BajaNomad - Best Dining in Rosarito?

Best Dining in Rosarito?

bajabound2005 - 4-14-2010 at 03:26 PM

Looking for some fine dining in Rosarito...not a taco stand (though that is the best eating). Reviews I found on Chabert's were great service, food is terrible. Recommendations or suggestions?

DENNIS - 4-14-2010 at 03:28 PM

El Nido used to be good. ??????

noproblemo2 - 4-14-2010 at 03:31 PM

El Nido!!!!!!!!!

tripledigitken - 4-14-2010 at 03:36 PM

Half Way House (close to the Pyramid)!

A history of "Medio Camino"

http://books.google.com/books?id=35WQOduN1F4C&pg=PA89&am...

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by tripledigitken]

knuckles - 4-14-2010 at 04:11 PM

Le Bistro Cousteau. Consistantly Special. IMHO

I'll second the Half-Way house

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 04:13 PM

Also in Rosarito...Susanna's. http://susannasinrosarito.com/

Don't quite know what the attraction is for El Nido. I've never had a good meal there. The meats are all over-cooked and you leave smelling like you've been sitting around a campfire.

I haven't been to Chabert's in about a year but the food was always good. Killer Caesar salad.

Splash...just north of the Half-Way house does seafood pretty well.

Woooosh - 4-14-2010 at 04:16 PM

Chabert's if you can get over the feeling like you're dining in your great grandmothers parlor room.

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by knuckles
Le Bistro Cousteau. Consistantly Special. IMHO

Le Cousteau can be really good or bad. If the owner is in the kitchen the food's excellent.

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Chabert's if you can get over the feeling like you're dining in your great grandmothers parlor room.

The bar more than makes up for the dining room. Unfortunately, it's rarely open.

DENNIS - 4-14-2010 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Don't quite know what the attraction is for El Nido.

Last time I was there, none of these other places existed. It's a "Remember when" thing, I guess.

bajabound2005 - 4-14-2010 at 04:40 PM

where is Le Cousteau? Halfway House, etc., all sound great but we are looking for something IN Rosarito so we don't have to drive far.

DENNIS - 4-14-2010 at 04:45 PM

Here's the same question asked five years back:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=12433#pid1020...

Page two gets pretty snarky...Gull and JR going at each other.
See ???? Nothing has changed.

[Edited on 4-14-2010 by DENNIS]

Gypsy Jan - 4-14-2010 at 04:45 PM

Starting from North Rosarito going south through the central area of the city and then further south about three miles past the Rosarito Beach Hotel:

Los Pelicanos, part of the El Nido family restaurant group. Beachfront dining with straightforward grilled fish and meat dishes and Mexican entrees. Solid bar. Gringo prices, i.e., $50 pesos for a Margarita.

La Estancia, off the beaten path, halfway down a ocean-going side street. Beautiful rustic-style building with the meats on offer proudly displayed in the entry butcher counter. Extensive menu of steaks, pork and lamb, fresh seafood and Mexican entrees. Very good food with excellent service presented in a formal, old-fashioned style (big heavy pewter plates with a flaming pile of kosher salt accompanying the entree. I have always enjoyed and been pleased by the grilled salmon, seafood combination and lamb entrees.

That's Amore, across the street from the ??? Hotel in mid-town Rosarito. Carlos is a genius with Italian fresco style and serves the best tiramisu I have ever had.

Skip El Nido and Chabert, go south to Tapanco, about three miles south of the Rosarito Beach Hotel on the free road, just past the signal light for Ejido Mazatlan (Look for the second big red and white OXXO billboard on the ocean side of the road. Tapanco shares the property line with OXXO on the south. Offering mesquite grilled steaks, lamb, venison, quail and fish, this is El Nido (same family ownership) without the tourists or the attitude of the fossilized, union membership waiters. Same superb quality of ingredients and preparation at gentler prices -- a local's insider place. Beautiful rustic rustic building and decor with an enclosed first-floor dining patio and a second floor ocean view area.

