This sleepy Mexican town has some pretty good food

Under the starry night sky of Baja California Sur with the rhythmic waves of lapping, Melchur, the clam chef at night in Hotel Oasis In Loreto, he knelt to prepare the seafood feast. Carefully, he lined up the palm-sized chocolate clams, native to this region, in neat rows. Once arranged, he covered them with a thin layer of beach sand and covered it with an aromatic shrub called Romerillo. With a bush torch in hand, he lit the pile. The fire roared to life, warming the spectators until it burned into embers. “They’ll be ready in about forty minutes,” Melchur announced as his black pit bull buck curled up between the spectators’ legs.

Loreto is a serene city along the Sea of ​​Cortez on the Baja Peninsula. Known as the “Aquarium of the World,” titled by Jacques Cousteau for its rich marine biodiversity, this lesser-known destination is often overshadowed by La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. But Loreto’s charms extend beyond its natural offerings; It is also a magical towna designation by the Mexican government that celebrates its historical and cultural importance. With direct flights to Loreto from Phoenix, Los Angeles and Dallas, Loreto is accessible. While it is a wildlife refuge, it is also a culinary gem. This is where to eat when visiting.

Carmen Restaurant

Every Saturday night, Loreto beach Hotel Oasis It hosts a clam buffet featuring Baja Sur’s famous chocolate clams. Dinner starts at 6 pm, but spectators arrive early to witness the traditional sand cooking technique. Along with the steamed clams, they are baked raw and grilled. The buffet also features oysters prepared in various ways: fresh seafood, smoked grilled meats, and cheesy baked potatoes. Finish with the traditional table prepared bag coffee. On Sunday, the restaurant highlights Southern California rancher cuisine, featuring traditionally prepared goat with handmade tortillas and organic vegetables.

Café

Located in Loreto’s historic Civic Plaza, Café Olé is a favorite breakfast spot among locals and visitors alike. The menu features generous portions, freshly squeezed juices and bottomless coffee. Café Olé offers a variety of options, including Huevos Rancheros, a shrimp omelette, or classic pancakes and bacon. There’s also a vegetarian menu and the option to dine indoors or on the patio. Don’t forget to order at the counter.

Come down haay

Owned by the same Manning Popular Mi Loreto team, Baja Haay offers home-style, seafood-focused dishes in a casual setting. This is a great lunch spot with a variety of Ceviches, including the featured tropical version with tuna and mango. The guacamole is exceptionally fresh, and you’ll find a variety of tacos and quesadillas along with grilled or breaded shrimp and catch-of-the-day specials. Order the hearty seafood soup filled with fish, shrimp, scallops and octopus in a rich tomato broth for pure comfort food.

olive trees restaurant

Inside the Hotel La MisionLos Olivos features stunning bay views and the freshest seafood caught daily by local fishermen. Any dish featuring the day’s Baja catch is a must, but don’t miss the father of Los Olivos: a sea bass fillet in butter, capers, olives, lemon and white wine, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Try the regional soup with roasted regional cheese cubes, guajillo chile, and potato curls for local flavors. The well-stocked full bar features tequilas, wines, organic margaritas and cocktails.

Holy Heaven Gourmet Kitchen

Located in front of the first mission of the californias, Holy Heaven It is a reference place for special occasions. This upscale restaurant offers premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, pastas and pizzas prepared on a mesquite grill. Molcajetes, a mix of proteins and cheese served in a traditional mortar and pestle, are a standout dish. Finish with the homemade flan, rich and creamy like cheesecakes and finished with chocolate drizzles and flourishes spelling out the restaurant’s name. Live music highlights the celebratory vibes.

Orlanders

A loreto institution, Orlanders It’s loved for its festive decor and wide-ranging menu that also caters to vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners. Sip one of their famous margaritas while enjoying dishes like cilantro fish or coconut shrimp with mango salsa. This place is especially popular for breakfast with options like chilaquiles, enfrijoladas, and scrambled eggs with crush (traditional dried and grated beef).

Asadero Super Donkey

This family favorite is a no-frills restaurant known for its huge portions of Mexican food and open kitchen with wood specialties. The white burritos are the star in Asadero Super Burrito; Don’t overlook the stuffed potatoes or handmade tortillas. The tender skirt steak is also a crowd pleaser. Come hungry and prepare to leave stuffed.