This Cabo San Lucas restaurant feels like an ode to the divine feminine
Step inside this culinary tribute to Frida Kahlo's spirit in Cabo San Lucas
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Oh, the divine mother. Look for her, and you'll find her everywhere. From Italy's centuries-old Lady of Mount Carmel statues to San Francisco's vibrant Mission District murals, feminine energy surrounds us, offering protection and love.
In my experience, the divine feminine is ever-present. She's Gaea in Greece, Isis in Egypt, Durga in Hindu mythology and Pachamama in the Andes. If she doesn’t appear in deity form, you feel her in the wind, flowers and trees. And some places — like La Frida restaurant at Pueblo Bonito’s Sunset Beach Resort in Cabo San Lucas — make her presence come alive through vibes alone.
Descending the stairs to La Frida Restaurant feels like entering a portal to this presence. Each step moved me deeper into a valley of candlelight, shadows dancing on stone walls, beckoning me into the divine feminine's warmth and elegance. My imagination came alive right away. Iconic images of Frida Kahlo added to this ambiance, her likeness gracing mini altars and art pieces throughout the restaurant, complemented by wall hangings of floral embroidered dresses.
I’ve always adored Frida Kahlo for her independence, despite suffering from debilitating physical injuries and a complex lifelong romance. To me, the iconic Queen of Selfies represents creativity and self-respect. I've long joked that my version of a happy marriage is inhabiting separate but joined workspaces like Kahlo's home with muralist Diego Rivera.
A feast for the senses
As you enter La Frida, you are immediately enveloped by an old-world ambiance mixed with upscale flourishes. The dining room, with its intricate, wrought-iron chandeliers and ornate chairs, made me feel like I'd found myself inside a secret artist hideaway somewhere deep in the cellar of an elegant castle. Yet when a smiling pianist in a white suit began dancing his fingers along the keys, the room filled with sparkly sounds and returned me to the present. I felt fully alive and in tune with all my senses.
Outside, the terrace offered stunning ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, a more relaxed but equally magical dining experience. As the sun set, the outdoor tables lit up with the soft glow of candlelight. It was honestly the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal.
At the helm of La Frida's kitchen is Chef Anaisa Guevara, whose extensive training includes stints at renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurants such as Arzak in northern Spain’s Basque Country and Addison in San Diego.
Chef Guevara brings her rich experience to La Frida, along with a deep respect for Mexican culinary traditions. “At La Frida we respect all the ancestral ingredients and preparations that our Mexico has given us over the years,” she said. “With our choice of accompaniments and preparations, we try to innovate these classic ingredients to end with a dish that is haute cuisine."
My waiter, Juan Antonio, kicked things off by serving me a memorable grasshopper canapé. He explained that chapulines, or grasshoppers, are a traditional Mexican delicacy, and the appetizer reflects La Frida’s commitment to honoring and elevating ancestral flavors.
"We source our chapulines directly from Oaxaca," said Chef Guevara. "We look for brightness, crunchiness and a distinct flavor to ensure the highest quality." From the way she describes it, the preparation of chapulines at La Frida is a blend of tradition and novelty: "We toast them in the oven to remove excess moisture, then sauté them with dried chilies, garlic and lemon," she said, adding that the process brings out a distinctive umami flavor.
Juan Antonio says he introduces first-timers to chapulines with a touch of storytelling. "Many diners are hesitant at first," he admits. “I address this by telling them that this is a pre-Hispanic Mexican delicacy that Indigenous people collect in Oaxaca from the agave fields.”
For those brave enough to try, the experience is transformative. "I remember one diner who was initially unsure," recalls Juan Antonio. "After trying the chapulines with avocado and lentil tostada, they were delighted by the crunchy texture and the flavor combination. It's a fun and delicious source of protein."
Yes, Frida Kahlo is something of a deity in her own right in Mexico. When I was a student at the University of Tennessee in 2012, I saw a similar fervor in how Tennesseans lovingly refer to Dolly Parton as the "Dolly Mama" — a playful take on the name of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Frida Kahlo's image is revered throughout both Mexico and the U.S. in a similar way. Look no further than the popularity of Frida Kahlo secular saint candles to understand the idolization of Frida is somewhat akin to that of the religious Madonna or La Virgen de Guadalupe, though admittedly in a more pop culture phenomenon kind of way.
So, whether you're a fan of her art, her spirit or just her amazing eyebrows, there's no escaping the Frida fever. Why not embrace it with a visit to this one-of-a-kind Los Cabos restaurant in her honor?
This article is part of Atmospheric Eats, where dining is an unforgettable experience. In this series, you’ll discover restaurants that captivate all your senses with their unique ambiance and exceptional cuisine.
The author’s passion for these travel experiences is sincere. Some trips featured may be sponsored or compensated.
Megan DeMatteo is an independent journalist, editor and creative writer currently based in New York City. She has written for Dwell, Fodor's Travel, Sherwood News, Marie Claire, Insider and more. Her first trip abroad was to Costa Rica, and she's since studied in Valparaíso, Chile and Dublin, Ireland, where she performed a séance in Oscar Wilde's former dorm room.
