25 Best Restaurants In La Paz, Mexico & Top Fish Tacos

I had a fantastic time during my first trip to Baja California and I’m already itching to go back. To what extent did guzzling fish tacos at the best restaurants in La Paz shape my enjoyment of the trip? Well, if you know me, a LOT!

Although there are some decent fish taco restaurants in Mexico City where I live, they’re no match for Baja fish tacos! Not only is La Paz right by the ocean but seafood is at the very heart of the cuisine.

In this guide, I’ll help you find the best food in La Paz, Mexico, based on my eating adventures in 2023.

Read next: the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico

The best restaurants in La Paz, Mexico

If you’re wondering where to eat in La Paz, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. From fine dining to cheap and cheerful tacos, it’s difficult to know where to start! I’m going to break this post down into the following categories:

• Best seafood and fish taco restaurants
• More Mexican food
• International restaurants
• Healthy and organic restaurants
• Cafes and coffee shops
• Best bars – craft beer, cocktails, and rooftops.

Another great thing about the culinary scene in La Paz? You get far better value than in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo! I remember seeing a single tostada on a menu for 380 pesos in the Arts District of San José and nearly passed out in shock!

Fish taco restaurants in La Paz, Baja California

It’s widely agreed that the humble fish taco began life in Baja California. With 800 miles of coastline and thousands of years of fishing history, they hardly had an excuse not to! While they predate Spanish invasion, it’s undeniable that the taco de pescado we love today took influence from flavors brought by the conquistadors.

To prepare the ubiquitous Baja fish taco, the fish is either grilled (a la plancha) or fried in batter. Although the first option is healthier, I can’t get enough of the signature crunch of a fried fish taco. Combine it with the texture of a soft corn taco and the contrasting creamy and sharp flavors of coleslaw and salsa… You’ve got something seriously special!

Note – in classic ‘catch of the day’ style, fish tacos are typically a lunch dish. Many of the best La Paz restaurants close after lunch but there are a few open ’til 8pm where you can grab an early dinner.

Mc-Fisher

We headed to Asadero Rancho Viejo because it was one of the few places serving fish tacos after 4.30pm on a Sunday and we were not disappointed. Despite being more of a grilled meat restaurant, the seafood tacos were delicious topped with fried peppers and onion, served with a HUGE platter of sides and dips.

As well as fish tacos, they do other Mexican dishes like queso fundido, tacos al pastor (a classic Mexico City street food), spicy beans, grilled meats, and much more.

Google says they’re open 24 hours, I’m not sure if this is accurate.

For seafood in a slightly more creative form than fish tacos, we loved Marisqueria Los Plebes set back from the Malecon a few blocks. It’s a colorful restaurant with an outdoor-dining feel and relaxed vibe serving some of the best food in La Paz.

My friend and I shared a seafood platter for around $20 including a giant shell stuffed with seafood and melted cheese, a rich fish curry, fried fish bites, garlic bread, rice, dips, and salad. Just brilliant!

Open til 8pm. We arrived then and they stayed open for us!

Claros Jr was the first place we ate in La Paz, before even dropping our bags at our accommodation! That’s dedication to food. This wasn’t our absolute favorite place: the ceviche was overdone and they automatically gave us wheat tacos rather than corn which always feels less authentic.

Still, for an evening bite when many of the other fish taco restaurants in La Paz have closed (they’re open ’til 8pm), Claros is worth a visit. They have a huge range of fish, shrimp, and seafood; a serve-yourself salad bar, and a long drinks menu.

Mariscos El Molinito is one of the most popular places to eat in La Paz, located almost out of town at the end of the Malecon (an easy stop if heading back into La Paz from the beaches). We were told that their ceviche is the best in town by a lifelong local, which is a better stamp of approval than 1,000 Trip Advisor reviews!

Downstairs promises an atmospheric dining experience rubbing shoulders with the locals, while the upstairs bar offers great sunset views. However, I can’t vouch for the margaritas as they were too sweet and made from a mix rather than fresh.

Open 10am-10pm daily.

TacoFish

TacoFish has thousands of positive reviews making it a fantastic place to eat in La Paz with low prices. There’s one on the Malecon and another a 30-minute walk away, close to the Museum of the Whale and Marine Sciences. If you plan to visit this informative museum, tag on lunch at this off-the-beaten-track eatery.

Fish tacos cost just 42 pesos and shrimp tacos 44 pesos, while tostadas (ceviche, shrimp, or tuna), empanadas and burritos start from 47 pesos. Quesadillas start from 57 pesos.

