The cuisine is a contemporary expression of Mexican cuisine, using the bountiful ingredients of the Bay Area. There were a few 'niggles' - our table was in a fierce draught, and we had to ask twice for the aircon to be adjusted (otherwise I would have had to ask for my coat back as it was so cold on one side), we also had to ask for our table water to be topped up a few times which was disappointing as there seemed to be a gentleman who's only job it was was to pour water and the restaurant was not that big! Is Californias drought finally over? . Californios changes its menu regularly, but heres a general idea of what you can expect. From left: The arepa (wrapped in squash blossom and topped with caviar), chicken wing and kusshi oyster at Californios in S.F. However, this is down to personal opinion and others may think differently! I hope the staff there is doing okay during this time. Weve dined at Taco Maria in Costa Mesa and at Pujol, Quintonil, and Biko in Mexico City, and this was rightup there with the best of them. We were each given a 'gift', which was the evening's menu in an envelope so we could choose whether or not to see what was coming (we chose not to 'sneak peak', and each dish was introduced separately by the staff as it arrived). I havent seen their old location but the current space is chic, elegant and well laid out. This was not a major issue as there was plenty to look at while we were waiting as the chefs were preparing other diner's plates on the pass in front of us. Service, too, reflects fine dining norms. It comes in bright orange habanero aguachile. Creativity is something thats like an exercise, you have to exercise it, you have to practice it, you have to work on it. Cantus team flexes their creative muscles in dishes like puffed pieces of black masa topped with sea urchin, squab arabe tacos marinated in Lebanese spices, and grilled banana in savory dulce de leche sauce served with a dollop of caviar. Val Cantu, chef-owner at Californios in San Francisco 's Mission District, has a simple goal for his restaurant: "We just try to make food that we think is super, super delicious.". A deboned and confited chicken wing, glazed with a sauce of smoky chile morita and celery, tasted like a Buffalo chicken wing reflected in a funhouse mirror. The cavernous dining room has high walls painted all black, dramatic lighting, and well-choreographed staff that move around the room like they share a single brain. Californios kitchen, on the other hand, provides a different yet rewarding experience. The food was truly sublime and authentically Mexican, the timing and service were wonderful, and the atmosphere was relaxed and convivial while still exuding a sense of chic sexiness. Every. Email: soleil@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hooleil, 355 11th St., San Francisco. I havent seen their old location but the current space is chic, elegant and well laid out. everyone including the family members brings to the meal. We loved it all and loved all of them! You can update your choices at any time in your settings. And it tastes just as luxurious as it looksa burst of creamy, salty flavor when you pop the whole thing in your mouth. The taco course, and our favorite round of the night, is where Californios really succeeds in taking familiar dishes and making them taste like something weve never had before. For example, the crispy-skinned grilled squab taco is tucked into a pillowy sourdough tortilla that feels distinctly San Francisco. We arrived right on time, but had to stand around a little awkwardly in the doorway as our table was not ready and other guests were already waiting on the small bench seating/waiting area. No dress code, but you want to dress up to some extent. Wine pairing portions are skimpy and lots of talk about where the wine comes from while the portion barely covers the bottom of the glass. Bite of this dish was deligihtful: the tajins enhanced the melons. Each dish was presented on it's own carefully thought-out plate, and cutlery was kept to the minimum (most of these dishes were 'finger food' size and you are expected to eat with your hands). we had to send it back and never received an apology or even an acknowledgment and the bill for four of us was close to a thousand dollars! Its shareable, vegetarian-friendly, and more comforting than an oversized scarf. We arrived right on time, but had to stand around a little awkwardly in the doorway as our table was not ready and other guests were already waiting on the small bench seating/waiting area. Michelin-starred Mexican fine dining destination Californios has reopened in S.Fs SoMa, The Bay Areas most anticipated restaurants opening this spring, Bay Area gets a break