BÉSAME MUCHO: The Most Romantic Dinner Destinations in Todos Santos, Mexico
Todos Santos, a picturesque town on the Baja California peninsula, offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, authentic culture, and fantastic dining experiences. It’s also SO romantic; the soft swaying palm trees, the sparkle of the rippling waves, the sunset spreading lazily across the horizon. As I was thinking of how to introduce this list, I decided to research the word “romantic” because to me, it means more than just a rom com backdrop.
Here was my favorite definition: of, characterized by, or suggestive of an idealized view of reality.
That’s exactly what these places offer. A gentle breeze, the sky aglow and the freshest lime squeeze on a cut of sashimi that just feels like the perfect bite every time. Go out to dinner in one of these favorite spots and you’ll be immersed in our Baja romance. This is our idealized reality and the best part of staying here is getting to sink your teeth into it.
Dum: French-Mexican fusion with strong jungle vibes
The Place: Entering Dum feels like a mini adventure as you descend into a shadowy, lush palm grove with gorgeous natural wood tables hidden out of view. Guests call it a "stunning, enchanting property" and rave about the "amazing ambiance" that perfectly complements the creative menu of international and Mediterranean dishes. It’s wild, lush, dark and sexy with twinkling lights and dreamcatchers strewn among the palm fronds.
The Food: Here’s what the Michelin Guide has to say… “Husband and wife, Chef Aurelien Legeay and Paulina Noble, are at the helm of this kitchen where the menu changes every new moon and offers both à la carte and tasting menu options cleverly dubbed "new moon" and "full moon." The cooking is playful and delights in the unexpected […] with plenty of heart.”
Green Room: Toes-in-the-Sand Tostadas with the Best Sunset View
The Place: If your idea of romance is a front row seat to crashing waves and epic sunsets, Green Room is the perfect choice. The adventure of getting there is part of the fun - drive down a long dirt road and then wind your way through a sandy, labyrinthian path through densely thicketed desert shrubs before emerging onto a beautiful stretch of the Baja coast. This restaurant has your laid-back, surfer-inspired vibe perfected. There aren’t that many restaurants in Todos Santos where you can actually dine with your toes in the sand so make sure you give this one a try before you leave. The views are epic, especially during migration season when the whales put on a spectacular show.
The Food: Seafood is the star here and the margaritas are A+.
Il Giardino: Gorgeous Ocean Views on a hilltop channeling a distant riviera
The Place: Perched on a hill on the southern edge of town away from the hustle and bustle, Il Giardino is a hidden gem in Todos Santos. The restaurant looks out onto sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and dining is all al fresco under a palapa roof, which is great for those mild Baja evenings.
The Food: Chef Daniela Borghini has created a menu of Italian and Mediterranean dishes that are as delightful as the scenery. Diners rave about the handmade pasta and pizzas, but everything on the menu is delightful.
Hierbabuena: Farm-to-Table meets Table-on-Farm
The Place: No restaurant better showcases the bounty of the region and the spirit of life in Baja better than Hierbabuena. A short drive from Todos Santos in the tiny town of Pescadero, the open-air restaurant is set amidst a lush garden of vegetables, herbs and blooming plants that supplies some of the ingredients and much of the magic of the experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the catch of the day being carried into the outdoor kitchen straight from the fishermen’s boats. The outdoor kitchen, which sits amid the dining space, adds both intimacy and liveliness.
The Food: Their motto is “Grow It. Plate It. Eat It” and the menu can be described as garden-inspired food.
The menu is aseasnal and local - as in, an arm’s reach away - served simply and with tremendous love. Sustainability, quality and the alchemy of an unforgettable meal experienced in such a magical oasis are what make Herbbuena a longtime favorite for locals and visitors. The restaurant is small and reservations are coveted, so we recommend booking in advance.
In Todos Santos, each of these romantic dinner destinations offers a unique appeal and unforgettable dining experience. And like I said, the concept of romance here is about the altered reality that is so unique to this magical place. Buen Provecho, my friends.