BajaNomad

Loreto Food!

TLBaja79 - 12-9-2018 at 06:51 PM

Loreto Restaurants Fall 2018
There are plenty more places both good and bad but here is our report from a recent trip

Many great restaurants in Loreto, we find it hard to stray from our normal spots but half the time when we do we are blown away!

For breakfast Orlando's is one of the best in town, they have such a great menu for 'big breakfasts'.

Our go to is Cafe Ole for a great easy breakfast. We have kids and found it easier to order at the counter than to sit down at a restaurant.

Lunches were not as plentiful this trip but Cesars is always great and we love it there. Great salsa plate and really great tacos.

Our first time at Del Borracho Saloon and it was incredible. Great food, great decor great service and nice clean place. The outside has a big play area for kids which was nice for us! The burgers were excellent, salad huge and tasty, fries, onion rings the best! We stopped after a San Javier visit, we'll definitely be back there.

The food at Hotel La Mision is always as good as it gets, we ate there a handful of times and always had plenty of food and it was always top notch!

Pan que Pan has great breakfast, their bakery is incredible too, great juices!

Dinners are usually our favorite and we usually take some time relaxing, drinking and enjoying the menu.

Mi Loreto has good food, we were not disappointed.

We are not a big fan of Domingo's Place, maybe it used to be better but not impressed this time.

La Palapa is one of our favorite places and we've had all kinds of their plates, they all impress! Can't wait to get back there, share a Cesar salad and whatever entree sounds good!

Super Burro is one of my favorites, the stuffed potatoes are incredible, others try but don't get close to their flavor!

The Clam Shack - Vista Al Mar south of town is simply the best place for seafood, we are blown away every time at the quality and flavor of all of their plates and bowls, can't beat the view and beach setting.

We always like the food and drinks at Augies, hard to pass up afternoon drinks and their appetizers.

Pepegina's in the town center is really good. We had pizza there and also mexican food and both were really great!

Mita Gourmet seems to have had better days, we used to like it a lot but now...not so much, too much competition in Loreto for ok food.

Mi Casita next to Islas on the walking street is a little gem, great family fun restaurant with really above average food, we went back the next night after trying it!

Mezzaluna is the best Italian food I've had, I don't eat too much Italian but their lasagna, pizza, noodles are superb!

Orlando's Lunch and Dinner are incredible, the Pozole is the best we've ever had, hard to beat Orlando's for anything even for to go orders when you are going to the island or somewhere when you need a pack lunch.

That is our Loreto food report! Enjoy!

[Edited on 12-11-2018 by TLBaja79]

[Edited on 12-11-2018 by TLBaja79]

JZ - 12-9-2018 at 06:52 PM

Paragraph breaks are your friend.

StuckSucks - 12-9-2018 at 07:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Paragraph breaks are your friend.

So true. The gray ghost.

My new favorite place in Loreto (thanks Howard!) is La Picazón, maybe 6-7 miles north of Loreto on dirt roads. WELL worth it. The food is awesome, the venue is spectacular, and Alejandro Desdier (owner) -- I can't say enough about the guy. La Picazón has two other restaurants, in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

The restaurant has spectacular views of the coast and Isla Coronado:


The front gate of the restaurant:







JZ - 12-9-2018 at 09:37 PM

Gonna hit that spot up.

Howard - 12-10-2018 at 03:38 AM

Sabor for dinner

El Rey Tacos for lunch

Orandos any time of day.

Islas for Huevos Racheros or chiiquilles (both SIC)

Poblanos on the highway for pork tacos

Ice Cream next to Orandos

Use Banco Atezteca for ATM w/d

Torta stand after 7:00 PM on the corner, down the street from the Rodeo

Clam Shack (Vista del Mar) around 10 miles south of town

Happy Hour at Augie's and the Mission Hotel )powerful 2x1)

Mojacentes SIC at the Blue Anchor


bill erhardt - 12-10-2018 at 05:47 AM

When you fish north of town Alejandro is happy to receive part of your catch on the way back to the marina. If you do make a drop, by the time you get home, clean up and drive back overland to La Picazon Alejandro will have the fish cleaned and Imelda will perform her magic on it. I recommend it.

