The 12 best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for your next trip to Mexico

Experience sustainable fine dining in a lush, tropical for a trip to remember. Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Lush, tropical dining at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

The food scene in San Jose del Cabo is bustling, eclectic and sophisticated. A diverse range of restaurants awaits, several of which have been recognised with a MICHELIN star for excellence. Many of Mexico’s finest restaurants can be found in this region, with an eclectic array of cuisines to choose from. The best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo can cater for all occasions, from a light bite to a multi-course extravaganza.

There’s a quirky little brunch spot specialising in artisan breads and stone-baked pizzas to get your morning off to the best possible start, and a farm-to-table restaurant offering not only great food but also culinary classes and accommodation. You can find a unique Japanese omakase experience, a real gem of a restaurant in a five-star hotel, and a MICHELIN-recommended chef serving up traditional Mexican grill with a twist.

Guarantee your spot at one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo by booking on OpenTable today,

The best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo – read on

For special occasions at an award-winning icon – book dinner and cocktails at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

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The charcoal-fired oven at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar delivers that inimitable smoky flavour Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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Soak up the jungle vibes at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, a palm-filled oasis serving gourmet cuisine Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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The farm-to-table concept at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar focuses on the freshest and most sustainable local ingredients Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
An outdoor table under palm trees at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabos
Enjoy the farm-chic setting at Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
A dessert and cocktail from Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, one of the top restaurants in San Jose del Cabos
Finish up with a signature dessert to end the evening on a high note. Credit: Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

The MICHELIN Green Star winning Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar lies within the sprawling grounds of Acre Resort, among organic farmland and palm tree oases. Sample sustainable global cuisine in farm-chic settings, including signature cocktails to wash it all down with – the aromatic Green is Good with tequila, pineapple, lime, and chilli is a must-try. Live music and DJ performances are regular evening events, with resident hummingbirds celebrating the jungle vibe at other times. The menu has a farm-to-table concept, featuring freshly prepared dishes such as crab cakes with avocado and grapefruit, creamy black truffle pasta, and grilled octopus with ginger chimichurri and black squid ink sauce. Check out the weekend five-course brunch with bellinis and mimosas, or book one of the unique private dining spaces for your next special occasion.

For one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for breakfast and brunch – start your day at Rubas

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Pop into Rubas bakery for breakfast, brunch or lunch and people-watch from the pavement while dining on freshly baked artisanal breads. Credit: Rubas
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The selection of breads and pastries at Rubas changes almost daily, using the finest seasonal ingredients. Credit: Rubas
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Fuel up for the afternoon with an artisanal sandwich on freshly baked artisan bread at Rubas. Credit: Rubas
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Grab a refreshing drink in the sunshine and watch the world go by from the shady pavement tables at Rubas. Credit: Rubas

Nestled in the heart of the Arts District is Rubas, a quirky artisanal bakery specialising in breakfast and brunch, with a focus on home-baked breads and homegrown Mexican coffees. Located within a charming 1940s casita, this neighborhood gem serves up a seasonally changing bistro-style menu all day. Choose a seat in the warm and comfortable interior or an umbrella-shaded pavement table to people-watch while you eat. The nature of the menu means you may find something new every day, so you’ll find yourself wanting to return time and again to see what the bakers have been creating. You can expect to find a counter filled with freshly baked croissants, donuts and conchas every morning, with more substantial bread-based offerings later in the day including sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas.

For fine dining at one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Jose del Cabo – treat yourselves at Don Sanchez

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The finest seasonal flavours and local produce combine into winning dishes at Don Sanchez. Credit: Don Sanchez
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A tropical vibe and some of Mexico’s top food await – take a seat in the cabana at Don Sanchez. Credit: Don Sanchez
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The award-winning Don Sanchez is vibrant, bustling and serving up contemporary Mexican for your pleasure. Credit: Don Sanchez
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The in-house mixologists at Don Sanchez get creative with flavours and artistic with presentation. Credit: Don Sanchez

The multi-award-winning Don Sanchez is one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine with a sophisticated fine dining experience. Recognised as being among the 250 Best Restaurants by Culinaria Mexicana in 2024 and honored with the Five Star Diamond Award in 2023, you can expect top-notch food and exemplary service. Chef Edgar Román focuses strongly on ethical and sustainable seafood, complemented by a vast selection of drinks created by the in-house mixologists. Start with oysters with a tomatillo and avocado relish from the raw bar, then move on to the Don Sanchez lobster taco with rancho style beans and mortar sauce. Add quail pozole made with regional quail breast, purple cabbage and chilli in broth, then fill up on duck magret with pink pine nut mole.

