Some of the best food, not to mention the best fish tacos, I’ve ever eaten while traveling in Mexico were in La Paz, Baja California Sur Mexico.
La Paz is located on the eastern side of the Baja peninsula, on the Sea of Cortez. The location means loads of fresh seafood and great views from the restaurants on the beachfront boardwalk.
It wasn’t just the seafood that was amazing. Breakfast and coffee, due to some Italian expats, barbecue, yes barbecue in Baja and even pizza, were just some of the delicious foods I had. So if you are trying to figure out where to eat in La Paz, Baja, here’s my suggestions.
Breakfast in La Paz
If you don’t already know; I’m a huge fan of breakfast. But I don’t always like to eat early. Places that offer a late breakfast or better yet, breakfast all day, are my favorites. Here’s a few of my picks for breakfast in La Paz.
Maria California
At the top of my where to eat in La Paz list is Maria California. It was recommended to me by a friend who had lived in La Paz, as one of his favorite places. Now I try to go every time I’m in town because it quickly became one of my favorites too.
It’s the cutest, eclectically decorated, palapa style restaurant, that serves breakfast and brunch. If you are looking for something on the lighter side, the have a variety of freshly prepared juices or jugos. My favorite was a “salva vida” green juice.
I like to try new dishes here and there and Maria California had something I’d never tried before called rajas con crema. Rajas are strips of roasted poblano peppers cooked with onions and then simmered with cream. It might not sound like what you want for breakfast but trust me, it was delicious.
I also had what’s called a “lechero”. It’s a coffee drink from the Mexican state of Veracruz. Not only is it delicious, put the way the server prepared it was something to see.
The first step is, he pours black coffee into a tall glass glass, not a normal coffee cup. Next, milk that’s been steamed in a kettle, is held high above the glass and poured into the black coffee. When the milk hits the coffee, the heat of it and the height from which it’s poured, causes a frothy, bubbly mixture. So tasty! It was a perfect way to start the day.
Lic. Benito Juárez 105, Zona Central 23000 La Paz BCS
Big Sur Coffee is another good go-to place for a breakfast. I liked them before I even stepped inside because of the colorful murals they have outside. The art inside the shop is just as bright and vibrant. In addition to coffee, they serve pastries, muffins, sandwiches, and beer. Not a bad place to spend the morning or anytime of the day working.
Zaragoza 16 De Septiempre N 40 23006 La Paz, BCS
Cafe-Bar KM-0 is a cozy little place to sit and sip your morning coffee. Located right across the street from the boardwalk, it’s tiny with a few tables inside and outside on the sidewalk. I have only eaten breakfast but they are open all day and serve sandwiches, pasta and other Italian inspired dishes. Based on how good the coffee is, I would definitely go back for lunch or dinner.
Malecón, Paseo Álvaro Obregón, 23000 La Paz BCS
Lunch in La Paz
Downtown Espresso & Bar has really yummy sandwiches. You can pick up a breakfast sandwich late in the day or a lunch sandwich or panini with your afternoon frappe. Interestingly, they also serve Asian food and sushi. I haven’t had a chance to try it but based on the other food, I would imagine it’s good. They also have free WiFi so it’s a great place to get some work or reading done.
115-A Agustin Arriola, Mutualismo, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, BCS
Where to Eat Dinner in La Paz
Mariscos Bismarkcito is one of the oldest restaurants in La Paz and I can see why. The food is delicious and the huge open air palapa bar is a shady place to sit and have a margarita, or three, to beat the afternoon heat.
Bismarkcito specializes in seafood but they do have other things on the menu. A lot of people won’t eat salads when traveling in Mexico but I have one here every time I go there. They also serve this unique salsa with their tortilla chips, that I’ve never had anywhere else and dream about when I’m home.
Paseo Alvaro Obregon entre Constitucion e Hidalgo, Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz BCS
Can a lover of southern food from Montana and two Mexicans serve barbecue in La Paz and call it soul food with a touch of Mexican? Turns out they can.
I didn’t expect to find good barbecue in La Paz but that’s what I found at J&R Ribs The ribs were perfectly tender. with several sauces to choose from. Even the sides, macaroni and cheese and slaw, would make any southern cook proud.
Calle 5 de Mayo, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, BCS
I’m not sure why I waited so long to try Harker Board Co but I’m kind of kicking myself for not going sooner. The restaurant has several roof top decks perfect for watching the sunset. Which if you didn’t know, La Paz is kind of known for.
I tried the pizza and loved it. I also heard good things about their burger so see you next time Harker Board.
The views, the drinks, the food and the colorful murals on their building is why they are the total package and on my list of where to eat in La Paz.
Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, BCS
Ice Cream in La Paz, Baja
All over Mexico you’ll find all these great little ice cream shops and La Paz is no exception. I rarely eat ice cream at home in the states but there is something so different about the ice cream and flavors that I find in Mexico. I have to add these shops of where to eat in La Paz.
Giulietta E Romeo Heladeria tops my list for artesanal, small batch ice cream with interesting flavors such as matcha and coconut. You can have your ice cream in cones, waffle cones or just cups. They also serve traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu and their coffee is delicious. It’s really one of my top picks for dessert or a morning espresso and grilled cheese.
Agustin Arreola 25, Centro, 23000 La Paz, BCS
La Fuente, located right on the boardwalk, is another good option for ice cream and desserts. They have everything and I mean everything you could think of putting on ice cream and fancy cones. Plus they have candy, popsicles, and milkshakes.
Alvaro Obregon S/N, Centro, 23000 La Paz, BCS
So grab an ice cream and stroll the boardwalk while watching one of the famous La Paz sunsets. There’s no better way to end the day.
