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Fresh food market in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
What should I order at El Merkado?
What to order
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Tacos
Mentioned multiple times as a standout across different stalls, with reviewers praising them as delicious, amazing, and "to die for," especially the octopus tacos, shrimp tacos, lechon tacos, and the Cantina tacos.
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Sushi
Repeatedly recommended for being fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented, with specific praise for the tuna, poke bowl, tuna tostada, Playboy Roll, and Chef's Special Koi Roll.
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Tuna
Several reviews singled out tuna dishes as exceptional, especially at Isla Serena and the sushi spot, where the tuna was described as amazing and "like buttah."
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4
Gelato
Recommended by multiple reviewers who enjoyed the gelato spot, describing it as great, high quality, and memorable enough to compare favorably even after recent trips to Italy.
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5
Italian Pasta
The Italian food was praised as authentic and well done, with reviewers specifically enjoying pasta and lasagne and noting it as a great value.
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6
Burgers
Ground Burgers was highlighted as serving the best burgers one group had in a long time, making it one of the most positively mentioned comfort-food options.
Details
Location
Carretera Transpeninsular, Bv. Cerro Colorado, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 23400, MX
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 10 PM |
About El Merkado
El Merkado is a fresh food market, bar and grill, gourmet grocery store, Mexican restaurant, sports bar, and tourist attraction in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. Reviewers consistently praise the wide variety of food, with frequent mentions of sushi, burgers, Italian dishes, Oaxacan food, and tlayudas. People also highlight the courtyard and two-story food hall setting, along with good drinks, quick service from many stalls, and generally reasonable prices. It is described as a place where groups can each choose different food and still eat together.
Amenities
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked
What is El Merkado known for?
El Merkado is best known for its large variety of food stalls, especially sushi, burgers, Italian, and Mexican options like Oaxacan dishes and tlayudas. Reviewers often describe it as a food hall where the selection, presentation, and value make it feel like a high-end dining experience at lower prices.
What dishes are most recommended at El Merkado?
Frequently recommended items include the tuna sushi, poke bowl, tuna tostada, sea bass ceviche, octopus tacos, shrimp tacos, lechon tacos, lasagne, and burgers from Ground Burgers. Reviewers also call out the tres leches cake, gelato drinks with tequila, and Oaxacan plates like mix and asado for being especially good and often cheaper than similar dishes elsewhere.
What is the atmosphere like at El Merkado?
The atmosphere is described as fun, festive, and lively, with a courtyard setting, high ceilings, and a two-story layout. It works well for groups because everyone can pick a different stall, and reviewers also mention it as a good spot for families, couples, or solo stops for food and drinks.
Is El Merkado good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly say the food and drinks are reasonably priced, especially compared with sit-down restaurants and hotel dining. The stalls are described as offering high-quality dishes at a fraction of what similar meals would cost at places like a Hilton, and some reviewers specifically note that the Oaxacan food was cheaper than other options nearby.
What should I know about visiting El Merkado at peak times?
It can get busy because it is a popular local favorite with many different restaurants, bars, and dessert spots in one place. Reviewers mention that service is often quick and there is plenty of seating, including shady outdoor areas, which makes it easier to visit even when the food hall is full.
Is parking available at El Merkado?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
