A Feast for All Palates

The Corridor and San José del Cabo mix it up with a bouquet of flavors

By Sarah Muñoz

Restaurants in The Corridor

There are lots of exciting dining alternatives hidden away along The Corridor. One of Baja’s latest prize jewels is Manuel’s Creative Cuisine at The Shoppes at Palmilla. A pro at engaging the palates of celebrities, dignitaries and heads of state, Chef Manuel Arredondo has brought his expertise to Cabo with a Master’s in Italian Cuisine after graduating from ALMA, La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana in Parma, Italy, where he had the opportunity to interact with the best Italian chefs. His exceptional cuisine is based on the freshest organic and local ingredients, so be ready for the unexpected — maybe Cornish hen sauté with artichoke hearts, capers, black olives and cherry tomatoes, served with braised spinach and creamy polenta. Or Spanish saffron fettuccine with Pacific blue shrimp, mussels, calamari, vegetables and garlic-lime sauce.

Alegría by Nick San is one of the area’s latest, a joint venture with the Nick San group, which currently owns and manages four restaurants in Cabo (including one at The Shoppes at Palmilla) and Mexico City. Located at Alegranza Resort, this imaginative restaurant provides excellent Japanese fusion cuisine created by chef-owners Ángel Carbajal and Masayuki Niikura.

Cerritos Beach Club & Surf is a local favorite right on the beach of Los Cerritos, known in some circles as the best surfing beach in Baja for both beginners and experts. You can enjoy a very relaxing atmosphere while you try Cerrito’s own signature tequila, listen to live music and indulge in excellent choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner ranging from ceviche made with fresh cabrilla and Chef Martin’s secret marinade to a succulent Sonora arrachera steak.

Resort Surprises. In The Corridor you will also find a number of award-winning restaurants and ingenious options tucked away in different resorts, all of which you’ll want to call ahead to save a space. At The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, there’s the AAA Four-Diamond Arrecifes, with live jazz nightly and soaring panoramic views. Dishes blend Brazilian and Asian flavors while incorporating traditional Mexican elements and a touch of Chef Mirko Cappa’s Italian roots.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa is home to four restaurants, including award-winning Pitahayas, which serves playful but solid Pacific Rim–Asian fusion creations to the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean. A 400+ brand wine cellar complements the fantastic menu, inspired by Chef Volker Romeike’s time in Hawaii.

Canto del Mar at Marquis Los Cabos, itself a multiple award winner thanks to lauded Chef Thierry Dufour, has just 20 seats, a long wine list and no printed menus — just daily surprises for the palate. Expect to-the-minute freshness in everything from fish to sides and garnishes, with local produce having a star presence and the most delicious of flavor combinations.

Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos has three exciting restaurants from which to choose, starting with Rosato Restaurant, a trattoria-style eatery with Northern Italian influences and a wine bar. There’s also Viña del Mar, which serves a daily Champagne brunch buffet and à la carte dinners, and also hosts theme nights with different specialties. Fiesta Americana Grand’s pièce de résistance is Peninsula, which serves Pacific Rim and international specialties alfresco.

Being that it’s well known for its delectable dining and its wine-based spa, the resort offers guests a “Barefoot Dining Experience” that goes all out. Diners dip their feet into a tub of grapes as they enjoy a martini, squishing their toes in exfoliating goodness. Afterwards, they taste regional wines and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying a reflexology massage. This is followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner, access to an international open bar and the use of a GPS-guided telescope for romantic stargazing while an outdoor fire pit warms the cool Cabo night.

You can even try your hand at preparing some Mexican specialties at some of Los Cabos’ hotels and resorts, which offer on-site interactive and culinary programs, including special cooking classes and tasting events.

Restaurants in San José del Cabo

Although less prolific in dining establishments compared with Cabo San Lucas, there are still a good number of fantastic restaurants in San José.

There is 7 Seas Restaurant/Seafood Grille in Acapulquito Beach’s Cabo Surf Hotel. The dishes at 7 Seas combine Asian and Mexican legacies and are served together with a fantastic view of the cove by which it sits. Yes, a great view is included — this is a wonderful location in which to hold an intimate event. Patrons will be thrilled by a generous menu of fare such as Seafood Skillet and Blackened Mango Shrimp.

At Tequila Restaurant, you’ll find an extensive wine list and more than 50 types of tequila, but there’s also a walk-in humidor where you can select a fine cigar. The menu here features vegetables and herbs from the restaurant’s own certified organic farm, as well as a nice spread of Mediterranean cuisine with Mexican and Asian touches, including seafood, meat and poultry. Among the specialties: Shrimp Risotto and Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary & Cabernet Sauce.

One of San José’s most popular restaurants — for quite some time now — is El Chilar, a cozy restaurant with an ever-changing inventive menu and warm décor. Its bar features a wide range of tequila options and more than 100 varieties of wine, and fine Mexican cuisine is shown off with an ample spread of seafood options and quite a few dishes for meat lovers, too.

Another favorite here is La Panga Antigua, which has an exquisite outdoor courtyard. Food here is best described as contemporary Mexican with a twist — you may indulge in the catch of the day, served with basil oil over mashed potatoes and a spinach torte, or a double-thick rib pork chop with tomatillo sauce. For dessert, try the chocolate tamal, which is baked in a cornhusk — it’s just incredible. Whichever way you go here, you’ll be sure to leave happy.

Click here for a quick list of bars and restaurants in Los Cabos to help you plan where to eat, dine, party and drink.