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Cantina Calafia

4.6 (37 reviews)
Closed 4:30 pm - 9:00 PM

Cantina Calafia Photos

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CANTINA CALAFIA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Outdoor seating
Happy hour specials
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Cantina Calafia

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Pasionada
Cynthia S.

I always appreciate tight menus. Easy to choose and not making me overwhelmed. I ordered broiled oyster, full of flavour and bring me back to how restaurant served oyster in my home country. Pozole rojo even though it's in appetizer category but it's actually a dinner size. Delicious and hearty Also got matcha tress leches. I think this is the first time I ever had it in a corn cake format. Made in house, not sweet and the corn cake give good texture. As for the drink I ordered pasionada, the combination of tequila and mezcal with passion fruit. I ordered everything based on the bartenders recommendation. Totally enjoy the dinner experience here

Bar area

We ate off the happy hour menu since we sat at a high top in the bar area. We had made advanced reservations. Despite the fact that there were many empty booths available in the restaurant. That in itself was a disappointment!! The happy hour margarita consisted of mostly ice. We had about two or three sips at best. Service was fine and the food was okay. One thing that was challenging was that their street tacos only had one tortilla which immediately fell apart on the first bite. I don't think I'd go back anytime soon. There are better options in Portland.

Broiled oysters and fish taco
Eliesha R.

I will start with, I NEVER LEAVE REVIEWS...not even when food is bad. I'm from Los Angeles, live in Phoenix, and I cannot believe I just ate the most AMAZING Mexican food in Portland, ME. Domique has brought authentic, fresh Mexican food to New England and I hope you guys are NOT sleeping on this GEM! The best fish tacos and broiled oysters that will leave you wanting more. I will be back every time I come to Portland, and I will tell everyone I know... And don't forget to order the chamoy mango mocktail!

Donald D.

I lived on the Northshore of MA for many years visiting Portland throughout that time. Now in SW Florida I wanted to return to Portland to enjoy the weather, shopping and most of all the restaurants. I was tipped off to what was described as an "amazing" authentic Baja Mexican neighborhood restaurant, but how often have you gotten that "recommendation".....and it didn't live up to the recommendation. Well Cantina Calaia not only "lived up" but exceeded that in spades!!! It was truly a culinary adventure with one flavor better than the last from dish to dish! From the moment we walked towards the charming corner restaurant we could feel the cool vibe and that just continued when me and my girl sat at the end of the bar ready to explore the cocktails and menu! Amazing tequila's, unique wines, and great service from Alex the bartender, who was on the mark with every drink recommendation! Soon after settling into a phenomenal blanco neat, we were greeted with a bright , effervescent smile by the owner Dominique. A vibrant, gracious, woman originally from California. Instantly it all came together, the vibe, service, and feel all radiated from Dominique the owner! When you have experienced all this in the first few moments in a restaurant you had never been to, we just turned over all our dining decisions to Dominque! And again, like Alex she nailed each dish! We had the muscles and broiled oysters our apps.....these were some of the most delicious and unique flavors I have ever had and prepared in ways I have never even seen before! The flavors were even more amazing than the presentation.....I was blown away after the first bites of each!!! For entrees we had the steak and chicken dish (the menu changes frequently, but seems some staples like the oysters must remain). The steak cooked to perfection medium rare with succulent pepper spice and avocado tomatillos salsa. The chicken melted in your mouth with every juicy bite a new and unique flavor seemed to come through.....not sure how chef Kevin does that! We ended the culinary adventure with decadent tres leches ! Portions were plentiful and prices very reasonable. I am blessed to have eaten all around the world and can say I have never had a better meal and enjoyed myself more anywhere !!! Find your way to Cantina Calafia's you will be absolutely happy you did!!!

Carne asada fries
Anne S.

I heard about this takeout window in the West End from one of my foodie links and was excited to try it--and when they posted a photo of carne asada fries, I made a beeline for the place and was soooooo happy I did. Fries covered with perfectly tender meat with that great char taste and crispy ends; avocado crema and salsa; cheese and fresh cilantro and jalapeños--yum! (And it doesn't hurt to add a dash of Cholula hot sauce either, just sayin'.) Everything else coming out of the window looked great and smelled amazing. The menu varies: chicken and beef tacos, potato tacos, posole. There's a little board hung up outside the window telling you what they have that day (and you can check their Instagram account too). There's also a selection of drinks, including Mexican Coke, which really hits the spot. They've only been open for a month or two but clearly folks are in the know: there was a small group waiting for their orders when I tooled up, and after I got my order the line got even longer. For a tiny window they're super efficient: my order took maybe 5 minutes. My understanding is that the owners are planning on opening a larger restaurant once they finish renovating--for now, just find the window on Pine Street around the corner from the old Bonobo Pizza, where you'll see happy diners waiting for their orders!

interior - bar
Jane G.

