The small communities of El Pescadero and Cerritos boast an impressive culinary scene. From beachfront taco shacks to garden farm-to-table restaurants, these eateries have received top ratings on Google, TripAdvisor, and various local foodie blogs. Below are seven must-visit restaurants that highlight the best of Cerritos and Pescadero, showcasing their cuisine, atmosphere, service, and unique appeal through the perspectives of both travelers and locals.
1. Carlito’s Place (Pescadero)
Global Flavors Meet Baja Ingredients at Carlito’s Place
Carlito’s Place is a surprise in a small fishing village – a fine-dining Asian fusion restaurant with a Baja twist. Chef “Carlitos” is a globetrotting TV-featured chef who channels Japanese, Chinese, and Thai flavors into Mexican farm-fresh ingredients. The result is sashimi-grade seafood, creative stir-fries, and even sushi rolls, all prepared with produce and poultry from the chef’s nearby farm. This true farm-to-table approach means you might see the on-site farm in view as you dine, ensuring peak freshness in every bite.
A Chef-Led Experience in an Open-Air Countryside Setting
Set slightly off the tourist track, Carlito’s Place feels like a hidden gem. The venue was recently remodeled into a spacious, open-air palapa, featuring a sushi bar and a martini bar, which blends rustic charm with upscale touches. Diners consistently praise the warm hospitality – Carlitos himself often mingles with guests – and the breezy al fresco setting under the Baja stars. It’s “absolutely worth the drive” from the resort hubs to experience the delicious food and genuine welcome here. There’s even a daily happy hour to tempt you in for sunset cocktails.
The Destination for Asian Fusion Dining in Pescadero
Carlito’s Place offers something genuinely unique in this area – a master chef’s inventive fusion cuisine in a casual countryside setting. It’s the perfect spot for foodies looking to diversify beyond tacos and to see Baja’s farm-fresh potential through an international lens. As one local publication put it, “The reviews speak for themselves.” This is the place to stop at when in the Pescadero/Todos Santos area for an unforgettable meal and a story to tell.
2. Hierbabuena (Pescadero)
Harvest-to-Table Dining Surrounded by Organic Gardens
Often hailed as the best restaurant in Pescadero, Hierbabuena is a celebration of farm-to-table dining in its purest form. The restaurant sits amid its organic farm, so your meal is surrounded by the gardens that supply it. The menu is seasonal and produce-driven, showcasing the bounty of Baja: think vibrant salads, wood-fired artisan pizzas, garden-fresh veggie sides, and inventive twists on Mexican classics. Menu highlights are ever-changing, but food writers rave about items like the chile relleno stuffed with quinoa and veggies, carrot-ricotta ravioli, and even a smoked fish pizza. They all reflect an innovative use of local produce and seafood. Importantly, there’s something for everyone, from vegans and gluten-free eaters to carnivores seeking the perfect grilled steak.
Rustic Elegance Beneath the Baja Sky
Hierbabuena’s atmosphere is often described as a “garden oasis.” The dining area is entirely outdoors on a rustic patio, surrounded by rows of herbs and vegetables, with twinkling string lights overhead in the evenings. It’s a beautiful, relaxed setting that feels like dining in a friend’s backyard. One travel site likened it to eating in your living room because you’re likely to run into neighbors and expats at the table next to you. Despite top-notch food, the vibe is unpretentious and communal. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, and the staff are happy to explain the origin of the day’s ingredients. Prices are not low but reasonable for the quality, and dietary requests are handled with ease.
Why Hierbabuena Tops Every Pescadero Foodie List
If you want to taste the essence of Baja’s terroir, Hierbabuena is a can’t-miss. Many consider it hard to argue against Hierbabuena being number one in Pescadero. The combination of ultra-fresh organic cuisine and a verdant open-air ambiance delivers an experience that’s both gourmet and intensely local. Don’t be surprised if you end up lingering, ordering another round of farm-fresh cocktails or dessert to soak in the serene atmosphere a little longer.
3. Shaka’s Cantina (Cerritos)
Tex-Mex, Thai, and Tacos at Cerritos’ Favorite Surf Bar
For those craving a more casual beach vibe, Shaka’s Delicious Wood Cantina (often referred to as Shaka’s) is the ultimate surfer’s hangout, serving seriously good food. What started in 2018 as a simple taco stand has grown into a top-rated pit stop on the road to Cerritos Beach. The menu centers on Baja staples: fresh fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and juicy burgers. But with eclectic surprises, such as a dash of Tex-Mex and Thai flavors in some recipes. (The chef-owner hails from Texas, so you’ll find a nod to Southern BBQ and even a signature Thai peanut slaw on certain days.) In addition to seafood and tacos, look for smoked ribs or specials off the wood-fired grill. Portions are hearty, prices wallet-friendly, and the cold cervezas and margaritas flow from noon onward.