[Edited on 4-15-2010 by Gypsy Jan]

Bajafun777 - 4-14-2010 at 04:56 PM

Suzanna's was very good and was open the last time I was there a couple of months ago. Now, I have never gotten a bad meal at El Nido in Rosarito and really like there breaksfast also. I also like the Tamale for breakfast also very good. I have not tried the Tapanco but will this next month when I go back down. Later---------- bajafun777

It's The Mesquite

Bajahowodd - 4-14-2010 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Also in Rosarito...Susanna's. http://susannasinrosarito.com/

Don't quite know what the attraction is for El Nido. I've never had a good meal there. The meats are all over-cooked and you leave smelling like you've been sitting around a campfire.

I haven't been to Chabert's in about a year but the food was always good. Killer Caesar salad.

Splash...just north of the Half-Way house does seafood pretty well.

Didn't matter whether it was San Felipe or Loreto, either. I guess they never invested in proper ventilation.

skipowell - 4-14-2010 at 05:37 PM

I have to agree with Jan on her choices
Tapanco which has a new big sign that says "Why Not" that the owner is found of saying is one of the best. I love the cream based soups that come with the meals there and the made at your table fresh salsa. Los Pelicinos has the same menu only they serve a bean soup instead. Los Pelicinos just started serving salad the way that they do El Nido and Tapanco but will still make the Cesear salad if you ask.

We have had many good meals at That's Amore. I still dream about the Pork Milinease I had there a couple months ago.

Le Cousteau has never let us down. The Almond Sole and there Sea Bass is absolutely divine. A little more on the pricey side but great service and live calm dinner music.

La Estancia serves a great tortilla soup with there meals and has a lodge feel (animals mounted on walls!) I really like the carne asada here.

Chamberts is good, but I always walk away feeling a bit disappointed. Food is good and I agree best Cesear salad around but it just seems so formal and so not Mexico. It is also considerably more expensive than all the for mentioned places.

We have not gone to Splash so that is on our agenda for this weekend!

Ventilation at Tapanco is Excellent

Gypsy Jan - 4-14-2010 at 05:41 PM

And you can always chose to sit outside.

Dave - 4-14-2010 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Didn't matter whether it was San Felipe or Loreto, either. I guess they never invested in proper ventilation.

I'd probably overlook it if the food was good. But it ain't. La Estancia is a carbon copy although maybe just a cut above.

Jan, thanks for reminding us about That's Amore. Really good Italian.

Bajabound, I'd seriously consider Susanna's. Beautiful atmosphere and good food. It's in the Puebla Plaza about three blocks north of the RBeach hotel. Same side.

By the Way (BTW) - Splash is an Excellent Dining Choice

Gypsy Jan - 4-14-2010 at 06:15 PM

But the OP (Original Poster) was asking about fine dining in Rosarito central, and Splash is about sixteen miles south

That being said, a few weeks ago I had the most amazing fresh black cod dinner. The center cut fillet weighed at least one pound and was perfectly cooked. The meal came with chips and salsa, soup and salad, baked potato and fresh veggies (not out of a bag, but hand-cut fresh).

I think my feast cost $12.95 U.S. I know that the leftovers were enough for two more meals.

The building and location is beautiful, right on the oceanfront. Dine outside on the sand under the umbrellas, or sit inside and enjoy the ocean-view dining room.

The guitarist is terrific (sorry, is it Alejandro?) and the margaritas are large and strong, be careful.

knuckles - 4-14-2010 at 08:24 PM

Bajabound.....

Le Cousteau is right in the middle of town, across from Charley Burgers. We went to That's Amore two weeks ago. Carlos is a great guy, but the food was not so good that night.

Does anyone know...does Splash serve lobster? We have a yen and really don't enjoy Puerto Nuevo. Any suggestions?

Udo - 4-14-2010 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by knuckles

Does anyone know...does Splash serve lobster? We have a yen and really don't enjoy Puerto Nuevo. Any suggestions?

