I admit I'm a bit biased in that I'm rooting for Chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. I think Dalida is fantastic, and so I had really high hopes for Maria Isabel. Having eaten there, I was surprised by how much Maria Isabel delivered. To begin the tasting menu is VERY well priced. $90 pp for a 7 course tasting menu is wild. But it could have cost anything and I would have thought it worth it. The closest comp I have is probably Californios, and I thought that Maria Isabel is definitely on the same level for the quality and flavor of each dish (if not ahead on a couple). Also, the space is really nice. Like Dalida, the design is incredibly thoughtful, and makes for a very cosy experience. The warmth from the selection of fixtures, lighting, seating, and choice of wallpaper was reminiscent in a way of eating at Quince. It's a contrast from the airy and bright feeling of space at Dalida, and I liked it. But what blew me away was the quality and flavor of the food. It was a rare experience where I kept second guessing myself as to what my favorite dish was. I had to invent subcategories to cover all of the ways in which I enjoyed eating here. We started with a really bright, tasty salad. The herb greens were deliciously paired with a prickly pear sorbet and a creamy dressing. I have never had a salad with a sorbet, and it added a really interesting sweet flavor element to the herb flavors of the greens and the salty creaminess of the dressing. Next was a smoked mussel sope with an avocado crema. This may have been far and away my favorite thing. The masa was deeply flavorful, and the crisp outer texture was divine. The contrast between the creamy richness of the avocado crema and the mussel was extraordinary. We also got the supplementary uni tamalito, and I enjoyed that quite a bit. If I could eat that tamal masa forever, I happily would. It was so flavorful, and had pieces of the very fresh and tasty corn within it. Paired with the uni and the vanilla crema, it was a fantastically rich dish. The duck carnitas enmolada is probably going to be one of their signature dishes and is perfect. Each mole can be paired with a bite of the enmolada and enjoyed alone. Each one was bursting with deep complex flavors, and was remarkable. I especially enjoyed the more fruity mole (bottom of the picture): it has a sweetness and flavor profile unlike any other mole I've ever had. And the more classic mole (dark brown on the top) was a world-beater: a flawless execution of the usual mole I get, with rich deep chocolate and spice flavors. And the enmolada itself is out of bounds tasty. Firstly, duck carnitas is a genius idea. The plantains give it a sweetness, and the duck is savory and rich. The tortilla was exceptional: the nixtamalized masa has a distinctive flavor and richness, and the texture is wild. It's the perfect level of crisp, chewy, and soft. The steak taco is really simple, and I think demonstrates how expert Maria Isabel is. To get the level of flavor and enjoyment from a dish composed solely of tortilla and steak that is comparable to something as complex as the mole or the duck enmolada blew my mind, the steak was simply seasoned, but perfectly cooked. The meat quality was high and made for a juicy, flavorful crisp piece on the tortilla (which as I mentioned before for the enmolada, is peerless). Finally, let me just say that the dessert was noteworthy and I really enjoyed it. That a place can do such an inspired dessert while serving food as good as this is unique. We had a fried pastry filled with rice pudding, served on a berry compote with ice cream. It was all kinds of sweet, but each type was distinct and stood in its own. I anticipate that Maria Isabel will probably get a Michelin star soon, and that the tasting menu will not always be at this price. So I'm really grateful I was able to go now. read more

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Our anniversary dinner was not the delicious and memorable meal we hoped for. Dalida always blows us away with yummy food, but our first time at Maria Isabel fell short. First off, it's on a busy corner across from the Fire Credit Union and the JCC. The sun shines straight through the windows, so at 6:30pm you need sunglasses indoors. The space still feels more like a breakfast or brunch spot because of the counter and table setup. The mood says "mimosas," not "prix fixe anniversary dinner." We were greeted with complimentary bubbly, which was a fun touch even though we don't drink champagne. We shared the asparagus salad, which was yummy. I had the fish, and he had the chicken. My $54 fish was dry and pretty boring. He enjoyed the chicken. Drinks were tasty and water glasses stayed filled, so service was attentive. The meal came with tortillas that we were told we could make tacos with our food which seemed confusing. One disappointment was the lack of vegetarian options beyond the salad. Overall, it just didn't feel special enough for the price point or occasion. read more

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Maria Isabel is that rare new restaurant that is already firing on all cylinders. The food is top notch as is the service. Can't think of another place nearby that serves this type of cuisine. Californios is close but far more expensive. We were scared off dining at new spots by Jou Jou, this reminds us that new places don't have to suck. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes 30 minute? Yes 1 Hour? Yes Maria Isabel Signature Dishes - Enmoladas, Cerviche, Fundido, Flan Maria Isabel's Menu has seafood starters, small plates, corn dishes and large plates. Not a lot of options for gluten free or vegan folks. Tasting menu is available. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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!! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Maria Isabel - Ceviche! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Beautiful restaurant in the heart of Presidio Heights! We shared plates: octopus appetizer, good but a little chewy; braised lamb was good but a bit rich. Cocktails, very tasty. Recently opened, so will give them a good rating. Hopefully, they will refine the menu. Excellent ambiance! read more