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La Picazón, Loreto

John M - 12-10-2018 at 06:08 AM

Stuck & Bill - I've tried unsuccessfully to locate a turn off from Highway 1 on GE - I even used their GPS coordinates for anchoring to no avail.

Is La Picazón too secret to share driving directions?

John

bill erhardt - 12-10-2018 at 06:13 AM

John.....You can't drive directly off Mex 1 without going through Loreto. From Loreto take Davis (I think) north past the old abandoned hoarhouse, mil palmas, and follow the signs.

[Edited on 12-10-2018 by bill erhardt]

bajabuddha - 12-10-2018 at 06:26 AM

Orlando's definitely the bomb for lunch, tortas to die for (as well as the whole menu). El Nido for dinner if still open, by the Santa Fe Hotel.

David K - 12-10-2018 at 10:32 AM

Orlando's, sí!
Nick and I ate there in February 2017 and I posted this on Nomad:

I first want to say what a great dinner I had the previous night with Baja Nomad 'ncampion' who picked me up at the hotel and took me to Orlando's. A winner, for sure! I had the Cilantro Fish plate and Nick had the Mango Fish plate. Ice cold Pacificos made it a complete meal with chips and salsa.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John M, as Bill said, you get to the north coast homes and beyond by driving past the La Pinta/ Desert Inn Hotel entrance... yes, it was Davis Street (at least years ago).



[Edited on 12-10-2018 by David K]

Double spacing added...

David K - 12-10-2018 at 10:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TLBaja79  
Loreto Restaurants Fall 2018
There are plenty more places both good and bad but here is our report from a recent trip

Many great restaurants in Loreto, we find it hard to stray from our normal spots but half the time when we do we are blown away!

For breakfast Orlando's is one of the best in town, they have such a great menu for 'big breakfasts'.

Our go to is Cafe Ole for a great easy breakfast. We have kids and found it easier to order at the counter than to sit down at a restaurant.

Lunches were not as plentiful this trip but Cesars is always great and we love it there. Great salsa plate and really great tacos.

Our first time at Del Borracho Saloon and it was incredible. Great food, great decor great service and nice clean place. The outside has a big play area for kids which was nice for us! The burgers were excellent, salad huge and tasty, fries, onion rings the best! We stopped after a San Javier visit, we'll definitely be back there.

The food at Hotel La Mision is always as good as it gets, we ate there a handful of times and always had plenty of food and it was always top notch!

Pan que Pan has great breakfast, their bakery is incredible too, great juices!
Dinners are usually our favorite and we usually take some time relaxing, drinking and enjoying the menu.

Mi Loreto has good food, we were not disappointed.

We are not a big fan of Domingo's Place, maybe it used to be better but not impressed this time.

La Palapa is one of our favorite places and we've had all kinds of their plates, they all impress! Can't wait to get back there, share a Cesar salad and whatever entree sounds good!

Super Burro is one of my favorites, the stuffed potatoes are incredible, others try but don't get close to their flavor!

The Clam Shack - Vista Al Mar south of town is simply the best place for seafood, we are blown away every time at the quality and flavor of all of their plates and bowls, can't beat the view and beach setting.

We always like the food and drinks at Augies, hard to pass up afternoon drinks and their appetizers.

Pepegina's in the town center is really good. We had pizza there and also mexican food and both were really great!

Mita Gourmet seems to have had better days, we used to like it a lot but now...not so much, too much competition in Loreto for ok food.

Mi Casita next to Islas on the walking street is a little gem, great family fun restaurant with really above average food, we went back the next night after trying it!

Mezzaluna is the best Italian food I've had, I don't eat too much Italian but their lasagna, pizza, noodles are superb!

Orlando's Lunch and Dinner are incredible, the Pozole is the best we've ever had, hard to beat Orlando's for anything even for to go orders when you are going to the island or somewhere when you need a pack lunch.