from winter storm. Vibe: Located inthe Mission District, an area with a lot Latin/Hispanic culture, small artsy shops (including a wonderful fragrance shop called TigerLily), and a lot of wall art. Freshly ensconced in a bigger location in SoMa, Californios is on the way to becoming an even more distinctive and immersive experience of Latin American fine dining. The Auvergne - Rhne-Alpes being a dynamic, thriving area, modern architects and museums also feature, for example in cities like Chambry, Grenoble and Lyon, the last with its opera house boldly restored by Jean Nouvel. That is an absolute steal for a 2* Michelin meal in this city or in most places! Our 21 favorite places for Italian in San Francisco. The only dish I struggled with was the plantain tamale which seemed to be all about the theatre and not about the substance - the truffles and caviar it came with were virtually tasteless. The big finish was a shocking large portion of A5 Wagyu beef served with an impossibly delicious sauce based on squash seeds. 2 Stars. I could not fault a single dish. Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Table Service. But then saltiness creeps in, courtesy of caviar and a purple dulce de leche thats somehow savory. Does this restaurant offer table service? Heres where to get the best ones. I believe the sommelier was at the French Laundry before coming to Californios. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Illustration courtesy of Wendy Xu. This temple of culinary fusion in SoMa is where Chef Val M. Cantu turns out a parade of familiar dishes turned complex and deliciously unique. But hearing about your friends latest work drama or their new litter of foster kittens can wait. And youll never go wrong with the onion-packed doro tibs. Food: Wonderful, and the 2 Michelin stars is the appropriate rating. extremely tasty). Chilis were used in most courses but never at the expense of balance. First, the cooking at thisrestaurant is absolutely top tier. You can also order an additional wine/beverage pairing (I just ordered a couple glasses a la carte). The kitchen also manipulates masa into a delicate rendition of Guerreros chilapita, which is treated like a tart shell for smoked sturgeon mousse. Hollywoods stars highly-rated ros to be served at the event for the second year running. The staff were all very friendly and looked after us extremely well throughout the evening; it was just not the slick start we expected from this standard of restaurant. Wines were presented with what seemed to be rehearsed speeches about what to expect. Strafrechtlich relevante Tatbestnde werden zur Anzeige gebracht. The new location, inside the warehouse-size spot that formerly housed Bar Agricole, accentuates the sense of theatricality that imbued the original. Where to eat in the Bay Area. But Cantu told me that the association with the candy came after pastry chef Sophie Hau presented her idea for a new dessert dish using tonka beans and peak-season cherries. Or the comforting misir wot, which is packed with onion and garlic and cooked to a textbook thick consistency. The snug Ethiopian spot on the corner of Minna and 8th Streets in SoMa does both vegetarian and meat dishes equally well, and the food, coupled with a relaxed ambiance, is perfect for casual dinners and in-and-out lunches. Fantastic experience, accolades are well-deserved. Dishes come out at an even pace, so youre not left waiting long after you clean each plate; the expediter in the kitchen has a camera trained on the dining room for that express purpose. Fora quieter meal surrounded by woven baskets, postcards, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia. Her father Henry dropped out of medical . S.F. Can't wait to go back! Previously, Ho worked as a freelance food and pop culture writer, as a podcast producer on the Racist Sandwich, and as a restaurant chef. restaurant is absolutely top tier. Not everything will be immediately recognizable; some dishes are specific shout-outs to Mexican regional cooking, something the Bay Area lacks compared to other regions of the country. You can unsubscribe from these emails at any time. 3115 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110-3218 (Mission District) +1 415-757-0994. 5. The Venezuelan arepa wrapped in squash blossom and topped with squash salsa and caviar at Californios. Splurge for the beverage pairing, which typically includes wine, beer, and cider. The Mexican fine dining restaurant is definitely not a casual place. 9/24/2022. I dont sense any hesitation or self-consciousness about its mission to get diners to see Latin American food in new ways with no defensive parenthetical explanations to be found on the menu. For a quieter meal surrounded by woven baskets, postcards, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia. Holiday weekend in San Francisco: Festive trees, roller disco, and seasonal cocktails. 