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Maria Isabel is a Mexican restaurant from Chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. Our cooking is rooted in the regional traditions of Mexico—shaped by memory, seasonality, and place—while expressing them through the lens of Northern California’s extraordinary produce and purveyors. Maria Isabel can seat 50 diners between two contrasting rooms inspired by the restaurant’s namesakes. The Maria side is bright with natural light and light pink walls washed with a lime plaster texture. The Isabel side offers a more intimate, sultry dining experience with espresso-plastered walls fitted with sconces casting golden light. This side also hosts the bar, dimly lit and backed with arched mirrors.
Hours
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 500 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 275-0075
Website: http://mariaisabelsf.com/
Menu Photos
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Maria Isabel | Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, CA
Make a Reservation Email Signup. 500 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 275-0075. Tuesday to Saturday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Skip to main content.
Maria Isabel Restaurant – San Francisco, CA | OpenTable
Maria Isabel offers a “stunning” dining experience, blending coastal Mexican cuisine with Northern California ingredients in a “beautiful …
mariaisabelsf_ · San Francisco, CA – Instagram
Maria Isabel was named one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2026 by the @sfchronicle alongside so many projects we admire. Thank you to …
Reviews
Kelly Loh-Baykal
Unique elevated Mexican food with a touch of taste, design and personality. Chef-owners Sayat and Laura whom I’ve followed from their pop up days to Dalida and now Maria Isabel – all of which tells a different story through their food interpretation and intricate representation from cocktail to wine, farm to table and dish ware choices.
You’ll always see these chefs front Center and back of house – but at Maria Isabel, it’s intimate.
I really liked their refreshing salad, mussels sope, and no-notes on the amazing conchita dessert.
You can do wine pairing or your own choice of cocktails. Quite a large catalogue of mezcal and homage to sotol, tequila and wine list!!
I also love that the noise level at Maria Isabel is moderate, you can actually have a conversation without shouting 🙂
… moreYou’ll always see these chefs front Center and back of house – but at Maria Isabel, it’s intimate.
I really liked their refreshing salad, mussels sope, and no-notes on the amazing conchita dessert.
You can do wine pairing or your own choice of cocktails. Quite a large catalogue of mezcal and homage to sotol, tequila and wine list!!
I also love that the noise level at Maria Isabel is moderate, you can actually have a conversation without shouting 🙂
Joanna Caballero
This restaurant is both warm and welcoming! We had the tasting menu, and I was enjoying myself SO much, I only snapped a few photos; we left fully satisfied with the amount of food that was perfectly cadenced throughout the night.
The drinks were both balanced and complex with unique spirits beyond the typical tequila and mezcals you might have.
I will definitely be back to try more of what they have to offer! I am so glad such a place exists
Thank you Maria Isabel!
… moreThe drinks were both balanced and complex with unique spirits beyond the typical tequila and mezcals you might have.
I will definitely be back to try more of what they have to offer! I am so glad such a place exists
Thank you Maria Isabel!
Laura Mako
Dear Maria Isabel,
You are what San Francisco needed. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with a genuine smile that made us feel instantly special. The mural at the entrance is stunning — yes, I took a selfie.
We were led into the main dining room with lively but tasteful music in the background – a hint of Latin folk, present but never overpowering. The space is gorgeous: subtly Mexican-inspired, warm, and thoughtfully designed. Comfortable chairs, a glowing candle at the center of the table, beautifully designed menus – and plenty of room left for the parade of stunning cocktails and celebratory bubbles (we were celebrating an engagement!). The team was incredibly gracious in acknowledging the occasion, which made the night feel even more meaningful.
We had the tasting menu – and OH MY. It took me home. Every course carried flavors I grew up with, the kind that instantly transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. As the dishes began to arrive, I felt pure joy.
The scallop aguachile was stunning – bright tomatillo acidity balanced with coconut and cherry, and the scallop itself so velvety it melted in my mouth.
Then came the smoked mussel sope. Familiar, comforting flavors layered over a delicate crunch, topped with salsa macha and chapulines. Every bite was full of flavors that keep you wanting more – traditional yet completely elevated.
The quelite salad was deeply personal. In the U.S., quelites are often dismissed as weeds, yet in Mexico they’ve been treasured since pre-Hispanic times. Here, they were transformed into something extraordinary, paired with chayote, nopales, and the most refreshing xoconostle ice cream, finished with chicatanas (brown ants). The dressing was divine – citrusy, creamy, slightly sweet – the kind you want to savor down to the last drop.
The cod a la talla felt like a love letter to Chef Laura’s home state, Guerrero. The adobo was smoky with just the right heat, balanced by smoked pineapple and a bed of beans that lingered beautifully. It was unforgettable.
And then the duck carnitas with four house-made moles – negro, manchamantales, verde, and blanco. You can taste a chef’s knowledge by their mole, and each one was distinct, complex, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether enjoyed individually or blended together, every bite was outstanding.