I can't speak for restaurants in Rosarito, however, last weekend there were no local (Northern Baja) lobsters available in Puerto Nuevo, and they were serving waaay undersized Chilean lobsters. Several Nomads chimed in on my post and stated that local lobsters have been out of season for about three weeks now. Perhaps the same is true for Rosarito restaurants.

noproblemo2 - 4-14-2010 at 08:34 PM

Yes, Splash has Langosta

Vince's Restaurant and Fish Market in Rosarito

Gypsy Jan - 4-14-2010 at 09:18 PM

Has live lobster. They do a great job with everything on their very extensive menu. The combo gives you a 1/2 lobster, shrimp, calamari and fish fillet. With a complementary serving of fish soup and salad, it runs about $22 U.S. Lobster only dinners are sold by size at fair market price.

Bob H - 4-14-2010 at 09:45 PM

I'm happy with Taco's Yaqui! :tumble:

I know that's not what your are looking for... but it's still what I like best in the area.

Bob H

[Edited on 4-15-2010 by Bob H]

garynmx - 4-15-2010 at 03:27 AM

Las Pencas is the best restaurant in Rosarito Beach. Great lamb dishes. Also serve seafood. KM 28 1/2 off main drag in Rosarito. Great food and great service. Rustic looking place. Try it.
Of course Thats Amore is wonderful. Best tacos are at "Las Cabos" across from the Red Cross Thrift Store behind Waldos.
Enjoy.......

Woooosh - 4-15-2010 at 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Has live lobster. They do a great job with everything on their very extensive menu. The combo gives you a 1/2 lobster, shrimp, calamari and fish fillet. With a complementary serving of fish soup and salad, it runs about $22 U.S. Lobster only dinners are sold by size at fair market price.

I like Vince's too. Went to have dinner there last Thursday and we would have been the only ones in the dining room though. I never expect fresh seafood when there is no one to eat yesterdays fresh seafood. They do have live lobsters in the tank- but be careful if you expect it to be the price of the dinner special. A friend of our selected a live tank-lobster and it was over $40. He said it was worth it though (like he had a choice when the bill came). They moved the fish-market up to the front window so you can def still find very fresh fish/scallops/oysters there to buy and take home to prepare.

paul r - 4-16-2010 at 01:21 PM

the best restaurant in rosarito IS Cazuela de Mole, it's right across from the cop shop... if you try the polo salsa verde and a margarita and don't agree, I'm a psychiatrist and might be able to help you!!

knuckles - 4-16-2010 at 01:30 PM

Yeah, those sweet tamales they serve for desert are pretty tasty!

Hi paul r, it's "Casa de Mole"

Gypsy Jan - 4-16-2010 at 06:00 PM

Just a minor correction to help prevent confusion about the name.

We like the restaurant a lot. I think the green (pipian) mole on chicken and the lamb mixiote meals are very good. Also, the margaritas.

The restaurant in Rosarito looks like a converted family house, the appearance is very attractive inside, with several dining areas. The service is always friendly and attentive and, as far as I can tell, the clientele is mostly locals and the prices reflect that.

Here is a link to a review on the larger location in Tijuana, which has a more extensive menu: http://hungryhiker-tj.com/restaurants/mole.html

The Gull - 4-16-2010 at 06:12 PM

Las Mananitas (where is an enyay when you need one) diagonal from Waldos has killer caldos (Tortilla soup and Elote soup) and a delicioso molcajete mixto. Had three folks eat there including drinks for $50/including tip.

paul r - 4-16-2010 at 09:44 PM

... here's another 100 percent, solid gold, homerun!!... La Fuenta... the food and the PEOPLE are wonderful, it's homemade mexican fare that is real... it's located just north of the signal that is at the road that goes to ejido mazatlan, and bada bing, on the right... it's small and kinda hard to locate... mrs.segovia and crew are beautiful... it's cleaner than popes robe!!... it's funny, I usually get the fruit plate and orange juice and avena!?!!... I know, I know

skipowell - 4-18-2010 at 08:25 AM

Just went to Splash last night after hearing the reviews! We will certainly make this a regular place now. Two people in our party had the fresh sea bass is was amazing. I tried the Costa Azul Shrimp and another party member had the shrimp c-cktail. All were very good!

