13 Best restaurants in Loreto, Mexico by a frequent visitor
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
Looking for restaurants in Loreto, Baja California?
I visited Loreto several times, and on my trips I had a chance to try food from many restaurants in town. In this article, I will give you my insight on where you can grab a bite after a day of exploring.
There are plenty of places to eat in Loreto, from downtown that boasts popular eateries and bars, to the outskirts, where you can find budget-friendly options in places that cater to locals rather than tourists.
When writing this guide, I did my best to create a mix of restaurants with reasonable prices, excellent customer service, and good reviews.
As a blogger, I always try to sample food in places before writing about it. Being a plant-based eater, it’s not always possible, so I always read reviews and ask fellow travelers for advice.
I’ve visited Loreto several times, and as a vegan never had a problem finding good places to eat. In this article, I will share my insights into the Loreto food scene.
Best restaurants in Loreto: a quick summary
- Best tacos in Loreto – El General Tacos 🌮
- Best fish tacos in Loreto – El Rey del Taco
- Best Mexican food in Loreto – D’Cordero 🌯
- Best vegan restaurant in Loreto – Waikura 🌱
- Best breakfast in Loreto – Dory y Luz 🥞
Best Mexican restaurants in Loreto
1. Mi Loreto
This cozy restaurant serves the best Mexican food in Loreto with classic dishes like chicken mole, enchiladas, chile relleno stuffed with plantains, fantastic ceviche, guacamole, and delicious margaritas.
Located in downtown Loreto has tons of great reviews from many happy customers who praise their service and authentic flavors on TripAdvisor.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, they can also customize your food on request. I’m a plant-based eater, and I had a delicious dinner in Mi Loreto with vegan tacos, delicious guacamole and mushroom ceviche.
This place is popular with American and Canadian tourists, and staff speaks good English.
📍Address: And. Juan María de Salvatierra 50, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
2. Orlando’s Restaurant Loreto
It’s not uncommon to wait in line because Orlando’s is very popular with Loreto visitors.
Orlando’s is located off the main drag in Loreto and has live music and a great social atmosphere. Their menu includes fajitas, burritos, enfrijoladas, salsa, enchiladas, or seafood options.
I haven’t had a chance to try their food, because the wait was too long when I got there in the evening, but was told they are very accommodating with vegans and vegetarians, even though they don’t have a designated vegan menu.
The downside is that Orlando’s has higher prices than many other restaurants in town.
📍Address: Fco. I. Madero s/n, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
3. D’Cordero
D’Cordero is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant off the beaten path that offers a mix of authentic Mexican tacos and seafood.
Not many tourists know about this place, and while it doesn’t look spectacular on the outside, don’t let the appearance deter you: This place offers some of some of the best food in Loreto, according to reviews.
The menu also has chilaquiles, gorditas, and some options for vegetarians and pescatarians.
📍Address: Calle Benito Juárez FCO. I MADERO, J.M. Pino Suarez, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
Best seafood in Loreto
4. Los Olivos
Los Olivos is a waterfront restaurant that has some of the best seafood in Loreto.
Located inside La Mision Hotel, Los Olivos has breakfast, lunch and dinner options including Mexican and American cuisines.
Here you can enjoy omelets, potatoes, beans, pancakes, chilaquiles, birria, and pancakes. Their menu also includes freshly squeezed juice and an array of pastries and desserts.
It’s also a perfect dinner spot as they serve wood-fired pizzas, Caprese salad, and seafood risotto, and if you go fishing, you can also have a local chef prepare your fresh catch on the spot.
Los Olivos boasts incredible views of the Sea of Cortez that you can enjoy from the outdoor terrace.
📍Address: Calle Rosendo Robles s/n, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
5. Mariscos Ivan
Mariscos Ivan is a food stand along Loreto Malecon that serves amazing ceviche, and poke bowls every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cash only.
📍Address: C. Agua Dulce & Paseo A. Lopez Mateos, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Loreto
6. Waicura
Vegan food is not always easy to find in Baja California, because this part of Mexico is all about seafood. Outside of guacamole and veganized tacos or burritos, your options are often limited, especially in small towns.
But Loreto turned out to be an exception.
I stopped at Waicura on both of my trips to Loreto and loved everything about this place: from homemade tacos and quesadillas to fun conversations and a great social atmosphere.
