Los Cabos and the Bay Area of California share a unique connection—many visitors come to Cabo, fall in love with its landscapes, its lifestyle, and its warmth, and soon find themselves calling it home. They integrate into the community, immerse themselves in the culture. Among the many stories of transformation sparked by this connection is that of Chubby Noodle, a concept that crossed borders to become a gastronomic reference. From its beginnings in San Francisco to its evolution in Cabo San Lucas, and then expanding with the restaurants Mother Flower, Pete’s Fish House, Frankie’s and the newly introduced Fat Boys, these establishments have become favorite spots for both tourists and locals, who praise these restaurants and recommend their favorite dishes from each one.
The Origins of Chubby Noodle: Asian Comfort Food Takes Center Stage
It all started in San Francisco, in the North Beach neighborhood. Chubby Noodle was born as a small food stall in the back of a bar, set apart for its focus on reimagined Asian comfort food. Soon it became a restaurant of its own, offering bold and flavorful dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. Its success was immediate: customers kept coming back, its party brunch, became the most popular on the area for a decade, consolidating itself as a restaurant with its own identity.
When asked about what inspired him to start Chubby Noodle in Cabo, its founder shares, “I had a lot of friends here, and they came to visit San Francisco, and they loved Chubby Noodle up there. They told me I had to open it here, and I did it, and it worked out better than anything in my life.”
Favorite dishes like the glazed ribs are a must! There are also excellent vegetarian options, such as the green papaya salad and the crispy cauliflower. And for a refreshing treat, the Chubby Mango Cocktail offers a unique blend of tequila reposado, mango, smoked chipotle, and mint, a delightful explosion of flavors on the palate.
Chubby Noodle’s Journey in Cabo: Growth, Challenges, and Success in Cabo San Lucas Dining
The first Chubby Noodle location in Cabo San Lucas opened in 2018, right in the heart of downtown Cabo, in front of Puerto Paraíso.
When the pandemic hit, Chubby Noodle prioritized supporting its entire staff, ensuring that the team remained intact during uncertain times. Despite the difficulties, the restaurant came back stronger than ever, reopening in July 2020 with renewed energy just as Cabo experienced a tourism boom. Now, Chubby Noodle has relocated to a new prime spot at the corner of Miguel Hidalgo Street and Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, continuing to attract loyal customers and first-time visitors alike.
Expanding the Cabo Food Scene: Mother Flower, Pete’s Fish House, Fat Boys, and Frankie’s
Over time, Chubby Noodle evolved beyond its original concept, leading to the creation of Mother Flower, Pete’s Fish House, Fat Boys, and Frankie’s, each with its own unique personality and approach to food, enhancing the diverse Cabo San Lucas dining scene.
Mother Flower: Mexican Street Food Reinvented in Cabo
Mother Flower is a celebration of Mexican street food, reinvented with a fresh and casual twist. The idea for the restaurant first took root in Tijuana – Rosarito, Baja California, where the founder fell in love with the vibrant flavors of street food. Later, a trip to Guadalajara proved to be a turning point. One stop, in particular, left a lasting mark—the legendary carne en su jugo from the Santa Tere´s neighborhood. Inspired by that experience, he set out to bring those bold flavors to Cabo. This passion led to the creation of signature dishes like carne en su jugo, a nod to the rich culinary heritage of Jalisco, and the quesabirria, a decadent, cheesy taco that has become a standout favorite.
Pete’s Fish House: Fresh Seafood from Los Cabos and Beyond
Pete’s Fish House is where seafood takes center stage, celebrating the freshest ingredients from Los Cabos, Mazatlán, and Ensenada. The menu highlights the simplicity and quality of the ocean’s bounty — Its American-style Shrimp cocktails, rich, creamy Clam Chowder, and oysters on the half shell are all so fresh they’ll transport you straight to the coast. The focus is on letting the ingredients shine, offering a straightforward yet deeply satisfying seafood experience.
Fat Boys: Pan-Asian Flavors with a Baja Twist
Fat Boys brings to Cabo authentic south east asian flavors, putting its unique style on pan-asian take out. Their shrimp wontons are a must-try, delivering happiness in every bite. This newest addition stays true to Chubby Noodle’s lively, rebellious spirit while offering a menu filled with bold, comforting flavors that showcase the best of traditional chinese, japanese, and korean cuisine with a touch of Baja influence. This Baja influence can be seen in the use of fresh local seafood in some dishes, and the addition of local peppers to some sauces, creating a unique fusion.
Cabo’s Culinary Gem: A Must-Try Experience
Cabo has no shortage of great places to eat, but what makes these restaurants special is the personality they bring to the table. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor wanting to taste the best of Cabo, these places have something for everyone. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy. Great food is meant to be shared, and these restaurants are all about making sure you leave happy, full, and already planning your next visit.
¡Buen provecho!