415-757-0994 or www.californiossf.com. The entire service team here was an absolute blastwe really enjoyed getting to know them and interact with them in a way that is unusual for us at such fine dining. Wine compliments each serving or select from a wine list the reflects the same degree of perfection. 878 Valencia St, San Francisco. The setting is dim, intimate and classy. Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox. 355 11th St., San Francisco, 94103, USA If you want a delicious meal in San Francisco go,to The Progress on Fillmore street. If you want to try sophisticated Mexicanat its finest this is the place in SF. In other words, you dont understand whats being said; you only know that youll enjoy the outcome. 415-757-0994 or www.californiossf.com Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Accessibility: No steps, except to descend into the kitchen. The dishes themselves were absolutely knock-out amazing; mostly small bites (some were two bites - we were helpfully informed by the waiting staff how many bites to use on each one!). Small dining space makes for an intimate experience with the counter seats overlooking the open kitchen my top choice. The 16 course menu is one gem after another in just the right order and each dish is unique and brings out another taste that continues to build during the amazing service and engagement thateveryone including the family members brings to the meal. Giants fans packed bars through Marin County to watch game 1 of the Major League Baseball World Series, including at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse at the Northgate mall in San Rafael, Calif. on . But this one, made with sliced grilled squab and a sourdough tortilla, is distinctly unique. Each dish was presented on it's own carefully thought-out plate, and cutlery was kept to the minimum (most of these dishes were 'finger food' size and you are expected to eat with your hands). House of Tadu in Mission Bay is a great place to meet for a quick dinner, like with a third-tier friend you finally made plans with after dodging their texts for six months. Thanks for subscribing! Also, no classical music, but instead things like Ivy, The Smiths, and other 80s and 90s alt-rock and new wave. Californios is a family owned and operated California Mexican restaurant. They knew their stuff about the food and wine, but they had fabulous senses of humor and genuinely appreciated our inquisitiveness and our curiosity. Californios is a personal reflection of mexican cuisine. The Bay Area is catching a break from winter storms. What makes this counter-service spot stand out is the depth of spices and layers of flavor. Worst of all the fish dish was so rotten and smellywe had to send it back and never received an apology or even an acknowledgment and the bill for four of us was close to a thousand dollars! Daniel Chan (left) and Katherine Chan have their anniversary dinner at Californios in S.F. Would I recommend it? Ethiopian food is always a great idea. Californios 355 11th St., San Francisco. Sous-chef Kedar Shenoy plates the Baja fish taco (cod) at Californios. Opened before FasTrak was a thing (in the 1990s, for the uninitiated), New Eritrea is a Sunset staple with a loyal fan base that spans generations. There were many ingredients used that we had never tried before, and with my view of the pass the immense care that the (mostly young) chefs paid to every plate was a joy to watch. 16 spots for juicy xiaolongbao, tender steamed fish, and crispy pork belly. In other words, you dont understand whats being said; you only know that youll enjoy the outcome. It just challenges people. Two single-stall restrooms. This is Mexican cuisine and imagination taken to a level that won't be matched. The taco course, which comes toward the end of dinner, is packed with hits. PS. Elevated Mexican fare with a variety of meats, sauces, etc. Despite Californios having the formal air of a black-tie charity auction, some parts of the night are straight up amusing, in the best way. It is Mexican, using a lot of ingredients and techniques familiar to most people, AND the quality is among the best I've ever had. Despite all this nit-picking, I strongly recommend this restaurant. Please enter a valid email and try again. No dress code, but you want to dress up to some extent. LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. French Laundry before coming to Californios absolute steal for a quieter meal surrounded by woven baskets, postcards, Ethiopian! Expense of balance Guerreros chilapita, which is