Delicious beyond my high expectations The starters are where the menu hits home run after home run. Take my word for it...this place rocks! read more

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. read more

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We have loved Laura and Sayat since we started going to their popups almost 10 years ago. Over the years we have delighted in watching this dynamic duo thrive and over deliver on the promise of those precious early days. We lived Noosh, we adored even more Dalida and have taken many friends there since it opened. Tonight at Maria Isabel was a revelation. My fellow diners and I ordered almost every appetizer, one salad, and one main. Each dish was a melange of complementary flavors and textures, beautifully presented and skillfully delivered. The ambience was perfect. At the end of the meal, my partner and I compared it with Quintoníl, Pujol and Contra Mar in CDMX, all amazing, Michelin restaurants, and agreed that we liked Maria Luisa better than all of them. I am still basking in the afterglow of this meal, so will halt here, and will come back later to elaborate on the dishes. read more

Maria Isabel - Pulpo tostada (L) and another amazing seafood dish, the name of which escapes me at the moment but was one of my favorites. - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

I brought my wife here for dinner, and we were absolutely blown away. If you think you know Mexican food, clear your mind, because this place operates on a completely different level. The food is incredibly complex, elevated, and easily rivals any Michelin-starred tasting menu we've experienced. The Asparagus Ensalada, the Artichoke Tetela, and the Lamb Ribs Barbacoa were absolute masterclasses in flavor and presentation. The whole vibe of the restaurant is effortlessly cool. It strikes this perfect balance of feeling incredibly exclusive--like you've been invited into a private, luxury casita--while keeping the energy lively and modern. The attention to detail is insane, from the woven curtains and hanging corn cobs down to the bespoke ceramic tortilla cases and the wooden spoons for mixing the barbacoa sauce. Even the playlist is perfectly curated: authentic and upbeat without a single cliché. The cocktail program is also unreal. You absolutely have to order the Whiskey Maiz. It's a full sensory experience served in a heavy rocks glass, garnished with a corn husk and a piece of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, they wrap up the night with an unexpected, highly sophisticated chocolate program that seals the deal on a flawless meal. An incredible, high-end experience from start to finish. Highly recommend. read more

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

Great dinner at Maria Isabel! My wife and I had the tasting menu. Everything was delicious. We especially liked the duck carnitas with 4 moles and the steak tacos. But everything on the menu was wonderful. The service was fantastic, guiding us through the menu. The drinks were dangerously good! We will definitely return. read more

Our evening at Maria Isabel was truly memorable. The menu offers elevated, original takes on familiar dishes, and each plate was thoughtfully composed. The presentation and flavor combinations were unlike anything we've experienced when ordering similar dishes elsewhere, turning dinner into a bit of a culinary adventure that made the night feel extra special. Highly recommend the octopus salad, ceviche, sea urchin tamalito de maíz, and lamb ribs barbacoa--each dish stood out in its own way. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with a wide range of creative options to explore. One of the highlights of the evening was the staff. Chef Laura spent time in the dining room connecting with guests, which added to the welcoming atmosphere. Daniel, our server, was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, offering thoughtful guidance without ever feeling too formal or overbearing. Donny, the bartender, clearly knows his craft--his expertise with unique cocktails and confidence in recommending them made the bar experience especially fun. From the inventive menu to the welcoming staff and warm atmosphere, Maria Isabel delivers an exceptional dining experience. A must-try in San Francisco! read more

I have eaten at some of the best Mexican restaurants in the world. I have been to Pujol, Contramar, and El Chapulim. This restaurant is on another level altogether. The team behind SF's best restaurant, Dalida, have worked their magic once again. Montezuma himself could not have eaten better. read more

For such a new restaurant I don't know how they do it. The food is innovative and unique and the flavors are just perfect. The tasting menu is the way to go - just bring me a series of delicious plates and don't make me thing. Service was stellar. And we got in easily at 5pm, just walking in and sitting at the counter. Definitely will make it a regular once reservations start to thin out a bit (still hard to get). read more

We went on day three after opening and it was phenomenal. They seemed like they'd been around for years. Flawless food and service. Everything we ordered was de-lic-ious. I'd eat there every day if I could. read more

Super fun restaurant opening with cool drinks! Fabulous dishes priced per the SF market. Classy bar area with hand-crafted glasses. The only drawback is cafeteria style chairs and tables--not elegant per the rest of the decor, and limited tabletop space. read more

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