lastly, the surrounding natural wonders, such as the estuary and Wirikuta botanical garden, provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and connect with the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
Where can I walk around in San Jose del Cabo?
San José del Cabo offers several picturesque areas to explore on foot, providing visitors with a delightful way to experience the town’s charm and beauty. The heart of the town is the historic downtown area, centered around Plaza Mijares.
Strolling through this vibrant square and the surrounding cobblestone streets, you’ll come across colorful buildings, charming boutiques, and inviting restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
A visit to the Gallery District is another must for art lovers and casual visitors alike. This neighborhood features many art galleries showcasing local and international talent. While wandering through the streets, you’ll encounter impressive murals, sculptures, and other artistic expressions that add to the area’s vibrant character.
For nature enthusiasts, a leisurely walk through the San José Estuary and Bird Sanctuary is an excellent choice. This serene oasis features a network of trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the area’s lush vegetation, while observing the diverse bird species that call the estuary home.
Lastly, the beachfront promenade, or Malecón, offers a scenic route along the coastline. With breathtaking ocean views, gentle sea breezes, and easy access to pristine beaches, this picturesque path is perfect for a relaxing and refreshing walk in San José del Cabo.
What food is San Jose del Cabo known for?
San Jose del Cabo, a charming and picturesque town located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is renowned for its rich culinary scene that reflects the area’s diverse cultural influences and bountiful natural resources.
The local cuisine is a delicious blend of Mexican, Spanish, and indigenous flavors, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, given the town’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
One of the most iconic dishes to emerge from this region is the “Chocolate Clams,” large brown-shelled clams that are typically prepared in various ways, such as raw with lime, ceviche, or grilled with butter and garlic.
Another standout dish is the “Taco de Pescado,” which features lightly battered and fried fish, often marlin or mahi-mahi, nestled inside a warm corn tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy crema.
The area’s agricultural abundance is also celebrated in dishes like the “Chiles Rellenos,” where poblano peppers are stuffed with a mix of cheeses or meats and then fried, served with a savory tomato sauce. Additionally, the town boasts a thriving farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants sourcing ingredients directly from local farms, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful dishes possible.
San Jose del Cabo is a food lover’s paradise, where the flavors of the land and sea come together in a delightful culinary tapestry that showcases the best of Baja California’s unique gastronomy.
