A lovely experience! I appreciate the spirit and friendliness of the staff at Californios for making our first visit so warm. I'm grateful to have relatively easy access to one of only Mexican Spanish cuisine fine dining institutions. Ambiance The restaurant is spacious and carries a darker atmosphere but each table has its own lighting. There is warmth from the open kitchen and beautiful decor. Service We were lost on our way to the entrance but a staff member heading to work noticed and helped us. They walked us to the door where we were promptly greeted by two more staff members. During our meal, different staff passing by would check in on us and helped answer every one of our questions! Our host was so friendly and welcoming, ensuring we had the best first time! Food Despite the multiple courses, the team delivered a fresh menu with a variety of flavors and complex dishes that worked well together that had us wanting more! I really liked the aqua frescas offerings which added a humble touch. The uni fish and abalone were very fresh and had that natural sweetness. The crudo dish was delightful! The fish paired with an umami base and citric finger lime sorbet was delicious! The main courses were presented in tacos! My favorite was the sourdough taco shell with fish. The grilled quail was nicely cooked! The mole taco was fantastic. I also really liked the many condiments that come with thy the tacos! The desserts were quite refreshing. An array of textures and flavors such as creamy, sweet, icy, chocolatey and even a fried crunchy sweet empanadas were presented! Californios does a great job to incorporate many different ingredients as well as blending cultural flavors to make the meal exciting and unique but still so satisfying with familiar elements. Congratulations on your extra star! Well-deserved! read more

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Solid 4.6 stars for an amazing experience at Californios, where Chef Val Cantù perfectly blends Mexican inspired food with fresh, seasonal ingredients from Northern California and creates modern interpretations of classic Mexican dishes. While the restaurant has a newly minted 3rd Michelin star now, it still remains approachable and casual. The food has also been elevated over the years and has been improved and fine tuned. The menu starts strong with a modern interpretation of a sope filled with multiple type of beans, mousse and topped with caviar. It's basic street food elevated with top quality ingredients, creative mixture of techniques, and of course, irresistible caviar for flair. This theme continues throughout the rest of the meal, blending the familiar with the modern and mixing fine dining techniques with simple street food. The tostada with sustainably ranched tuna from Baja that is perfectly cured also has napales but they are smoked similar to caviar. There is corn throughout and it's laboriously prepared in various combinations to highlight the quality. It's Mexican food so you'll of course have tacos, too. But these are anything but regular tacos. Some feature fluffy and chewy sourdough based tortillas (very San Francisco) with cod cooked to perfection and topped with interesting ingredients like huitlacoche and accompanied by perfectly grilled poblano peppers. By the time you get to the desserts you may already be feeling quite full but you'll be in for a sweet treat with a table overflowing with multiple bites of goodness, some light, some heavy, some fruity, some chocolaty, and even some that are nice, warm, and gooey. Overall the theme stays strong throughout - fresh ingredients, familiar dishes with elevated modern twist, and an approachable meal which you mostly consume using your hands. The venue is modern yet feels homie with the bookshelf at the front and the many plants throughout. The service was mostly impeccable, everyone was friendly, and they kept on top of things throughout the night. If I have to nitpick, and I guess one should when it's now a 3 star Michelin restaurant with an incredibly hefty price tag, there were a few things that stood out. There was an inconsistency with the way the staff presented the dishes (some of our neighboring tables got a lot more elaborate explanations); we were provided the wrong spoons for a dish (was corrected); while waiting to be seated we ordered drinks but the staff inside wasn't aware of that, the heaters outside weren't turned on despite it being a chilly night and we even asked for a blanket but never found out if they don't have one or just forgot to bring it; the inside was also a bit cold and us and many others kept their jackets on; the playlist featured some quite explicit songs with lyrics about f*cking your p*ssy which we didn't necessarily mind but probably the 50 year old couple a few tables down did; the meal pacing was way off (you can tell they were trying to line us up with late comers (they were 4-6 dishes behind and got us caught up by the end) so we ended up with very awkward long breaks and a 3+ hour meal); food wasn't always perfectly placed on the dish; one of the dishes was overly salty; and overall it felt like the meal had a strong beginning and end but some lower points in the middle. Overall, Californios delivers an incredibly memorable experience and turns fine dining into an approachable meal with familiar yet elevated dishes. There are, however, still things that can be fine tuned for a restaurant with such great accolades that strives for greatness. read more

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After eating here i have mixed feelings; it was some of the most delicious and flavorful dishes ive ever had, and now i find it has eclipsed my other fine dining experiences because it moved the bar even higher. The staff were incredible in their explanations of the dishes and wine recommendations. Im so happy that they have a cocktail menu, their take on a pina colada was probbaly the best ive ever had. The interior and music was vibrant and not too loud to have a conversation. We will definitely be back to experience this again read more

