Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Maria Isabel Photos

    MARIA ISABEL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Maria Isabel

    Recommended Reviews - Maria Isabel

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Artichoke Tetela
    Nathan L.

    Pretty good - didn't fully live up to the hype or the impossible to get reservations, but was enjoyable nonetheless. Glad I tried but won't rush back. We walked in on a Wednesday. They keep 4 counter spots open for walk-ins and the other two didn't fill up until 630. Drinks were amazing! I particularly enjoyed an NA cocktail and their chocolate drink selections. Cocktails were unique to SF and very tasty. Great Mexican wine and spirit selection. Food was hit or miss - sea urchin tomalito was the winner of the night! Ceviche acapulqueño was okay - warming spices in ceviche was odd. Artichoke tetela delicateness overpowered by the salsa matcha. Black cod was a deconstructed zarandeado but lacked the signature smokiness of that dish. All told the food felt like more muted versions of traditional regional Mexican dishes. The ambience on the 'dark side' aka the bar side is where it's at - I would try to sit over there.

    Chorizo y Queso Fundido: Green & Red Chorizo, salsa morita, sourdough tortillas de harina ($26)
    Cherylynn N.

    531... In one day, 531 rezzies were made for Maria Isabel (that's what OpenTable showed). You would think they were giving away an exclusive tote or a tumbler with dinner! Opening today, Maria Isabel comes from the culinary power couple behind Dalida, Noosh, and Istanbul Modern. With Michelin and fine-dining pedigrees, they've earned numerous accolades, and Chef Laura was a semi-finalist on Top Chef. Indoor dining for dinner only. For now, they're not accepting walk-ins. No takeout available. M E N U Modern, regional Mexican cuisine inspired by Chef Laura's family roots in Guerrero and Sinaloa, using seasonal Californian ingredients. A la carte menu or chef's tasting menu ($90 pp for 6-7 courses). Full bar. D R I N K S * Mama Chuy Laurel Gin, shaken w/ twist ($14): https://tinyurl.com/2jh4xve6 * House Margarita ($18) Stiff cocktails! They have a thoughtfully curated selection of small-batch Mexican beer, wine, bubbly, and spirits that you won't find in the city. F O O D * Aguachile Negro: Pacific Yellowtail & Monterey Bay Squid w/ ajo blanco, mooli radish, pork chicharrónes ($23): https://tinyurl.com/2ny3r382 Great palate opener with fresh, citrusy flavors and soft-crunchy contrasting textures. Just wish there were four pieces of yellowtail instead of three. * Chorizo y Queso Fundido: Green & Red Chorizo, salsa morita, sourdough tortillas de harina ($26) Who can resist a sexy cheese pull?! The bubbly molten cheese is crowned with a garlicky spiced red chorizo and a pistachio studded green chorizo. While rich, it's balanced by the slight tang of the chewy sourdough tortillas. Loved the tortillas so we ordered extra (2 pc-$5). * Duck Carnitas Enmoladas w/ mole negro, rhubarb manchamanteles, plantain ($32): https://tinyurl.com/2kne39y5 Deeply rooted in Mexican home cooking but elevated with a modern flair, the soft corn tortillas are filled with savory duck confit and smothered with two moles: negro (rich, earthy, subtly bitter) and manchamantales (fruity, savory-sweet). Each mole had depth with a distinctive flavor profile that was complementary and kept each bite interesting. If you order the chef's tasting menu, the enmoladas include two additional moles: verde and blanco. * Lamb Ribs Barbacoa w/ lamb consommé, fermented carrots, tortilla ($46): https://tinyurl.com/ye2fm448 Incredibly tender, richly-marbled ribs with a crispy bark and savory smoky flavor. Use the tortilla to pull the meat off the bone and dip into the flavorful consommé. DIY lamb birria tacos! SO BOMB. To nitpick, the nixtamalized corn tortillas were dry and crispy around the edges. * Skinny Churros w/ palo santo chocolate & strawberry chamoy sauce ($14): https://tinyurl.com/52e88ca8 Crunchier and less doughy than your typical churros, they're coated in warm cinnamon sugar and served with two delicious dips: a rich, earthy dark chocolate and a tangy strawberry chamoy with a sweet heat kick. Balanced, not too sweet. S E R V I C E Warm, polished, and attentive service by Jerry and the GM. Courses were well-paced, water glasses were never left empty, and fresh plates and utensils were replaced between courses. A M B I A N C E Intimate dining area with earth tones and modern touches. With the resto named after Chef Laura's mother (Maria) and sister (Isabel), the dining area is split into two distinct rooms each with its own unique vibe. For a hot date, request a table at the sultry Isabel room with lounge and bar seating. P A R K I N G Residential street parking IS hard so allot an extra 15-20 minutes. Overall, solid opening day. If you're looking for an elevated Mexican dining experience that honors traditional flavors while showcasing seasonal California ingredients and modern techniques, Maria Isabel will be your jam.

