14 Best restaurants in Loreto, Mexico (2024)
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Looking for restaurants in Loreto, Baja California?
You are in the right place.
Loreto is one of the best places for outdoor activities and whale watching in Baja California. A former capital of Californias in colonial times, Loreto also has an interesting history, so it’s no surprise that this place is quickly becoming a magnet for tourists.
There are plenty of places to eat in Loreto, from its downtown that boasts popular eateries and bars, to the outskirts, where you can find budget-friendly options and more locals 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 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 was able to enjoy 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 Restaurante
It’s not uncommon to wait in line as Orlando’s is very popular with Loreto visitors.
Orlando’s is located off the main drag in Loreto and often has live music and a great social atmosphere. Try their 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, but I heard 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 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 misguide 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. Mediterraneo Restaurant
The Mediterraneo is a seafront restaurant that has a diverse menu and spectacular views of the Bay of Loreto National Park from the terrace on the second floor.
The menu at Mediterranean is international with the majority of dishes being Italian or Mexican.
Some of the most popular menu items are shrimp cobb salad, calamari, onion soup, tempura shrimp, and fish with spinach.
Don’t forget to try their mojitos, they will blow you away!
Address: P.º A. Lopez Mateos 2, Centro, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S.
5. Los Olivos
Los Olivos is a waterfront restaurant that has some of the best seafood in Loreto. I haven’t stopped there, but heard very good things about it from fellow travelers.
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.
6. 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
7. Waicura
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.
Andres prepares all the food on the spot and makes it from fresh ingredients like veggies and plant-based proteins.
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.
Vegan food is not always easy to find when driving in Baja California, because this part of Mexico is all about seafood and typical dishes made from meat and cheese. Outside of guacamole and veganized tacos or burritos, your options are often limited, especially in small towns.
However, Loreto is one of the good exceptions.
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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. Los Mandiles De Santa Lucía
Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Los Mandiles won’t disappoint you!
Located along the waterfront in Loreto, 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
14. 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: misioneros cp. 23880, H. Loreto 22, Matamoros Norte-Centro-Sur, Mariano Matamoros, Tijuana, B.C.
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.
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.
✅ Check: Is Loreto safe?
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 travelers 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.
Best restaurants in Loreto, Mexico: FAQ’s
What is Loreto Mexico known for food?
Loreto is pueblo magico in Baja California that’s known for its seafood. Many restaurants in town serve seafood-based dishes like ceviche, aguachile, and Baja fish tacos.
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.
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.