Cantina Calafia is such a gem! Modern Mexican tapas with bright flavors-- fresh fish, creamy avocado, tangy citrus. The charred oysters are a must, along with the tuna aguachile (5 stars). Same with the tres leches cake and flan. I switched it up this time and ordered the heirloom tomato salad and a spicy mango mocktail, which were refreshing but not my favorite. Definitely worth a try, though. The Todo Limon cocktail from my prior visit still stands out as the best drink on their menu. Service was great, cozy and modern spot, fantastic food. Will be returning here regularly!

amazing flan and some sort of paloma
Jenny M.

Sooo good! Such a cool, chill space. My Mexican aunt from SoCal said the carnitas tacos and flan were the best she'd ever tasted. I loved the ceviche and the fish tacos -- huge pieces of crispy fish and not greasy at all. I don't normally drink cocktails (usu too sweet -- I'm more of a straight booze and soda water kinda girl), but they looked so good I tried one... and then a few more. We spent a few weeks in Portland this summer and as a native Californian, I needed some spice after all the butter and lobster (and bread). Grumpy teen daughter loved the carnitas tacos so much she went back during the day for the fried tacos from the window. Then wanted to go every day (she's like that). Her fav: the potato taco, which I thought sounded weird, but was the sh**. It's like a crunchy taco with a creamy french fry filling. omg

This is a delightful place, a rare gem in today's generally underwhelming restaurant scene. Hip, casual atmosphere, friendly and efficient service. And the food! Fresh takes on Mexi-Cali dishes with delightful blends of savory, piquant and spicy -- all at a reasonable price. Muy delicioso!

Duck
George M.

We took a chance on a Saturday night at this newly opened Baja Cali joint around 7:30pm and got a table! The west end is, of course, a bit sleepier than downtown and we were happy to get a warm greeting here on a chilly night. There are few other walkable options other than Chaval before you hit Longfellow Square. The space is snazzy, clean and too dark for good food pics. Cocktails interesting but loved the tequila and mezcal menu with a dynamite sotol, too. The hit of the evening were the Maine razor clams with ramps. While outstanding they were surprisingly expensive at $10 a clam, but worth it. The rest of the menu was reasonably priced including a large duck platter (breast, confit tamale, tortillas) for "2-4 people" at $50. It really was a large enough dish for 3. Mushroom refried bean dish was good and the tres leches a perfect end.

Lengua tacos with homemade tortillas! Lighting at the bar makes it look a bit wonky, but taste is off the charts!
Youval K.

Had an absolutely amazing dinner at the bar. Loved chatting with the owner, Dominique, who recommended a couple of excellent tequilas from her fantastic selection. Tuna aguachile was delicious. The broiled oysters with chile lime butter were incredible. And the lengua tacos were among the best I have ever eaten! Can't wait to go back!

Chicken Rolled Tacos and No es Pituko Orange Wine

We just serendipitously stopped in for lunch. It's a small venue but the service was excellent. The fact that the menu is not extensive means everything is done very very well. Our tacos were served with a delicious side of homemade roasted tomato salsa. I must say, the Maple Churro with Dolce de Leche on the side was probably the best Churro we've ever eaten! They've only recently been open for lunch, so we're eager to try them at dinner!

Pozole rojo...omg this is bursting with flavor.  The best thing for a cold day.  So friggin delicious.

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6 months ago

the food and service are sub par. The menu is very limited and it's over priced. Very disappointed.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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9 months ago

Yummy taquitos! We enjoyed our lunch break here. I got the chicken and my partner got beef. Both were delicious.

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

Waited 30 minutes for drinks that didn't even come out. Left, only go if you have hours to wait

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2 years ago

charming staff, fun and colorful vibe, perfect place for date night or friend groups... best flan in town and creative drinks !!

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Central Provisions - Open kitchen

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Scales - Open concept kitchen

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Cantina Calafia - mexican - Updated May 2026

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