NIM

Tucked into the heart of La Paz's historic center, NIM has been a defining name in Baja California Sur dining since it opened in 2013. Set inside a mansion more than a hundred years old, the restaurant is the work of chef and owner Cristina Kiewek, who draws on over twenty-five years in Mexican and international kitchens. The menu reads like a passport, weaving in flavors from Morocco, Vietnam, India and France without ever losing its Mexican roots or its trust in simple, fresh, mostly local ingredients. Just two blocks from the cathedral and steps from the malecon, NIM has earned its standing as one of the city's most beloved tables.

NIM takes its name and its mood from the nim tree, and that sense of shade and shelter runs through the whole space. The century-old house has been reimagined with a contemporary touch, pairing the nostalgia of old La Paz with clean, modern lines and warm wood. The real heart of the place is the garden, an open-air patio where candlelit tables sit beneath foliage and string light, an easy choice for a relaxed dinner or a private celebration. Kiewek and her sister Margarita keep the welcome personal and unhurried, so guests linger over plates and conversation. It is intimate, leafy and quietly romantic, the kind of room regulars return to for years.

Why NIM Stands Out

A genuine La Paz institution — Open since 2013 and run by chef-owner Cristina Kiewek, NIM has become one of the city's most established and most-recommended restaurants, a fixture of the historic center.

Globe-spanning menu, local soul — The kitchen pulls from Morocco, Vietnam, India and France while keeping Mexican ingredients and technique at its core, so the menu feels worldly yet grounded in Baja.

Garden setting in a historic mansion — Dining happens inside a mansion over a century old or out in a candlelit garden patio, an atmospheric backdrop that suits both a quiet date and a larger gathering.

Walkable to the cathedral and malecon — Two blocks from the Cathedral of La Paz and a short stroll from the waterfront malecon, NIM is easy to fold into an evening exploring the old town.

Must-Try Dishes

Scallop Carpaccio — Thin slices of raw scallop dressed with citrus, fresh herbs and a touch of chile, a delicate cold plate that showcases the kitchen's eye for Baja seafood.

Moroccan Lamb Tagine — Slow-cooked lamb in fragrant North African spices, one of the dishes that best captures NIM's roaming, international point of view.

Vietnamese Pho — A steaming bowl of aromatic broth, noodles and herbs that brings a bright Southeast Asian accent to the menu.

Summer Rolls — Fresh rice-paper rolls packed with crisp vegetables and herbs, a light, vibrant starter that sets the tone for NIM's eclectic kitchen.

Hours & Reservations

Hours: Mon: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Tue: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Wed: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Thu: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Fri: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sat: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sun: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Days and hours may vary by season, so confirm with the restaurant.

Reservations: Recommended; call ahead, especially for dinner.

Best time: After dark, in the candlelit hacienda garden.

Good to know: A La Paz institution since 2013 from chef Cristina Kiewek, set in a century-old historic-center mansion two blocks from the cathedral.

Reviewed by What's In Cabo Editorial Team, 2026-06-26. Sources: Official website nimrestaurante.com (history, chef, cuisine, dishes, contact, hours, photo gallery, 2024 menu PDF); official Instagram @nimrestaurante; saboreslapaz.com.mx NIM Restaurant Bar page (address corner, dishes); OpenStreetMap/Nominatim (NIM restaurant node geocoding); AAA travel directory listing..