    Menu
    Kunalan S.

    Maria Isabel is an upscale Mexican restaurant from the chefs behind Dalida. Dalida is one of my favorite restaurants in SF, so I had been eagerly awaiting Maria Isabel's opening. After dining here, I feel disappointed. Irregardless of what expectations I may have had coming in, the tasting menu did not deliver for the price of admission. The servers were friendly and cheerful, but I did find them to be slow at refilling water and a bit messy at clearing the tables. If the price were lower I would consider recommending it, but as it stands I just can't. Quelites Salad One of the highlights of the night. The prickly pear sorbet provided tang and creaminess that balanced the meaty nopales. Smoked Mussel Sope A disharmonious hodge-podge of flavors. The earthiness of the grasshopper and nuts overpowered the smoked mussels. There was too much avocado. The sope itself was extremely greasy. Cod a la Talla My other highlight of the night. The cod was beautifully cooked and the charred pineapple was a great topping. Duck Carnitas Enmolada The duck was devastatingly mediocre. The tortilla was crumbly. The moles were all fine. Gaonera Taco The ribeye was beautifully cooked. But the tortilla is once again crumbly, and a bit dense as well. In fact, I found the corn tortilla obscured the flavors of the meat. I found the salsas to be meh. A larger complaint I have is that there was no heat or spiciness in any of the food. Gelatina de Mosaico Since it was my dining partner's birthday, they gave us a small jello treat. It mostly tasted of gelatin. The flavors were barely noticeable. Conchita A fine dessert, but underwhelming for the price. I'll close with the caveat that this was their first day open. They assured us they've already ironed out inconsistencies in the menu. Still, since it was opening night, I'm giving this a 3 instead of a 2.

    Linda H.

    This place is such a gem! Hard to get resy so I booked a month in advance for the tasting menu. It was absolutely delicious. Started with the mezcal cocktail which was a little sweet and perfect with my meal. The quelites salad had sorbet when mixed with the crème underneath was a Sweet and savory dressing, perfection. The sope was filling, dense taco with almost chili like salsa and mussels. The caldo was one of my faves. The cod was cooked perfectly. I only wish there was more of it! The duck carnitas was also my fave. I've never had duck like this, where it almost falls apart. Seasoned so well. The mole sauces were inventive, creative and a journey of the tastebuds. I personally enjoyed the original mole the best but it was so nice to try the others. The rib eye taco was also good and paired well with the salsa. Lastly the dessert was fantastic. Ice cream inside a crunchy crust concha and banana cream on the side. For someone who's not a huge fan of Mexican food, duck, or banana cream...this restaurant turned that upside down. This place knocked it out of the park for me. Few places I would go to again and again. This is one of them. I feel with time, their menu may change with seasons and I can't wait to see what they come up with. Excellent tasting menu and experience! Hands down will be back!!

    Duck Carnitas Enmolada
    Vinh T.

    Was excited to try the tasting menu on opening night. The tasting menu was $90 for 6 dishes - salad - sope (mussel) - 3 tacos (fish, duck, ribeye) - dessert The dessert was my favorite dish followed by the sope. Overall, it was good, not extremely memorable. We were the only ones near us that got the tasting menu. The other dishes looked a lot better, I wished we wouldn't have done the tasting menu. 2 tasting menus and 4 drinks, total was around $350. We aren't huge foodie people but like to treat ourselves every one in a while. Worth it? Probably not, but we had an overall good time! I will definitely come back to try the regular menu!

    I loved everything about this place, except the parking situation. Service was excellent, food was the star. We enjoyed this date night. Can't wait to go back and try other dishes. I don't have to travel to Oaxaca or Mexico City for delicious food. It all started with the margarita with mezcal, perfection!! Followed by more perfection = FOOD!! Thinking the chicken milanesa with that amazing green sauce was my favorite but so was the tétela. I would probably not order the ceviche next time.