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Truly the best michelin star restaurant my husband and I have ever been to. Every single waiter and waitress was super knowledgeable of the menu, super friendly and our food arrived quickly and our drinks were never empty. Every single dish was delicious. It was truly hard not to finish every dish in hopes to make it to the end of the 13 course meal. 10 star experience, my husband and I can't wait to return. read more

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I had the opportunity to celebrate our anniversary at Californios in mid-July. I had made reservations the day before the restaurant was awarded its third Michelin star. Good luck getting a reservation now. But assuming you can, here are my experiences and suggestions. As we expected, the food and service were outstanding. I would NOT be put off because the menu is merely "common" Mexican cuisine." Many of the courses were in the form of traditional Mexican offerings - tacos, tostadas, sopes, etc. - but the ingredients, techniques and preparation were other-worldly. For example, the 7th course was a "fish taco," but oh my. The black cod was deep-fried perfectly, with a sourdough tortilla, and topped off with an intricate salsa. It was easily the best "fish taco" I ever had in my life (and I eat a LOT of fish tacos). That, because it was so unexpected and different, was probably my favorite course. I've been asked a lot if the cost of the meal ($425 when we dined, now $450) is "worth it." My wife and I have been fortunate to have dined at over a dozen 3-star restaurants around the world, almost always to celebrate a milestone event. We feel the cost of 3-star meals are justified taking into account the food, the presentation, the performance, and the atmosphere and the buzz. It's like going to the opening night of the opera or to a World Series game - how do you put a price on something like that? And, each experience accompanies a special event and creates a unique memory. I can't tell you what we had for dinner last Thursday, but I DO and will ALWAYS remember dining at Californios. Priceless! A word about 3-star service. Due to a medical issue, I have a very low tolerance for spicy food, which I shared with the restaurant when I made the reservation. When we dined, although several of the courses were designed to be quite spicy, the restaurant crafted a version of those courses that I could eat comfortably, and that were otherwise indistinguishable from the corresponding dishes my wife was served. I'm guessing that sometimes meant simply omitting the spicy elements, but for dishes like the mole quail, I wouldn't be surprised if that meant creating a non-spicy batch of the mole sauce days in advance. And it was all seamlessly done. THAT'S three-star service. I did have a few quibbles. The pacing of the meal was sometimes off. We were offered a complimentary fruit drink when we entered, but since we were seated immediately, we didn't have time to drink it before the complimentary sparkling wine was served. The menus listed the recommended beverage BEFORE the name and description of the food course. And the desserts were a let down (although we were too stuffed by then to enjoy them if they were better, I suppose). Bottom line, if you want to an exceptional and memorable meal to mark a special occasion, I wholeheartedly recommend Californios. read more

Californios - Anniversary treat - nougats to take home - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Amazing experience here. There were no dishes that missed for me, all hits. My favorite was this flan with caviar and Platanos. The staff was also super kind and I think the service was top tier. I loved the ambiance as well. Lots of cool decor and great music choices. 10/10. read more

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Our experience at Californios was INCREDIBLE. We only had 1 dish we didn't really enjoy and left truly stuffed! Californios isn't like any fine dining experience I've had. The service was incredible and the 13 courses were all unique and thought out. I also enjoyed the pacing of the dishes. We were there for 3 hours and enjoyed every single minute. I can't write a review of every dish we had but the rock fish taco, sope and savory banana flan were hands down to die for. I only wish I could've had more of them! The cocktails were alright, I wouldn't really indulge in them the next time I go back. I will most definitely be back! read more

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Totally deserved 3 stars! Had a celebration here right before they earned their 3rd star and I could see why they truly deserved it. On par with Benu! The flavor and texture combo are innovative, yet comforting, and mouth watering. I'll be dreaming about that caviar banana brulee every day. The non-alcoholic pairings and desserts could use some improvement though, but most fine dining places dont do well in both food and sides sadly. read more