For a unique omakase dining experience – get a taste of the east at OMAKAI SUSHI

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Chef’s selection sushi platters from OMAKAI SUSHI bring you the best of the day without you having to choose. Credit: OMAKAI SUSHI
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Freshly caught seafood prepared to perfection with Japanese flavours and spices from OMAKAI SUSHI. Credit: OMAKAI SUSHI
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Add a touch of theatre to your dinner with the teppanyaki experience at OMAKAI SUSHI. Credit: OMAKAI SUSHI
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Soak up the sun in leafy surroundings with a leisurely lunch at OMAKAI SUSHI. Credit: OMAKAI SUSHI

The MICHELIN-recommended OMAKAI SUSHI brings a unique Japanese omakase and teppanyaki experience to the heart of San Jose del Cabo, just moments from the iconic Art Walk. Listen to the splash of the fountain when you dine on the patio, head to the sushi bar for omakase, or pop into the spacious cocktail lounge for some signature drinks to get the party started. Begin with a light akami tartar on nori toast with truffles, or a sharing sashimi selection for the table. Try the miso-butter-marinated hot stone A5 Wagyu or catch of the day pescado roll with cucumber and avocado next, then a warming dish of atsui ramen with chicken, pork and mushrooms and spinach in a spicy peanut butter broth. 

For one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Jose del Cabo recommended by MICHELIN – try top-notch cuisine at Carbón Cabrón

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Each dish at Carbón Cabrón has been carefully curated and is presented with panache. Credit: Carbón Cabrón
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The rustic vibe belies the contemporary menu from chef Poncho Cadena. Credit: Carbón Cabrón
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MICHELIN-starred food from a wood-fired kitchen – treat yourself at Carbón Cabrón. Credit: Carbón Cabrón
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Rustic interiors with a hint of contemporary industrial, Carbón Cabrón is elegant and welcoming. Credit: Carbón Cabrón

Yet another MICHELIN recommended gem, Carbón Cabrón is a top contender for the best restaurant in San Jose del Cabo. Serving classic Mexican fare with a contemporary twist, chef Poncho Cadena is renowned for his creativity and flair. The elegant interiors welcome you as soon as you arrive, combining modern aesthetics with rustic charm, while the open kitchen makes every meal a show. Refresh yourself after a long day with a Lado Choyero (tequila, cucumber and coriander) or another house cocktail while you peruse the menu. Seasonal dishes mean you could experience something different every visit. Popular highlights may include the Carbon vegetal with tempura onions, black recado and habanero aioli, bluefin with cherries, pickled negi and kombujime, and coffee-rubbed black pig with espresso jus, black apple and baby back rib.

For one of the best Japanese restaurants in San Jose del Cabo – visit Nick-San Palmilla

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The bold flavours of Mexico pair excellently with traditional Japanese recipes and techniques at Nick-San Palmilla. Credit: Nick-San Palmilla
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 A true taste of the East awaits both on the menu and all around you. Credit: Nick-San Palmilla
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Beautifully presented sushi and more – Nick-San Palmilla pulls out all the stops. Credit: Nick-San Palmilla
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Dine on some of the best Japanese food in town surrounded by stunning oriental décor at Nick-San Palmilla. Credit: Nick-San Palmilla

Nick-San Palmilla has a well-deserved reputation over more than three decades as one of the best Japanese restaurants in San Jose del Cabo, serving a unique blend of Japanese cuisine combined with bold Mexican flavours. Think spicy maguro cake and moon scallops from the nigiri menu, shrimp and scallop gyoza with sauteed garlic and a serranito soy sauce, lobster sambal with ginger and sweet chilli, and teriyaki beef fillet with chilled spaghetti and vegetables. Complement your meal with a selection from the comprehensive sake menu, featuring a wide range of still and sparkling sakes served by the bottle or the carafe, or add a Japanese or Mexican beer. In true Japanese style, the ambience is calming and peaceful, and the service is always of the highest quality.

