Meet Mariano Takinami: Bahia’s New Executive Chef

May 1

Chef Mariano Takinami joins Bahia as Executive Chef, bringing bold new energy and an expansive culinary background to Bar Esquina and SUR Beach House — two of Cabo’s most celebrated dining spots.

With more than two decades on the global culinary circuit and a résumé that reads like a traveler’s passport, Chef Takinami brings bold flavors and a deep love for connection to Bahia’s tables. His journey spans five countries and legendary kitchens, from leading teams at Belmond Hotels in Peru and Thailand to steering Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants in Mexico City. In Cabo, he’s made his mark at Toro Latin Kitchen by Richard Sandoval and Templo Grill Wok Bar — earning loyal fans and rave reviews at every stop.

Trained in Japan, Switzerland, Argentina, and at Cornell University, Chef Takinami draws on his multicultural Argentinian-Japanese heritage to fuse the fire of Latin American kitchens with the precision of Asian technique—bringing fresh energy to the flavors at Bar Esquina and SUR Beach House.

“Bar Esquina and SUR Beach House already hold a special place in Cabo’s culinary story,” Chef Takinami shares. “I’m excited to build on that legacy — with dishes that surprise, comfort, and connect people at the table.”

Guests can look forward to menus that strike a balance between comfort, creativity, and a few delectable twists that are pure Chef Takinami. At Bar Esquina, guests can expect Mediterranean influences, smoke-kissed simplicity, and bold local ingredients. SUR Beach House offers a lighter, ocean-forward approach: raw bites, charcoal-grilled seafood, and Japanese-accented flavors that pair effortlessly with barefoot days by the sea.

Chef Takinami is already curating experiences that push the culinary conversation forward.

Coming soon to Bahia:

Join us for the Baja’s Best Festival on Saturday, May 3rd in Todos Santos. Chef Takinami’s team will be representing Bahia at this community festival, where the region’s top chefs, musicians, and artists come together for a day of culinary adventure and live music. Tickets here.
A Japan Takes Over SUR Beach House event, led by five guest chefs from Japan. Stay Tuned.
A5 Wagyu + Bluefin tuna pairing dinner at Bar Esquina. Stay Tuned.

Book your next table at Bar Esquina or SUR Beach House and discover the flavors of Bahia’s next chapter.