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Lovely place with excellent service. Everyone was so attentive and kind. We love the aqua frescas at the door - they had Jamaica strawberry, kiwi guava, and horchata. We chose the first two and thought they were delectable and refreshing. I asked to sample the horchata towards the end of my meal, and the vanilla was very pronounced and delicious. There's no wrong choice! I love that they had a duo pairing of wine to showcase Mexican wine next to a traditional wine. There was a sauvignon blanc and Nebbiolo option. I opted for the Nebbiolo since I prefer reds. We had three small bites to start: masa, tostada, and Flauta. The tuna tostada was my favorite. We were warned it was their spiciest dish of the night (very bearable) but we actually thought some other ones had a stronger kick. The lobster aqua chile was refreshing with a bit of heat too. My husband did not like the abalone ceviche since it was a simpler dish (and funny enough he doesn't like seafood even though most of the menu was seafood, but he ate everything else which is a huge testament!) The three tacos were fried cod, grilled rockfish, and short rib. The short rib was my least favorite dish of the night- just felt a little one dimensional to me. The fish were great though. Loved that it came with little sides of escabeche: cucumber, carrots, pickled onions, and a habanero garlic sauce (spicy but highly recommend) The quail mole was neat and had a lot of flavor, but our standout of the night was the caviar flan. So banana forward but it worked so well. The desserts showed Mexican ingredients very well- I liked the semifreddo which was refreshing after the mole. The chocolate dish had frozen honey which was so cool and made the dish so much better. We ended with the memento mori treats, with a little blueberry empanada, almond ice cream, bonbon, chocolate covered crystallized mandarin, white chocolate taco, and mango ice cream wrapped with lime cotton candy. The cotton candy and bon bon were my favorites since I prefer fruitier and light treats to end my meal. Dinner lasted almost 3 hours, and there were a few single diners too. It wasn't the most adventurous menu but did an excellent job showcasing Californian ingredients. We were given little bottles of (most importantly TSA compliant) vanilla extract! read more

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Some restaurants you choose for the food. This one I chose for someone else, and that made all the difference. I'd been planning this birthday dinner for weeks. Not just a reservation, but an experience: coordinating with the team ahead of time, arranging for a signed menu as a keepsake, taking care of everything so the night could just unfold without a single logistical thought. I wanted the person I was bringing to feel completely seen, and I wanted the restaurant to be part of that. Part of that care was being intentional about the choice itself. Taking someone with Mexican roots to a Mexican restaurant isn't a decision I made lightly. It had to be the right place, one where I knew the cuisine would be treated with genuine respect, not as an aesthetic or a trend. Californios earned that trust before we even arrived. And it delivered beyond anything I could have scripted. It started before we even sat down. Drinks in hand at the host stand, watching the quiet energy of the room come together while we waited for our table to be ready in the lobby. That anticipation was part of the experience, and it set the tone perfectly. Unlike a lot of fine dining I've been to, nothing here felt stiff or unwelcoming. The attentiveness was real, not rehearsed. Authentic without being performative, warm without being casual. The food itself is unlike anything I've had. Mexican cuisine elevated not by distancing itself from its roots, but by honoring them with extraordinary precision and care. Every dish had history in it. You could taste the respect. What stayed with me most wasn't any single course. It was watching someone I care about experience their culture reflected back at them at the highest possible level. That's a rare thing for a restaurant to make possible. Californios isn't just a great meal. It's a place that understands what dining can mean when it's done with intention. read more

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Californios holds such a deep respect and love for the heritage of Mexican Cuisine, my absolute favorite part of this restaurant is the journey that elevating that takes you on. I recognized all the flavors and ingredients, but the attention to detail in honoring that is so clear. Tucked away in a popular nightlife corner, Californios has such a dark and emotional atmosphere, I love the black walls and skylights. The service was amazing throughout the entire night, the whole staff is so charismatic and kind! The food itself was absolutely impeccable. To see tostadas that thin and strong, and tortillas made of sourdough was incredible. Honestly amusing at some extent because of how this food is honoring my home country through the lens of locally available foods where I grew up. My favorite dish without a doubt was the rockfish taco. The fish alongside that bed of tomatillo was so beautiful and delicious!! Thank you to the team for bringing out their super spicy salsas! I loved the entire experience! At the end of our dining, we were able to go into the kitchen and see how it's all made. Shoutout to the Californios team for pushing forward such an amazing menu that I'll never forget. read more

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Came here to celebrate my 25th birthday and honestly, it turned into one of the most meaningful dining experiences I've ever had. As someone who is Mexican, being in a space like Californios and seeing my culture, flavors and traditions not only represented but elevated and respected at such a high level meant everything to me. From the moment we walked in, the experience felt intentional. The staff welcomed us with warmth and genuine care and throughout the night they made me feel truly celebrated. Nothing felt forced, it was natural, attentive and personal. What really stood out was the storytelling behind each course. Every dish came with purpose, whether it was rooted in history, regional ingredients or traditional techniques with a modern twist. You can tell there's a deep respect for Mexican culture here, not just in flavor, but in the way everything is presented and explained. It didn't feel like "fine dining trying to be Mexican" it felt authentic, thoughtful and proud. Each course was beautifully executed, with layers of flavor that kept building throughout the meal. The wine pairings were absolutely on point, each one enhancing the dish in a way that made you appreciate both even more. You could tell a lot of care went into creating that balance. Beyond the food, what made this experience unforgettable was how it made me feel. Being able to celebrate a milestone birthday while seeing my culture honored in such a powerful and elevated way is something I won't forget. read more

