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Trattoria Da Giorgio Italian Restaurant sits on acreage atop a hill between the famous Palmilla hotel and the four-lane carretera (highway) just outside of downtown San Jose del Cabo about 25 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. If you visit after dark you will be enchanted by the gated private drive up the hill flanked by trees wrapped in spirals of lights. The restaurant itself requires more climbing, as it is a two-story affair with upper and lower patio and inside dining. The vista the night we visited was enhanced by a rising full moon. In fact, the coastal lights along the bay, and the stars in the sapphire night sky made the setting romantic to all but those devoid of any life or passion. A daytime visit brings on the full view of the Sea of Cortez and San Jose Bay view and is equally beautiful.
The restaurant is on the formal side, yet this is Los Cabos, so don’t be intimidated. Dress as you please, but please dress. Wearing swimwear is frowned on by the waiters - unless you’re female, twenty-two and very good looking. Don’t be confused by the other Ristorante Da Giorgio located in Cabo San Lucas where swimsuits are allowed, in fact encouraged, as they have swimming pools surrounding the dining areas (or vice-versa).
The overall atmosphere is tranquil, classy yet unpretentious, old world with a touch of Mexico; as is the food. The pastas and sauces are homemade and are made daily from scratch as one would expect of a fine restaurant. Starters for my party of four included Insalata Presidente&Mac226; with fresh gulf prawns on a bed of spinach and avocado. The prawns were substituted for lobsters (out of season) - the restaurant not wanting to disappoint diners with frozen or poached (literally) lobsters. Insalata del Mare Di Cortez&Mac226; was an enjoyable fresh seafood salad reflecting the abundance of the Sea of Cortez (sans lettuce) in a light limón and vinaigrette dressing.
Sauces for me, give a restaurant a real chance to show what it can do to impress a customer. Happily for me, everyone in my party opted for pasta dishes with different sauces for me to try this visit. The Spaghetti Alla 4 Formaggi was a symphony of four cheeses including Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Suizo and Parmesan perfectly blended in whipping cream without being sweet. It was tantalizing.
I ordered Linguine Al Pesto Genovese and was immediately transported to Genoa upon my first taste. The fragrance of the fresh basil, garlic and Parmesan was intoxicating, healthy and romantic. Intoxicating healthy and romantic? Just try it, and it will send you will there too.
An order of Fettuccine Alfredo was prepared authentically with cream, butter, Parmesan cheese and grilled chicken breast. My wife particularly enjoyed the Spinach Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta cheese and served covered with a fine Italian tomato sauce prepared daily by the chef.
During past visits I have enjoyed the house pizzas, which offer the best available cheeses, and quality Italian meats and sausage. Other fare available include Catch of the Day&Mac226; prepared in Italian olive oil with herbs, white wine sauce or with tomato sauces. All dishes are done with the mastery and subtlety of a professional chef.
Meat lovers have several options to contemplate including beef filets grilled with extra virgin olive oil and rosemary, another with a red wine sauce, or in green peppercorn sauce. My favorite Di Pollo&Mac226; a chicken breast sautéed in lemon and white wine sauce with capers will please most all who order it.
Desserts (also made in-house) included a lemon sorbet, Flan, Tiramisu&Mac226; and fresh strawberries in cream. All are simple, fresh, well prepared and satisfying.
In short, your dining experience at Trattoria Da Giorgio will be first class. Pricey? Yes, but then quality usually is. You can visit Trattoria Da Giorgio Italian Restaurant located just west of the Palmilla hotel exit at the top of the hill in San Jose del Cabo. Don’t wear your swimsuit.
Trattoria Da Giorgio Italian Restaurant - San Jose del Cabo
By David Mandich - October 07, 2003
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