Rosewood Las Ventanas Restaurant

The signature beachfront restaurant at Las Ventanas al Paraiso sits at kilometre 19.5 of the Transpeninsular highway in the Los Cabos Corridor of Baja California Sur, on the San Jose del Cabo side, within one of the most established luxury resorts in Mexico. The cooking is Baja coastal: local seafood, peninsula-raised meat and produce from the San Jose valley, prepared with restrained technique and presented with the polish expected of a Rosewood property. Chocolate clam carpaccio at roughly $28 uses the large Sea of Cortez clam species specific to this coast, sliced thin and dressed with citrus. Grilled Baja fish at about $45 changes with the day's landings and is treated simply over heat, and the mango passion dessert near $18 closes the meal on regional fruit. Ceviches, aguachiles, wood-grilled meats and a substantial breakfast service extend the offer, since the restaurant runs from 7AM to 10PM daily and serves resort guests through the day. The dining room is a covered terrace opening onto sand and the Sea of Cortez, with torches lit after dark, candlelight, well-spaced tables, soft service and a low noise level broken mainly by the water. It is among the most romantic settings in Los Cabos and is used heavily for anniversaries and proposals. Dress is resort-elegant in the evening, with long trousers usual and beachwear not accepted after dark. The wine and beverage programme is a serious one, with a deep cellar, sommelier service, a tequila and mezcal selection organised by region, and pairings available on request. Access is the main practical constraint: the restaurant prioritises hotel guests and outside diners are accepted subject to availability and a reservation, which in the December to April high season should be made one to two weeks ahead. A car or taxi is required, roughly 15 minutes from San Jose del Cabo.