Continuing the Series on Loreto, MX

WHERE TO EAT IN LORETO?

1. El Rey del Taco

• Location: Downtown (Juárez near Salvatierra)

• Description: A legendary, no-frinks local institution and the undisputed king of tacos in Loreto. It's a bustling open-air taquería where the focus is purely on authentic, delicious, and affordable street food. You order at the counter, grab a plastic stool, and enjoy some of the best tacos al pastor, carne asada, and fish tacos in Baja.

• Must-Try: Tacos al pastor, costras (cheese-crusted tortillas), and their excellent salsa bar.

2. Orlando's Restaurante & Mendoza's Bar

• Location: Downtown (Salvatierra)

• Description: A long-standing favorite and a true Loreto classic. It offers a charming, romantic atmosphere with courtyard seating under a massive fig tree. The menu is an excellent mix of high-quality Mexican dishes and international seafood cuisine. Their attached bar, Mendoza's, is a great spot for a classic margarita.

• Must-Try: Garlic shrimp, chiles rellenos, and any fresh catch of the day.

3. La Palapa Delicious Mexican Food

• Location: On the Malecón (waterfront)

• Description: As the name suggests, this palapa-roofed restaurant right on the waterfront offers stunning views of the Loreto Bay and islands. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a long lunch. The menu features beautifully presented, flavorful Mexican dishes with a focus on seafood.

• Must-Try: Seafood molcajete, fish ceviche, and their mango margarita.

4. 1697

• Location: Inside the historic Misión de Loreto complex (Downtown)

• Description: Named for the year Loreto's mission was founded, this is arguably the town's finest dining experience. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building with a serene courtyard, it offers elegant ambiance and a creative menu that fuses Baja Med cuisine with international techniques, using ultra-fresh local ingredients.

• Must-Try: Tasting menu (when available), scallop dishes, and any of their craft cocktails.

5. Mi Loreto

• Location: On the Malecón

• Description: A modern, airy restaurant with a fantastic second-story terrace offering panoramic views of the bay. It's a great spot for sunset drinks or a sophisticated dinner. The menu is eclectic, featuring pizzas from their wood-fired oven, fresh pasta, and inventive seafood plates.

• Must-Try: Wood-fired pizza, octopus tostada, and their selection of Mexican wines.

6. Taco Las Güeras

• Location: Downtown (Madero)

• Description: Another top-tier taco spot beloved by locals. It's a simple, bustling place famous for its marlin tacos—a Loreto specialty. They serve it smoked and shredded, creating a uniquely delicious flavor. Also fantastic for fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and their hearty burritos.

• Must-Try: Smoked marlin tacos or burrito, fish tacos (breaded or grilled).

7. Baja Outpost (Bar & Kitchen)

• Location: Downtown (Salvatierra)

• Description: A lively gastropub with a great vibe, popular with both expats and locals. It has a solid bar with craft beers and creative cocktails. The kitchen serves up excellent comfort food with a Baja twist, from burgers and wings to outstanding seafood chowder and poke bowls.

• Must-Try: Baja Outpost Burger, fish & chips, and the daily soup.

8. Mita Gourmet

• Location: Downtown (Madero)

• Description: A delightful and cozy breakfast/lunch spot that feels like a hidden garden oasis. They are famous for their artisanal breads, pastries, and organic coffee. The menu focuses on healthy, beautifully prepared dishes like açai bowls, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh salads—a perfect break from heavier Mexican fare.

• Must-Try: Avocado toast on homemade bread, fresh-baked croissant, and their lemonade.

9. Los Mandiles Restaurant Bar

• Location: Downtown (Hidalgo)

• Description: A vibrant and colorful restaurant with a focus on traditional Mexican recipes from across the country. The atmosphere is festive, and the dishes are full of authentic flavor. They offer a great introduction to Mexican cuisine beyond tacos, including moles, pipián, and complex stews.

• Must-Try: Mole poblano, cochinita pibil, and their flavored agua frescas.

10. El Zopilote Craft Brewery & Brewpub

• Location: Just off the Malecón

• Description: Loreto's first and only craft brewery. This is the place to go for a great local beer in a relaxed, industrial-chic setting. They brew a variety of styles on-site (IPAs, stouts, lagers, etc.). The food menu is designed to pair well with beer, featuring shareable plates, gourmet hot dogs, and flatbreads.

• Must-Try: A flight of their craft beers, the beer-battered fish tacos, and the bacon-wrapped hot dog.

Pro Tip for Loreto Dining: Hours can be seasonal and flexible. It's often wise to check recent social media or call ahead, especially outside of peak tourist season (Nov-April). Enjoy the incredible flavors of Loreto