New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in SF
María Isabel, a new Mediterranean restaurant from the owners of the acclaimed Dalida, is opening in San Francisco on March 3. The restaurant has begun previewing its menu, which will feature a range of Mediterranean dishes.
- The restaurant’s name, María Isabel, is a tribute to co-owner and chef Laura Ozyilmaz’s mother, Isabel, and her sister, María. The 56-seat space is divided into two distinct sections: a bright, lively area representing Maria and a darker, more sultry side with wood accents for Isabel. - While the card content mentions a Mediterranean menu, María Isabel will actually feature upscale coastal Mexican cuisine, celebrating Chef Laura Ozyilmaz's heritage from the states of Guerrero and Sinaloa. The menu will bridge the Pacific coasts of Mexico and California, offering both à la carte options and a $90 tasting menu. - The chef-owners, Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, have a distinguished background in fine dining, with experience at renowned restaurants such as Saison, Mourad, Eleven Madison Park, and Le Bernardin. Laura Ozyilmaz was also a finalist on Bravo's *Top Chef*. - The kitchen will perform in-house nixtamalization of heirloom corn to create fresh masa for tortillas and dishes like triangular tetelas stuffed with artichoke and mole blanco. Other planned menu items include duck confit enmoladas, chicken milanesas stuffed with poblano and Oaxaca cheese, and lamb rib birria. - The beverage program will spotlight a range of agave spirits beyond tequila and mezcal, including raicilla, sotol, and bacanora. It will also feature Mexican wines from regions like Baja and Querétaro. - María Isabel is located at 500 Presidio Avenue in the Presidio Heights space formerly occupied by the popular brunch spot Ella's American Kitchen. - The owners' first restaurant, Dalida, earned significant accolades, including a place on *Esquire's* list of Best New Restaurants in America, Eater SF's Restaurant of The Year, and semifinalist nominations for the James Beard Foundation awards.
