Indeed, there are a lot of upscale dining opportunities now that the world has discovered Baja’s culinary scene, particularly in Valle de Guadalupe. Tasting menus for $100 or more, plus wine pairings, abound. And that’s great. But we’d like to share some of our favorite, low-key (and, far lower cost) venues in Rosarito and environs. Join us!

Roble has been around four or more years, at the northern end of Rosarito, near Bob’s casita. We go for breakfast, and are usually the only non-Latinos. After 9am on weekends, there often is a wait. Menu is huge, and the omelets and crepes are humungous. Did I mention the mimosas? Great value for the $$. There is also a Roble (the original?) in Tijuana.

Tito’s is another over-achiever. On the east side of the toll road at the major intersection of Rosarito, (turn off the Boulevard by McDonald’s) you don’t want to order TOO much at Tito’s, because each serving is HUGE! Start small, you can always order more. In the past year or two, Tito’s Rosarito has added a full bar. Which makes us happy.

El Poder is a small seafood stand on the northern end of Rosarito with a few tables outside and in. I am a sucker for their almejas ahumadas, stuffed clams. Their ceviche tostadas (ask for one with shrimp) and fish and shrimp tacos are also great. Bob has been coming here for so long, the family presented him with one of their T-shirts, which he wears proudly.

Our very fave Sunday brunch has gotta be Ruben’s. Paella! Oysters! Clams! Omelets! And bottomless mimosas/champagne, if you choose that option. We’ve been going for years. And we love the talented Maryam Mylak Singer, who easily switches from Mexican pop to opera to leading a line-dance to “Achy Breaky Heart” en Español. Look out: you could be be dancing (cue the Bee Gees).

We’ve only been to La Catrina once, but it was worth getting off the beaten path. From what I understand, the chef/owner used to work at Ollie’s Pizza on the north end of Las Gaviotas. La Catrina is rather buried in Cantamar/Primo Tapia, but once you find its ocean view location, you’ll be pleased.

We have built a tradition of Thanksgiving at Susanna’s. For a few years, we had Thanksgiving dinner in the Valle, but found it was just too far to drive back after a big meal and lots of wine. More recently, we wine taste in the Valle on Thanksgiving day, then head to Susanna’s for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a lot closer to Bob’s Rosarito casita.

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving at Susanna’s? The appetizer tamal. I look forward to it – every year, it is fabulous. Light and fluffy, not heavy like so many tamales. And Susanna’s does a great job on the rest of the holiday meal, including their upscale cranberry sauce. Susanna’s recently received a well-deserved award from CANIRAC, the Baja restaurant association!

There are two places in San Antonio del Mar that we frequent on our Sunday getaways to the SENTRI line. Cafe Conrado has been there for years. We love sitting outside and we really like their food.

Nonoy’s opened in the same strip center maybe 2 or 3 years ago. I first wandered in to buy a loaf of bread (which was excellent). They had a few tables downstairs and a few up a spiral staircase. However, they have recently expanded and we are so happy for them! We have gotten to know Victor, who I believe is the owner, a tiny bit. Nonoy’s is adding an oyster bar (we shared six creamy oysters from Ensenada on a recent visit).

Bob is intense as he chomps down his salmon “sunny sandwich” at Nonoy’s.

And, then there is Colectivo Surf. We started going to this venue because they had the Aztecs/Padres on TV. But found they feature the best bluefin tuna in the region. Who would have thought?

Pic via A Gringo in Mexico.

Their fish is amazingly fresh and the staff (we sit at the bar) is super friendly. My colleague Scott Koenig of A Gringo in Mexico recently named Colectivo as his top Rosarito culinary destination.

We certainly won’t argue or complain!