Its opening lacked the fanfare of locally grown favorites, but Cala by Mexico City's star chef Gabriela Camara proves a refreshing menagerie of urban design and authentic Mexican cuisine. On the edge of trendy SF's Hayes Valley, a long galley with cement floor leads to the open dining room and oversize bar with table seating. The dining room features a wall of glass panels with native Mexican lights of handmade pottery strewn from a lofty ceiling. Spare, well-spaced wood tables include locals fully aware of Camara's Mexico City reputation.
The Food
A peekaboo kitchen offers glimpses of Camara in action, delivering a mix of perfect libations and Mexican cuisine with a bend towards seafood. Classic dishes like ceviche are served with fresh water trout in addition to delicate cactus, cod with tomatillo and cilantro and chile cascabel in a charred corn husk.
Last Word
Starry Mexico City chef arrives in SF with native approach to classic Mexican cuisine within stylish Hayes Valley dining room.