That is our Loreto food report! Enjoy!

JZ - 12-10-2018 at 11:18 AM

Howard, tell us more about this one:

Clam Shack (Vista del Mar) around 10 miles south of town.

StuckSucks - 12-10-2018 at 12:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John M  
Stuck & Bill - I've tried unsuccessfully to locate a turn off from Highway 1 on GE - I even used their GPS coordinates for anchoring to no avail.

Is La Picazón too secret to share driving directions?

John


No access from Highway 1, all dirt road north of Loreto. Start with Calle Davis past the Desert Inn, then keep driving north. There are some fence lines out there, but the road north is obvious.

"A" on the map is La Picazón.


Howard - 12-10-2018 at 12:13 PM

Vista del Mar AKA The Clam Shack

APPROX. 7-10 miles south of town on the beach is where it is located. Very well groomed sand outside seating with a palapa roof. You definitely can see it as it is next to the highway.

Outdoor plastic chairs and tables, very reasonably priced with absolutely the freshest clams and seafood around. Don't go after it's been windy for 3 or so days as they cant gather the clams during windy conditions.

I prefer the stuffed clams for around 70-80 pesos.

Nothing fancy, just good cheap food but you must like clams and seafood. Not the place to go for a beef taco and that's if they even have them.

On a side note, a funny story. Went there a couple of weeks ago with a friend and we weren't that hungry so we just order "12 clams, nothing else." After getting our order we were about 1/2 way through when we both realized that the clams had no meat, just the membranes. I asked the waiter about it and with an absolute straight face he said that is how we order them, clams only and they took the meat out for other meals. I didn't take it as a rip off as he was serious, that's how we ordered them, and now I know not to just order clams.

willardguy - 12-10-2018 at 12:19 PM

why can't they gather clams in the wind :?:

ncampion - 12-10-2018 at 12:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
why can't they gather clams in the wind :?:


Stirs up the sand and the clams withdraw their siphon tubes. Can't see them

PamelaP - 1-7-2019 at 01:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks  
Quote: Originally posted by John M  
Stuck & Bill - I've tried unsuccessfully to locate a turn off from Highway 1 on GE - I even used their GPS coordinates for anchoring to no avail.

Is La Picazón too secret to share driving directions?

John


No access from Highway 1, all dirt road north of Loreto. Start with Calle Davis past the Desert Inn, then keep driving north. There are some fence lines out there, but the road north is obvious.

"A" on the map is La Picazón.




We followed the same Google map, but the road is closed by fences so a new one, turning to the right, goes towards the water with fences on both sides. There are signs here and there. If you follow the directions and stay on the road you will get there. The only wrong turns would be into a home communities.
Of note, they only take cash and a bit more expensive then your average out of the way establishment. They have blankets for the ladies if there is a cool breeze; and black wiener dog; and up beat vibe (a bit metro-sexual) and please do not go off on me for that comment. It is a vibe, I feel neither negative nor positive about it, its just a vibe. Fantastic food that is very nicely presented! I had the best filet of Sea Bass in Ajo! Worth it!

defrag4 - 1-20-2019 at 12:43 PM

great list so far, we have been exploring Loreto eateries for the past few weeks and have a few more to add

Dory Luz - amazing breakfast and lunch plates, all hand made and set in a little garden off a side street about 4 minute walk from the centro, she does traditional mexican plates but also offers a few american style breakfast such as waffles and bacon, great licuados as well, open 8am-3pm Mon-Sat

Can find it on the paved road towards the Arroyo/Zaragosa, very small sign on the left hand side




https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x86b43b865b1...



Buena Vida Restaurant - Located just before the arroyo on the same road as Dory Luz - great seafood platters and c-cktails - closed Mondays

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buena+Vida+Restaurant+Bar/...


