Best New Mexican Restaurant, Cozy
Mamacita
This snug spot in the heart of the bustling Marina feels chic and trendy, with a bustling bar, yet still welcoming to families and not-particularly-trendy diners who just want to enjoy fresh, well-made Mexican food in dimly lit comfort. The largely small-plates menu features dishes both expected (guacamole al don, spiced with jalapeños and dusted with queso fresco) and less so (crunchy cornmeal-crusted fried calamari served with a chipotle-agave sauce). House-made tamales are stuffed with chicken adobo and sauced with red mole; rojas sencillas are soothing, homey chicken enchiladas. The wonderful little carnitas-stuffed tacos, three to an order, are dressed with grilled corn, avocado, salsa verde, and an arbol chili sauce. Don't miss the sopapillas for dessert, the crisp pastry served in honey-drenched shards topped with Ciao Bella dulce de leche gelato.
415-346-8494