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Went back to dine here to celebrate a collegues birthday. We had the tasting menu, supplements, mezcal, and wine pairings. It was overall a great experience. The service was wonderful. The ambiance is sweet. I like the the welcome drink before you enter the restaurant, But was disappointed that they removed the tour with the chief I had before. Getting to see their celler, and projects their working on and tour of the kitchen, welcoming you of the deeply rooted Latin hospitality- that's what makes californioas unique. l'm still giving the 5 star because it still merit it. read more

Wow! There arent enough words to describe how amazing this meal was! Refined, balanced, visually stunning, an absolute homage to mexico but most importantly 10/10 delicious. Truly one of the best meals I've ever had and this is compared to fine dining in Mexico City. The staff was welcoming from the start, giving us some refreshing frescas and a lovely champagne to start. They very easy to talk to and got me more hyped as each course passed. Loved the decor as well. Overall: no notes. Executed perfectly and would love to go back once my wallet recovers read more

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Wonderful! This was by far one of the best dining experiences I've had. The service was phenomenal -- it didn't feel stiff or too formal like some fine dining experiences are. Everyone was so friendly and chatty! The artwork and sky lights in the dining room also add so much to the charm of the place. We opted for the beverage pairing with our meal which I totally recommend! The Californios Martini was also delicious with chili oil and habanero-stuffed olives. Every course was clearly perfected and it was such an unforgettable experience that you will not regret! read more

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Absolutely a 5 star experience and well worth the money. Firstly, the food was amazing- so many types of tacos and unique tortillas. Majority of the dishes were heavy on the fish, which was very enjoyable. The wine pairing was definitely the way to go with the meal, highly recommend adding that. The service was exquisite, our waitress was fun and helpful. She made our experience very enjoyable. I love how sometimes the chef would come out and top your dish off with a sauce! And every time you get up they change your napkin instantly- and they have coat check! The inside was simple and warm, good lighting on the food. Highly reccomend read more

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Definitely on the top of my Michelin restaurant list. Went here for my birthday and it didn't disappoint (They brought a sparkler with the dessert eheh :D ) 1. We did the juice pairing and yes, it is a lot of liquid, BUT it was very good and interesting. Not a lot of sweet "juices" - a lot of infusions/teas and many were quite refreshing, light, and had quite complex flavor profiles. 2. Some of the best tacos I've had. 3. It is A LOT of food. I was totally stuffed at the end. The abalone might have been my favorite course but everything was very good with just the right amount of experimentation IMO. I will let the photos do the talking here :) The Mexican hot chocolate is also extremely rich and will send you to chocolate heaven. (They also give you some to take home at the end so you can make your own which i thought was cute) read more

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Hospitality is unmatched!! We brought our 10-month-old and every now and then she got a little fussy. Lewis who the general manager or manager on staff was an absolute delight in being so accommodating. We were celebrating our adoption and he offered to take us on a tour in the kitchen. And then when I took her to the back because she was crying he took us into the the wine cellar to calm her down. The food was great and this is my second time here but the service was truly the standout moment during this visit. Thank you so much! read more

The food was so pretty and tasty and there wasn't anything I disliked. Each dish had creative and unique flavors that you wouldn't immediately expect to complement each other so well while also using local ingredients. Everything was so intentional. Truly a unique experience, especially since I don't see very many high end restaurants focusing on mexican cuisine. Dinner was about 3 hours. Service was amazing, the waiters were all so knowledgeable and excited to tell you about the dishes. the highlights were the tacos. Ok and then the 3 tacos were the highlight The Battered Cod had the most perfectly even coating of batter and the fish itself was so fresh and buttery Sauces complimented the fish so well. The Rockfish had the most flavorful char or however they cooked it gave it so much flavor. The chayote and the salsas complimented the taco so well. AND THEN THE SHORT RIB TACO. The beef was so tender my teeth glided thru each bite and it melted in my mouth SO GOOD THE TOTRILLAS WERE SO SOFT AND FLUFFY WITHOUT BEING TOO FLUFFY FOR A TACO AND WERE WARM AND SOFT N PILLOWY AND THEN THE MOLE WITH THE QUAIL It just couldn't get any better. The quail was cooked so tender and moist and juicy holy shiiii. And the mole had so many different spices and was so chocolatey even though no cjoclate was used. It was so fragrant from all the spices and For the desserts, the champurrado was so rich but not too rich either. MMM it was so luxurious. And then the cotton candy with the ice cream and wafer was mind blowing n not overly sweet as you would expect Each dish was delish and so memorable read more

