Sunset Monalisa

Sunset Monalisa is one of Cabo San Lucas' most iconic fine dining restaurants, known for its dramatic oceanfront setting, Mediterranean cuisine, and panoramic views of the Arch at Land's End. Led by Chef Héctor Morales, the restaurant offers a modern Mediterranean dining experience inspired by the flavors of Baja California, combining local ingredients, refined technique, and one of the most photographed sunset rooms in Mexico.

Founded in 1991 as Ristorante Da Giorgio by Florence-born restaurateur Giorgio Battaglia, Sunset Monalisa was reimagined under its current Italian ownership into a multitiered cliffside venue with nine open-air terraces stepping down toward the Pacific. The dining room is structured around the Private Ocean Terrace — the highest-priced premium seating — and an on-site Taittinger Champagne & Oyster Bar. Just above the restaurant sits its sister venue, Jazz On The Rocks, a rooftop jazz club run by the same family.

The Sunset Ritual. Each evening as the sun touches the Pacific, the entire terrace pauses for a property tradition: a gong is struck and conch shells are blown toward the four cardinal points. Diners frequently describe it as the most theatrical sunset ceremony in Cabo. AFAR's reviewers note that staff report at least one engagement per week — earning the restaurant a billing as one of the world's most romantic dining rooms.

What to order. The kitchen is anchored in modern Mediterranean with Italian roots: pasta, fresh seafood, and premium steaks from the Josper grill. The five-course "The Signature" menu is the most-ordered set, featuring the house truffle fettuccine and Australian Wagyu as recurring stars. A more immersive seven-course "The Chef Journey" tasting is offered for guests who want the full experience, and the Ocean Terrace section has its own exclusive four-course menu. À la carte, Josper Grill, and vegetarian menus are also available, along with the signature "7 Deadly Sins" cocktail collection.

Best for. Anniversaries, proposals, special-occasion dinners — service runs 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM daily, and sunset seating is the most contested booking. Dress code reads as smart casual / casual elegant; no beachwear, flip-flops, or tank tops, and a light jacket is recommended for the evening sea breeze.

Getting there. Carretera Transpeninsular Km 5.5, Colonia Misiones del Cabo — roughly five minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Reservations open 30 days in advance via OpenTable for standard seating, and through Tock for the Premium Tables and the Ocean Terrace Experience. The palapa area carries a $500 MXN per-person minimum creditable toward the bill.

Recognition. Sunset Monalisa holds the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (every year since 2020), with 225 selections and roughly 1,600 bottles, including a notable Mexican-wine program. The New York Times named it among the top five "coolest restaurants in the world," CNN featured it on its list of the world's most romantic restaurants, and TripAdvisor ranked it the No. 1 "Picture-Perfect Restaurant" worldwide in its 2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best — a recognition for its sunset and Arch view. Chef Héctor Morales, who has led the kitchen for over sixteen years, was mentored by two-Michelin-star chef Gennaro Esposito.

Reviewed by the What's in Cabo editorial team