Cantina Calafia

there are restaurants that you can see are just comfortable with themselves the moment you walk through the door. this is one of those neighborhood places with a vibe that is comfortable and cool and friendly. there's no chasing a star tenseness, just this is our food that we love and we can share with you. and the food is outstanding. thoughtful, delicious, and a touch playful (looking at you, jonah crab churros).

Caesar salad — that’s actually what keeps us going back to Cantina Calafia, and something I definitely didn’t expect from a Mexican-style restaurant. We’ve been to Cantina Calafia a few times now (always for lunch; we still need to make it there for dinner) and have been really happy with our experience each time. The menu isn’t huge, but it’s the perfect size; a solid mix of salads, tacos, burritos, and other options. Everything we’ve tried has been really good. For us, the star of the show is that Caesar salad. It’s so good we’ve gone back just for that and a cocktail. The anchovies, the cotija (which they do not skimp on), the lettuce, the dressing… it’s all perfectly balanced. Honestly, it might be my favorite salad in all of Portland. Note to staff: please don’t change the recipe. Their cocktail menu is also super impressive, mostly mezcal and tequila-forward, but with a few other spirits here and there too. And we love the ambiance inside. The space feels airy, open, and inviting. Service has always been great. The staff is kind and friendly, and while you could tell there were a few growing pains early on after they opened, they’ve worked those out, and it showssssss!

Okay so everyone was sad when Bonobo when bonobye but it’s cool because Calafia is a great hang. The mocktails are no joke, the chips and salsa option is fantastic and we left super full and sated. The CRAB CHURROS, yes you read correctly, CRAB, are amazing. Think crab cakes that are a great texture and delightful. The mushroom enchiladas were cheese and rich, really flavorful, and the pork milanesa is pounded to perfection with great texture and flavor.

I always appreciate tight menus. Easy to choose and not making me overwhelmed. I ordered broiled oyster, full of flavour and bring me back to how restaurant served oyster in my home country. Pozole rojo even though it’s in appetizer category but it’s actually a dinner size. Delicious and hearty Also got matcha tress leches. I think this is the first time I ever had it in a corn cake format. Made in house, not sweet and the corn cake give good texture. As for the drink I ordered pasionada, the combination of tequila and mezcal with passion fruit. I ordered everything based on the bartenders recommendation. Totally enjoy the dinner experience here

Cantina Calafia is a charming hidden gem without a doubt! The food was absolutely delicious and yummy cocktails. We loved the ambiance and highly recommend:)

We really enjoy this cozy place. Went with some friends to try out their tasting menu for restaurant week recently—all awesome selections. The crab churros were really fantastic. Fish tacos were also very good. Everything was reasonably priced. Plus they have Pacifico and Dos Equis on tap, which is fun and kind of unique. Great, friendly service. Decor and custom furniture are super cool. Great date night spot!

Don’t sleep on calafia! So happy they’re here. It’s authentic, creative, and elevated Mexican that doesn’t go wrong. Fresh ingredients, epic cocktails, and desserts to remember. Can’t get enough of this spot.

Every dish I have had at Calafia is amazing; intricate flavors and textures, beautiful presentation, creative combinations. Everyone I go there with is blown away by the deliciousness! The staff is knowledgable and friendly, both professional and relatable, and the place has a great atmosphere. This has become my fav Portland restaurant. Thank you! Also they change up the menu frequently, which is great for locals!

There are certain restaurants in the world when you walk into, you're met with the feeling it was made for the locals in mind, and Cantina Calafia fits that bill. A a creative menu showcasing owner Dominique's Baja roots, a restaurant design that feels like you're in Brooklyn, and authentically friendly service - what more could you ask for? Honestly, you could just go for the cocktail menu, oysters asada and fluffy churros alone. But what you SHOULD go out of your way for, is the seasonal takes on tacos, huarache, tamales and ceviche. I deeply appreciate they try to source as many local items as possible. This is the ultimate spot to try a few dishes with a small group of friends. I've had the crispy beef tacos for lunch, which, side bar: their lunch menu is a SLEEPER hit. What the heck. I've found my new favorite local spot. See you there??

Cantina Calafia is such a gem! Modern Mexican tapas with bright flavors-- fresh fish, creamy avocado, tangy citrus. The charred oysters are a must, along with the tuna aguachile (5 stars). Same with the tres leches cake and flan. I switched it up this time and ordered the heirloom tomato salad and a spicy mango mocktail, which were refreshing but not my favorite. Definitely worth a try, though. The Todo Limon cocktail from my prior visit still stands out as the best drink on their menu. Service was great, cozy and modern spot, fantastic food. Will be returning here regularly!

