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Ballena

4.7 (24 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

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BALLENA ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - Ballena

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Ballena was one of the highlights of our time in San José del Cabo. The food was absolutely delicious, and the menu had enough variety to satisfy just about any palate. We enjoyed a beautiful Mexican wine, an incredible tuna tartare appetizer, and wonderful entrées from start to finish. And do not leave without ordering the churros for dessert. They come with two sauces -- a coconut sauce and a mezcal caramel -- and honestly, they were worth dreaming about afterward. The setting and view were spectacular, especially around sunset, and the experience was elevated even more by the service. Hugo kindly gave us a tour of the property while we waited, which made the evening feel extra special. The entire staff was stellar: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Highly recommend for a memorable dinner in San José del Cabo.

Party of 7 outdoors with full shade and a nice breeze.
Patti P.

Treat yourself! Group of 7 had lunch on the outdoor patio. Perfect weather, excellent food, excellent service from Marline. 4 separate checks- no problem. Everything was spectacular!!!

Sea Bass with sweet potato purée
Julia F.

Ballena is an oasis worthy of Michelin status. A clear path of lanterns affixed to the ground lights the way into this beautiful establishment. The level of service from greeting to eating is exceptional. I love how they start off with an amuse bouche of both food and drink. This adorable mini margarita with black salt accompanied a fritter that tasted like the desert surrounding us. Their sea bass with purple sweet potato purée is unreal and a must try! I also really like their White Haven cocktail - a tequila based drink made with ultra smooth Volcan Blanco. This needs to live in my bar cabinet if I can find it states side.

Menu by the fire pit. Sat here for the view and appetizers
Tom F.

Had seen some early Social Media posts about Ballena and wanted to give it a try. We were not disappointed for this recently opened stunner! Greeted by lovely hostesses, we were shown to our seats overlooking Puerto Los Cabos. Our attentive waiters, Hugo and Samantha, kept the professionalism alive. They served a welcome lychee cocktail from the bar and an amuse buche from the kitchen. After reviewing the menu we chose the tuna tartare and lobster spring rolls. The presentation and service of the apps was well done by the staff. We made plans for a family return at New Years and look forward to making our way through the menu at this beautiful location which is sure to become a Baja Sur hotspot! Well done!

Kaili C.

What a wonderful addition to the San Jose food scene! The thing that really stands out here is the service-absolutely on point and on par with the finest restaurants. The food is also delicious with great options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Our waiter Max really went above and beyond to make the evening stand out and the location itself is truly breathtaking. Ballena will be in our regular rotation now, in fact we are bringing guests back this evening!

Churros

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1 month ago

Food was amazing. Service was spectacular beautiful beautiful setting. Definitely will go back.

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6 months ago

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2 months ago

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5 months ago

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9 days ago

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2 months ago

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3 months ago

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8 days ago

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7 days ago

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7 days ago

Amazing ambiance, amazing food, amazing service, incredible place. The property is also amazing and so much art to view

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5 months ago

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9 days ago

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4 months ago

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23 days ago

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3 months ago

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5 months ago

The service was above and beyond with the most friendliest staff and the food was delicious! Will definitely be back

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6 months ago

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3 months ago

Everything was truly the best. Food, service and ambiance was 11/10. A must see if able to make it.

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

Beautiful view! Outstanding service. Food amazing. Be sure to order a churro it's a cactus. Highly recommend!!!!

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5 months ago

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5 months ago

Amazing food and beautiful restaurant! The service was great and will defenitely be returning!

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5 months ago

Amazing food! Amazing service! Gorgeous surroundings. A fantastic new restaurant on the East Cape. Highly recommend!

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5 months ago

Easily my favorite restaurant in San Jose . A great surprise. beautiful restaurant. Great service and delicious food.

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Review Highlights - Ballena

Hugo kindly gave us a tour of the property while we waited, which made the evening feel extra special.

Mentioned in 5 reviews

Read more highlights

ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Braised short ribs --tender and enjoyed every flavorful bite

ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

4.3(620 reviews)
5.5 km
$$$

Acre absolutely blew us away. My biggest recommendation: arrive at least an hour before your…read morereservation to wander the property and meet the animals. The grounds are stunning -- peaceful, lush, and effortlessly cool -- with the perfect balance of elevated resort vibes and warmth. What makes it even more special is that Acre also operates an animal rescue, helping save dogs from the streets and even arranging adoptions around the world. We legitimately almost adopted one while we were there. The entire culinary concept is organic farm-to-table, and you can truly taste the difference in every dish. Everything felt intentional, fresh, and incredibly well executed. Food highlights: - The mixed beet salad was hands down the best beet salad I've ever had in my life. - The crispy rice bites are a must order. - The catch-of-the-day ceviche with soaked jicama and green apple was phenomenal and one of the most unique, well-balanced ceviche preparations I've ever had. - Steak tacos were fantastic. - The tomato tartare with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, light aioli, and crackers completely surprised us -- insanely flavorful and memorable. Cocktails were equally impressive: - Sips & Beets (my fav. I love beets & I love mezcal. Didn't think they would go, but had to try. It's outstanding!) - Margarita independente was my other fav - Guayabita - Espresso martini made with tequila And beyond the food, the hospitality was next level. Executive Chef David personally stopped by our table, chatted with us, and after noticing me taking photos, gifted me one of the dried decorative corns from the property. Such a thoughtful, genuine touch that perfectly reflects the spirit of Acre. This was one of those rare dining experiences that feels magical from beginning to end. We'll absolutely be back (this will become a spot we visit every trip to cabo!)

Had the most magical dinner here during our trip. Started with walking around the beautiful…read moreproperty which includes treehouses you can stay in, a wedding venue, and my favorite part, the farm. There's also a cute boutique infront of the restaurant. The service was exceptional. Big shoutout to David and Asia! Dinner and drinks were both phenomenal. We loved it so much we want to plan a trip to come back and stay in one of the treehouses. The entire place was just magical. I would highly recommend coming an hour before your reservation to walk around and visit the animals! There's horses, chickens, bunnies, dogs, cats, goats, etc! Seriously the best part of the trip. PS. Order an espresso martini! They make it table-side. Pairs nicely with the frozen key lime pie. Don't know how they do it but the crust is nice and chilly and the lime custard inside is soft. 10/10.

Photos
ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Hummingbird bar & tasting room. Too lovely

Hummingbird bar & tasting room. Too lovely

ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Linguine with prawns

Linguine with prawns

ACRE Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Fresh chicken and all the ingredients of the Cobb Salad

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Fresh chicken and all the ingredients of the Cobb Salad

Ballena - international - Updated May 2026

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