The gaonera taco – simply delicious. Thinly sliced grilled ribeye on a house-made tortilla, finished with just a few drops of lemon and salsa. Pure perfection. I immediately wanted to order four more.
And then dessert. A baby concha filled with house-churned vanilla ice cream, resting on a sublime bed of banana cream. The perfect way to seal the deal.
After all of these beautiful dishes, all I can say is that it tasted like home – but better. I can’t wait to return, explore more of the menu, and dive into their mezcal program.
On the other side of the dining room, the bar beckons. Romantic, softly lit, the perfect transition from dinner into a lingering nightcap. The service throughout was attentive, warm, and personal without ever feeling intrusive. The servers and sommelier work with you, guiding you toward beverages that suit our taste.
I can absolutely see this place earning a Michelin star.
See you soon,
Maria Isabel
… moreYou are what San Francisco needed. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with a genuine smile that made us feel instantly special. The mural at the entrance is stunning — yes, I took a selfie.
We were led into the main dining room with lively but tasteful music in the background – a hint of Latin folk, present but never overpowering. The space is gorgeous: subtly Mexican-inspired, warm, and thoughtfully designed. Comfortable chairs, a glowing candle at the center of the table, beautifully designed menus – and plenty of room left for the parade of stunning cocktails and celebratory bubbles (we were celebrating an engagement!). The team was incredibly gracious in acknowledging the occasion, which made the night feel even more meaningful.
We had the tasting menu – and OH MY. It took me home. Every course carried flavors I grew up with, the kind that instantly transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. As the dishes began to arrive, I felt pure joy.
The scallop aguachile was stunning – bright tomatillo acidity balanced with coconut and cherry, and the scallop itself so velvety it melted in my mouth.
Then came the smoked mussel sope. Familiar, comforting flavors layered over a delicate crunch, topped with salsa macha and chapulines. Every bite was full of flavors that keep you wanting more – traditional yet completely elevated.
The quelite salad was deeply personal. In the U.S., quelites are often dismissed as weeds, yet in Mexico they’ve been treasured since pre-Hispanic times. Here, they were transformed into something extraordinary, paired with chayote, nopales, and the most refreshing xoconostle ice cream, finished with chicatanas (brown ants). The dressing was divine – citrusy, creamy, slightly sweet – the kind you want to savor down to the last drop.
The cod a la talla felt like a love letter to Chef Laura’s home state, Guerrero. The adobo was smoky with just the right heat, balanced by smoked pineapple and a bed of beans that lingered beautifully. It was unforgettable.
And then the duck carnitas with four house-made moles – negro, manchamantales, verde, and blanco. You can taste a chef’s knowledge by their mole, and each one was distinct, complex, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether enjoyed individually or blended together, every bite was outstanding.
The gaonera taco – simply delicious. Thinly sliced grilled ribeye on a house-made tortilla, finished with just a few drops of lemon and salsa. Pure perfection. I immediately wanted to order four more.
And then dessert. A baby concha filled with house-churned vanilla ice cream, resting on a sublime bed of banana cream. The perfect way to seal the deal.
After all of these beautiful dishes, all I can say is that it tasted like home – but better. I can’t wait to return, explore more of the menu, and dive into their mezcal program.
On the other side of the dining room, the bar beckons. Romantic, softly lit, the perfect transition from dinner into a lingering nightcap. The service throughout was attentive, warm, and personal without ever feeling intrusive. The servers and sommelier work with you, guiding you toward beverages that suit our taste.
I can absolutely see this place earning a Michelin star.
See you soon,
Maria Isabel
Evan Hynes
Maria Isabel is the kind of place you notice before you even know what it is. Last night, midway through my usual neighborhood loop, I saw this new restaurant for first time—and I stopped. It was already doing the most convincing thing a restaurant can do: it was full. Located right on the corner—with wraparound windows and a dark, clean exterior—the whole space glows amber like a lantern at night. Through the glass you can see it clearly: tables filled, people leaned in, and the steady, practical movement in the back that suggests a real kitchen at work, cooking up something compelling.
I walked in on impulse and asked the hostess what the deal was—and, more specifically, whether I could grab a reservation sometime this week. She told me they’re doing friends and family only for now, with a public opening next week. I joked, “Any chance you folks are open to making another friend?”, hoping to charm my way in. She laughed “Of course!”— but gently held the line: “Swing by next week once we officially open”. That combination—a warm welcome, sense of humor, plus tasteful backbone—is exactly what you want from a place you’re about to spend money at.
Intrigued to learn more, took the deep dive on their website once I got home. From what they’re saying, this isn’t “Mexican” as a vague catch-all label; it’s rooted in Acapulco, with family ties to Guerrero and Sinaloa. It’s designed around coastal flavors meeting Northern California’s seasons—plus an agave-forward drinks program that sounds chosen with intention. Even if read as aspiration rather than proof, it’s a clear signal: this is place with a point of view.
I haven’t eaten at Maria Isabel yet—I’ll report back once I do—but I’m already rooting for it. If the food is as good as they present, it won’t just be my new favorite neighborhood spot—it’ll be the place I start bringing other people to, without hesitation.