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By far the best money I've spent on the Chef's tasting menu and wine paring. Definitely worth every Michelin star from start to finish with well thought out dishes, uniquely tasting food and tabling presentations. All the staff were superb as well! We will be returning for the fall/winter menu. The ambiance is relaxing coupled with an excellent music selection. read more

Californios is fine dining with a Mexican twist. I thought we started off strong with complimentary bubbly and our choice of a refreshing aqua fresca. I picked the passionfruit, but I actually liked the satsuma better! The next bite of masa sope topped with caviar was delightful, as was the tostada (had a bit of a kick but it was so beautifully plated!). The bocol was also amazing - uni AND truffle? All it needed was a bit of caviar to take it over the top. The sashimi dish was light and the focus was definitely on the aguachile verde. Abalone was also enjoyable and bursting with an explosion of flavor. Final dish prior to the mains was a banana flan topped with plantain chips and caviar. It was salty and sweet, I could have kept eating this happily all night. The mains were hit or miss. We were served a succession of three tacos that came with accompanying pickled veggies and a habanero salsa (the dish that it comes in is SO cute). Tacos were good, but I got kind of bored of eating tacos by the third one. I also thought my mole was a bit sad (I requested a pescetarian accommodation and was served a sweet potato and a plantain in lieu of the actual protein). By the time the desserts rolled around, I was insanely stuffed. I tried to get some items boxed up to enjoy later, but a lot of the small bites are made with ice cream. We also got to take home some housemade vanilla extract. Other tables also got it, in additional to a candle and some sparklers. Not sure what the criteria was as we had also said we were celebrating a milestone event. Dinner overall was a 3.5 hour event, and the time between courses was a bit on the slower side. I think they really want you to take the time to enjoy each bite. Service was good, as expected. I liked the staff that took the time to converse with us. We spent $1000 between 2 for the meal and drinks. A good experience, and we're glad to have tried, but moving on to the next! read more

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Celebrated a birthday here and the inside is a modern, moody ambiance. We booked reservations about a week in advance. I had broken my heel upon arriving to the restaurant and Olivia was an absolute doll helping me glue my shoe back together. Thankful for her! Moving to the actual experience, the food is good and it was definitely interesting tasting traditionally inspired Mexican dishes. Unfortunately, I did not have a highlight since nothing stood out to me. When dining at a 2 star Michelin restaurant, I want to leave thinking about at least one dish. My biggest issue with the dining experience was the timing -- there was way too much time in between courses. This caused us to get bored and even tired. We were eager to finish the meal and leave. Additionally, my partner left still hungry so that was a bummer. Definitely an experience but I question the price point. read more

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Californios is quintessential San Francisco fine dining. With two Michelin stars and a reputation as one of the country's most innovative Mexican restaurants, I arrived with expectations sky-high. The restaurant announces its ambitions before you even step inside. Tucked away in a SOMA alleyway, the approach feels almost foreboding--dark walls closing in as you make your way to the entrance. Inside, the moody black continues, but the space comes alive with vibrant pop art and paintings that punctuate the elegance with playful bursts of color. Our entire dinner took a little over four hours to be served. While I did not mind the wait considering the quality and inventiveness of each course, my dining compatriots were less pleased. Nevertheless, the service was exceptional. Since it was my friend's birthday, we were all given complimentary champagne, and he received an additional treat of a drinking chocolate mix. Agua Fresca: A refreshing opening note. Pleasant, though not revelatory. Comparable to good coconut water anywhere. Sope: Visually striking against its black molcajete, this made for a beautiful opening course. The flavors, however, felt surprisingly pedestrian. Even the caviar failed to elevate the dish beyond the ordinary. Tostada: The colors and presentation once again astound, with serrano peppers and roe arranged like a delicate flower. The flavors of this dish were out of this world. Incredibly rich and slightly sweet Dungeness crab, the enticing heat of the serrano peppers, and the bursts of umami from the roe were magnificent. Bocol: An almost alien-looking dish. This tasted wholly unique. Intensely earthy with a depth provided by the chocolate in the mole and sea urchin. Aguachile Verde: Perhaps the finest raw fish preparation I've ever had. Bright and summery, it coaxed out the kampachi's inherent sweetness while celebrating its dry-aged funk. Abulon: I'm generally not a fan of abalone, but this dish changed that. The carrot juice and kombu imbued an addictive vegetal freshness. The abalone was also perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the flavors. Flan de Jamón Ibérico: The most corn-centric dish by far. While I found this dish to be delicious, I think that's mostly due to the heap of caviar. Bacalao Negro: This is one of the three taco dishes for the night, and one I was looking forward to. This course looks like it belongs in a museum. The attention to detail and plating is just gorgeous. The fish itself is the best fried fish I've ever had. The crust has the perfect amount of crunch and give. The cod is perfectly tender. And the sourdough tortilla is the pièce de résistance. Pescado Tatemado en Estilo Matsukasa: The second taco dish of the night. I was wondering if they could top the last taco dish, but I was immediately proven wrong. The grilled rockfish with the assortment of tomatoes may be one of the best bites of my life. Mole Californios: Succulent quail bathed in a mole so profoundly complex I'd drink it straight if given the chance. The symphony of flavors within defies description. The accompanying tortillas were also the evening's best. Carne Guisada: The final taco of the night, short rib with white truffle. The wasabi crema steals the show here, adding layers of complexity that transform the dish from excellent to extraordinary. Frutas: The first dessert course. Concord grape takes center stage in this delectable finish to the savory portion of the meal. Empanada: Competent, but unexceptional. While tasty enough, nothing distinguished it from what a good bakery might produce. However, the ice cream was divine. read more