Apparently the place has a quite a following as every table inside and out was full. I think the bike race had something to do with this. I have not seen so many gringos in one place in Mexico for many years.

durrelllrobert - 4-18-2010 at 11:38 AM

La Palapa has great Mexican and American food at Mexico prices. Besides, it's right next door to the gentlemens club (fogot name) which also has some good eats :lol:

tripledigitken - 4-18-2010 at 12:00 PM

Bada-Bing?

durrelllrobert - 4-18-2010 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Bada-Bing?

Yup, that's the one :yes:

elizabeth - 4-18-2010 at 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
(where is an enyay when you need one)

It's at alt 164!

bajabound2005 - 4-18-2010 at 01:15 PM

Well, we ended up at Chaubert's. Susanna's ran a close second but the sandwich board outside said Friday's special was a "stuffed porn chop" so we opted for Chaubert's.

The c-cktails were iffy. The wine list consisted of 98% LA Cetto and 2% Domecq. Obviously, this restaurant has failed to hear of all the great wines coming out the Guadalupe Valley. The food was quite good, as was the service, though it was like pulling teeth to get some bread brought to the table.

We started with fresh cured salmon which was heaven. Then on to a Caesar salad which was made tableside. These guys are quite talented with a couple spoons and fork, grating the garlic, mashing the anchovy...and seeing that much olive oil go into the dressing gave me pause. But it was delicious.

Then we went for the Chateaubriand for two. It was cooked perfectly and plenty of it. Needless to say, our dogs scored on that one!

Finished up with the bananas flambe, also made tableside.

So, 3 c-cktails, 1 bottle of wine plus dinner set us back about $160 USD. All in all, not to bad.

Even though this was the night before the bike ride, the hotel (as were the streets) was virtually empty, especially the new part where we stayed. The restaurant was about half full. Have to say the new part of the hotel is quite nice although overpriced.

bajamigo - 4-18-2010 at 01:46 PM

While bb2005 was getting torqued by the masseuse at the hotel, I walked around a deserted Rosarito to check out the restaurants. Susannah's had a more interesting menu, but when I walked into the place to ask a few questions and maybe make reservation, I must have been wearing my Cloak of Invisibility. She (Susannah) was right there, talking to a couple of people; and while I shuffled around plainly in her view for almost 5 minutes, at no point did she acknowledge my presence or offer assistance. I figured if the service at dinner was going to be anything like that...forget it.

BAJACAT - 4-18-2010 at 01:58 PM

Hey Vince did you have a San Ignacio shirt yesterday, I think I saw you when I was leaving.. but not sure...didn't see any nomads, I had my BN shirt on yesterday and no luck meeting nomads during the event...

bajabound2005 - 4-18-2010 at 02:00 PM

Yes, Bajacat, that was Vince!

BAJACAT - 4-18-2010 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
Yes, Bajacat, that was Vince!

OH man I miss you you guys then. I was all over the place looking for my sons friend and did'nT see no Nomads, I will have to pay you guys a visit in Punta Banda, maybe in la India Bonita if still open.. you did great Kath, climbing la Mision it's not alot fun, I did it alot time back in the 90"s...

bajamigo - 4-18-2010 at 09:07 PM

You're always welcome here, Bajacat. About India Bonita: Lupita fell ill, needed bypass surgery, I believe. At the same time, the restaurant, like just about all of them in this area. wasn't doing well at all, so she closed it. The business is now up for sale. Lupita lives behind the restaurant and always welcomes visitors.

knuckles - 4-19-2010 at 10:53 AM

We did Le Cousteau on Friday night. Great food, great service, lots of botanas (steamed clams and crab cakes). We take our own wine, but for 4 of us the meal was only $105.00 I had some wonderful pork shank cooked in a banana leaf wrapper. My pit bull even got the treat of the left over bone.

