Scenic cafes at Baja's Los Cabos - Baja California Sur, Los Cabos, Mexico

Here's an eclectic guide to beachside, courtyard, and seafood eateries

STARKLY BEAUTIFUL scenery and a soothing climate are among the natural attractions that draw legions of visitors to Mexico's Los Cabos--the coastal stretch of Baja California Sur that embraces the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

The tourism boom here has also spawned a host of dining spots. During a recent visit, we explored the dining scene beyond the resort hotels. Besides good food, we enjoyed some great views and the ambience of beachside and courtyard cafes. Prices ranged from moderate to expensive--about $15 to $30 per person, with drinks and appetizers. Here are some of our favorites. Hours can change.

Best beachside dining. The Office, on Playa el Medano, overlooks Bahia San Lucas and the famous rock arch at Land's End. Here you can wiggle your toes in the sand while savoring dishes like pescado al mojo de ajo--fish, usually snapper or dolphinfish (dorado) in garlic sauce. Or try the broiled lobster or one of several shrimp dishes. Hours: 7 A.M. to 11 P.M. daily. Moderate.

La Playita, about a mile east of downtown San Jose del Cabo, shares the beach with fishermen bringing in the day's catch, some of which goes directly to the restaurant. La Playita's specialties include grilled lobster and a dish of lobster, scallops, and shrimp in a garlic butter sauce. Hours: 10 to 10 daily. Moderate.

Best view. Da Giorgio offers the most dazzling view in all of Los Cabos. This Italian-influenced dining spot, about 2 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, perches high on a bluff overlooking Bahia San Lucas and Land's End. Breezy terraces are lit only by candlelight. Entrees are divided into first and second dishes (portions are small): we chose fettuccine with shrimp, spinach ravioli, a seafood brochette, and shrimp baked with herbs, lemon, and white wine. Hours: noon to 11 daily. Expensive.

Best courtyard cafes. Damiana, in a converted 18th-century house just off the town square in San Jose del Cabo, offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a wood-beamed dining room or a bougainvillea-shaded courtyard. You can dine on specialties such as grilled lobster. Hours: 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. daily. Moderate.

Mi Casa occupies a restored adobe residence adjacent to the town square in Cabo San Lucas. The bougainvillea-draped courtyard is enclosed by walls painted with festive murals; candlelit shrines lend a serene feeling. Among the dishes we sampled was filetes de pescado juaguillo (sea bass in a red pepper sauce). Hours: 2 to 10 daily. Moderate.

Freshest seafood. La Terraza, tucked away in the harborside Plaza Bonita at Cabo San Lueas, serves sushi and sashimi. We tried dorado, sea bass (cabrilla), and yellowtail (cola amarilla). If raw seafood doesn't suit you, try the shrimp tempura or grilled fish. Hours: 4 to midnight Wednesdays through Mondays. Moderate.

COPYRIGHT 1993 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group