Nicksan Palmilla

Nicksan is the Japanese-Mexican restaurant that most people in Los Cabos name first when you ask about sushi. The Palmilla branch is at The Shoppes at Palmilla, near San José del Cabo, and it's a separate restaurant from the original Nicksan in Cabo San Lucas, with the same founder, chef Ángel Carbajal. The Palmilla site marks the restaurant's history as beginning in 2005, and the group grows produce on its own farm, Looking Flowers.

Order the two dishes the founder himself points to: the tostada de atún, which he describes as a tribute to his mother, and the maki de langosta (lobster roll). Beyond those, the à la carte menu is shared with the Cabo San Lucas restaurant, and the premium menus, sake list and wine list are published separately on the Nicksan site. If it's your first time, let the servers steer you toward what came in fresh that day.

Dress is smart casual: no sportswear, beachwear or sleeveless shirts for men. The restaurant asks parents to keep an eye on children, so it's fine for families but not a place for kids to roam. We couldn't confirm current hours online, so check OpenTable, which also takes the bookings.

Honestly, the original Nicksan in Cabo San Lucas is much closer to the villa and serves the same menu, while Palmilla is about 30 minutes by car, so we'd only choose Palmilla if you're staying on the San José side for the day, have plans at One&Only Palmilla, or can’t get a table in town.