For one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for pescados y mariscos – book a table at Lumbre

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Lumbre has a cozy country vibe ideal for a leisurely catch-up over dinner with friends. Credit: Lumbre
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Lumbre has a rustic charm perfect for making date night that little bit more romantic. Credit: Lumbre
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The menu features flame-grilled seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. Credit: Lumbre

Rustic and romantic with exposed brick and atmospheric red lighting, Lumbre is not only one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for date night. It is also the top spot in the city for pescados y mariscos – freshly caught seafood prepared by experts using some of the finest local ingredients. The cozy country cottage vibe is inviting and peaceful, while the menu is exciting and innovative. Start with complementary fresh bread with bone marrow butter and add grilled stone oysters with corn esquites. Move on to an Oaxacan cheese cocotte with cauliflower bites and crispy yet tender octopus with sweet breads and Veneto beans. Try a unique take on surf and turf with the New York carne asada with lobster sabayon, or opt for the Zarandeado fish for two with a side of farm carrots topped with almond cream and pistachio crumble.

For fine dining at a 5-star hotel – have a glamorous night at Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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Ocean views complemented by spectacular parrilla grilled seafood at Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Credit: Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Take in ocean views while you dine with a terrace seat. Credit: Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Live musicians will highlight your dinner. Credit: Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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The acclaimed Sótano bar list at Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve includes wines from around the world. Credit: Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Get the five-star experience at Humo at Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – the flagship restaurant of one of the most spectacular hotels in San Jose del Cabo. Celebrate the rich tapestry that is Latin American grilled cuisine, showcasing flavours and ingredients from Mexico to Patagonia. Think sustainably sourced totoaba grilled in a traditional parrilla and wood-fired oven and served with a dill beurre blanc, lobster wontons with ginger butter, Chicha de Jora marinated Australian Wagyu beef steak with cilantro, and Peruvian catch of the day ceviche with sweet potato corn. Sample all this and more while soaking on coastal views from the terrace with live evening music, or settle in the elegant and inviting indoor space Add a selection from the Sótano cellar’s acclaimed bar and beverage list to complete your experience. 

For one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for cortes de carne – check out Chambao Los Cabos

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Rustic interiors with bohemian style complement the steakhouse vibe. Credit: Chambao Los Cabos
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Live music accompanies your meal each night at Chambao Los Cabos. Credit: Chambao Los Cabos
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Prime steaks and seafood served in a tropical paradise at Chambao Los Cabos in San José. Credit: Chambao Los Cabos in San José
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The gourmet Chambao burger with three cheeses is a must-try. Credit: Chambao Los Cabos in San José
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Prime steak tacos with guacamole and cilantro to whet your appetite. Credit: Chambao Los Cabos in San José

Elevate your culinary experience with dinner at Chambao Los Cabos in San José. This exquisite steakhouse combines elements of the artisanal and rustic for a warm, welcoming bohemian style environment. Add to that high-level art and entertainment with live music and DJs, plus a premium meat and seafood-based menu, and your night just started looking like one to remember. Start with a signature cocktail – the Life Elixir with Havana rum, elderflower, pear and cardamom is the perfect end-of-day pick-me-up. The three-level seafood tartare with seabass, salmon and tuna layered with avocado mousse is a must-try appetizer, as are the spicy Maine lobster croquettes. From the grill, try the Australian Wagyu from Jack’s Creek Farm or the Lucifer tomahawk steak for three to four people, theatrically flambeéd table-side.