Del Cortez - the best seafood in Loreto we have found, located out on the highway 1 in front of Col. Miramar, its in a shaded palapa building, everything incredibly fresh, they have their own boats and supply both the restaurant and attached pescaderia, we usually eat at the resturant then pick up some fresh filets or their smoked jurel to take home and cook up later






[Edited on 3-11-2019 by BajaNomad]

defrag4 - 1-20-2019 at 12:45 PM

the empanadas and pizza at Mezzaluna are crazy good, cant go wrong with anything that comes out of their wood-burning pizza oven

they also have some great thin crust pies at El Zopilote brewery

[Edited on 1-20-2019 by defrag4]

defrag4 - 1-20-2019 at 12:48 PM

have driven by the clamshack about 6 times so far and still havent seen it open, not sure if they are closed this season or not?

ncampion - 1-20-2019 at 12:51 PM

I'll give a second for Dory Luz. Very friendly people and good food. Nice cozy atmosphere. Gotta look close to see it.

defrag4 - 1-29-2019 at 12:21 AM

learned the clamshack closes from mid-Dec till early Feb, should be open again on ~Feb 6

defrag4 - 3-8-2019 at 11:20 PM

went to del borracho the other day, cool spot, good vibe, but the food we had was crap, drinks were good, but way overpriced.

might be a good spot for a beer and a burger if you dont mind paying gringo prices

[Edited on 3-9-2019 by defrag4]

BajaBlanca - 3-9-2019 at 07:18 AM

Wow, we always head to del Borracho and the hamburgers have never ever disappointed! Is that what you were dissatisfied with defrag4?


defrag4 - 3-9-2019 at 10:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
Wow, we always head to del Borracho and the hamburgers have never ever disappointed! Is that what you were dissatisfied with defrag4?



negative, the burgers looked pretty good, we were just passing through so ordered appetizer of nachos and fries, which were just totopos with nacho cheese and ground beef on them and the fries were soggy and limp




defrag4 - 3-9-2019 at 10:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
the empanadas and pizza at Mezzaluna are crazy good, cant go wrong with anything that comes out of their wood-burning pizza oven
[Edited on 1-20-2019 by defrag4]


As long as Loreto restaurants are being trashed, the one time I had empanadas at Mezzaluna it was crap. Spoke with my server instead of sending it back.

Too much dough and not enough filling.

Had the Fish and Chips there once, too. Also crap. Soggy fries and hard, blackened unidentifiable fish. Worst I've ever had.

I go there for the chicken lasagna and salads which are excellent.


actually went to Mezzaluna again last night and was dissapointed with the empanadas this time, they were stale like they had been cooked and re-heated or something, pizza was still good though

hit and miss at that place, i should probably just stick to seafood!

JZ - 3-10-2019 at 03:49 PM

Going to Loreto in a couple weeks. Will hit up La Picazón and the Clamshack.

What are the months that clams aren't allowed to be sold?

David K - 3-10-2019 at 03:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Going to Loreto in a couple weeks. Will hit up La Picazón and the Clamshack.

What are the months that clams aren't allowed to be sold?


This is Mexico... or are you joking?

(I know there used to be a saying in the states that a month with an R in it was not good to eat shellfish?)

AKgringo - 3-10-2019 at 04:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  


(I know there used to be a saying in the states that a month with an R in it was not good to eat shellfish?)



It's the other way around David! The warmer months (no 'r' in them) are more prone to shellfish poisoning due to toxic blooms. I have safely eaten razor clams in Argust though!

David K - 3-10-2019 at 04:16 PM

LOL... good thing I only eat Mexican shellfish then! Thanks AK!

JZ - 3-10-2019 at 04:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  


This is Mexico... or are you joking?




There is a place on the malecon in Loreto that sells baked clams. Last time I was there they said they weren't selling them at that time of year.

defrag4 - 3-10-2019 at 07:53 PM

hit or miss on finding fresh clams right now with all the wind/cold temps, but some brave divers are still out there, I just had a fresh plate of 12 chocolates this afternoon at Buenavida

Was at Vista del Mar (clam shack) yesterday and they did not have fresh clams, we did order the whole fried fish and sopa de mariscos which were excellent, and also got an order of the best flan I have ever had!

