La Paz, Baja California Sur, is located on the eastern side of the Mexican Baja peninsula, on the Sea of Cortez. The location means loads of fresh seafood and great views from the restaurants on the beachfront boardwalk or malecon. But it’s not just the seafood that’s amazing. Breakfast and coffee, due to some Italian expats, barbecue, yes barbecue in Baja and even pizza, are just some of the delicious food you can find in La Paz. So if you are looking for tips about where to eat in La Paz, here are my, any budget, suggestions.
Always check local guidelines and mandates before traveling into an area. Please wear a mask and travel responsibly. Eat local and tip well!
Coffee + Breakfast in La Paz
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a huge fan of breakfast. And the only thing better than breakfast is breakfast all day. Bonus points for a place where you can get good coffee too. Here’s a a few of my favorites in La Paz.
Maria California
At the top of my where to eat in La Paz list is Maria California. A friend who lived in La Paz recommended it to me and I’m so happy he did. I try go every time I’m there because you just can’t get a better breakfast.
Maria California is the cutest, palapa style restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch. On my first visit there, a dish called rajas con crema caught my eye. New to me, I had to give it a try. The rajas are strips of roasted poblano peppers. These peppers cook together with onions and then simmer in cream. It might not sound like what you want for breakfast but trust me, it’s amazing.
Coffee lovers will fall in love with a “lechero”. Originating in the Mexican state of Veracruz, it’s not only delicious, but the way they prepare it, is a show in itself. The first step is to pour black coffee into a tall glass, not a normal coffee mug. Next, the server takes hot, steaming milk, and holds it high above the glass. He then pours the steaming milk into the black coffee. As soon as the milk hits the coffee, the heat of it and the height from which it’s poured, makes a frothy, bubbly mixture that’s the perfect tasty concoction.
For those looking for something on the lighter side, Maria California makes a variety of freshly prepared juices or jugos. My favorite, from their huge list, is a “salvavidas” or life saving green juice. Made with celery, lime, cucumber and fresh orange juice, it’s delish and one of the best I’ve had in Mexico.
MARIA CALIFORNIA
LIC. BENITO JUÁREZ 105, ZONA CENTRAL 23000 LA PAZ BCS
Big Sur Cafe Organico
For a quick breakfast, or even a lunch stop, there’s Big Sur Coffee. I liked them even before I went in because of the colorful murals painted on the outside of the shop. The art inside is just as colorful and provides a bright, cheerful setting. Super friendly employees only add to it’s charm. In addition to coffee, the cafe serves pastries, muffins, sandwiches, and beer. They also have free Wi-Fi, so if working is a must while in La Paz, Big Sur isn’t such a bad place to do it from.
BIG SUR cafe organico
ZARAGOZA 16 DE SEPTIEMPRE N 40 23006 LA PAZ, BCS
Cafe-Bar KM-0
To start the day off right, there’s nothing better than sitting on the malecon and sipping your morning coffee or fresh juice. At Cafe-Bar-KM-0 you can do just that. If you go early, you can just just about guarantee a table in the La Paz sunshine.
I love their coffee! And they prepare breakfast to order and serve it with tasty homemade bread. I’ve only been in a couple of times in the morning but they are also open for lunch and dinner, serving pasta and other Italian inspired dishes. Based on how good the breakfast and coffee is, I would definitely go back then.
cafe-bar-km-0
Alvaro Obregón S/N, Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz, BCS
Downtown Espresso + Bar
For yummy sandwiches and coffee, stop by Downtown Espresso and Bar to pick up a breakfast sandwich late in the day or a lunch panini with an afternoon frappe. If a craving for Asian food kicks in while you are in La Paz, they have that, and sushi, as well. With free Wi-Fi, it’s another great place to get some work or reading done.
Downtown Espresso Bar
115-A AGUSTIN ARRIOLA, MUTUALISMO, ZONA CENTRAL, 23000 LA PAZ, BCS
Giulietta E Romeo
Giulietta E Romeo Heladeria is a tiny coffee and ice cream shop I discovered on my very first trip to La Paz. It’s still my go-to for a quick morning coffee, grilled cheese or ice cream. They make artesanal, small batch ice cream with interesting flavors such as matcha and coconut. The coffee flavor is my favorite. There’s not much room inside but there are a couple of tables outside. Being near the malecon makes it easy to grab your coffee and food before a tour or on your way out of the city.
Giulietta E Romeo Heladeria
Agustin Arreola 25, Centro, 23000 La Paz, BCS
Lunch + Dinner in La Paz
Mariscos Bismarkcito
You can’t come to La Paz and not eat at one of the oldest restaurants in town. 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 for the non seafood eaters, they have tacos and other items on the menu. However, the seafood is my favorite. Fresh, delicious and cooked to order. I also love their salad. A lot of people don’t eat salads when they travel in Mexico but I have one every time I’m at Bismarkcito and I’ve never had an issue with. They also serve a unique salsa with their tortilla chips. I’ve never had it anywhere else and I dream about when I’m home. Needless to say, you can see why Bismarkcito is on my where to eat in La Paz list.
Mariscos Bismarkcito
Paseo Alvaro Obregon entre Constitucion e Hidalgo, Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz BCS
Harker Board Co.
Harker Board is another La Paz restaurant located right on the malecon. They’ve made the best of their prime location with a series of roof top decks. It’s THE perfect place to watch the sunset. Which if you didn’t know, La Paz is kind of known for.
The restaurant serves a variety of bar and pub food. Looking to replace my go to pizza joint that closed, I ordered the their pizza. While it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, it was very good. I’ve also read good things about their burger, so see you next time Harker Board to try that.
In addition to great views and food, Harker Board had commissioned some of the best murals in the city on their buildings. They also offer lessons and rent out kayaks, paddle boards and other water craft.
Harker board co
Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, BCS
J + R Ribs
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 see barbecue in La Paz but that’s what I found at J&R Ribs The ribs were perfectly tender. with several unique sauces to choose from. Even the sides, macaroni and cheese and slaw, would make any southern cook proud. When you are craving something besides Mexican, this is the prefect place to get your fix.
J +R Ribs
Calle 5 de Mayo, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, BCS
Wherever you decide to eat in La Paz, you won’t be disappointed. In addition to the restaurants mentioned, there are a lot of places for street food and tacos. Take advantage of the costal location to try La Paz specialties such as lobster, chocolate clams and Baja fish tacos. Buen provecho!
