Our daughter now lives in Todos Santos and so we decided to meet her in Pescadero to celebrate Father’s Day. Benno, a Michelin Bibs recommended restaurant is at the Hotel San Cristobal, which is on the Pacific Ocean at Punta Lobos. The setting with the view of the Pacific and the long sandy beach is stunning.

We arrived at 5:00 pm just as the restaurant was opening so we had our choice of sitting inside or outside. There are a series of tables outside the front of Benno that overlook the pool and with a spectacular view of the Pacific and Punta Gorda. We chose to sit outside. Our server, Enrique brought us the menus with a smile and asked what we would like to drink. Chava asked for a Sol de Oaxaca, which includes mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and with a slice of orange. Beth chose a Limonadaminerale and I ordered at Coke Zero.

The menu offers Starters – most of which are fresh seafood as well as a corn on the cob option; Salads; and nine Entrées with options of shrimp, fish, beef, chicken, gnocchi, and risotto. As we were reviewing the menu, Enrique brought us an amuse – a pistachio cream in a pasty. It was delicious. We selected the Charred Salad to share as an appetizer, which was served on a bed of hummus, with romaine, arugula, pistachios and dates. The portion was big enough for each of us to enjoy the flavor of the salad. For main courses, Beth selected the Grilled Shrimp. I chose the Totoaba Limon, and Chava went for the Risotto with mushrooms, white wine, and almonds. The presentation on each of the dishes was excellent as was the flavor. The table was also served slice of focaccia bread covered with fresh parmesan cheese and severed with an eggplant purée.  I snuck a taste of the two other items and was impressed.The photos tell the story.

Given that it was Father’s Day, the ladies decided to go for dessert and ordered both the Parfait Benno and the Churros. When the Churros were served hot, I could smell the chocolate and cinnamon. The both dug in sharing the the two desserts. I had to abstain being on a high protein diet.

The food – flavor, presentation, portion sizes – was excellent. Enrique, our server made us enjoy the experience even more. Great dinner in a spectacular environment.During the dinner, several birds sang to us, and a hummingbird was in the flowers right beside.