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Cabo San Lucas food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Cabo San Lucas.
Photo by Roberto Carlos Román Don on Unsplash
What to eat in Cabo San Lucas
5 signature dishes, 3 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Ceviche
$8–$15
Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, typically lime, and mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chiles. It's a refreshing and zesty dish perfect for the coastal climate.
Where to try: Seafood stalls along the Marina and in the downtown area.
Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos)
$2–$4
Battered and fried or grilled white fish served in corn tortillas, often topped with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a creamy sauce. The Baja-style version is particularly famous.
Where to try: Street food vendors and casual eateries throughout the city, especially in the El Medano beach area.
Aguachile
$10–$18
Similar to ceviche but features shrimp 'cooked' in lime juice with a potent blend of chilies, cilantro, and cucumber. It's known for its intense spicy kick.
Where to try: Specialty seafood restaurants and cevicherias in the downtown core.
Carne Asada
$12–$20
Marinated and grilled beef, typically skirt steak or flank steak, sliced and served with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole. It's a staple of Northern Mexican cuisine.
Where to try: Local taquerias and restaurants in the older, less touristy parts of town.
Chiles Rellenos
$10–$18
Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or picadillo (ground meat), coated in an egg batter, and fried, often served in a light tomato sauce. A hearty and flavorful dish.
Where to try: Traditional Mexican restaurants in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Downtown Cabo San Lucas
Bustling and energetic, with a mix of tourist-focused restaurants, bars, and local eateries.
SeafoodStreet FoodNightlife Dining
El Medano Beach Area
Lively beachfront with numerous restaurants and bars offering casual dining with ocean views.
Casual BitesBeachfront DiningSeafood
The Marina
Upscale and scenic, featuring a wide array of international and Mexican cuisine with marina views.
Fine DiningInternational CuisinePeople Watching
Dietary notes
Cabo's cuisine is heavily based on seafood and meat, making strict vegetarian or vegan options sometimes challenging outside of dedicated restaurants. However, many places can adapt dishes, and vegetable-heavy sides or appetizers are usually available.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary; 10-15% is standard for good service in restaurants.
- •Cash is preferred at smaller stalls and markets, but credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and larger establishments.
- •Dinner is typically eaten later, often starting around 8 PM or 9 PM.
- •It's polite to greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'.
Plan the rest of your Cabo San Lucas trip
Food guides elsewhere