The Flavors of San Felipe
San Felipe is a food lover's paradise. As a fishing village on the Sea of Cortez, the freshest seafood you'll ever taste is available daily — shrimp pulled from the sea that morning, fish tacos made to order on the malecon, and ceviche so fresh it practically swims off the plate. The town's culinary scene blends traditional Mexican flavors with the unique Baja California style that has gained international recognition.
Must-Try Dishes
- Tacos de Camarón (Shrimp Tacos): San Felipe's signature dish. Battered and fried or grilled, served with cabbage, crema, and salsa on a corn tortilla.
- Ceviche: Fresh fish or shrimp "cooked" in lime juice with tomato, onion, cilantro, and chili. A perfect beach snack.
- Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos): Beer-battered fish in a warm tortilla with all the fixings. The Baja fish taco is legendary.
- Coctel de Camarón: A chilled shrimp cocktail in a spicy tomato broth, served in a tall glass with crackers.
- Chocolate Clams (Almeja Chocolata): A regional specialty — large clams found in the Sea of Cortez, grilled with butter and garlic.
- Machaca: Dried, shredded beef rehydrated with tomatoes, chili, and eggs. A traditional Baja California breakfast.
- Michelada: A cold beer mixed with lime juice, chili, and Clamato. The ultimate beach drink.
Where to Eat
Malecon Restaurants
The malecon is lined with palapa-style restaurants serving fresh seafood with ocean views. Most offer a similar menu of tacos, ceviche, seafood platters, and cold beers, but each has its own character. Grab a table at sunset for the full experience — the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink over the water while you enjoy your meal.
Street Food & Taco Stands
Some of the best food in San Felipe comes from humble taco stands and street vendors. Look for the stands with the longest lines of locals — that's where the best tacos are. Fresh corn on the cob (elote) with mayo, chili, and lime is a favorite street snack, as are churros and fresh fruit cups with chili and lime.
Rice and Beans Restaurant
A local institution known for generous portions of authentic Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. Their breakfast is especially popular with the expat community.
Baja Mar
A well-regarded seafood restaurant on the malecon with ocean views and a varied menu. Their grilled fish plates and refreshing micheladas draw steady crowds throughout the season.
Mariscos la Morena
A popular seafood spot known for generous portions and consistently fresh catches. Their aguachile (raw shrimp in chili-lime sauce) is a standout.
The China Inn
A unique Asian-Mexican fusion restaurant that makes creative use of Sea of Cortez seafood. Known for large portions, a full bar, and an interesting departure from the typical seafood-and-tacos lineup.
Los Venados
A newer addition to San Felipe's dining scene, located one block from the seawall on the corner of Chetumal Boulevard and Mar de Tasmania. Bringing a fresh concept to town with a creative menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Buying Fresh Seafood
If you're staying in a rental with a kitchen, head to the harbor in the morning when the shrimp boats come in. You can buy fresh shrimp, fish, and clams directly from the fishermen at a fraction of restaurant prices. The experience of haggling for your dinner at the waterfront is part of the San Felipe charm.
Grocery Shopping
San Felipe has several small grocery stores (abarrotes) and a few larger markets. Calimax is the biggest supermarket in town and carries most essentials. For specialty items, many visitors stock up before crossing the border. Fresh produce, tortillas, and Mexican cheeses are excellent and affordable at the local markets.
Drinking Water
As with most of Mexico, stick to bottled water (agua purificada) for drinking. It's inexpensive and available everywhere. Restaurants use purified water and ice, so drinks are generally safe. Large garrafones (5-gallon jugs) of purified water can be delivered to your rental — just ask your host.