    Ceviche!
    Robert G.

    Came in during their very first week open and somehow... everything was already flawless. That almost never happens, but here we are. First impression: this place is gorgeous. There are two dining rooms and both are stunning, with incredible wallpaper and design touches that make the space feel special without being stuffy. It strikes that perfect balance of stylish and comfortable. The food is just as impressive. Every dish came out beautifully plated, nicely paced, with thoughtful, nuanced ingredients that made things feel elevated while still deeply satisfying. And the portions are generous--especially for the price. Also: tortillas. So. Many. Tortillas. Different kinds, constantly appearing, warm and perfect. What a carb filled dream. Standouts for us: Queso fundido with house-made chorizos (the pistachio chorizo was so special) Scallop and shrimp ceviche, super fresh and bright Lamb ribs birria style, rich and deeply flavorful And the best sopes I've had in a long time The whole meal honestly took me back to nights in Mexico City--amazing food, lively energy, and dishes that feel both traditional and creative. Another thing I loved: the owners are present and visible, checking in and clearly proud of their new project. That kind of energy and care for staff showed in the service, which was top notch--casual, warm, and felt genuinely friendly. My only "complaint?" We got too excited and ordered too much and were too full for dessert. Why did we do this to ourselves?! Already counting the days until we go back (reservations are a challenge... but I have hope!). Don't sleep on this spot!

    Veg dumplings with mushrooms

    Food was creative and tasty, service was a bit uneven (had to ask someone to take our order), the window coverings must be improved to better block the sun (multiple patrons had to move seats to avoid looking into the sun and glare coming off of car windows). We are huge fans of Dalida, so expectations were high, and must admit the experience fell short of expectations. Would only return if we were in the area and needed a place to go.

    Pulpo tostada (L) and another amazing seafood dish, the name of which escapes me at the moment but was one of my favorites.

    See all

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ellen H.
    59
    591
    105

    17 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 50
    Thanks 27
    Love this 42
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    14 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vinh T.
    0
    25
    11

    3 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Arcelia L.
    266
    22
    32

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa M.
    1
    187
    71

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susan C.
    218
    24
    14

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1
    Photo of J. H.
    0
    14
    1

    9 days ago

    Lovely setting, outstanding food, incredible service. Loved the black cod in particular. Recommend!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Navid A.
    164
    10
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Callie C.
    0
    158
    85

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Just go! Every dish is incredible. Service perfect. Fabulous, creative menu. Great bar selection. What an experience!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Maria Isabel Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Maria Isabel

    You might also consider

    Colibri Mexican Bistro - Pastel Chocolate

    Colibri Mexican Bistro

    3.9(2.9k reviews)
    1.0 miPresidio
    $$$

    We came in on a nice Saturday and the restaurant was really lively. We were able to make a same-day…read morereservation without too much trouble, but it was definitely busy, so I'm glad we did. We started with a guacamole bowl for the table and a few drinks. Service was friendly and prompt throughout. Our group ordered a mix of enchiladas, tacos, and some brunch items, and everyone was really impressed with their meals. I had the carnitas tacos (listed as an appetizer, so a bit smaller), but they still came with a generous amount of meat and fresh toppings. I added some salsa from the chips to give them an extra kick They also have nice outdoor seating, and it's within walking distance to views of the bridge and the presidio lawn. Overall, it's a cute spot with great food!

    El Colibrí Mexican Cuisine…read more Absolutely loved this place! The food, drinks, and staff were all amazing. Everything we tried was full of flavor and fresh. The cochinita pibil was tender and perfectly seasoned, the ceviche enchiladas were unique and delicious, and the guacamole was fresh and so tasty. The drinks were just as good, and the staff made the whole experience even better with their friendly and attentive service. Highly recommend if you're looking for great Mexican food and a fun atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back !!!

