Having seen posters for years and hearing of the recommendation of Bill and Tanya Girdwood that El Matador was their favorite restaurant in San Jose del Cabo, we had to try it. Located half a block to the right at the end of the street where Las Guacamayas is, the entrance to the restaurant is deceiving. Designed and owned by matador and chef, Pablo Vélez, this restaurant is the courtyard and an upper terrace in the interior of a large hacienda and it is beautifully designed. As you enter the restaurant, you can see a display of Matador Vélez’s Matador costumes as well as a wall of large photos of him in the bull ring. Passing through the bar, you enter the outdoor dining area with a pool along one edge, a fountain in the middle and terrace dining area on the top.
We were pleased to see that there were several activities that were table side at the restaurant – a traditional Caesar salad and the weighing and cutting of your New York steak. The menu has a great selection of appetizers, soups, salads and their entrées included veal, chicken, lamb, fish, shrimp, lobster, steak and pasta offerings.
We were joined at dinner with our friend Ethan and his brother Jon. It took us a while to decide on our entrées as we enjoyed our Chardonnay and fresh bread. But everyone was in agreement on having the table side Caesar Salad. I decided for the first time to violate my plant-based diet and ordered veal piccata. Beth ordered the Suprema de Pollo in a fine herbs, garlic and citrus sauce. Ethan selected the Gambas (Shrimp) al Tequila and his brother Jon chose a Tuna Medallion for his entrée. All of the food had great presentation and flavor. We also were serenaded through the evening by a very good guitarist.
Even though we were full, we decided that we need to sample their desserts and ordered a Key Lime Pie, Bananas Martinque and a Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream to share. They were all delicious.
This is definitely a special place and someplace that we will visit again soon.
For more information about El Matador visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elmatadorrestaurante