My favorite dish is the burrito paceno with shrimp and cheese. These are fairly small so get two if you’re hungry. Be sure to slather them with toppings and salsas from the side bar.

Open 9am-5pm; closed Mon.

More Mexican restaurants in Baja

A few other places that don’t necessarily focus on fish tacos but DO serve hearty Mexican food include…

Oyster House by FISM

For a La Paz restaurant that’s a little more upmarket but still affordable, visit Oyster House just off the Malecon. They serve two varieties of farmed oysters and one fresh type. I’m not really an oyster person but I joined a friend for dinner here who loved them. Prices start at 200 pesos for six.

Also on the menu are oysters served in creative ways, for example battered with parmesan fries or in a sandwich. There are a couple of non-oyster dishes like soft crab tacos and fish sashimi. The margarita cocktails are some of the best in town (and I’ve tried many!).

Open 1-9pm, closed Tuesdays.

Toto Frito

This casual seafood restaurant serves fresh fish in creative ways like British-style fish and chips (well, kind of), Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, and Louisiana-style po boys.

Toto Frito, in the Esterito neighborhood, has a colorful food truck in the yard, or you can sit down in the downstairs or upstairs restaurant area. We went for the ‘totoba’ battered fish and sampled all of their sides: potato wedges, sweet potato tots, jicama slaw, and broccoli salad (you choose one potato and one salad for 200 pesos along with the fish).

We didn’t try the Vietnamese rolls, ceviche, aguachiles, po boys, or oysters but reviews are good, especially those mentioning the oysters (from 50 pesos).

Open 1-9pm, closed Tuesdays.

Harker Board CO

This is one of the most famous restaurants in La Paz and for good reason. Harker do everything well from authentic Mexican food (like tacos and burritos) to Western options, cocktails, and craft beers. They also have some of the best sunset views in town from their roof terrace.

The pizza was good but not our favorite in La Paz (keep reading for that!) but the margaritas ARE some of the best in town.

It’s also worth visiting to see the unique way they transport food from the kitchen to the second rooftop dining area (across the street) using a rope-pulled trolley!

Tamales on Calle Francisco Madero

I’m sure no other La Paz food guides mention this place but it’s one of my FAVES. Although they don’t have a name or Google pin, the stand can easily be found each evening outside Aramburo supermarket.

I always order the mushroom and cheese tamale but they also have several meaty flavors. The corn masa is so smooth and not at all dry (the downfall of a bad tamale). They’re some of the best I’ve ever had!

Since there’s not much street food in town, this is one of the cheapest places to eat in La Paz at 35 pesos a tamale. They’re big so two makes for a good meal.

Los Tacos del Hostel

Los Tacos del Hostel may sound like a strange place to recommend because it’s not a La Paz restaurant exactly, but a taco stand in the garden of a hostel. However, they serve some of the best tacos I’ve had in La Paz (and some of the best veggie tacos ever!).

Anyone can visit regardless of whether they’re staying in the hostel; just ring the bell out front. The garden has a pleasant vibe with cacti and fairy lights. The only downside is it’s a bit of a walk from the center in Esterito neighborhood.

They serve two types of veggie tacos as well as steak tacos and the star dish of bacon-wrapped shrimp tacos! They’re a generous size made with a copy (second tortilla) priced at 45-55 pesos. Order 2-3 for a good meal. They come with a platter of dips: spicy avo, chipotle mayo, and pico de galle.

They’re open 5pm-11pm, closed Mondays.

Note – I’ve stayed in this hostel, Casa Esterito, several times and it’s great with a fantastic free breakfast!

International restaurants in La Paz, Mexico

Although there’s no such thing as too many fish tacos, I’ll forgive you for having a night off Mexican food. There’s loads of fantastic international food in La Paz including…

All I can say about this restaurant is WOW!

Okay, that’s not true, I CAN and will say some more…

Casa Nopal is a charming boutique with lots of lovely items from Oaxaca and other places in Mexico, while the Tiger Club in the same venue is an incredible fusion Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant. The concept is small plates for sharing, but I went by myself and didn’t have any problem sharing a few with yours truly 😉

The kimchi arancini and red fish curry are so tasty. Other dishes on the menu include biang biang noodles, fried chicken, and pork belly rice. Most dishes cost 250-350 pesos a plate.

The drinks are also a reason to visit and I loved the orange wine. The waitress brought three for me to sample before I settled on an organic orange from Valle de Guadalupe wine region, Mexico’s premier wine region further up the Baja Peninsular.

Open 9am-10.30pm, closed Mondays.