I've raved about Californios for years - and every visit has been amazing. So this most recent visit was a massive disappointment, and I reached out privately via the reservation system prior to posting this but didn't get a response for more than a week. Food: excellent. The mole, the tacos (that rockfish taco is a stunner), and some of those early bites are life-changing. The "new" location (they've been there for years, but it still feels new) is beautiful, and it's the rare restaurant that benefits from its art and design. Spacing between tables needs work; there are two tables in the middle of the counter that are on top of each other, so expect to see the dishes you'll be getting before you end up getting them (not fun). This review is about the pacing, and some major service misses. There were interminable (upwards of 30 minute) waits between some courses, and if you're doing pairings, you'll either let drinks sit there for long stretches because the food isn't there, or you're just not doing pairings at all. Other courses (notably desserts) come in such quick succession, it's like they're trying to kick you out. More frustrating was delivering a dish, describing that there's (pricy) white truffles on it, and realizing your dish doesn't have any truffles at all. We asked what happened, and we were told there were truffles (they told us they checked the camera). Someone else told us there weren't truffles (because of a dairy intolerance). And a few minutes later, they realized they were wrong and we got a second one (this time with truffles). Did they actually check the camera? Do truffles now contain milk? Or did they lie? Those aren't questions you should be asking at a restaurant with this stellar a reputation. There was also one awkward moment where the servers forgot which person at the table had dietary restrictions. At the high price point, you're not just paying for food. You're paying for the experience, and for the opportunity to let go and trust one of the best restaurants in the country do their thing. But I lost trust, and that's a huge disappointment. I've championed this place for years, but I'm not sure I can suggest people go until they work out the pacing. No new pictures (been too many times and I can't post anymore). read more

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We celebrated my 30th birthday at this amazing restaurant. It's Mexican & elevated. It's located near a Costco & that's where we parked. I love the ambiance, cool decor & soft seats. The restaurant is not crowded, so there was a lot of open space. The mannerism & politeness of the staff went above & beyond to make my birthday feel special :) Food 5/5: -Set course menu & a lot of the ingredients I wouldn't regularly think to pair them together, which I thought was outstanding once I ate it. -A lot of seafood, which I adored! -I loved the cavier, hamachi, and fish tacos. -There were other items that I can't really remember, but all the dishes were fantastic! Dessert 5/5: -They serve plenty of desserts: chocolate, serbet, & cotton candy It was definitely an expensive & fine dining experience, but worth it! I loved learning about where they source their food & Mexican cultures + their food. Thank you for an amazing dinner & experience! Also, they have 2 Michelin stars read more

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All I can say is "OH MY GOD!?" The food? Exceptional. The presentation? Outstanding. The taste? Immaculate! This is truly a staple of Mexican fine-dining and I cannot wait for my next experience with them!!! The service is top tier; the ambience is perfectly fit for the vibe of your dining experience and you can expect to leave with your stomach full--even with the portions of each dish. I was literally hobbling out of there once the meal was complete and I don't doubt you'll have the same experience! read more