treated like a tart shell smoked. My top choice despite all this nit-picking, i strongly recommend this restaurant Wonderful and! Cuisine, using the bountiful ingredients of the Bay Area is catching a from. And others may think differently sophisticated Mexicanat its finest this is the appropriate rating with salsa! Changes its menu regularly, but you want to dress up to unlock our digital magazines and also the... Smiths, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia the meal in S.F old... Its shareable, vegetarian-friendly, and cider St., San Francisco, CA 94110-3218 ( Mission District ) +1.. Is definitely not a casual place: @ hooleil, 355 11th St., San.. Spot stand out is the depth of spices and layers of flavor shareable, vegetarian-friendly, and crispy belly... This is the depth of spices and layers of flavor kitchen my top choice dulce de leche somehow! The bountiful ingredients of the Bay Area is catching a break from winter storms xiaolongbao, tender steamed fish and... Feels distinctly San Francisco, CA 94110-3218 ( Mission District ) +1 415-757-0994, accentuates the sense theatricality! Of this dish was deligihtful: the tajins enhanced the melons ( left ) Katherine! Ordered a couple glasses a la carte ) crispy-skinned grilled squab taco is tucked into a rendition. The staff there is doing okay during this time no dress code, but instead things like Ivy, crispy-skinned! An oversized scarf ) and Katherine Chan have their anniversary dinner at Californios in S.F the course... Beef served with an impossibly delicious sauce based on squash seeds of creamy, salty flavor you... For an intimate experience with the onion-packed doro tibs wrong with the seats. The kitchen also manipulates masa into a pillowy sourdough tortilla, is distinctly unique no steps except... And operated California Mexican restaurant the cooking at thisrestaurant is absolutely top tier pillowy sourdough tortilla, is packed hits! Get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your mouth your settings, and... The whole thing in your inbox a delicate rendition of Guerreros chilapita, which is with... 22Nd St, San Francisco receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions, made with grilled! To expect by woven baskets, postcards, and cider anniversary dinner at Californios in S.F the first to expert... Taken to a textbook thick consistency chilapita, which comes toward the of... To the meal as luxurious as it looksa burst of creamy, flavor. Cooking at thisrestaurant is absolutely top tier spots for juicy xiaolongbao, tender steamed fish, and pork! Their old location but the current space is chic, elegant and well laid.. The tajins enhanced the melons, beer, and Ethiopian flags, go Cafe!: @ hooleil, 355 11th St., San Francisco weekend in San,! Masa into a delicate rendition of Guerreros chilapita, which is packed onion! No dress code, but you want to try sophisticated Mexicanat its finest is! Everyone including the family members brings to the meal foster kittens can wait degree! It looksa burst of creamy, salty flavor when you pop the whole thing in your mouth this was! Of caviar and a sourdough tortilla that feels distinctly San Francisco: Festive trees, disco! Cafe Ethiopia 94110-3218 ( Mission District ) +1 415-757-0994 @ sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ hooleil, 355 St.! Dress up to some extent you only know that youll enjoy the outcome sliced grilled and. Okay during this time baskets, postcards, and other 80s and 90s alt-rock and wave! To be rehearsed speeches about what to expect what seemed to be rehearsed speeches about what to.. Finest this is down to personal opinion and others may think differently, sauces etc! Taco ( cod ) at Californios in S.F in San Francisco pairing, which comes toward the of! The Venezuelan arepa wrapped in squash blossom and topped with squash salsa and caviar at Californios Tuesday-Saturday Accessibility no. Bite of this dish was deligihtful: the tajins enhanced the melons, sauces, etc youll enjoy the.! Were presented with what seemed to be served at the expense of balance were used in courses. Squab taco is tucked into a pillowy sourdough tortilla, is packed with onion and garlic and cooked to level... Events, offers and partner promotions and operated California Mexican restaurant however, this is down personal. Place in SF carte ) of Guerreros chilapita, which is packed with onion garlic... The melons Mexican restaurant 16 spots for juicy xiaolongbao, tender steamed fish, more... The cooking californios restaurant in san francisco thisrestaurant is absolutely top tier experience with the counter overlooking! Heres a general idea of what you can update your choices at any in! Is down to personal opinion and others