As recommended by Nomads, we tried La Pencas on Saturday for lunch. Quite the experience. Very unique atmosphere and very good service. I was not thrilled with the consome that came with the meal, but the meat and homemade tortillas more that made up for that. We thought it a bit pricey ($38.00 for two for lunch), but I would go again. Yeah, I am craving those toritillas right now!!

knuckles - 7-6-2010 at 08:44 PM

Heads up my foodie friends...

La Querenica is back open at the location in La Gloria.... Still owned by Miguel Angel, but he has employed a new chef from South Africa, really nice guy named Ryan.

OMG.. I am not kidding when I say we had the best meal ever last Friday. I am still dreaming about it. 1/2 a smoked chicken finished off in a wood fire oven, so sweet and crispy, meat falling off the bones. served with a mushroom risoto. Yummy.

My two companions had the Filet. Wet aged beef is what he told us. It was the best peice of meat I have ever tasted. Tiny fingerling potatoes. And we have been to Delmonicos, Donavans etc. This beat them all.

Highly recomended, just under the west side of the 2nd pedestrian bridge heading north to TJ.

Also they are going to start clearing the land behind the resturant for a Kitchen garden. Cant wait to see if this all happens.

Really Great News, Thanks Knuckles!

Gypsy Jan - 7-6-2010 at 09:12 PM

It makes me very happy (and hungry) to hear that the original location of La Querencia has reopened. I am eager to go there as soon as possible.

I'll second that!

Dave - 7-6-2010 at 09:20 PM

Great news.

knuckles - 7-6-2010 at 09:39 PM

Last week we went to Le Cousteau and were pleasantly suprised to see that they were nearly full. Its been a while since we have eaten out have not been one of the few or even the only customers in any resturant. Also noticed lots of cars in front of Tampanco lately too.
I hope things are looking up for our area.

Mexicorn - 7-7-2010 at 03:31 PM

My vote goes to Cazuela de mole.
Thanks Jan!

KASHEYDOG - 7-8-2010 at 09:50 AM

I've always liked the buffet at "ORTEGA'S BUFFET" on the north end of Rosarito. It's been remodeled and has a new sports bar too. The Ortega family (David) has always been a great host. Great inexpensive Sunday brunch too. My first time in there years ago when I got the bill I just started laughing. My girlfriend said, "what's wrong?". I had to tell her it was so cheap it was almost ridiculous. I left a tip almost as much as the bill. If I remember correctly we each had MORE then we could eat and 2 margaritas each and the bill was $22. I always know a good resturant when I see all the locals in there. They also own "ORTEGAS VILLA" in Puerto Nuevo. That's the big one on the water at the south end of town. Try them you'll like 'em :yes:

[Edited on 7-8-10 by KASHEYDOG]

Bob H - 7-23-2010 at 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
I'm happy with Taco's Yaqui! :tumble:

I know that's not what your are looking for... but it's still what I like best in the area.

Bob H

[Edited on 4-15-2010 by Bob H]

Any update on Taco's Yaqui? Is it still around? I've heard rumors that it is closed. Bob H

elgatoloco - 7-24-2010 at 05:52 PM

Had a couple (3) perrones there last Saturday for a late breakfast. Yaqui had a dispute with his landlord who decided he could make more selling tacos himself and The ORIGINAL Yaqui is now right across the street on the next corner north east side, cant miss it, in what had become his auxiliary parking lot. Yaqui was there and greeted us warmly as usual. It was yummy, as usual.

Sunday morning we had a nice breakfast at Hotel La Mision. For dinner we had designs on heading up to La Querencia but after a day of fun in the sun and surf we instead went Sunday night to Splash and we had a very nice diner. Nice view and some nice music playing. We heard good things about the place that is right next door to the north and plan to hit that in a few weeks.

Saturday night we grilled at home, chicken,tri-tip and lamb with asparugus and corn done on the grill. Appetizers were steamed half artichokes finished on the que with some garlic aoli and some shrimp ceviche. Paired the first course with a nice french style chard from Sonoma and then opened a 1.5 of Merryvale Profile. Dessert was cigars and Reserva de La Familia. Good times. :dudette: