Nate’s Must-Visit Dining Spots in Los Cabos for Spring 2025
As a founder at South House Real Estate and passionate foodie, I’m always out exploring Los Cabos. Beyond helping clients find their dream homes and new construction properties, I’m always hunting down the best spots to eat and drink in my spare time. After years here, I’ve gotten pretty good at finding places that have the best of both worlds — unbeatable flavor and atmosphere.
For Spring 2025, here’s my current lineup of restaurants I can’t get enough of. These spots show exactly what makes Cabo’s food scene so good. Whether you’re in the mood for casual beachside seafood or next-level Michelin star dining, these are the places I actually go to and recommend to clients who want the authentic Los Cabos experience.
Phortal
Phortal is the new kid on the block in San José del Cabo’s culinary scene. It hits that sweet spot of “fancy not fancy” – incredible food without the stuffiness. Chef Alejandro Magallanes changes the menu weekly based on what’s fresh and local. Their 5-course tasting menu engages all senses—plates that look as good as they taste. The wine pairings from the sommelier actually elevate each dish.
Service also hits the right note—they’re there when needed, absent when not. The staff knows the food thoroughly and genuinely cares about your experience. This place has serious Michelin potential. With 5 star ratings across all review boards, it is worth every peso!
“This is not dinner; this is an experience.”
NAO
NAO recently reopened after relocating to downtown San Jose (having moved from its El Merkado location). Headed by Chef Alex Branch, NAO was featured in last year’s Michelin Guide. The concept takes inspiration from the historic ship of the same name, creating a menu that blends flavors of the Baja with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.
Having dined at the old location previously, I can tell you the new space keeps that same cool, distinct feel with its white décor and blue accents. The new spot is more intimate and definitely belongs on your list.
The food does not disappoint—flavors are fresh and distinctive. Try the Persian cucumber salad, Beirut hummus, hazelnut gnocchi; which are to die for, and the porchetta with pineapple and chili puree. Save room for the tiramisu—it’s a textbook example of how it should be done.
They’re open for breakfast and dinner, plus they host a weekly Sunday brunch from 9am to 4pm, that offers incredible value – a Mediterranean mezze platter and choice of entree; with coffee or juice and bottomless mimosas for just $800 pesos!!
Sr Pez
When I want an authentic and laidback experience without trying too hard, Sr Pez delivers every time. The location itself is half the experience—just meters from the cascading waves of the Sea of Cortez, tucked in the arroyo between Dreams Hotel & Zoetry Cal del Mar. Finding it for the first time feels like stumbling onto something locals would rather keep to themselves. This is coastal Mexican dining at its most genuine—essentially a pop-up food truck where simplicity is its charm.
The seafood is so fresh – their tuna tartare is probably the best I’ve tried in Cabo to this day. It’s as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. The whole red snapper prepared chicharrón style is also to die for. Throw in some cornhole games and craft cocktails, like margaritas and Mezcalitas, and you’ve got the perfect afternoon spot favored by locals to unwind right on the beach.
Carbón Cabrón
There’s a reason Carbón Cabrón landed in the 2024 Michelin Guide. Chef Poncho Cadena’s moody space with its dramatic stacks of mesquite wood creates an atmosphere that’s worth the visit alone. Once your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, browse the menu that’s perfect for sharing – divided into vegetables, seafood, and what they call ‘black market’ meats (think tongue, sweetbreads, and bone-in short rib).
Everything gets that amazing smoky depth from the live fire cooking. The shrimp and pork belly combo hits that perfect sweet-savory balance. My other personal favorites are still the short rib and the broccolini. If you can’t decide, go for the chef’s tasting menu – it’s the best way to experience Poncho’s nuanced cooking approach.
Nate recommends: The charcoal tempura onion petals filled with habanero aïoli. These are meant to be eaten with your hands and are nothing short of insane! As a foodie, I’m always looking for that “aha” moment, and these absolutely deliver.
Flavia
Flavia is a true hidden gem that probably has the best pizza in Cabo (in my honest opinion). With only four tables and some bar seats, you might need to wait – but trust me, it’s worth it. The pizza has great structure, undercarriage, and flavor with little to no flop.
The menu hangs on a large board at the back of the restaurant with seasonal changes and specials, though many favorite staples remain. Don’t miss the shishito peppers, mushroom pizza, and Flavia fries. My personal favorites include the arancini, the mushroom pizza (topped with extra serrano ham), and the beet salad.
Best part? Two people can dine here for three courses with a bottle of wine and still have change from $100. Perfect spot for a low-key but delicious dinner with friends or date night for couples.
Come a casa
Come a Casa is a family-owned Italian spot in San José del Cabo, which feels like eating in someone’s home (hence the name). This place has a rating of 4.9 on Google. Everything’s authentic – handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces. Everything from the friendly service and the ambiance to the ridiculously good food makes it feel like you’re sitting in the middle of an Italian kitchen.
The lasagna, burrata salad, and tiramisu are fantastic, but I usually go for the bruschetta and carbonara. Have a look at their cocktail and wine list featuring a range of bottles from the Baja and across Mexico. I’m confident you’ll leave full and happy.
ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
ACRE Resort is one of the prettiest properties in North America, hands down. Set on 25 acres of lush jungle-esque greenery, ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has both an upscale yet rustic vibe with contemporary design. Definitely take a tour around the farm to see the ACRE dogs and farm animals if you have time before your reservation.