This is a delightful place, a rare gem in today's generally underwhelming restaurant scene. Hip, casual atmosphere, friendly and efficient service. And the food! Fresh takes on Mexi-Cali dishes with delightful blends of savory, piquant and spicy -- all at a reasonable price. Muy delicioso!

We just serendipitously stopped in for lunch. It's a small venue but the service was excellent. The fact that the menu is not extensive means everything is done very very well. Our tacos were served with a delicious side of homemade roasted tomato salsa. I must say, the Maple Churro with Dolce de Leche on the side was probably the best Churro we've ever eaten! They've only recently been open for lunch, so we're eager to try them at dinner!

Sooo good! Such a cool, chill space. My Mexican aunt from SoCal said the carnitas tacos and flan were the best she'd ever tasted. I loved the ceviche and the fish tacos -- huge pieces of crispy fish and not greasy at all. I don't normally drink cocktails (usu too sweet -- I'm more of a straight booze and soda water kinda girl), but they looked so good I tried one... and then a few more. We spent a few weeks in Portland this summer and as a native Californian, I needed some spice after all the butter and lobster (and bread). Grumpy teen daughter loved the carnitas tacos so much she went back during the day for the fried tacos from the window. Then wanted to go every day (she's like that). Her fav: the potato taco, which I thought sounded weird, but was the sh**. It's like a crunchy taco with a creamy french fry filling. omg

I heard about this takeout window in the West End from one of my foodie links and was excited to try it--and when they posted a photo of carne asada fries, I made a beeline for the place and was soooooo happy I did. Fries covered with perfectly tender meat with that great char taste and crispy ends; avocado crema and salsa; cheese and fresh cilantro and jalapeños--yum! (And it doesn't hurt to add a dash of Cholula hot sauce either, just sayin'.) Everything else coming out of the window looked great and smelled amazing. The menu varies: chicken and beef tacos, potato tacos, posole. There's a little board hung up outside the window telling you what they have that day (and you can check their Instagram account too). There's also a selection of drinks, including Mexican Coke, which really hits the spot. They've only been open for a month or two but clearly folks are in the know: there was a small group waiting for their orders when I tooled up, and after I got my order the line got even longer. For a tiny window they're super efficient: my order took maybe 5 minutes. My understanding is that the owners are planning on opening a larger restaurant once they finish renovating--for now, just find the window on Pine Street around the corner from the old Bonobo Pizza, where you'll see happy diners waiting for their orders!

Had an absolutely amazing dinner at the bar. Loved chatting with the owner, Dominique, who recommended a couple of excellent tequilas from her fantastic selection. Tuna aguachile was delicious. The broiled oysters with chile lime butter were incredible. And the lengua tacos were among the best I have ever eaten! Can't wait to go back!

We took a chance on a Saturday night at this newly opened Baja Cali joint around 7:30pm and got a table! The west end is, of course, a bit sleepier than downtown and we were happy to get a warm greeting here on a chilly night. There are few other walkable options other than Chaval before you hit Longfellow Square. The space is snazzy, clean and too dark for good food pics. Cocktails interesting but loved the tequila and mezcal menu with a dynamite sotol, too. The hit of the evening were the Maine razor clams with ramps. While outstanding they were surprisingly expensive at $10 a clam, but worth it. The rest of the menu was reasonably priced including a large duck platter (breast, confit tamale, tortillas) for "2-4 people" at $50. It really was a large enough dish for 3. Mushroom refried bean dish was good and the tres leches a perfect end.

Nothing better in a cold day than this hearty soup. Such a fun spot. I got an empanada also but not sure I can finish everything....i ordered too much.

Service was very good. Ambiance was light and free. Not for large parties. 1, 2, 3, or 4 are a comfortable space. We did a mixture of items. In order of liking them. Starting with our least favorite. The refried beans. Nothing special. The tongue tacos. They were ok. But after having other flavors dance on our palettes, this was a simple walk across the stage. Hake tacos. Nicely prepared. You could taste the hake and the toppings that went with them. Would convert this to eating at the beginning. Tostados. I mean I did not expect to like the toasted sesame topping. We devoured it. The salsas were fresh and vibrant. Really good. The mussels were delicious. We split it and I wish I had a whole one to myself. What a great combination of flavors and creativity. Dance my friend dance. Our number one favorite item: those oysters! What happened? We ordered two each, which was enough to want more and be satiated at the same time. And now. I am ruined for everything else. So. Want to go back and try the rest of the menu. Plus points on having Greek wine on the menu!

