My favorite spot for neighborhood socializing and snacking in Loreto Bay is at the south end of the main promenade, the Paseo (all the shops and restaurants are on the Paseo, actually). Drinks are reasonable, the tapas delicious and the crowd is in vacation spirits.
Another favorite is the restaurant at the resort hotel which has reasonable prices and delicious food. You can eat next to their pool if you wish or enjoy their swim-up bar.
Down the street, El Corozon is a great spot for a morning latte from friendly baristas, an omelet and watching Loreto Bay wake up.
For excellent fish ceviche, burritos and taco salads try nearby El Cordon.
A popular Loreto town pizza parlor, Pepeginas has just opened their second restaurant here and is nearest to our Casa Jane’ serving beer, wine and cocktails. In the mornings, happily, they shift to a traditional breakfast fare.
A favorite spot for our year-round residents is just a 10-minute drive south on Hwy 1. It’s called The Clam Shack by everyone (but has a new name) sits right on the beach with loads of casual Mexican ambiance and delicious local chocolate clams and other fresh seafood. Don’t miss it.
There are a couple of notable restaurants along the short 8-mile drive to Loreto town. Del Boracho Saloon has food for the American homesick. They have the best hamburgers in Baja. Set in a Wild West saloon atmosphere they also have daily specials like meatloaf and pasta dishes that almost demand a cool mug of Negro Modelo by their side. Just after you pass the airport road, take the turnoff from Hwy 1 towards San Javier. The restaurant is only a short distance on the right.
Sabor! Restaurant is difficult to spot because it sits off the highway down a long driveway but is well worth the search. It gets the highest ratings in the Loreto area. Run by an ex-pat family, they offer gourmet offerings on a rooftop setting. The chile rellano was the best I have ever had. Wonderful sauces with depth! Turn right (east) off the highway across from the San Javier turnoff.
Historic Loreto is just a 15-minute drive from Loreto Bay on a new 4-lane highway. On Friday and Saturday nights there will be a free bus that can take you into Loreto. They usually have a couple of pick-up spots on the Paseo, but ask around for their locations and times. There are dozens of recommended restaurants in Loreto, each with their own charm. Also Tripadvisor for their ratings and reviews. Spanish is frequently unnecessary as most Mexicans there do speak some English and when they don’t, they are patient and adept at reading your sign language.
Café Mita sits underneath the trees on the charming main square in the town of Loreto. The chef, Juan Carlos, iconic in his white aproned outfit and friendly smile, truly loves his work and helps you select from his fine menu. An excellent spot for a sunset dinner.
Restaurant 1697 is right next to Café Mita and is a worthy competitor. They specialize in serving notable microbrews from the region to accompany their menu. If you are lucky, they will feature live music and dancing on the evening you are there.
El Papagayo is my choice for romantic ambiance and is just down the main promenade lane in Loreto next to the square. It has tables interspersed in the most beautiful tropical garden setting. A fine menu as well.
La Picazon is a special treat. It is well worth driving a few miles down the dusty road parallel to the beach from Loreto south to reach this beautiful large palapa-roofed restaurant. Friendly Alejandro and Imelda serve a coconut encrusted parrot fish that you will write home about. Plan to spend a leisurely afternoon on their beach enjoying the view of Coronado Island offshore and then perhaps snorkeling with the family. Closes at dusk.
For fine, white-tablecloth dining from true professional chefs andwaiters this is the place. You will find gourmet presentations in a classy cuisine served on a second-floor deck overlooking the malecon (beach road) shore. La Mision is the premier hotel in Loreto and their excellent food complements their high ranking. It is my pick for the best breakfasts in the region and has become a departure morning ritual for us.
Mediteraneo is also on the malecon with a great view from its second-floor patio. It too is on the fine dining list of worthy restaurants. Good food and service is often greeted by the town’s roving mariachi band who will perform at your table (tip around 100 pesos or $8).
Here is a favorite of Loreto towns folk. The tables are as advertised, under a huge open palapa roof for a real Mexican atmosphere and very good, traditional Mexican fare.
For the Best Happy Hour in North America, I would claim. Here on the charming malecon sits the most popular bar and restaurant of the local ex-pats. If you want to meet and hear about Loreto life from friendly long-time residents, Augies is your place. What makes you most happy about their 4 to 7pm Happy Hour is their two for $5 beers - with FREE FOOD! Augie has a mysterious business plan for sure. He offers a different yummy happy hour item each evening: Chocolate clams, pizza, pasta, etc. These are not small appetizer-sized plates but real generous servings that are refilled immediately, over and over! After Happy Hour at Augies few feel hungry for a subsequent dinner.
El Rey Del Taco is an unassuming street-side taco building on Benito Juarez Road but serves undeniably the best tacos in Loreto. Ask anyone. You place your order and watch while they slice and grill their beef and fresh fish. When ready, take your generous servings to their extensive side table of salsas and fixings to craft your tacos. Hopefully there will be a spot at their picnic tables to sit. Note that their hours of operation are mysterious because crowds will often run them out of ingredients.
Orlando’s Mexican Cocina is near El Rey Del Taco and does gets Trip Advisor’s #2 highest customer rating just behind Sabor! Restaurant, and yet it fits the casual dining, low price category. Although having traditional menu choices, the offerings are most deliciously prepared. For a cooling dessert walk next door to the Michoacana Ice Creamery. My top pick in their extensive choices is a frozen fruit bar made with whole strawberries and cream. Mmm!
The Giggling Dolphin Restaurant and Boat Bar offers a very fun atmosphere and fine Mexican dishes. Their BBQ, for instance, is housed in a modified Jeep body. They offer an Eco-Margarita whose blender is powered by the bicycle you sit on. And, yes, their bar does look like a boat.