Surfboards, Open Mics, and a True Baja Welcome
Shaka’s may be the friendliest joint in all of Cerritos. It’s got the soul of a surfer bar and the heart of a community hub. The setting is an open-air palapa bar decorated with surfboards (some tables are repurposed surfboards) and festive flags just off the highway en route to the waves. By day, sandy-footed surfers and families wander in for lunch; by night, there’s often live music, open-mic jams, or even outdoor movie nights under the stars. The owners are famously welcoming and passionate about making sure you’re taken care of, turning first-time visitors into regulars. One reviewer described it as “Cheers with sand between your toes,” where the staff learns your name and makes you feel like family.
The Ultimate Post-Beach Hangout in Cerritos
Shaka’s combines all the Baja beach bar essentials, like fish tacos, cold beer, music, and sunsets, with an extra level of care in the kitchen and warmth in the service. It’s the go-to for many visiting Cerritos Beach and a perfect first stop after a surf lesson or a day of swimming. If you want to experience that laid-back “post-surf taco and cerveza” lifestyle (and maybe swap stories with local surfers over a game of dominoes), Shaka’s Delicious Wood Cantina is the spot.
4. Baja Beans Coffee (Pescadero)
Small-Batch Mexican Coffee and House-Baked Pastries
Every great day in Baja should start with great coffee, and Baja Beans has you covered. This beloved coffee roaster and café has been a local institution for nearly a decade. They roast single-origin Mexican coffee beans (sourced from Veracruz) in small batches, yielding some of the richest, smoothest coffee in all of Southern Baja. Whether you’re a flat-white aficionado or need a strong drip brew before hitting the beach, the baristas here take pride in every cup. Not a coffee-lover? Baja Beans also offers refreshing smoothies, teas, and an array of house-baked pastries that might steal the show – the three-berry scones and banana bread are “melt-in-your-mouth delicious,” known to disappear before your coffee even cools. The café serves light breakfast and lunch items (think avocado toasts, burritos, quiches) made with local organic ingredients.
A Social Hub for Locals, Surfers, and Sunday Markets
Housed in a cozy brick courtyard with rustic wooden tables and ample shade, Baja Beans exudes a laid-back, Baja boho vibe. It’s a popular morning gathering spot for both locals and tourists – on any given morning, you’ll see surfers with boards, expatriates with laptops, and road-trippers all in line for their caffeine fix. On Sundays, the café comes alive, hosting a community market and art bazaar where local vendors sell a variety of items, including jewelry, crafts, and organic produce. Live music often accompanies these Sunday farmers’ markets, transforming the place into a mini-festival. Owners (who moved from Vancouver to start this café) foster a welcoming atmosphere; staff are friendly and often bilingual, happy to give travel tips along with your latte. Service can be leisurely at peak times (as is the Baja way), but everything is made fresh and worth the brief wait.
Why Baja Beans Is the Soul of Morning Life in Pescadero
Baja Beans is more than a coffee shop – it’s the social heartbeat of Pescadero’s expat and surf community. Stopping here is an easy way to plug into local life: you’ll hear about surf conditions, local events, and secret beach spots just by chatting in line. Plus, the quality of the coffee alone warrants a detour for any coffee connoisseur. Grab a cappuccino with barista-crafted latte art, pair it with that famous berry scone, and enjoy a slow morning in the garden courtyard. You’ll quickly see why Baja Beans “rapidly became one of the most popular places to visit on a Sunday afternoon” in all of Baja.
5. Pescadero 62 (Cerritos/Pescadero)
Authentic Seafood and Fire-Grilled Favorites on the Highway Strip
If you’re looking for an extraordinary dining experience after days of tacos and beach eats, Pescadero 62 is the answer. Located near KM 62 on the highway (hence the name), this hip spot offers a creative seafood and grill menu that fuses local ingredients with international flair. The chefs here emphasize farm-to-table sourcing, so you’ll find fresh-caught fish, locally harvested oysters, organic veggies, and even craft beer from nearby microbreweries. Their whole grilled fish (often a snook or snapper) is a signature dish not to miss, especially when paired with the house-made spicy salsa macha that adds a flavorful kick. The menu is delightfully diverse. One travel blogger noted you can get everything from “fresh oysters, ceviche, BBQ, burgers, beet salad, [to] pizza, cocktails, cerveza and more,” all done to a stellar standard. It’s the kind of place where one person can dress up for a date night seafood dinner while another pops in for a wood-fired pizza and craft beer, and both will leave happy.
Lively Nights with Craft Cocktails and Local Music
Pescadero 62 strikes a perfect balance between hip and relaxed. The dining area features a breezy open-air design with modern rustic decor: think reclaimed wood tables, string lights, and a view into the open kitchen or grill area. On some nights, they feature live music, which amps up the energy and draws a crowd (they’re known to host local bands, and on those nights, the place can fill up fast, so come early). Despite a lively bar scene, it remains family-friendly. There’s ample space and a warm welcome for kids, who might be found dancing to the music by the end of the night. Service is professional and upbeat; the staff are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to recommend drink pairings (Pescadero 62 prides itself on its craft cocktails and Baja craft beers, which are as well-curated as the food). They even offer delivery in the area for those nights you’d rather dine at home – a testament to how much locals love their food.
