Set the scene.
San José del Cabo, a popular resort village known for its luxury boutique hotels and vibrant local scene, attracts a loyal following of travelers drawn to its marriage of beach and desert landscapes along this stretch of Pacific-meets-Sea of Cortez coastline.
While the area’s upscale hotels offer restaurants, swim-up bars, and ocean views, venturing beyond them is a must to discover gems like Acre Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Located on a 25-acre boutique property with treehouse villas, guest rooms, a premier wedding venue, and an animal sanctuary, Acre delivers a refreshing twist on the typical San José del Cabo stay.
The property is impressive, but we’re here to highlight its standout restaurant and cocktail bar. With a Cabo-meets-Tulum vibe, guests are welcomed with a stroll down a winding, jungle-framed wooden path. Acre’s former mascot, a beloved peacock named Fausta, may have passed, but a new peacock now carries on the tradition of greeting diners with flair.
The expansive two-story restaurant effortlessly blends with the outdoors, surrounded by palm trees, cacti, and native plants. The centerpiece cocktail bar, open kitchen, and dining areas meld into the arid landscape while showcasing in-vogue, bohemian design.
What can we expect from the food?
At Acre, contemporary Mexican cooking takes center stage, elevated with a subtle nod to coastal Mediterranean flavors. Your meal starts with warm, cheddar biscuits paired with moringa-leaf honey butter—fluffy, doughy, and irresistibly light. While you might say, “We need another round,” we recommend saving room—each dish only gets better from here.
Start with the tuna tiradito—vibrant tuna sashimi drizzled with peanut cream, pickled shitake mushrooms, and exotic finger limes—or the mixed beet salad—a colorful medley of red and orange beets, radish, goat cheese, and candied pumpkin seeds, finished with a carrot and berry vinaigrette.
Between appetizers and mains, there’s a taco intermission (because, of course, you’re in Mexico). A sophisticated twist on a classic steak taco features Wagyu beef. Still, the real standout is the soft shell crab taco, served with a whole fried soft shell crab on a corn tortilla and complemented by wasabi-guacamole-ponzu aioli, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, and a fresh lime wedge to tie it all together.
When entrées arrive, you’ll be nearing full, but trust us—it’s worth rallying for the final course. Choose the perfectly grilled octopus or the tender, locally caught Kampachi for a seafood fix. Craving comfort food? The rigatoni bolognese rivals some of New York’s best Italian spots with its slow-roasted beef-and-pork sauce. Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate the cauliflower entrée—a whole roasted cauliflower head drizzled with paprika oil so good that even meat lovers will be tempted to order it.
What about the drinks?
Mixologist Sergio Sánchez curates an inventive menu of signature cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof beverages, all crafted with originality at its core. Being in Mexico, the land of tequila, Acre is a paradise for those who favor this iconic spirit.
From the “Signature Cocktails,” we loved the Green Is Good, a refreshing mixture of Patrón Silver tequila infused with pineapple, celery, and coriander, balanced by clarified lime cordial, a touch of salt, and a hint of Mexican chiles for a subtle spice kick that awakens the taste buds. Mezcal enthusiasts will enjoy the Guayabita, a smoky yet balanced elixir of Tobalá Acre mezcal, guava leaf, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and brine.
Wine lovers will appreciate Acre’s thoughtfully curated selection, which boasts Mexican and Italian varietals. One of the restaurant’s owners includes bottles from the acclaimed Tuscan vineyard, Poggio Torselli, as a nod to his Italian roots, adding a personal touch to the menu.
Final thoughts?
In the end, Acre delivers more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the palpable excitement as you’re escorted to your seat to the flowing drinks, vibey music, and lively atmosphere that lingers long into the night, it’s the kind of place where dinner transitions into an unforgettable evening.
Top Takeaways
Location: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Address: C. Rincón de las Animas S/N, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S.
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican
The vibe: A chic Cabo-meets-Tulum hotspot where cool locals and savvy tourists gather to imbibe. (Flora Farms, who? We said what we said.)
Pricing: $$$
Takes reservations? Reservations required – OpenTable
Our favorite dish on the menu: While every dish on the menu was exceptional and bursting with flavor, the standout for us was the “Soft Shell Crab Taco”—a truly unique and unforgettable creation.
The attire: Effortlessly beachy chic—think flowy fabrics, breezy silhouettes, and elevated casual pieces perfect for coastal vibes.
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Start your day with breakfast at Fausto’s Coffee Shop, featuring air conditioning and a covered terrace. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM. Enjoy lunch from 12 PM to 2:30 PM on weekdays, or savor dinner any night of the week, served daily from 4:30 PM to 10 PM.