D’Thai

For a hidden gem away from the tourist zone, I’m here to spill the (Thai) tea on the best Thai restaurant in La Paz, Baja California. My friend and I had the chance to meet the lovely owner of D’Thai who started the restaurant after learning how to cook Thai food in lockdown.

From your classic Thai dishes found around the world like green curry to lesser-known but authentic dishes like pad kra pao and goong pad makam, this place is fantastic and the prices aren’t too high, either.

Open 1-7pm, closed Sundays.

La Coyota

If you’re craving pizza, another highly-rated restaurant in La Paz is La Coyota, just around the corner. Rather than wood-fired pizza, they specialize in hearty baked pizza with a huge range of toppings and lots for meat-eaters.

The pizza at Made is better but this place is still worth visiting, and the empanadas are good, too. We liked the option of half-and-half pizzas (we had half fungi and half cherry tomatoes & basil).

Arrive early for dinner at weekends because it’s one of the most popular places to eat in La Paz, Mexico, and there’s often a wait for tables in the atmospheric garden area. We had a drink next door at Mezcaleria La Miserable while we waited.

Open 6pm-1am daily.

Hana Sushi (best sushi restaurant in La Paz)

For my birthday, I wanted to treat myself to great sushi. After copious research, I settled on Hana Sushi Mx and I was not disappointed! The sushi is phenomenal, and I like the open-plan feel of the restaurant where you can watch the sushi chefs at work.

Despite the huge range of sushi rolls, nigiris, and other Japanese snacks like yakitori, tempura, and gyozas, I went all out with the chef’s sampler (450 pesos). This includes 1 tataki (seared fish), 1 brujita (crab wrapped in salmon and topped with avocado), 1 roll, and 3 nigiris. It was all divine and I left stuffed!

The cocktails are affordable (and there’s also wine and beer) but I went with a delicious berry lemonade for 50 pesos.

For quality sushi, great drinks, and ambiance, this is where to eat in La Paz!

Open 2.30pm-10.30pm (don’t visit for an early lunch), closed Tues.

Healthy and organic restaurants in La Paz

Need a break from tacos, pizza, and other indulgent dishes you eat on holiday? The following places may appeal…

Nomada Organics y Gourmet 

Although this La Paz restaurant isn’t entirely vegan, they have a huge range of veggie and vegan options. All the portions are huge! The vegan sandwich is filled with fresh veggies and rich homemade pesto, and the veggie omelet with cheese (panela or gouda) is also a feast, served with fresh bread and salad.

Even the drinks at Nomada are creative and unusual, for example the lassis flavored with rose water and lavender. This is your spot if you’re craving healthy food without compromising on flavor.

Open 8am-3.30pm daily.

La Esquina Deli & Market

We stumbled upon this lovely deli on day one in La Paz when we were looking for snacks to take to Ballandra Beach since we knew there would be no food there. It was perfect because we came away with delish gourmet sandwiches with luxurious fillings and takeaway coffee.

My only complaint is they need more veggie options!

Open 7am-9pm daily (9am-4pm Sun).

Cafes & coffee in La Paz

When it comes to coffee shops in La Paz, there’s one place you must NOT miss…

Doce Cuarenta

I challenge you to visit Doce Cuarenta and not become as obsessed! The coffee is fantastic and there are so many delicious baked goods, although none better than the cinnamon roll slathered in sweet icing.

They also serve Baja craft beers and homemade kombucha, best drunk in the shaded garden area. If you become a superfan, they sell a bunch of cool merch.

Open 7am-10pm daily.

2024 update – during my recent trip to La Paz, I visited the new branch of Doce Cuarenta right at the end of the Malecon near Esterito neighborhood (ideal if you’re staying at Casa Esterito hostel like I always do). It’s a great space to sit outside and see sunset, plus it’s beside the new Frida Garden Museum.

There’s also a third Doce in the Pueblo Nuevo area (that I’ve also been to because I’m obsessed!) but this is the least atmospheric of the cafes.

Gratitude Speciality Coffee Roasters

Until recently, La Paz was surprisingly short of specialty coffee roasters, despite there being lots of cute cafes. Gratitude has filled the gap!

Calling themselves a coffee roasters and espresso bar, they roast and blend their own beans on-site. Try espresso-based beverages like cortados and flat whites, as well as pour-over coffee, and cold bevs like cold brew tonic.

The cafe is a cute place to hang out with an enormous octopus mural, comfy sofas, shelves of books, and a big wooden table that works for co-working. The decor is half minimalist/factory chic (the worldwide coffee shop trend) and part akin to stepping into someone’s living room. I love it!

It seems to be run by a young couple with kids, so it’s a great local business to support.

