Fine dining in La Paz is becoming one of the attractions to this beautiful city. La Paz is one of the most affluent cities per capita in all of Mexico. With the increasing development of tourism in the region and the growing sophistication of the city the demand for fine eating establishments has grown with it. I have enjoyed many of the establishments here in La Paz and Cabo and found this latest ‘discovery’ to be a valuable dining find.

I recently was invited to join Patrik Kelly, owner of the El Patrón Restaurant (The Boss) for a bayside lunch. I have known Patrik for several years and I was anxious to test his restaurants cuisine.

I had spent several months working from our office in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo has a plethora of dining available to satisfy almost any craving. Cabo restaurants handle a high volume of customers with demanding expectation. La Paz dining on the other hand, for years has mainly catered to local customers and with the lower volume, consistency was an issue. La Paz dining has evolved significantly in the five years I have been here. It was evident on my arrival that the El Patrón has raised the bar for La Paz dining and was to be gastronomic experience of prominence.

To start with, The El Patrón has an excellent location. It is located at the southern most end of the Malécon waterfront and has plenty of adjacent parking. It is within easy walking distance of the downtown marinas. The view of the Malécon stretching out northward in front of the restaurant is possibly the best in town.

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I was met at the front door by the maiterdee, who welcomed me in English and Spanish. He and all the wait staff were impeccably dressed in both their uniforms and their smiles as they moved briskly about the dining room filled with lunch guests. I took a seat at the bar while I waited for Patrick to join me. the bartender, promptly offer me a selection of Corona products for beers and a full bar that can satisfy the most discerning tastes. Patrik boasts that  from his shaker come some of the finest Martinis, Mojitos and Margaritas to be had in town.  The wine list was impressive with more than 40 entries from all the well known wine producing regions. I, being a red wine fan, I selected a  a great Kendal Jackson Merlot  for my enjoyment.

Patrik arrived a few minutes later, well I should say he arrive in the dining room a few minutes later. It took Patrick several minutes to work his way across the dining room to my table – stopping by each table in his route to greet his guests. His broad smile made each of them enjoy the sincerity of his expressions of hospitality. As Patrik would later say to me, “I love entertaining and showing people a good time. I love this food and I love to share it.” Glancing out over the bay vista he added, “I’d give it all away if I could, but my accountant won't let me.”

The El Patrón seats to around 120 people, with seating for 45 inside their main dining salon, the rest on two sheltered/heated patio levels. The view stretches down the length of the Malécon to the north and can be seen from all seating. The restaurant’s distinctive décor contrasts variations of wine tones.

Click here to Email The El Patrón

I asked Patrik what from his menu selections he suggested and after pointing out the attributes of almost all of the entrees he finally said, “The fillet, you have to try the fillet. Our Sonoran beef is some of the finest that you will find here, Cabo or anywhere.” I accepted the challenge.

Certainly the menu offers a wide range of exquisite offerings with an international flair. The Fillet is a prime cut of beef in a mushroom sauce, and was everything Patrik had said it was. The ample cut of beef was cooked to perfection, the vegetables crisp and the food styling wonderful.

Entrée prices average around $110-$180 pesos. I also can recommend you try their delicious Tortilla Soup, made with fresh tortilla strips, quajillo chilies, sour cream and a blend of special cheeses. Appetizers are reasonably priced as well, most under $60 pesos. Patrik told me that he set the prices and the portions for the Pazeños so that anyone here can enjoy great gastronomy at great prices. 

The desert menu is something you should save room for as well, and there enough of them to keep you coming back to try them all.

The service was prompt, courteous and well trained the food fresh, interesting and beautifully delivered and the cuenta was surprisingly reasonable. All and all an excellent addition to the La Paz dining scene, I hope you check it out.

La El Patrón is located on the waterfront near the intersection of Marcus de Leon and the Malecon at the south end of the Malécon. Reservations are encouraged Thursday thru Sunday. The restaurant is popular with many of the movers and shakers of the Baja Sur region, the governor has been know to dine there. Attire is casual to dress casual. La El Patrón would be delighted to talk to you about event reservations to groups up to 60 persons.

-Tomas

For more information  or make your reservations by calling: (011-52) 612-125-9977