    Photos
    Colibri Mexican Bistro - Private Room

    Private Room

    Colibri Mexican Bistro - The main dish. Carnitas

    The main dish. Carnitas

    Colibri Mexican Bistro - Aqua Fresca flavor today is watermelon. Very tasty by adding a rimmed of salt and spice. You need to request that

    See all

    Aqua Fresca flavor today is watermelon. Very tasty by adding a rimmed of salt and spice. You need to request that

    Los Moles - Carnitas Don Pedro Lunch

    Los Moles

    3.9(1.5k reviews)
    9.4 mi
    $$

    I've been passing by Los Moles for years and never stopped in until we had a graduation dinner…read morethere for my niece. The main reason I never went before was the parking situation, which honestly can be a little challenging, but for this visit we found parking down the block and around the corner. The short walk after dinner ended up being nice anyway. We had reservations, although we did wait about 15 extra minutes while another party finished their meal. My family member pointed out they were enjoying drinks, so that probably added some time. The waiter was very friendly, attentive, and clearly trying to get us seated as quickly as possible. Water was brought to the table right away, and our drink order was taken promptly. I ordered the chicken salad and was pleasantly surprised to learn the mango vinaigrette dressing did not contain oils, since I personally avoid seed oils. The salad was fresh and delicious. Some of my family members ordered the buffet, which looked incredible. At first it seemed like too much food for me that day, but once I saw everything included, I started thinking maybe I should have ordered it too since it was only about seven dollars more. They brought complimentary chips, guacamole, and salsa to the table, and everything was so flavorful. The guacamole was especially delicious, and they happily refilled the chips several times. I finally understood why the restaurant is called "Los Moles" because their mole sauces are outstanding. I got to try some from my son's plate, and it definitely made me want to come back and explore more of the different mole options. They also offer vegetarian choices, which is great. Although I am very particular about cooking surfaces, my food is cooked on and in, the Mexican coffee which was heated in some type of who knows what metal, had a good flavor. It inspired me to re-create it at home. Another standout for me was the freshly made corn tortillas served with the meals. They were soft, warm, and incredibly good. I also tried the beans, which were full of flavor. Overall, this restaurant really stood out in my memory, and I definitely want to return someday to try more moles.

    Los Molés All-You-Can-Eat Taco Buffet in Emeryville: Taco Heaven on a Tuesday…read more Los Molés in Emeryville hosts a fantastic all-you-can-eat taco buffet on Tuesdays that's perfect for families and crowds. It was a busy night with the place packed, but we got our food super quickly despite the hustle ~ impressive service kept everything moving smoothly. The variety blew us away on our first visit: tons of different meats seasoned just right, heaps of fresh vegetables, and generous portions of everything you could imagine. You can go back for seconds (or thirds) as many times as you like, and every bite was packed with bold, flavorful goodness. The horchata was a refreshing highlight too ~ creamy and spot-on. The busy, fun atmosphere made it an ideal spot to bring kids, with non-stop energy and satisfied smiles all around. We'll definitely be back for more of this taco feast! Highly recommend.

    Photos
    Los Moles - Event set up

    Event set up

    Los Moles - Moles

    Moles

    Los Moles - Friends and food

    See all

    Friends and food

    Tacubaya - Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

    Tacubaya

    3.6(1.2k reviews)
    9.8 miFourth Street, West Berkeley
    $$

    I was having a craving for lengua tacos and a friend suggesting coming here for lunch and I was…read morequite surprised. They were so good. We also got fried plantains and tuna ceviche that were both tasty. The ceviche was covered in a chile sauce, which I wasn't expecting but a delightful surprise. The staff was also very friendly and prices were also reasonable. We came on a weekend lunch time but there was plenty of seating but parking is always a bit challenging in this shopping area.

    You walk up to place your order. This was our second time here because we were looking for a place…read morewhere we could get a good meal quickly. We ordered fish taco, carnitas taco, two lengua tacos, a shredded beef enchilada, and a beef and chicken enchilada. We also ordered chips with guacamole and salsa. I personally had the fish taco and the carnitas taco. I loved the carnitas taco , it was absolutely delicious. The meat was tender and perfectly seasoned. The fish taco was good as well, but next time I would prefer it on a hard shell instead of a soft shell. My dad had the lengua tacos and said the lengua was very tender and flavorful. He said he would definitely order them again. My husband really enjoyed his enchiladas and thought they were very good. We also ordered wine with our meal, and our food came out right away. Overall, if you're looking for a place with good food that's reasonably priced and served quickly, this is a great spot. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth giving it a try.

    Photos
    Tacubaya - Take a number

    Take a number

    Tacubaya - Chile relleno, 11/2024

    Chile relleno, 11/2024

    Tacubaya - Guac and Chips

    See all

    Guac and Chips

    Maria Isabel - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...