Cocina Del Mar

Imagine dining on the edge of a rocky cape, where crashing waves meet the elegance of fine dining. This is the atmosphere offered by Cocina Del Mar—an upscale seafood restaurant located within the luxurious Esperanza resort in Cabo San Lucas. It is rightfully considered one of the most romantic and prestigious spots for which Mexico is famous.

The restaurant is renowned for its unique location on cascading terraces, offering breathtaking views of two private beaches. The heart of the establishment is an open exhibition kitchen featuring a wood-fired oven, where chefs masterfully transform the day's freshest catch into culinary masterpieces. Cocina Del Mar specializes in Baja California ingredients, offering guests exquisite dishes made with octopus, lobster, and local fish.

The restaurant has earned well-deserved recognition from both tourists and professional critics: it is recommended by the Forbes Travel Guide and has frequently appeared on OpenTable's lists of best restaurants. It is an ideal venue for celebrating special occasions to the sound of the tide and the soft glow of lanterns in the cozy bar.

A reservation is highly recommended for Cocina Del Mar, especially if you plan an evening visit to secure the best seats for the sunset. You can contact the restaurant staff by phone or through the official Esperanza resort website.

The main reason to visit Cocina Del Mar is for the unique gastronomic experience paired with incredible scenery. Gourmets should start with a visit to the raw bar, which offers superb ceviche with traditional "tiger’s milk" or fresh oysters with ponzu sauce. Watching the masters at work in the open kitchen by the wood-fired oven adds a theatrical element to your dinner.

Be sure to try signature menu items, such as the lobster fettuccine or the tender grilled octopus. If you visit between Thursday and Sunday, you can enjoy your dinner accompanied by live music. The evening ambiance, with flickering lights and views of the point where the ocean meets the sea, makes this an ideal spot for romantic dates.

In addition to dinner, the restaurant serves excellent breakfasts and lunches. Try the shrimp tacos or original salads with quinoa and grapefruit. If you are celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon, the staff often surprises guests with thoughtful compliments, such as a slice of their signature Red Velvet cake, making the visit even more memorable.

Cocina Del Mar is located in the prestigious Tourist Corridor at Punta Ballena, Carr. Transpeninsular KM 7. If you are traveling from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the most convenient way is to use a taxi or Uber. The drive along the scenic coast takes approximately 15–20 minutes. For those who prefer to drive themselves, free parking is available on the grounds of the Esperanza resort.

For tourists arriving from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), the journey to the restaurant takes about 40–45 minutes. You should follow the Transpeninsular Highway (Carr. Transpeninsular). Upon reaching the resort complex, you will need to pass through a security checkpoint and proceed to the main hotel entrance, where staff will guide you to the cliffside terraces.

While public buses run along the main highway, the stops can be a significant distance from the resort entrance. For a comfortable visit, especially when dressed in evening wear, private transport is recommended. Remember that it is best to book a table in advance to ensure access to the gated resort grounds.

Cocina Del Mar is a vital part of the heritage of the Esperanza resort, which belongs to the prestigious Auberge Resorts collection. Over the years, the establishment has evolved from a hotel restaurant into a standalone culinary landmark, well-known far beyond the city of Cabo San Lucas. Its concept is based on harmony with the surrounding nature, reflected in the architecture of the open terraces that literally "grow" out of the cliffs.

One of the restaurant's most impressive achievements is its consistent recognition by the expert community. For five consecutive years, it has held the Readers' Choice award as the best in its region. Additionally, Cocina Del Mar is featured in the Forbes Travel Guide and regularly receives awards from Wine Spectator for its outstanding wine list, which perfectly complements its seafood offerings.

An interesting fact lies in its name: in Spanish, it means "Kitchen of the Sea." This perfectly reflects the philosophy of the chefs, who strive to bring the pure flavors of Baja California to the guest. The use of traditional wood-fired ovens in the modern open kitchen is a tribute to Mexican culinary traditions, imparting a unique aroma to the dishes characteristic of home cooking from past centuries.

Despite its modern luxury, the restaurant maintains an air of authenticity. Many of the ingredients on the table are sourced from local fishermen and farmers, supporting the regional ecosystem and making Cocina Del Mar an important link in preserving the gastronomic identity that Mexico is so proud of.

To fully enjoy your visit to Cocina Del Mar, you should set aside between 1.5 and 3 hours. This is not a place for rushing; the setting itself invites you to relax while admiring the panoramic ocean views and listening to the sound of the surf.

If you plan to arrive at the start of dinner service, it is recommended to allow extra time for a cocktail at the Aire Terrace bar before heading to your main meal. An evening of seafood tasting, dessert, and stargazing over the Sea of Cortez will be a highlight of your trip that you won't want to cut short.

Cocina Del Mar welcomes guests daily, offering menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The main operating hours are from 07:00 to 22:00 on most days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Please note the shortened schedule on Thursday, when the restaurant closes at 20:00. However, the Aire Terrace bar often remains open until 23:00 on Thursdays and weekends, providing live music for the evening—something to keep in mind when planning your visit.

The restaurant's location in the Tourist Corridor allows you to combine an exquisite dinner with visits to other nearby points of interest. A stroll along the shore or a short drive will reveal picturesque beaches and entertainment centers to make your day in the region even more fulfilling.