The farm-to-table menu is more than just a selling feature – the ingredients are actually straight from the garden. The staff know their gastronomy inside out—no rehearsed descriptions, just real enthusiasm for what’s on your plate.
My recommendation? Don’t miss the wood-grilled octopus or those addictive cheddar biscuits. Or, hit their Wednesday all-you-can-eat ribs night. Ask your waiter what to pair your dish with from the cocktail menu, which uses herbs and fruits picked straight from the property’s gardens (you can taste the difference).
Lumbre
Lumbre is located in San José del Cabo, taking its name from the Spanish word for ‘fire’ – fitting since everything here revolves around open-flame cooking. They source their menu ingredients from specific local fishermen, ranchers, and farmers they know personally throughout Baja Sur.
The space mixes natural materials with clean design. In the open kitchen, you’ll spot their old wood stove, main grill, and brick oven where all the cooking happens in plain view. The menu works best when you order multiple dishes to share.
Their bar focuses on mezcal and tequila drinks that match well with the food’s smoky elements. My go-to orders: ash tempura shrimp, Oaxacan cheese, octopus, and their roasted chicken. Head upstairs after dinner to check out Totoy, their karaoke bar.
durum
When I need a break from Mexican and seafood, Durum‘s Mediterranean menu hits the spot. Their Lebanese offerings – flatbreads, shawarma, hummus – are some of the best I’ve had anywhere. It’s casual but still has that cool factor, and the flavors are bold but clean.
Perfect for when you want something different but equally delicious. Another thing locals love about Durum is that they have pet-friendly outdoor seating as well, right in the heart of San José del Cabo.
Must try: Avocado cheesecake
La Lupita Taco & Mezcal
An iconic spot that’s been in San José del Cabo for years. Located in the art district, La Lupita Taco & Mezcal earned its ‘Best Atmosphere in Los Cabos’ title honestly. The space is decorated with murals, string lights, and live music that creates an energy that you won’t forget.
La Lupita elevates tacos with thoughtful twists, served on house-made corn tortillas. Their taco and mezcal offerings are some of the best in the city. From tacos de lechón al pibil (slow-roasted pork with achiote, citrus, pickled red onions, and habanero salsa) to ribeye con chicharrón (topped with crispy pork, guacamole, and salsa verde), each dish has depth.
Try the duck carnitas taco, grilled octopus with black garlic aioli, or quesataco de costra de queso with its cheese-crusted exterior. My go-tos include the locally caught chocolate clams, esquites, cheese crust pastor, and el takeshi tacos.
Their mezcal list impresses – get a flight to taste different varieties or their mezcal margarita with a chili-lime rim. Fair warning – book ahead. They’re often reserved 3-4 weeks out on busy nights, especially weekends.
Loretta
Located in Pedregal, Loretta was named OpenTable Diner’s Choice 2025 for good reason. Known for its marina and desert views, the restaurant combines a wooden palapa with an open-air layout that makes use of the elevated location. You’ll see boats during the day, sunsets in the evening, and city lights at night – works equally well for dates or group dinners. The interior uses Mediterranean elements with wood, plants, and considered lighting that balances casual and upscale.
Chef Agustín Godinez built a Mediterranean menu that incorporates Baja elements. The seafood, meats (prepared in their wood-fired oven), and house pastas deliver consistently. Try the bluefin tuna sashimi and the mussels with red curry. Their drink selection, both cocktails and wines, matches the food in quality. Costs more than average, but justifies the price.
Zai Sushi Surf Bar
Zai Sushi Surf Bar tops my list for sushi in the Baja. You’ll find this spot in the La Fortuna area in the East Cape, right on the Sea of Cortez. Getting there means taking the East Cape Road—bring a 4×4 for the off-road sections and enjoy the free-range livestock safari along the way. Trust me, the trek pays off when you’re sitting beachfront with that first bite. Pro tip: book ahead.
The Japanese menu here delivers consistently—sushi and ceviche that’s caught-this-morning fresh with the perfect balance of flavors. Their roll selection runs from classic to inventive. The La Fortuna (tempura shrimp, avocado, spicy tuna) is my go-to. Don’t miss the Tokios—these tempura seaweed empanadas packed with shrimp, fish, and surimi bring something completely different to the table. The Pulpo Salteado also stands out—a super tasty octopus preparation that breaks all the usual rules in the best possible way.
More Than Just Great Food — Get Access to Hidden Gems in Los Cabos Real Estate
What makes Los Cabos special is how the dining scene reflects the overall lifestyle here. At South House, we chose to build our lives and business in Cabo because it offers this perfect blend of laid-back vibes and world-class experiences. Whether you’re grabbing beachside tacos or dining at a top-tier restaurant, every meal here feels like an extension of what makes this place so special.
These spots I’ve listed aren’t just about good food – they showcase the diverse, ever-evolving community that’s developed here. If you’re thinking about making Los Cabos home, the food scene is just one of many reasons you’ll fall in love with life here, just like we have.
Ready to explore what living in Los Cabos could look like for you? Reach out to us at South House Real Estate. Finding your dream home or investment property in Los Cabos is what we do best, but helping you discover the lifestyle that comes with it is what really matters.