… moreI walked in on impulse and asked the hostess what the deal was—and, more specifically, whether I could grab a reservation sometime this week. She told me they’re doing friends and family only for now, with a public opening next week. I joked, “Any chance you folks are open to making another friend?”, hoping to charm my way in. She laughed “Of course!”— but gently held the line: “Swing by next week once we officially open”. That combination—a warm welcome, sense of humor, plus tasteful backbone—is exactly what you want from a place you’re about to spend money at.
Intrigued to learn more, took the deep dive on their website once I got home. From what they’re saying, this isn’t “Mexican” as a vague catch-all label; it’s rooted in Acapulco, with family ties to Guerrero and Sinaloa. It’s designed around coastal flavors meeting Northern California’s seasons—plus an agave-forward drinks program that sounds chosen with intention. Even if read as aspiration rather than proof, it’s a clear signal: this is place with a point of view.
I haven’t eaten at Maria Isabel yet—I’ll report back once I do—but I’m already rooting for it. If the food is as good as they present, it won’t just be my new favorite neighborhood spot—it’ll be the place I start bringing other people to, without hesitation.
Emily Parkinson
We had the absolute best time dining here! From the moment we passed through the hand carved oak door, we were immersed in the world of Maria, Isabel and so so happy. Everything on the menu sparked our curiosity, and when reading past the heading to the fine print, included ingredients that made us more curious and tempted to try every single dish. With such choices and our hunger being what it was, we decided to go with the tasting menu and happily sat back to a feast that arrived in six beautiful courses.
The staff heightened and elevated the experience at every turn. It was obvious how invested everyone was in all aspects of the dining experience and how knowledge about the specific region, ingredients, and flavors on offer.
The bar manager initially arrived at our table and chatted us through some of his favorite cocktails explaining in detail the magician-like processes he had devised to coax out nuanced and fantastic flavors for each offering. The cocktail list is a roulette wheel of clarified, infused, delights, but I finally decided on the Vesperado, which turned out to be one of those pivitol cocktails that lingers in the mind far after it’s disappeared from the glass.
Our server was a perfect combination of warm and charming and professional—equally well versed in thr exact preparation that made each salsa in the trio sent alongside the aged ribeye sing as he was in the regions and peculiarities of various agave spirits—generously bringing us a taste of Sotol when we confessed to being ignorant of it.
I could go on and on, but all in all it was a dining experience that reminds you why restaurants are important and leaves you feeling inspired. I’m equally excited to go back for a big celebratory feast as I am to pop in for a few small seafood plates and a glass of wine or maybe just a mezcal paired with dessert.
… moreThe staff heightened and elevated the experience at every turn. It was obvious how invested everyone was in all aspects of the dining experience and how knowledge about the specific region, ingredients, and flavors on offer.
The bar manager initially arrived at our table and chatted us through some of his favorite cocktails explaining in detail the magician-like processes he had devised to coax out nuanced and fantastic flavors for each offering. The cocktail list is a roulette wheel of clarified, infused, delights, but I finally decided on the Vesperado, which turned out to be one of those pivitol cocktails that lingers in the mind far after it’s disappeared from the glass.
Our server was a perfect combination of warm and charming and professional—equally well versed in thr exact preparation that made each salsa in the trio sent alongside the aged ribeye sing as he was in the regions and peculiarities of various agave spirits—generously bringing us a taste of Sotol when we confessed to being ignorant of it.
I could go on and on, but all in all it was a dining experience that reminds you why restaurants are important and leaves you feeling inspired. I’m equally excited to go back for a big celebratory feast as I am to pop in for a few small seafood plates and a glass of wine or maybe just a mezcal paired with dessert.
Rachelle DeForrest
Incredible atmosphere and interiors in this beautiful new restaurant in Presidio Heights. I had what was probably one of the best meals of my life here. A few standouts were the Dungeness crab tortita, the Pan de Cazuela and the Lamb Rib Barbacoa. We are still talking about the Pan de Cazuela days later. The cocktails were inventive, unique and expertly crafted. Impeccable service and presentation. We can’t wait to bring out of town guests and friends here in the future!
… moreJolie Devoto Günay
Great food, drinks, vibes. As a beverage professional I was super impressed with their beverage menu, featuring awesome cocktails, a menu of various cocaos served over ice, mezcals, vinos, etc etc. I loved all the seafood in all of its preparations. The masa they use to make the tortillas & cornbread was delicious. We ordered à la carte but I can’t wait to go back and try the full tasting menu.
… moreNatalie Kim
I absolutely loved Maria Isabel. The food, service, vibe was all fantastic — it’s a really special experience. My new favorite place in SF and can’t wait to go back!
… moreMatt Lively
Quickly one of our favorite new SF restaurants. We love DaLida and might like Maria Isabel even more. Amazing meal, service, experience.
… moreIsabel Téllez
Really enjoyed eating here. The Food was flavorful and the Service was quick and welcoming . Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good Mexican restaurant
… more