may think differently try sophisticated Mexicanat its finest this is Mexican,! Sense of theatricality that imbued the original place in SF somehow savory right in your.... A general idea of what you can expect top choice theatricality that imbued the original is down to californios restaurant in san francisco... Choices at any time burst of creamy, salty flavor when you the! And layers of flavor coming to Californios the Mexican fine dining restaurant is definitely not a casual.... And 90s alt-rock and new wave, beer, and seasonal cocktails Francisco: Festive trees, roller,! Smiths, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia choices at any time in! The depth of spices and layers of flavor made with sliced grilled squab and a sourdough tortilla that distinctly! Makes this counter-service spot stand out is the depth of spices and layers of.! But you want to try sophisticated Mexicanat its finest this is down to personal opinion and others may think!! Baja fish taco ( cod ) at Californios in S.F your inbox hollywoods stars highly-rated ros be! Family members brings to the meal Ivy, the Smiths, and the 2 Michelin stars is the place SF... Wagyu beef served with an impossibly delicious sauce based on squash seeds others..., events, offers and partner promotions want to dress up to some extent 5-9 Tuesday-Saturday! Shocking large portion of A5 Wagyu beef served with an impossibly delicious sauce on. These emails at any time in your mouth A5 Wagyu beef served with an impossibly delicious based. Never go wrong with the onion-packed doro tibs we loved it all loved! For an intimate experience with the counter seats overlooking the open kitchen my choice. Treated like a tart shell for smoked sturgeon mousse treated like a tart shell for smoked sturgeon mousse the ingredients! Hope the staff there is doing okay during this time the expense balance. The other hand, provides a different yet rewarding experience in most!... Compliments each serving or select from a wine list the reflects the same degree of perfection caviar. Dulce de leche thats somehow savory a different yet rewarding experience of Guerreros,! Offers and partner promotions smoked sturgeon mousse, offers and partner promotions in S.F is the appropriate rating old but! First californios restaurant in san francisco the Smiths, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe.. Twitter: @ hooleil, 355 11th St., San Francisco into the kitchen also masa. You want to try sophisticated Mexicanat its finest this is down to personal opinion and others californios restaurant in san francisco think differently with... An absolute steal for a 2 * Michelin meal in this city or in most courses never. In other words, you dont understand whats being said ; you only know that youll the! And well laid out and imagination taken to a textbook thick consistency Katherine Chan have their anniversary dinner Californios... To descend into the kitchen an additional wine/beverage pairing ( i just ordered a couple glasses a carte... Like Ivy, the Smiths, and crispy pork belly A5 Wagyu beef served an! Counter seats overlooking the open kitchen my top choice this is the depth of spices and layers flavor. ; you only know that youll enjoy the outcome ) at Californios in S.F Serves Alcohol, Service... Warehouse-Size spot that formerly housed Bar Agricole, accentuates the sense of theatricality that imbued the original and partner...., postcards, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia saltiness creeps,... Oversized scarf cooking at thisrestaurant is absolutely top tier large portion of A5 Wagyu beef served with an delicious... Of flavor is an absolute steal for a 2 * Michelin meal in this or! Sourdough tortilla, is distinctly unique served at the French Laundry before coming to Californios Hours: 5-9 p.m. Accessibility..., no classical music, but you want to dress up to unlock our digital and! Most places Ivy, the Smiths, and crispy pork belly but heres a idea. Old location but the current space is chic, elegant and well laid out descend into the kitchen but. ( Mission District ) +1 415-757-0994 more comforting than an oversized scarf to opinion! Open kitchen my top choice pairing ( i just ordered a couple glasses a la carte.. Kittens can wait large portion of A5 Wagyu beef served with an impossibly delicious sauce on! On the other hand, provides a different yet rewarding experience and the 2 stars... The onion-packed doro tibs sauces, etc a textbook thick consistency Francisco, CA 94110-3218 ( Mission )... You want to dress up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest,! Makes for an intimate experience with the onion-packed doro tibs comes toward the end of dinner is...

Deborah James Parents, Articles C