I also got some clams flameada Alemajas Conchos the other day, which were basically whole clams cooked placed in coals and then big fire started on top, pretty good, though I think they were overcooked a bit.


Del Cortez still holding the crown for best gratinada I have tried




[Edited on 3-11-2019 by defrag4]

TLBaja79 - 3-11-2019 at 08:19 AM

Yes just got back from Loreto the other day and didn't find fresh clams. Had Grantinadas but they weren't fresh. Same in October, only place we found fresh clams was 'Clam Shack'

jbcoug - 3-12-2019 at 02:40 PM

Is the clam shack south of Nopolo?

gueribo - 3-12-2019 at 02:50 PM

I'll repost here--a special Loreto spot: Canipolé restaurant, close to the Loreto mission church.

You need a reservation, as the owner Sofia cooks for her guests individually. She’s passionate about cooking in the Mexican traditional way. There’s no menu—you sit down to a multi-course meal created by Sofia. “Like music,” Sofia says, “food communicates without words.” She told us over and over how she cooks with all her heart and soul, and how each guest is now a family member in her home—which is true, because Sofia lives at the restaurant in a small room in the back.

Sofia and her nephew began the preparations. Our meal started with carrot & jicama taquitos and freshly-made guacamole. Next came a large plate of chicken mole, fresh blue corn tortillas, chicken with chile verde, chile relleno, and rice and beans. The dog and cat gathered around, hopeful for handouts. The meal finished with sweet chips covered in cinnamon and sugar.

Each table is scattered with dried beans. Sofia said it's important to know the origins of your food.

Eating at Canipolé is an immersion experience of Mexican hospitality and care. Sofia asked that we spread the word. She asked us to sign the guestbook, and informed us that she also offers cooking classes. If we had more time, I’d definitely want to learn from Sofia.

15 Sofia.jpg-thumb.jpg - 107kB

14 Canipole.jpg-thumb.jpg - 100kB

Bubba - 3-13-2019 at 10:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
hit or miss on finding fresh clams right now with all the wind/cold temps, but some brave divers are still out there, I just had a fresh plate of 12 chocolates this afternoon at Buenavida

Was at Vista del Mar (clam shack) yesterday and they did not have fresh clams, we did order the whole fried fish and sopa de mariscos which were excellent, and also got an order of the best flan I have ever had!

I also got some clams flameada Alemajas Conchos the other day, which were basically whole clams cooked placed in coals and then big fire started on top, pretty good, though I think they were overcooked a bit.


Del Cortez still holding the crown for best gratinada I have tried




[Edited on 3-11-2019 by defrag4]


Any idea what type of fish on the whole fried was? Was them if done properly.

David K - 3-13-2019 at 10:48 AM

Gueribo... I want to go there!!
It looks like it may be the same location where "Charley" and his pet iguana had the fruit salad place (later moved out to Hwy. 1)...

From my 2012 trip page, www.vivabaja.com/712 :

Thanks to our friend Phil C, we learned that the great fruit stand that was also across from the mission in Loreto, in 2009 was now only along Highway #1, just north of the divided part of the highway, about Km. 2.5. It is on the west side and you will see the tropical plants and signs for Coconut drinks, etc. It is called EL CAÑAVERAL and run by ‘Charley’. We ordered two fruit salads, and they were as amazing as we had remembered them from 2009. We also have a coconut horchata which was a great refresher in the hot, humid climate. The live iguana that we photographed in 2009 is no longer alive, but on display along with some other stuffed and live critters. Charley has several banners touting the nutritional value of the many fruits he serves in various preparations and drinks.

Sadly, I think he is no longer there... I looked in 2017, without finding him.

defrag4 - 3-13-2019 at 10:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gueribo  
I'll repost here--a special Loreto spot: Canipolé restaurant, close to the Loreto mission church.

