Chilaquiles
@ Mamacita

The Dish:

The chilaquiles at Mamacita is a favorite dish of food notables, including Michael Bauer, food critic for San Francisco Chronicle. But you don't have to have a culinary pedigree to know this is a special dish: A savory, mildly spicy chipotle cream enrobes each toasty tortilla chip; the tortilla chips are mixed with shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and see-through sliced green peppers to give you protein and pops of seasonal freshness; the dish arrives to your widened eyes and watering mouth with one last dash of cheese and green onions.

Key Ingredients: Tortilla chips, chicken, chipotle, cream, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, green peppers, green onions, and cheese

The Place:

Mamacita is an exuberant restaurant with intimately-spaced tables, a communal table, and generous bar seating. With a limited reservation policy, they welcome crowds from its Chestnut Street location. Early during dinner service you'll see families and kids and, as the hour gets later, a proliferation of young professional Marina locals. Whatever the age, any diner can relax in its rustic, modern environs to enjoy a meal.

On the Side:

Mamacita's happy hour is a joyous one. Try one of their terrific tacos with a signature margarita and both your tummy and wallet will leave happy.

Recommended By:

Dina memorializes her dining experiences in her food review blog, The Dish and The Dirt, which gives a layperson food lover's view of the Top 100 Restaurants named by the San Francisco Chronicle plus other notable eateries. She considers pork, wine and donuts to be a well-balanced meal.

Explore Dina's Recommendations