Pescadero 62: Casual Sophistication with Serious Flavor
Pescadero 62 hits that sweet spot between casual Baja charm and refined cuisine. It’s earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for a delightful dining experience in the area. Come for a special dinner, and you’ll likely extend the evening by sampling the tapas and listening to live music under the stars. From the friendly buzz on a crowded night to the “stellar” quality of the food, this restaurant captures the emerging sophistication of the Cerritos/Pescadero dining scene. It’s the place that might have you planning a return visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
6. Barracuda Cantina (Cerritos Beach)
The Best Fish Tacos in Baja, According to Netflix
Right on the sand at Playa Los Cerritos lies Barracuda Cantina, a beachside taco bar that has achieved near-legendary status. This is the place to indulge in Baja’s most iconic dish: fish tacos. Barracuda is renowned for serving what may be “the best fish tacos in Baja,” a bold claim backed by devoted fans and even a feature on Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles.” The menu is simple but perfected: crispy beer-battered fish and shrimp tacos, savory carne asada tacos, and hearty fish burritos (a house specialty that one travel blog insists you try). Top them with their zesty slaw and secret sauce, add a dash of salsa, and you’ll understand the hype. But tacos aren’t the only draw; Barracuda also slings world-class cocktails from its unassuming beach bar. Their margaritas and mezcal concoctions are made with fresh-squeezed juices and local fruits. Ideal for cooling off after a surf session.
Sunsets, Surf Vibes, and Margarita-Fueled Conversations
Barracuda Cantina perfectly embodies the laid-back surf shack vibe. Its current location is a beach palapa with a few shaded tables, music playing, and the sound of crashing waves. You can show up in flip-flops and a wet bathing suit. Many patrons wander over straight from the ocean, their hair still salty. Despite the casual setting, the place runs efficiently: your food comes out hot and fast, and the bartenders muddle mojitos with lightning speed. There’s often a friendly crowd of both tourists and locals (including off-duty surf instructors) swapping stories. You might end up sharing a table with strangers who soon become friends over rounds of passion fruit margaritas. Sunsets are especially popular at Barracuda when the sky turns orange, and the ocean view pairs perfectly with a taco in hand. Service is friendly and bilingual.
Barracuda Cantina: A Cerritos Classic That Delivers Every Time
Simply put, a trip to Cerritos Beach isn’t complete without tacos and drinks at Barracuda. It’s a Cerritos classic, one of those spots that has endured as the area grows. After a day of surfing or relaxing on the beach, biting into their famous fish taco with a cold beer chaser is pure Baja bliss. The combination of authentic flavor, beachy atmosphere, and high-quality craft cocktails is rare. Taco enthusiasts make pilgrimages here (often more than once during a trip), and for good reason – Barracuda Cantina captures the spirit of Baja’s beach life in each delicious, no-frills bite.
7. Pizzeria El Potrero (Pescadero)
Wood-Fired Pizzas with a Baja Twist
Nestled along a rustic dirt road leading toward the beach in El Pescadero, Pizzeria El Potrero offers a delightful culinary escape for pizza enthusiasts. This local favorite is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Italian tradition while embracing the flavors of Baja California Sur. The menu features a variety of pizzas, pasta, and salads, catering to both classic tastes and those seeking a creative twist. The emphasis on simplicity and authenticity ensures that each dish delivers a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Laid-Back Alfresco Dining for Pizza Lovers
The ambiance at El Potrero is as inviting as its menu. Set in an all-outdoor environment, the restaurant provides a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for gatherings, date nights, or casual meals with friends. The open-air seating allows guests to enjoy the pleasant Baja evenings under the stars, enhancing the overall dining experience. The staff is renowned for their warm hospitality and attentive service, ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and well cared for throughout their meal.
Why El Potrero Is Worth the Drive Down the Dirt Road
Pizzeria El Potrero stands out as a must-visit destination in El Pescadero, offering a unique blend of delicious cuisine, a charming setting, and exceptional service. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler exploring the region, this pizzeria offers a perfect blend of comfort and culinary delight. The commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, paired with the serene outdoor ambiance, makes El Potrero a standout choice for anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable dining experience in Baja California Sur.
Where to Stay While You Eat Your Way Through Cerritos and Pescadero
From fresh seafood on the beach to wood-fired pizza under the stars, Cerritos and Pescadero offer more than just great surf. They’re a destination for good food. If you’re planning a trip, stay where comfort meets the coast. Book your getaway at The Cove at Cerritos and explore it all from your doorstep.