You need a reservation, as the owner Sofia cooks for her guests individually. She’s passionate about cooking in the Mexican traditional way. There’s no menu—you sit down to a multi-course meal created by Sofia. “Like music,” Sofia says, “food communicates without words.” She told us over and over how she cooks with all her heart and soul, and how each guest is now a family member in her home—which is true, because Sofia lives at the restaurant in a small room in the back.

Sofia and her nephew began the preparations. Our meal started with carrot & jicama taquitos and freshly-made guacamole. Next came a large plate of chicken mole, fresh blue corn tortillas, chicken with chile verde, chile relleno, and rice and beans. The dog and cat gathered around, hopeful for handouts. The meal finished with sweet chips covered in cinnamon and sugar.

Each table is scattered with dried beans. Sofia said it's important to know the origins of your food.

Eating at Canipolé is an immersion experience of Mexican hospitality and care. Sofia asked that we spread the word. She asked us to sign the guestbook, and informed us that she also offers cooking classes. If we had more time, I’d definitely want to learn from Sofia.





wonderful gueribo, thanks for sharing, my wife and I stumbled upon her place one night while strolling around centro, I had never actually seen it open so we waltzed in and took a look around, we found Sofia watching her TV while some pots boiled in the back, we asked for a table but she informed us we needed to call her ahead of time, my wife is a vegetarian and she said that would be no issue she could cook us whatever we liked. the food smelled great, we will be making a reservation soon!


gueribo - 3-13-2019 at 10:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  

the food smelled great, we will be making a reservation soon!


I'm so glad! An establishment definitely worth supporting.

defrag4 - 3-13-2019 at 10:59 AM

adding another spot to the list, Tacos Guisados Dizoyla, located just down the street from El Pescador on the right hand side, just past MiniSuper Panchos, there is usually a pop-up segunda in front of it, so it is kind of hidden

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tacos+Dizoyla/@26.008495,-...



the friendly owner/chef cooks up amazing stewed tacos, pork, chicken, rajas, chicarron, and moles in various combination/flavors which are quite rare to find in street tacos here in Baja, he also does delicious quesadillas

check it out if you havent, you will not be disappointed! He also offers to cater parties/events if you are interested in having him come to your next party and serve up some great food!






[Edited on 3-13-2019 by defrag4]

defrag4 - 3-13-2019 at 11:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bubba  
Quote: Originally posted by defrag4  
hit or miss on finding fresh clams right now with all the wind/cold temps, but some brave divers are still out there, I just had a fresh plate of 12 chocolates this afternoon at Buenavida

Was at Vista del Mar (clam shack) yesterday and they did not have fresh clams, we did order the whole fried fish and sopa de mariscos which were excellent, and also got an order of the best flan I have ever had!

I also got some clams flameada Alemajas Conchos the other day, which were basically whole clams cooked placed in coals and then big fire started on top, pretty good, though I think they were overcooked a bit.


Del Cortez still holding the crown for best gratinada I have tried




[Edited on 3-11-2019 by defrag4]


Any idea what type of fish on the whole fried was? Was them if done properly.


they said it was huachinango, looked a bit long and skinny for a snapper to me, but tasted great and had tons of meat either way! it was cooked perfectly, i love when you get a fried fish thats cooked so well you can eat the fins and eyeballs, nothin left behind on the plate but the bones :spingrin:



[Edited on 3-13-2019 by defrag4]

[Edited on 3-14-2019 by BajaNomad]

Bubba - 3-13-2019 at 04:51 PM

Looks Awesome!

defrag4 - 4-9-2019 at 03:26 PM

went to Canipole the other night and have to admit I was not very impressed.

The atmosphere was great, the food was good but it was just basic mexican plates, chicken mole and a chile relleno, portions were meager and the bill was astronomical.

Paid close to $75 USD after tip, the most I have ever spent on a meal in MX!!

the owner is a very nice lady who has a great little racket going on there.... there are no menus and no prices listed, so just a warning to my fellow nomads.

[Edited on 4-9-2019 by defrag4]