Sunset Monalisa vs. El Farallón: The Ultimate Cabo San Lucas Dining Experience
- Jessica Mason
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 17
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Cabo San Lucas is known for its world-class dining, but when it comes to the most unforgettable, oceanfront culinary experiences, two restaurants standout above the rest: Sunset Monalisa and El Farallón.
Both offer breathtaking views, an upscale ambiance, and impeccable cuisine, but they each provide a unique experience. Recently, my husband and I had the privilege of dining at two of Cabo's top restaurants: Sunset Monalisa and El Farallón. In this post, I'll share our experiences at both locations, so, if you're torn between the two, here’s everything you need to know before booking your table.
Table of Contents:
Sunset Monalisa: The Best Sunset Views in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas Dining - The Atmosphere:
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Monalisa lives up to its name with jaw-dropping sunset views. The restaurant features multiple terraces, offering an open-air dining experience that feels intimate yet grand. As the sun dips into the Pacific, live music and candlelit tables create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere—perfect for honeymooners or anniversary celebrations.
The Menu:
Sunset Monalisa specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers different dining "zones" that have specific menus at each one.
Ocean Terrace - with only three booths available in this section you will feel the most privacy here for a more intimate dinner with your own private fire pit directly at the edge of the cliff. There is a fee of $190 per person for this premium seating and does not apply to the cost of the meal. The Ocean Terrace Experience menu is 4 course Chef's Tasting menu is the only one available. These menus change seasonally, for updated options, please click, here.
Premium Terrace - offers dining in the lower area of the restaurant with little to no obstructions of the breath-taking views of the ocean. The Signature 6 Course Menu or the Prefixed 3 course menu is available. There is a fee of $25 per person to make the reservation for the premium terrace seating (which does not apply to the meal) and you will be prompted to choose your menu at the time of reservation. These menus change seasonally, for updated options, please click, here for 6 course menu and click, here for the 3 course menu.
Main Terrace - offers a higher view with panoramic views on the stunning sunsets. The A La Carte and Prefixed 3 Course Menu is available. There is no additional fee to book this table. These menus change seasonally, for updated options, please click, here.
Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list, featuring top-tier European and Mexican wines or opt for their wine pairing for the ultimate dining experience.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Best sunset views in Cabo
✔ Elegant Mediterranean flavors
✔ Live music and romantic ambiance
Things to Consider
- Reservations fill up fast, especially for sunset seating.
- It can get breezy on the terrace—bring a light jacket.
El Farallón: Cliffside Dining with a Surfside Feel
Cabo San Lucas Dining - The Atmosphere:
Tucked into the cliffs at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, El Farallón offers a truly immersive oceanfront dining experience. Waves crash against the rocks just below your table, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. Unlike the refined elegance of Sunset Monalisa, El Farallón has a more rustic-chic, Baja-style ambiance, where the sound of the sea and the flicker of lanterns set the mood.
The Menu:
El Farallón is all about fresh seafood, with a "catch of the day" concept. Upon arrival, you’ll be guided to a display of the day's fresh catches, where you can select your preferred fish, which is then prepared to order. This menu is not posted online, as it is truly the "catch of the day" and changes daily.
Some standout options include:
- Grilled red snapper with citrus butter
- Baja shrimp with avocado-lime crema
- Sea bass ceviche with mango and habanero
The Champagne Terrace is another highlight, offering a curated selection of bubbly to pair with your meal.
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Dramatic cliffside setting with ocean waves
✔ Fresh, locally sourced seafood
✔ Unique "choose-your-catch" dining experience
Things to Consider
- It's seafood-focused, so if you’re not a fan of fish, options are limited.
- The cliffs will block you from being able to see the sun setting into the water, but you will still enjoy the beautiful cotton candy colors in the sky with the waves crashing as you dine.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the most iconic sunset spot with a sophisticated Mediterranean menu, Sunset Monalisa is the way to go. But if you want a dramatic, ocean-to-table seafood experience with waves crashing at your feet, El Farallón is unbeatable.
Honestly? Both are must-visit spots in Cabo—so if your itinerary allows, why not experience both?
Pro Tip:
Book Sunset Monalisa for a sunset dinner and El Farallón for a late-night seafood feast on another evening to truly indulge in Cabo’s best dining experiences.
Have you dined at either of these restaurants? Let me know your favorite in the comments!
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