For a spectacular dining experience at one of the most beautiful restaurants in San Jose del Cabo – dine with a view at Tamarindos

A chef holding a salad at Tamarindos, one of the top restaurants in San Jose del Cabos.
Salads sourced directly from the farm with sustainable practices at Tamarindos. Credit: Tamarindos
Outdoor tables under a canopy of plants at Tamarindos, one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabos.
Watch the sunset from under a natural green canopy while you dine at Tamarindos. Credit: Tamarindos
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Sustainable farm-to-table dining in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings imaginable at Tamarindos. Credit: Tamarindos
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Go organic and local with sustainably farmed meat and vegetables from the land at Tamarindos. Credit: Tamarindos

Tamarindos is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful restaurants in San Jose del Cabo. Situated within a former 19th-century sugar cane plantation, the venue now specialises in farm-to-table dishes crafted from homegrown produce after a return to agriculture. One of the first sustainable farms in the area, with stunning scenery and exquisitely appointed indoor and outdoor table settings. Join a culinary masterclass, spend the night in a bungalow, or just pop in for a coffee made from Mexican beans roasted on-site. Foodwise, you’ll be spoilt for choice – chef Enrique Silva has pulled out all the stops. The culinary proposal is local-Mediterranean, with crowd-pleasers including smoke and fire suckling pig, cold-water lobster tail with ginger garlic butter, huevo ranchero with molcajete salsa, and raw beet carpaccio direct from the farm.

For romantic date nights – feel the love at SAGE

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Farm-to-table fare inspired by Baja California Sur cuisine, SAGE is an urban oasis. Credit: SAGE
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For date night or an anniversary, get the romance started under twinkling outdoor candlelight at SAGE. Credit: SAGE
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The open-air dining concept at SAGE lets you eat surrounded by swaying palms and native trees. Credit: SAGE
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Signature cocktails inspired by California to complement the soulful food at SAGE. Credit: SAGE

Inspired by the culture and cuisine of Baja California Sur, SAGE has an open-air dining concept that will really stir up the romance for date night or an anniversary, or provide a relaxing backdrop to a night out with friends. Dine at candlelit tables overlooked by swaying palms and a variety of native Mexican trees in an elegant oasis with top-notch hospitality. Add to the romance by choosing a variety of dishes to share so you can sample all the flavours. Start your night with baked San Carlos oysters with pineapple and poblano chilli butter, then add some SAGE calamari with peppers and morita-guajilo mojo. Follow up with charred cauliflower and spinach curry with garlic chips, and add a side of beet and hibiscus with cashew cream. For something more filling, try the SAGE fried chicken with ginger and chilli sauce, or the Korobuta pork chop with green apple and braised bok choy. 

For one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for outdoor dining – pull up a chair at Habanero’s Gastro Grill

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Bold spice flavours complemented by zesty citrus, Habanero’s Gastro Grill offers classic Mexican with a twist. Credit: Habanero’s Gastro Grill
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Floral-bedecked patios make for perfect outdoor dining. Credit: Habanero’s Gastro Grill
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Grab a signature cocktail and watch the sunset from the terrace. Credit: Habanero’s Gastro Grill
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When the sun goes down, the terrace lights start twinkling at Habanero’s Gastro Grill. Credit: Habanero’s Gastro Grill

In the historic Arts District, tucked away behind El Encanto Inn & Suites, lies the latest stunning venue for Habanero’s Gastro Grill. Formerly a favorite at Plaza Mission, Habanero’s has made the move to a beautiful open-air courtyard setting, becoming one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo for outdoor dining in an instant. Serving creative Mexican fusion with organic ingredients alongside seasonal signature cocktails and live music, expect a night to remember. Sunday brunch is a highlight of the week, featuring paellas, pancakes, eggs, ceviche and more. From the main menu, showstoppers include Asian scallop ceviche with mango and lime, beef tenderloin tartar and marrow with avocado mousse, pressed suckling pig with blackberry mole, and the surf and turf with grilled lobster tail, parmesan shrimp and grilled tenderloin on garlic mashed potato with grilled asparagus.

San Jose del Cabo has a sophisticated and vibrant food scene, renowned for its unique blend of international flavours, farm-to-table excellence and classic Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a MICHELIN-starred venue for a special occasion, a casual lunch with friends or anything in between, one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo will be just right.

Book yourself a table at one of the best restaurants in San Jose del Cabo with OpenTable.
If you’re looking for other great restaurants in Mexico for any occasion, discover more with these great guides:

Encuentra tu mesa para cualquier ocasión