This is such a beautiful restaurant which is hilariously and discretely tucked away across the street from BUTTER LOL but I love it, out of all the Michelins I've been to this is by far my favorite restaurant ever. Delicious and well orchestrated dishes, carefully plated and there is truly so much care every step of the way. They should be very proud of what they have done for highlighting the best qualities of Mexican food, and taking it from a cuisine that can be presented/perceived as quite humble to something as elevated as any other fine dining cuisine. Great and attentive service. read more

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Incredible dinner at Californios to celebrate our five year wedding anniversary. Almost every bite was the best bite I had ever had. From the moment we were welcomed into their beautiful patio with a delicious agua fresca to the moment we left, the service was top notch. From the general manager to the waiters, everyone was personable and accommodating. They were very tolerant of our not-very Michelin star level antics and indulged us with patience and humor. We had the beverage pairing, and several of the wines served were immediately my new favorites. But we also ordered cocktails because their bar program looked so good. You simply must pace yourself through the 13 courses because the last tacos and the mole are out of this world, and the dessert is so beautiful and delicious you will want to be able to appreciate it. This is a fairly stripped down Michelin experience but that leaves more space to appreciate the incredible food. We both had such a fantastic meal and wonderful time with the whole crew. read more

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A very unique fine dining experience with Mexican touches and modern techniques. I enjoyed most of my meal at Californios. The restaurant has a story about corn to tell, and you will have corn in almost every dish, in many different forms. Some dishes I enjoyed a lot were the roe on thinly sliced serrano peppers on crab on a chip, the peas with caviar, and the sweet potato. The dessert was also excellent. The sashimi dish was very strange to me -- while there was a slight mexican element to it, in the "not soy sauce" (it was basically soy sauce but made with Mexican ingredients instead, and smokier), the dish didn't really fit in with the others. In general I felt that there were not enough meat dishes, or dishes that were pure veg that could have benefitted from some meat. The few times that you have meat, I felt like there should have been more. E.g. the rockfish at the end, for 2 people to share, is a bit disappointing. And I wish I got more mole sauce, since it was so tasty, and there was a lot of effort put into making it. Service was good all around except we had a random 15 minute break between the tacos, which was strange, since most of the meal was very on time. We also felt that the somm was pretty checked out. 9:30PM is late so I get it, but there lacked some enthusiasm and attentiveness on the wine recs and service, whereas the rest of the staff had it. The wine list itself is a bit lacking as well, especially for the cuisine offered, I felt that more Tempranillo and more spice like wines would work well. Ended up balling out with Dujac anyway, which was fun. But with costs in mind, would not recommend the average person do that. In general the wine list is very friendly in terms of markup, hovering in the 1.5-2x range rather than 3x+ that you find at most 2 star establishments. read more

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I have absolutely nothing constructive to say about Californios. This is a restaurant that are so completely deservant of their 2 Michelin stars. Having never eaten at a Mexican inspired high end establishment I wasn't sure what to expect and quite honestly, I didn't go in with any expectations either way. It was relaxed but the service was 5 stars. The decor was comfortable and a little quirky. The food was... epiphanous. Everything was beautifully plated, creative and paced out to perfection. We opted for the beverage pairing which was spot on. My significant other was the photog for the evening but I'll post some pics when available. My favorite part of an evening with so many highlights was the dessert. So much fun! read more

Loved their take on Mexican fine dining. Everyone was friendly. Loved their first few small bites with caviar, the tacos, and their mole dish. Their cocktails were just okay and tasted watered down - would recommend getting wine. read more

If you like caviar and masa then you are in for a treat. We went before it was a 3 star Michelin and knew that they would achieve the honor. Every bite was yummy and beautifully paired by the talented beverage team. We did not leave disappointed or hungry. read more

This was my absolute favorite michelin star and fine dining experience ever. I was excited about the food and ingredients especially after the servers would explain the context and tradition before the dishes came out. This helped me understand the value of the ingredients and reason for the flavors. I can't even begin for list my favorite dishes because that would be all of them. Every single dish knocked it out of the park! From the first few small bites to the last dessert, every dish had exquisite and complex flavors while also making it a very simple and humble experience. You really felt the beautiful mexican origins in each dish. You can taste how genuinely fresh all of the ingredients are, especially since they're locally sourced and according to seasons, as per servers knowledge. Also they were very helpful for any dietary restrictions or preferences as well as allergies! And they didn't make the dishes any less flavorful or exciting with these requirements, they were creative and made them equally as delicious! The ambience was also great! Some fine dining places have extremely dark moody atmospheres where you can't even see your company while dining and chatting; however this place has beautiful colorful paintings on the walls and great lighting to be able to actually see your company (and the food!). The music was also great and I enjoyed the vibe with some spanish music - fusion and also some traditional. Every server was amazing, they were so kind and helpful and soo informative! It was my husband and I's anniversary and they treated us so special even with a full dining room. Incase it wasn't apparent already, I cannot wait to come back! :) read more

