El Patrón Mexican Bistro

The reason to come is the view back across the bay to Land's End and the Arch. El Patrón Mexican Bistro is the Mexican restaurant at Villa del Arco Beach Resort, at the eastern end of Médano Beach where the sand curves round toward the old road to San José, and its terrace faces straight at them. From Villa 1 it's about a 20-minute walk along the beach, or a short taxi.

The resort describes the food as traditional Mexican with a contemporary twist. At breakfast, look for chilaquiles, machaca tacos (dried, shredded beef, a northern Mexico staple) and eggs any way; there's also a buffet option. At dinner the menu moves to carne asada, red snapper, sea bass en verde, roasted octopus and jumbo shrimp. Reviewers also like the tuna tartare and the churros.

Breakfast runs 7 to 11:30 AM and dinner 6 to 10:30 PM, with a lunch menu published too. The resort notes that hours can change by season. Dress is casual. Reservations go through the resort phone line, extension 518. The site doesn't say clearly whether non-guests are always welcome, so call before you walk over, especially in high season.

We like it most for a slow breakfast after an early beach walk, or a quiet dinner away from the marina noise. Reviewers repeatedly name the bartender and servers, which usually means a steady team. It's a resort restaurant, so don't expect street-taco prices, but it's a better-looking breakfast than most in town. Best plan: walk the length of Médano early while the beach is empty, eat on the terrace, and taxi back. For something livelier at night, the Médano bars are ten minutes west by cab.