Open 7am-5pm, Mon-Fri and 8am-2pm on Sat (closed Sun).

The Peach

This is easily the cutest and most colorful cafe in town! The Peach is usually relaxed and quiet with good Wi-Fi, making it a good spot for co-working.

Food-wise, I think there are better places to eat brunch and lunch in La Paz because prices are high and there’s not much veggie food. However, the baked goods are fantastic! Visit for afternoon coffee and cake.

Open 8am-10pm, closed Tuesdays.

Josefa’s Cake Cafe

Josefa’s Cake Shop is a wholesome cafe that’s been around for years. It has a simple aesthetic with tiled floors, white walls, beans & artwork for sale, and just a few tables (including a bench outside should you want some fresh air).

They do great coffee, frappes, cold brew, local kombucha, and the best chai latte in town!

They serve tasty, simple dishes like quiche for 80 pesos and paninis with aguacate & egg or berenjena (aubergine/eggplant). If you want something more substantial, it’s right in the heart of the city, a block from the Malecon, near all the top La Paz restaurants.

Amelier 21 (amazing pastries)

Amelier 21 Centro has glowing reviews which are well-deserved. The croissants and sourdough are exceptional, and there are more unusual desserts like roulettes stuffed with indulgent fillings and cheesecake bars topped with chopped-up chocolate bars.

With a sign outside saying ‘more espresso, less depresso’, you can already guess they serve great coffee. Find them a block from the Malecon with inside and outside seating.

Open 7.30am-9.30pm, closed Mondays.

Mula Cafe

Mula Café and Mini Art Gallery is a relaxed little coffee shop, a block from the Malecon, with a few art pieces on the wall. The espresso is strong and the cheesecake is delicious. If you stay at Casa Esterito (a decent budget hostel) like we did, it’s a 1-minute walk away.

Open 7.30am-3pm, closed Mondays.

Bars in La Paz

Here’s where to let your hair down after dinner at one of the best restaurants in La Paz…

Craft beer

The best places to drink craft beer in La Paz are…

Cerveceria Paceña: La Paz’s oldest brewery is a cool, unassuming bar that’s more popular with locals than tourists. Try a tasting flight and opt for your favorite; I liked the IPA. Google Maps says it opens at 6pm but it’s sometimes later, which is a shame if you want to wile away a lazy afternoon with beer.

Baja Bonita Cervecería: with two locations on the Malecon, grab craft beer here and watch sunset. I didn’t eat here but reviews say the good’s not great so I’d suggest sticking with craft beer. They open at 6pm.

Pacific Brewery: this is a new craft beer spot I visited in 2024, just a block from the Malecon. It’s a cool, modern place with a hammock outside that I lounged in one afternoon sipping a hazy IPA. Other options include Czech pilsner, German lager, Belgian beer, and stout. I’m keen to try the Marasour (passion fruit sour beer).

Pacific opens at 1pm from Thurs-Sun; finally somewhere for afternoon craft beer! (It opens at 4pm on Mon & Weds; closed Tues).

Republica Pagana: in between my 2023 and 2024 trips, an incredible new venue (with a loco roof design) opened comprising a hotel, upscale restaurant, and rooftop bar.

We were wowed by the roof terrace where we had our own booth and tiny swimming pool with a ‘push for champagne’ button (sadly we forgot to check if it actually worked). Perhaps you’ll have to book in advance by the peak summer months.

Prices are high with cocktails from 250 pesos+ but they’re undeniably delicious, garnished with colorful flowers. I loved the Hugo (elderflower liquor, mint, lime, and Prosecco), a fave from Central Europe that I never see in Mexico.

Food-wise, we only tried the burrata salad with heirloom tomato and, although it was tasty, it was small for the price (250 pesos). Downstairs, we lusted over Comedor HRP (the newest and best Asian fusion restaurant in La Paz) with intricate decor and an impressive menu. With mains for 600 pesos, we decided to skip it but the reviews suggest it’s worth it.

Seis Uno Dos: this is the best place for a sundowner with a great range of cocktails. I had a delicious gin one. Prices are slightly high but to be expected given the location. There’s often a DJ playing but you can still hear people talk.

Trailhunters: I can’t comment on the food or cocktails here because we just visited for sunset beers (50 pesos) one evening to watch sunset. With an outward-facing bar and a fire pit for when it gets cold (which it does during winter evenings), it’s a great spot for an affordable sundowner.

Note from a marg lover (me) – the best margaritas I’ve had in La Paz were at Harker Board Co and Oyster House by FISM restaurant (both 200 pesos). Pop in for a drink if you don’t want a full meal.