Hierbabuena, Restaurante y Hortaliza, Farm-to-Table Garden Oasis in Baja California Sur
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS LUSH ZEN-LIKE OASIS IS ENDEARING. It’s just off the beaten track, down a long winding dirt road, but that’s as it should be because Hierbabuena, Restaurante y Hortaliza is a farm-to-table restaurant right here in beautiful Baja. And when we say farm-to-table, we mean your table is sitting smack dab right in the middle of the farm!
We love Hierbabuena dearly, but when you ask other Los Cabos locals or travelers vising Cabo, you’ll consistently hear words like “delightful,” “magical,” “charming,” “creative,” and phrases such as “heaven on earth” that all echo a similar tune of “we’ll be back!” This restaurant is just that good. It’s modern Mexico at its best, with all the welcoming warmth you imagine feeling in paradise.
The atmosphere is unlike anything else, a tucked away, hidden treasure that let’s you enjoy the expansiveness of the surrounding fields all while relaxing in a softly shaded, open air metal-roofed palapa environment. Exactly the kind of experience you’d hope to have in a sleepy, relaxed Mexican village like Pescadero, located just outside of the equally charming town of Todos Santos.
But aside from the rows and rows of organic produce, groves of fruit trees and walls of fragrant flowers, let’s talk about how all of that goodness hits the table. In a nutshell, the food is out of this world at Hierbabuena! Here’s where that word “creative” comes in, with fresh ingredients that are colorful and flavorful that take your simple, local Mexican food to a whole new level, vegetarian dishes included. On the menu you might find Quinoa-stuffed Tamales, Roasted Carrot and Pesto Ravioli, Roasted Beet Salad, Enchiladas Zihuatanejo Style, Mahi Mahi (or other fresh, line-caught local fish) grilled and served with a green mole sauce, wood-fired pizzas like their Pizza Valentina with fresh mozzarella, marinara, Spanish chorizo, and basil, Manta Ray in a caper, sorrel, and butter sauce, to name just a few mouth-watering items. All of their desserts are gluten free, YES, you read that right. Gluten free sweets like their Coconut Caramel Fan, Chia Seed Pudding, Banana Cheesecake with Mango coulis, and their signature Chocolate Flourless Cake. And the menu goes on and on to tempt you on the multiple visits you’ll make, like us! to this foodie favorite, as the menu changes seasonally, if not daily, to reflect what is the best and brightest coming out of the gardens and local farms.
But hold on people, let’s not forget Hierbabuena’s inspired cocktails and beverages, guaranteed to make your mouth water and your bones sigh in pleasure. Refreshing and distinct beverages like their popular Dusty Dog made with fresh basil, grapefruit juice, mezcal and hibiscus salt, the Watermelon refresher which does just that, REFRESH, and the Cava Cocktail made with Spanish sparkling wine, Jamaica and Brandy bitters. Of course, there are margaritas, sangritas and cervezas, even a Lemonade with fresh mint and chilis to break the heat.
Having shared all that… you know and we know that Hierbabuena is a must-see, must-taste on your “what to do in Los Cabos” list. And, why not consider it for your wedding weekend? A rehearsal dinner or welcome party in this garden paradise would be a memorable evening your guests would enjoy. Interested in learning more about Hierbabuena? Just ask our wedding planner Elsa Dilasser all about it. Hierbabuena is her favorite restaurant in Los Cabos, and that’s saying something as no one knows food like our French-born gastronomist Elsa!
{Photos courtesy of Elsa Dilasser, Wedding and Event Planner with Elena Damy}