Root down

Californios (SoMa)

RESTAURANTS • Fine Dining Report

My first visit to Californios quickly made clear why it’s so beloved by both the city and its peers. Chef and owner Val Cantu delivers a masterclass in flavor, crafting a menu that gives both sides of the border its due — the soulful depth of Mexico’s culinary heritage meets the brightest, freshest local ingredients of California. The result feels at once nostalgic and strikingly inventive.