A Food Lover's Guide to Los Cabos: The 10 Best Tacos, Seafood, and Local Dishes to Try

Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, is more than just a destination for beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and vibrant nightlife. It's also a paradise for food lovers. With a rich culinary scene that blends traditional Mexican flavors, fresh seafood from the surrounding waters and a local Baja flair, Los Cabos offers various dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're looking for the best tacos, craving fresh seafood, or eager to try authentic local specialties, Los Cabos has something for everyone. Let's take a delicious journey through the top tacos, seafood, and regional dishes you must try in Los Cabos.

The Taco Scene in Los Cabos

You can't visit Los Cabos without diving into its taco culture. Tacos are a way of life in Mexico, and in Los Cabos, you'll find a wide variety, from street food stands to gourmet takes at upscale restaurants. Being a coastal region, Los Cabos is especially famous for its seafood tacos, where the freshest catches are celebrated in the most delicious way possible.

The fish taco is one of the first tacos you must try here. This Baja classic features fresh fish—typically mahi-mahi or sea bass—battered, fried to crispy perfection, and then wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. It's usually topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. It's a simple combination, but the flavors come together in a pure magic way. You'll find some of the best fish tacos at places like Tacos Gardenias or Las Guacamayas, where they're made with care and served with all the correct fixings.

If shrimp is more your style, the shrimp taco in Los Cabos will not disappoint. Often prepared grilled or sautéed with garlic and a hint of chili, these tacos are a real treat. The shrimp are juicy and flavorful, and they're often paired with vibrant toppings like mango salsa or spicy slaw that add a sweet and tangy contrast. La Lupita Taco & Mezcal is a great spot to enjoy shrimp tacos with a bit of a twist in a lively and casual setting.

The carne asada taco is another must-try for those who love their meat. These tacos feature juicy, marinated grilled beef, typically topped with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of guacamole. The flavors are bold and satisfying, and the meat is perfectly cooked. You'll find some of the best carne asada tacos at local spots like Taqueria El Paisa, a no-frills taqueria known for its flavorful tacos and laid-back vibe.

Fresh Seafood: A Coastal Delight

Thanks to its prime location along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is a haven for seafood lovers. The local waters are teeming with fresh fish, shrimp, octopus, and more, which means that seafood dishes here are about as fresh as they get. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing ceviche or a hearty grilled lobster, Los Cabos has you covered.

One dish that perfectly captures the essence of the region's seafood is ceviche. Made with freshly caught fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice and mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sometimes a bit of avocado, ceviche is light, refreshing, and flavorful. It's a perfect choice for a hot day, and you can find delicious versions at beachside spots like The Office on the Beach, where the ceviche is served with stunning ocean views and a cold margarita. The freshness of the seafood combined with the tangy, zesty flavors is a true delight.

Another standout seafood dish in Los Cabos is grilled octopus or pulpo a la parrilla. The octopus is marinated with a mix of garlic, lime, and local spices, then grilled to tender perfection with a slight char. The result is a smoky, savory dish that pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. For one of the best-grilled octopus dishes in town, head to Edith's, where the seafood is cooked over an open flame, adding that extra layer of flavor and creating a memorable dining experience.

If you're looking to splurge a little, lobster is a must-try in Los Cabos. Whether grilled with garlic butter or stuffed into tacos, lobster here is fresh, sweet, and succulent. A great place to enjoy a lobster feast is Mariscos El Toro Güero. You can get generous portions of delicious seafood on this beloved local spot without the hefty price tag. It's all about simple, fresh preparation that lets the quality of the lobster shine.

Savoring Local Dishes and Regional Flavors

Beyond tacos and seafood, Los Cabos has a variety of local dishes that showcase the region's flavors. A classic favorite is chiles rellenos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, battered, and fried until golden and crispy. Served with a rich tomato sauce, chiles rellenos offer a comforting blend of spiciness, creaminess, and a satisfying crunch. One of the best places to try chiles rellenos is Los Tres Gallos, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Mexican dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Another dish you'll want to try is birria, a slow-cooked stew usually made with beef or goat. The meat is marinated in a mix of spices and then braised until tender, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish often served with tortillas, chopped onions, and cilantro. Birria is particularly popular for breakfast or brunch, and you can find a delicious bowl at El Peregrino in Cabo San Lucas, where the flavors are deep and comforting, and the portions are hearty.

If you want to experience an authentic taste of Baja, you can't miss machaca. This dish is made from rehydrated, shredded beef and then cooked with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It's commonly served with scrambled eggs for breakfast, tortillas, and refried beans. The result is a smoky, savory dish full of flavor and perfect for starting your day. Stop by Mama's Royal Cafe for an excellent machaca breakfast that will fuel you for a day of adventure.

Desserts and Drinks to End on a Sweet Note

After indulging in the savory flavors of Los Cabos, remember to save room for dessert. A classic Mexican treat that you'll find in Los Cabos is churros. These fried dough pastries, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce, are crispy on the outside and soft inside—a perfect sweet bite to end any meal. You can find some of the best churros at Churros Rellenos Cabo, where they're made fresh to order and come with various delicious fillings.

Another popular dessert is flan, a creamy caramel custard staple of Mexican cuisine. Light, silky, and rich in caramel flavor, flan is the perfect dessert for those who want something sweet but not too heavy. Try it at Maria Jimenez, where they make it just like Abuela would, using a traditional recipe passed down for generations.

And to wash it all down, there's nothing like a classic margarita in Los Cabos. While you can find margaritas almost everywhere, some places put their unique spin on this beloved cocktail. For something a little different, try a mango or tamarind margarita at Bar Esquina, where the flavors are fresh, and the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed. If you're in the mood for something a bit stronger, go for a mezcal margarita, which adds a smoky depth to the classic drink.

Diving Into the Flavors of Los Cabos

Exploring the food scene in Los Cabos is about more than just eating—it's about experiencing the heart and soul of Baja California. From the bustling taco stands in the streets of Cabo San Lucas to the seafood shacks by the beach in San José del Cabo, the food here is vibrant, fresh, and in character. Every meal is a new opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine, influenced by the sea, the desert, and the warmth of the people who live here.

So, come hungry and ready to explore when you're in Los Cabos. Try the tacos, savor the seafood, and dive into the local dishes that make this place unique. Each bite is a chance to taste this beautiful region's culture, tradition, and creativity. Enjoy the journey, one delicious dish at a time.