mexican pork tacos vegetables on wooden

Popular Food in Ensenada: A Guide To the City’s Culinary Delights

The Best Foods to Eat in Ensenada

When deciding what to eat in Ensenada, start with iconic dishes like fish tacos, lobster Puerto Nuevo style and ceviche.

Ensenada, nestled along Mexico’s stunning Baja California peninsula, is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its fresh seafood, rich flavors and culinary innovations, it’s a destination where every bite tells a story. Wondering what to eat in Ensenada? Here’s a guide to the top 10 dishes that capture the vibrant essence of this coastal gem.

For tips on unique souvenirs, check out this guide on what to buy in Ensenada.

1. Fish Tacos

Ensenada is hailed as the birthplace of the fish taco. Featuring lightly battered and fried fish, and served on a warm corn tortilla with fresh cabbage, pico de gallo and a drizzle of creamy sauce, this is a must-try dish.

2. Lobster Puerto Nuevo Style

Savor the flavors of Baja California with Puerto Nuevo-style lobster. This dish features spiny lobster fried to perfection, served with refried beans, rice and warm flour tortillas.

3. Ceviche

A coastal classic, Ensenada’s ceviche is a refreshing mix of fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, with chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro. It’s a light, zesty dish that’s perfect for sunny days.

4. Baja-Style Shrimp

Baja-style shrimp are plump, juicy and typically grilled or fried. These shrimp are seasoned with local spices, offering a taste of Ensenada’s rich culinary traditions.

5. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles rellenos are poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, dipped in batter and fried. This hearty dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

6. Tostadas de Mariscos

Seafood tostadas are a popular food in Ensenada, featuring a crispy tortilla topped with fresh seafood, avocado and tangy sauces. They’re flavorful, versatile and a perfect snack or meal.

7. Street Corn (Elote)

Elote is Mexican street corn grilled to smoky perfection and slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder and lime. It’s a tasty street food staple you can’t miss.

8. Tamales

Ensenada’s tamales are traditional corn dough pockets filled with savory or sweet ingredients, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They’re flavorful and comforting, offering a true taste of Mexican culture.

9. Mexican Candy

For a sweet treat, indulge in Mexican candy, which comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Popular choices include tamarind candies, cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) and chili-coated gummies.

10. Craft Beer

Ensenada has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Sample local brews made with innovative flavors that pair perfectly with the city’s rich culinary offerings.

Enhance Your Culinary Adventure With Food Excursions

To make your Ensenada food experience even more memorable, consider these curated food excursions:

  • Food & Tequila Walking Tour: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Ensenada while sampling authentic local flavors. This walking tour includes tequila tastings, tacos, candy and more, offering a well-rounded introduction to the city’s culinary delights.
  • Ultimate Local Food Teller: Indulge in a flavor-filled journey through downtown Ensenada. Visit some of the city’s most popular culinary venues to taste local favorites, from fresh seafood dishes to traditional Mexican fare.

These excursions provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Ensenada’s food culture while learning about its rich history and traditions.

For wine enthusiasts, explore these wine tasting tours in Ensenada.

What to Eat in Ensenada?

When deciding what to eat in Ensenada, start with iconic dishes like fish tacos, lobster Puerto Nuevo style and ceviche. Savor hearty favorites like tamales and chiles rellenos, and indulge in street food classics such as elote and tostadas de mariscos. Sweet treats like Mexican candy and craft beer round out the city’s vibrant culinary offerings.

Experience The Best Foods to Eat in Ensenada with these sailings

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

Discover new worlds.