Dining
Culinary tour around La Paz
I have to confess that when it comes to dining in La Paz I smile since I find eating to be one of the greatest pleasures in life (which I think you all will agree with me). It doesn´t matter if it´s a fancy restaurant or the all time traditional tacos stand, if you´re visiting town for the first time, or if you like to come back to your vacation home, just follow the Mexican´s taco place wisdom: “The more crowded the place, the better the food!”
Below is just a brief list of all the best places to eat in La Paz. Whether it is breakfast time or a lunch meeting, the city offers a wide selection of restaurants that will please even the most demanding tastes.
Let´s just say I just got up from bed and on my way to the office, so I probably stop by at the Exquisitio Café in front of the Malecon to get my daily caffeine dose and, why not? A delicious freshly prepared turkey baguette and maybe a carrot or double chocolate cake for my colleagues in the office. I will sit down of course at the tables outside while my order is being prepared because it´s always sunny and fresh in the morning and sometimes you can even see dolphins on the bay. Anywhere along the Malecon, the view is always sublime and the smell of the freshly brewed coffee will definitely awaken your soul.
If I have some extra time, I will go to the Baja Biscuits, located in the corner of 5 de Mayo andBelisario Dominguez, just around the block from Coldwell Banker Riveras office (ad link to www.cbriveras.com). Baja Biscuits opened recently and it´s attended by a family and no matter if you speak English or Spanish, they will speak your language so you can feel comfortable the moment you get in. Try the cinnamon rolls and the burritos and be sure to sit outside to take in the colonial surroundings of the area.
If my morning is free and I´m with my family or friends, I would go to La Terraza, at the street level of Hotel La Perla, which is one of La Paz’s most classical hotels. While you´re seated there, you’ll enjoy the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez while waiting for your meal. Don’t forget to try the toast with the unique papaya marmalade. Since I know you´ll be more than satisfied after you eat, go to the hotel lobby and look at the photo exhibits of old La Paz, some of which date from the early 1900´s.
Capri, a waterfront restaurant located on the Vista Coral plaza at the edge of the Malecon, offers a variety of coffee and drinks and a stunning view of the Malecon itself, tip to tip. Sometimes the water is so calm that it resembles a mirror sparked by the boats.
For a Sunday morning, these are the top 3 options:
· El Aura at The Seven Crown hotel overlooking the bay from the 5th floor, featuring international cuisine.
· La Concha Hotel Restaurant, the only beachfront hotel in La Paz, just across the street from Pedregal de La Paz.
· El Zarape Restaurant with a very personal VIP service by its owner Lorena Hinojosa. Mexican buffet cuisine and great Mexican ambiance with live music. There is also a Décor store with beautiful arts craft for sale.
Moving from the essential breakfasts to the ultimate lunches, don’t forget about the old time favorites:
Bismarkcito.Located next to the Coldwell Banker Riveras office with succulent and fresh seafood in an al fresco atmosphere. Great fish and shrimp tacos are everyone’s favorite. And get ready to sing and dance with the norteño music played live.
Moyeyos.If you have been spending the day out fishing, Moyeyo´s is the place to go! Directly from Sinaloa the owner came with his secret recipes for fish, clams, oysters, shrimps… you name it. Take your catch of the day and they will prepare it very Moyeyo´s style. Anita Ogrim, a Coldwell Banker Riveras Sales Associate from Los Barriles Office, comes to visit the city quite often and always goes to this place without hesitating.
Sushi zone. Just opened, located 5 minutes away from the Malecon. This 2 story sushi bar and martini lounge brings fresh ideas in a very Japanese style. If you come here late evening, go to the lounge and try its different martini selection.
Dragon de Oro. Resembling part of the Chinese background characteristic of La Paz’s downtown area, you´ll find this traditional restaurant becoming part of a successful express food chain in the city. After eating, grab your fortune cookie and go to the gourmet café on the first floor and amuse yourself with my top recommendation, a Mocha Lavazza.
2 mares. Also located in the Malecon, this is an old but excellent one; this is the place where the most traditional families gather on Sundays for family events.
Rancho Viejo. If you are a big taco fan please prepare yourself to taste a local legend. Rancho Viejo is located on Marques de Leon street, just one block away from the Malecon and with an outdoor grill. Try the juicy and tender arrachera tacos or stuffed potatoes with meat, melted butter, cream, cheese and corn grains. This is a low profile restaurant… but quite affordable as well. Open 24 hours.
Last, but not least, here are some suggestions to wrap up your day in the hottest and most popular spots in town. You´ll never know who you´re going to be seated with!
La Pazta. Fresh and authentic Italian-Swiss restaurant personally managed by its owners Norbert & Saul. Let me tell you something from personal experience, no matter how bad your day was, if you decide to go here they will do their best to make you feel better (even if it is just a smile). Top recommendation: lasagna, no questions asked.
3 virgenes. Young and innovative atmosphere with a Mexican gourmet menu by its chef Jesus Chavez and wife Maria Jose in a modern but still traditional décor with a great wine selection and personal customer attention. Reservations might be requested in the touristic high season. Perfect and intimate for 2.
Buffalo´s Bbq. One of La Paz’s favorite selections also managed by its owner, Carlos Valdes. This restaurant is a sure call (ask them to go into the wine cellar to pick up the wine of your choice). Great burgers and juicy steaks are perfect for a casual dinner or business meeting.
La Boheme. Visiting this restaurant in the downtown area is quite an experience with a Mexican-French menu in nostalgic hacienda style ambiance. Be sure to dine in the backyard and enjoy La Paz’s famous sunset under romantic candle lights.
Keep in mind that most of the restaurants accept Visa & Mastercard, have parking spaces, provide wi-fi internet and dress code is casual. With so many options for a great meal, no wonders La Paz’s eating is not an ordinary experience.
Anabelle Rossell
Coldwell Banker Riveras
Coldwell Banker Riveras
Sales Associate