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By far, my favorite two star Michelin in the Bay Area. Everything here is so delicious beginning to end and it's so good that I've been here three times. read more

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Can I give 6 stars? Execution/presentation of food: BEYOND superb Genuine hospitality: off the charts Art/decor/music: eclectic, diverse, beautiful Thank you for making the peak of dining in SF unpretentious, mind-blowing and fun all at the same time! read more

Californios has flashes of brilliance, but the experience isn't consistently polished. Service was hit and miss, while some staff were attentive and knowledgeable, others felt undertrained, which showed in the pacing and flow of the evening. Timing was the biggest issue: courses took too long to arrive, and the kitchen didn't adjust to our dining pace, which made the meal feel drawn out. On the positive side, when the food landed, flavors were very good and showcased creativity. Still, the execution wasn't seamless, with a couple of dishes missing the mark. The space itself is stunning, almost like dining inside a modern museum, which I really appreciated. read more

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Californios is definitely one of those places that highlights their mastery of combining multiple ingredients to create a unique and fun experience. However while good, the taste lacked the wow factor of most Michelin restaurants. In terms of location, the restaurant is not in the best place and may be difficult to find parking. We opted to use ride share, also because we were heading to the nightclub next door after so if you have the same plans, that's a plus. There's a nice long walkway that sets the mood as you enter the restaurant. Service is friendly and they do a great job at describing everything. The starting courses were small bites and tasted great. The next courses were some variations of tacos and aquachile. Not the best but all were solid. Finally, dessert was overall okay. Overall, I would say this place is worth a visit. read more

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At over 400 after tax, Californians are by no means cheap, but in the Bay Area, with its rapidly inflated prices, the presentation is considered conscientious. The first few bite-sized dishes were quite large and solid. The tostada tortillas were thin, generously topped with tuna and thinly sliced ​​serrano. The spice was just right. The aquachili was hot and fresh, with a scoop of citrus sorbet. Everything that followed was delicious, except for the sope, which was a bit salty... but that outweighed the benefits. Between courses, the server even displayed the ingredients on individual plates, and each plate was quite attractive. The dessert was a pleasant surprise. The fruit sorbet had an orange creamsicle feel, very refreshing and layered. I always thought pre-dessert sorbets were a rip-off, but I really enjoyed this. Then there was dessert, rum ice cream, which I even made into a flambe, paired with an apple empanada. The ice cream was delicious, but I couldn't finish the empanada, haha. The meal took a little over three hours, but it was a satisfying one. read more

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The food at Californios was very good - however, at this price point, I was expecting a bit more from the overall experience. When we walked in, we were not greeted at the door. When someone did come over to seat us, they tried to seat us at the bar, despite having several open tables (we asked for a table, which they did accommodate after some grumbling). The ambiance inside was nice, if a little boring (my partner had a view of a blank black wall for the meal). The food was, of course, delicious. I was incredibly excited that they were able to accommodate me as a vegetarian. The first few courses didn't blow us away, but the plantain flan, tacos, and desserts were outstanding. As far as drinks go, we asked the sommelier for help choosing a bottle of wine. At other fine dining establishments, the somm will often often pour you a sample from a few bottles of interest before you order, to help you choose what you want. Here, they did not do that - which is fair enough, but it would have been a nice touch. The bottle of white wine that we ordered wasn't chilled prior to serving, so our first glass was warm (unacceptable given the price of the bottle). For $325/person (before the required 20% service charge), we expected more than just a good meal - we expected outstanding service, which I don't necessarily feel we got. If you're going to shell out for fine dining in SF, I believe there are better options at a more reasonable cost. read more

I reserved a 5p dinner on a weekday and just a heads up that traffic is still terrible around that time so leave lots of time to find parking. We were lucky and found street parking in front, free after 6p. The restaurant is kind of hidden but look for the address sign. There's a lovely walkway up to the front door. Service was wonderful throughout, well deserving of the 2 stars. The dishes included many local ingredients including rock fish, uni, squab. Everything was delicious but my highlights were the rock fish taco, mole, paleta for dessert. We also got the beverage pairing which came with some delicious wines and beers that paired perfectly with the dishes. The music was eclectic and made the place seem very fun. The layout is interesting, with stairs that go down into kitchen and other service areas somewhat like the ones in New York so watch your step going to the restaurant. My only wish is the lighting be a bit brighter as it was hard to take good food pics but that's the only thing. The service never felt rushed and we really enjoyed our date night here. Beautiful experience, highly recommend. read more

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