While many travelers think of Cabo as a Mexican paradise to go to enjoy the sun, sand, and nightlife, it is also making a name for itself as a foodie destination too. The recent 3rd edition of the Los Cabos Culinary Awards is evidence of how seriously the locals take their culinary offerings. And the powers that be, which is all of the individuals who voted in person and online, chose Carbón Cabrón as the “Best Restaurant of the Year.”
Located in San José del Cabo, the quieter of the two capes that make up Los Cabos, or “The Capes,” Carbón Cabrón prides itself on its locally-inspired menu. They boast only using ingredients that can be found on the Baja California peninsula, including organically grown vegetables. Additionally, all the supplies used in the restaurant are only found within the country as well, providing the ultimate authentic dining experience.
The menu at Carbón Cabrón is completely cooked over a wood fire grill, which led to their self-designation of being “EL ASADOR DE LAS CALIFORNIAS.” Asador translates to “spit,” which refers to the method of cooking prized by the restaurant’s chef. The full translation is “The Spit of the Californias,” deeming Carbón Cabrón as the restaurant of all restaurants in the area to savor wood-fired cooked deliciousness.
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Carbón Cabrón’s own chef also took home an award from the Los Cabos Culinary Awards this year. Chef Poncho Cadena won the “Chef of the Year” award, further proving just how special and how popular this restaurant is. Mr. Cadena is also the founder of the restaurant, and visitors looking for a special experience can have him at their vacation rental to prepare a feast in person while he shares his philosophy on his cooking methods.
The menu at Carbón Cabrón is simple yet complex, with the fire and coals enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. There is no need for over-seasoning or elaborate sauces and condiments because each dish has a flavor all its own to be enjoyed. Some visitors to the restaurant have even described the dishes served as “art,” “artful,” and “artfully prepared.”
On the menu, you’ll find various cuts of meat and seafood, along with a small selection of vegetables. Beef tongue, baby back ribs, lamb, steak, and short ribs are each uniquely prepared but all with the same delicious signature flavor that can only be attained by cooking with mesquite wood. Additionally, each of the vegetables is expertly prepared with its own unique flavors, like coal-cooked corn with mustard vinaigrette and rustic aioli and heirloom tomato with carrot leaf pesto and aged cheese crumbles.
There are also multiple wines and creative cocktails to choose from, including the restaurant’s very own Margarita Carbon and a Rosemary Smoked Negroni. Any of the items on the menu can be included in the private dining menu, with cocktails, wine, and desserts being available add-ons. Those interested can contact the restaurant to put together the perfect menu.
Carbón Cabrón is located along the Transpeninsular Highway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, but closer to the San Jose del Cabo end, not far from the One&Only Palmilla. The restaurant is open every day of the week for dinner only, from 6 pm – 10 pm nightly. Reservations for the restaurant can be made through Open Table, but private dining experiences will need to be booked directly by calling or sending a message to 55 7403 1006.
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