Waicura has the best vegan and vegetarian options in Loreto. Andres, the owner of the restaurant, welcomes everyone to his place, and is happy to give recommendations on places to visit in Baja California and Loreto.
He prepares all the food on the spot and makes it from fresh ingredients like veggies and plant-based proteins.
Once you step into Waicura, you will be in vegan paradise, and if you are a vegan like me, you will love this awesome spot.
Waicura was the name of one of the tribes that lived in Baja before the colonization of the peninsula, and Andres is very knowledgeable about Loreto and can give you many recommendations on things to do in the area.
📍Address: And. Juan María de Salvatierra 11, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
Best tacos in Loreto
7. El Rey Del Taco
Loreto has no lack of good restaurants, but speaking from personal experience some of them have pretty high prices geared toward tourists.
While many restaurants in downtown Loreto have higher prices, you can find plenty of budget options on the outskirts and even in residential areas.
If you are in town and are looking for something more authentic and less expensive, visit El Rey Del Taco.
This small unpretentious taco joint is a great place to mingle with locals and get some freshly prepared taquitos that come with mouthwatering ingredients and sauces prepared in-house.
📍Address: Calle Benito Juarez 61, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
8. El General Tacos
If you are looking for authentic tacos in Loreto, don’t miss El General, a local place that serves pastor and shrimp tacos, as well as other classic Mexican staples like birria, carnitas, and quesadillas.
It’s a perfect lunch spot if you are looking for a combination of budget-friendly prices and flavorful food.
The staff speaks English.
📍Address: Calle Benito Juarez, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
9. Tacos Dizoyla
A great place for tacos and quesadillas in downtown Loreto, Dizoyla prepares its tacos in guisados style (where the meat and vegetables are stewed).
Each taco costs only 20 Pesos, which is perfect, considering the high prices in many restaurants in Loreto.
They also serve cochinita pibil, chicken mole, and incredible quesadillas with cheese and flour tortillas for just 30 Pesos a piece. The owner is very friendly and is happy to talk to its customers.
📍Address: C. Fernando Jordan, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
10. El Cora (Mariscos y Tacos Luisa)
Formerly known as El Cora, Mariscos y Tacos Luisa is the best spot for tacos and authentic Mexican food in Loreto.
This small family-run restaurant offers delicious tacos, made from the homemade tortillas right off the stove, and carne asada. Once you get your tacos, you can choose from toppings like homemade salsas, grilled onions, jalapeños and pico de Gallo.
They also have classic Mexican dishes like Aguachiles, pozole, different stews, and empanadas.
📍Address: Calle Independencia 1035, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
Best breakfast in Loreto
11. Dory Luz
A hidden gem of Loreto, Dory Luz serves simple and delicious breakfast options like chilaquiles, eggs, waffles, and chile relleno with chicken, rice, and beans.
Their customer service is also top-notch. The restaurant is operated by a friendly lady by the name Luz who speaks basic English and can customize your order on request.
📍Address: Madero sin numero, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
12. Los Mandiles De Santa Lucía
Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Los Mandiles won’t disappoint you!
Best restaurants in Loreto on the beach, Los Mandiles serves flavorful Mexican food and friendly customer service. I had a vegetarian burrito at Los Mandiles and enjoyed it, as the owner prepared a custom vegetarian dish for me, which I loved!
📍Address: Malecón, P.º A. Lopez Mateos esq, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
Best bars in Loreto, Mexico
13. Vic’s Bar
Vic’s has the best margaritas in Loreto and is often called the best bar in town. It’s also within walking distance to many hotels and landmarks and you can enjoy karaoke nights.
During happy hour, domestic beers are just 35 pesos and margaritas are 50 pesos. Happy hour 4-8 pm.
📍Address: Prolongación Misioneros No. 22 Sur, Loreto, Mexico
Nopolo Restaurants
Nopolo is a small community about 10 minutes north of Loreto that’s home to resorts, golf clubs and pristine beaches. Although Nopolo is small, it has a good variety of restaurants from traditional Mexican to seafood and even French cuisine.
Restaurante Ocotillo
One of the best restaurants in Nopolo, Ocotillo boasts great reviews with many customers praising its atmosphere, stellar service and amazing menu options like seafood, burgers, burritos, enfrijoladas and some vegetarian options.
