Ensenada
Vintage photos and clapboards separate this place from the coffee mega-chains. Pastries, pies, bagels, sandwiches and rich coffee are all worth ducking in…
Must-see restaurants in Baja California
Southern Baja
Surround yourself in rustic brick-and-wood decor and enjoy specials like barbecued ribs, T-bone steak and meat or fish tacos – it's the best restaurant in…
Loreto
This inexpensive cafe near the main square has good, basic fare, including great Mexican breakfasts, tortas and tacos.
La Paz
Join the line. This is where the locals come for their fish tacos. There are a few tables and chairs.
Northern Baja
If you insist on visiting Puerto Nuevo, a fishing village (and tourist trap) best known for its affordable lobster, at least do it right. One good option…
Todos Santos
If you can handle the Eagles barrage (you're almost guaranteed to hear Hotel California at least twice while you're here), pop into the restaurant that…
Tijuana
Tiled walls, a painted ceiling and a mounted traje de luces (traditional bullfighter's garb) make this atmospheric and historic restaurant stand out. The…
Tijuana
Bear in mind that this restaurant fronts the so-called mariachi square, so whispering sweet nothings to your sweetheart may be tricky. Aside from this, El…
San José del Cabo
Part of the Tropicana Inn, the Bar & Grill is a huge space, with garden views and a generous menu of Mexican and American faves. Popular with travelers…
Mulegé
A colorfully decorated restaurant and bar with a special weekend menu for two that includes a gut-busting choice of local favorites like chiles rellenos …
Cabo San Lucas
Full of festive atmosphere, mariachi band tunes, good food and aromas from the open grill, Pancho's also offers ‘all you want to know about tequila’. The…
Southern Baja
For something different, stop at this clean, American-diner-style biker joint serving cheap breakfasts, comidas corridas (set lunches), stuffed potatoes…
Tijuana
Dine in a faded yet upscale courtyard setting, complete with bubbling fountain and canaries in cages. This is truly old school, down to the large, Mexican…
Todos Santos
Good-value prices and creative Mexican cuisine make this a popular place on the main street. Opt for a daily special such as fillet of fish sauteed in a…
Cabo San Lucas
Plenty of Italian-inspired dishes here, plus Spanish favorites like ice-cold Spanish gazpacho (so refreshing on a sizzling-hot day!) and French-style…
La Paz
Under the mighty mounted buffalo head, eat a carnivorous feast that includes hamburgers, rib eye steak and grills. Lightweights can opt for the fish of…
Todos Santos
Locally loved for its hearty plates of Mexican food, shrimp in garlic butter, fresh soups, tasty tacos and delicious breakfasts, Miguel's is a modest…
Todos Santos
Barajas Tacos is an excellent palapa-roofed taquería (taco stall) serving delicious fish tacos, carnitas (roasted, shredded pork), and papas asadas …
Tijuana
For years this cozy Italian restaurant has been serving generous portions of reasonably priced pizza and pasta. Head to the back and you’ll feel like the…
La Paz
Touristy, but this is the only restaurant on the ocean side of the malecón, between Calle 5 de Mayo and Constitución. It offers great views you can enjoy…
Mulegé
Cavernous restaurant and bar where you can play pool, darts, watch football or sit for a meal of burgers, pizza and Mexican staples. It's popular with…
La Paz
One of La Paz’s old standbys for lovely Mexican fare, set menus in the afternoons, and a variety of specials. Dining in the patio area, with its greenery,…
Tijuana
Restaurant serving upscale Mexican fare and hearty traditional-style breakfasts, beloved by folks crossing the border since the 1950s (although it changed…
Cabo San Lucas
Local families fill the big dining room at Mariscos Mazatlán for the good prices and great seafood. Sunday afternoons are especially busy (and especially…
Tijuana
Famous Mexican chef Javier Plascencia focuses on seafood at this fancy taco place although unlike his other lauded restaurants, this one can be hit or…
Northern Baja
For shrimp or fish tacos try this family-owned place. It also has various antojitos (typical Mexican snacks), excellent salsa and friendly staff.
Todos Santos
Coffee-conscious travelers can consume cappuccinos with savory pastries, mammoth muffins or great main dishes.
Southern Baja
Lattes, pies, pastries and occasional impromptu salsa performances make this small cafe well worth a stop.
La Paz
This small health food shop sells natural supplements and a few smoothie additions like protein powder.