Four of us went for a birthday celebration as we had heard the food was exceptional...and we had heard correctly! We all shared some Botanas and most of the Aperitivos in addition to the Platos and most of the Postres. Each has an extraordinary flavor and perfect presentation. I wish I had the adjectives to describe the exquisite tastes! The cocktails met the same high standard and the beer, several on draft, was on point. All this was topped off in a beautifully remodeled space with perfect customer service. A must try.

Every single thing we ate was incredible. I had a cocktail whose name escapes me, but it was essentially a mezcal negroni -- mezcal, cynar, vermouth. The flavors were perfect & delicious. The Grilled Maine Oysters with Chili Lime Butter (pictured) had an awesome, unexpected kick of heat, $4 each. So good! The Aguachile Verde placed tender Maine scallops in a gorgeous array of green color, thinly sliced jalapeno. It was bright & fresh, served with lightly crispy corn tortillas. And the desserts!! Damn, the best tres leches & flan I have ever had!

Highly recommend checking out this great place in Portland's West End. The food is fresh and delicious. The vibe is very fun and welcoming. I love the look, the lighting and ambiance. The staff are all very friendly and attentive. I had the fish tacos for my main and it was excellent. Also tried a delicious mocktail. The flan dessert was the star of the meal. Check it out.

This place is a jewel! It may be a hidden jewel, but if you want good food, quality ingredients, and good service, go here! Everything we tasted was amazing. We shared a number of apps - the squash salad, bluefin tuna, and the crab churros really stand out. The salad is one of the best I've had, and I don't say that lightly about a salad! For the mains, their fish taco is generous in portion and perfect. The carne asada steak was spectacular! Cocktails - well balanced, fun, and perfect. The flan for dessert was amazing! You can't go wrong with this place. Fun vibes and friendly staff!

Excellent meal and service. We made last minute reservations on a Friday and were very glad we did. The food is lighter fare than what people might assume with Mexican (this is not standard Mexican fare) We had the broiled oysters with lime chile butter -"super" . We also had the blu fin tuna aguachile amarillo which was super fresh with citrus and radishes. We would recommend multiple small plates for variety rather than the few larger plates. Decor very cool as well with modern aesthetic. A great local spot that may get more attention as a unique option despite being further from the Old Port or Munjoy Hill. Highly recommended. They have a takeout taco window that we haven't tried, but assume it is worth a try.

I can't say enough good things about this upscale Mexican restaurant. The owners have nailed it in their decor and even more so in their choice of small plates to serve. The ceviche was spicy and light and larger than expected. My friend got the muscles and they were served with the creamy side sauce. We both had tacos, one lingua, which was a great departure from the usual and the other fish which were crispy fried and light. Make sure you stop by and meet the owners. They are delightful!

This place is a hidden gem. Authentic and delicious dishes, approachable wine list, and very friendly owners/staff. We can't stop coming. Don't sleep on the huarache. Such a great addition to the West End.

Amazing food and amazing service! The fish taco was the best I've ever had. Staff were very friendly and attentive, and the flan dessert with goat cheese was delicious. Everything we had was super fresh and had such good flavor, we'll definitely be back.

We went to Cantina Calafia to celebrate a family birthday recently. With 6 in our party we were able to sample a wide variety of dishes, and all were spectacular. Two members of our group have food allergies and the staff were very helpful in insuring the dishes were safe. All the dishes were gluten free except for the saltines. The flan was amazing! We are so happy to have this new addition to the Portland restaurant scene. Can't wait to return.

Five stars all the way! Delicious food. Unpretentious.. Modern design and contemporary lighting. A real gem in the West End! Can't wait to go back!

Just excellent! The decor is lovely, the service is efficient and friendly, and the food is fabulous. Elevated Mexican food - unlike anything I've had in Maine and beyond. Original, fresh and tasty. Smallish menu but done very well. The tres leches cake with matcha and habiscus was light and a prefect end to our meal.

We just enjoyed one of the best dining experiences we've had in more than forty years of sampling the many delights of Portland's food scene! The dishes we ordered were imaginative, complex, intriguing, and without exception, DELICIOUS! The atmosphere is both sophisticated and friendly, and everyone who works there seems to be happy about it. There's so much love, great taste, passion, and vision packed into this new arrival in the West End -- don't miss it!

charming staff, fun and colorful vibe, perfect place for date night or friend groups... best flan in town and creative drinks !!