Popular items are ceviche, pear and apple salad. The restaurant is open every day from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
📍Address: Paseo Misión de Loreto FN559 Nopolo, 23887 Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico
Gastroteca Azul
Gastroteca Azul has some of the best seafood in the area, and some visitors drive here from Loreto to enjoy handcrafted dishes from the fresh catch. The restaurant serves international and Mexican gourmet dishes and it has a nice elegant ambiance which is perfect if you want to treat yourself to a nice dinner or mark a special occasion.
📍Address: Paseo Mision de Loreto AV158, 23880 B.C.S., Mexico
Señora Delicias
This casual restaurant offers mouthwatering Mexican food, and many happy customers say that it’s a must during your vacation in Loreto Bay.
The menu includes mole poblano, grilled fish tacos, guacamole, and yummy desserts like flan and tres leches cake. They also have some vegetarian options (which can also be made vegan upon request if you ask to take out cheese and eggs).
Their prices are also very reasonable, so if you ant to eat delicious authentic food, give this place a try. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
📍Address: P.º Mision de Loreto, 23894 Nopoló, B.C.S., Mexico
Le Bistró
Le Bistró is a popular restaurant in Nopolo that’s run by the French family that bakes spectacular pastries and delicious food like omelettes, salads and all home-made charcuterie. They also have a good selection of wines and coffee. Even if you aren’t staying in Nopolo, this place is a must!
📍Address: 23894 Nopoló, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Hotels in Loreto
* Hotel Oasis – Located along the beach in Loreto, this popular hotel is also within walking distance from the center. It boasts one of the best beach clubs in Loreto and a big swimming pool.
* La Mision Loreto – Located next to the waterfront and about 10 minutes from the airport La Mision is one of the most popular hotels in Loreto that has a free airport shuttle, on-site parking, and delicious breakfast.
* Hotel 1697 Loreto – One of the best-rated hotels in town, this place boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a central location near the main plaza.
✅ Read: Where to stay in Loreto
How to get to Loreto?
You can get to Loreto by driving or taking a flight. If you are on a budget, you can also catch a bus to Loreto from La Paz or Cabo San Lucas.
How to get around Loreto
You can get around downtown Loreto on foot since it’s a small town, and all major landmarks are within walking distance. But if you want to explore the area around Loreto, you will need a car. Many people drive to Loreto, but if you are flying to Loreto, you can rent a car at Loreto Airport.
Renting a car in Loreto
Renting a car in Loreto is a great way to enjoy one of the most scenic places in Baja California. Although you can explore downtown Loreto and take tours, having a car will give you the ultimate freedom and allow you to explore places off the beaten path.
If you want to enjoy a fun adventure, rent a 4X4 because some of the roads near Loreto are unpaved and can be in rough condition. You can rent a four-wheel drive at many car rental companies at Loreto Airport or join Loreto tours to explore the surrounding areas.
✅ Check: Is Loreto safe?
Best restaurants in Loreto, Mexico: FAQ’s
What is Loreto Mexico known for food?
Loreto is known for its seafood. Many restaurants in town serve seafood-based dishes like ceviche, aguachile, and Baja fish tacos.
Will my phone work in Baja California?
Whether your phone will work in Baja California, or not, depends on your carrier. I recommend Airalo, an eSIM card for your trip to Mexico, which can be managed through the app to top up your account at any time.
Is Loreto worth going to?
Loreto is one of the best places for outdoor adventures in Baja California. This small town offers superb opportunities for whale watching, snorkeling, diving, and hiking in the Sierra De La Giganta Mountains.
Do you need a car in Loreto Mexico?
While you can explore downtown Loreto on foot, you will need a car to explore the area around enjoy scenic hikes, and visit places like San Javier, a small village that boasts one of the best-preserved missions in Baja California.
Do people speak English in Loreto Mexico?
Staff at hotels and restaurants usually speak at least basic English, but the more you get off the beaten path, the less English you will hear. Being able to speak at least basic Spanish will help you if you encounter people who don’t speak English.
Best restaurants in Loreto: final word
I hope this guide helped you to find a good place to eat and you enjoy your meal in Loreto. From seafood options to seafood and classic Mexican dishes, this town has plenty of restaurants to choose from, and trying food in Mexico is uniquely part of the travel experience.
