Calafia

“my boyfriend and I are visiting from boston for new years and chose this as our NYE dinner spot, and it did not disappoint! I honestly wasn’t expecting much out of this place, but my expectations were surpassed. the vibe was really nice with all of the mood lighting, the staff was super friendly, and the food was delicious (& i’m not even huge on seafood). we got the carne asada fries, chipotle chicken, and fish tacos - all of which were so good. only gripe is that I reserved a “lounge” table and was seated at a tiny high top. other than that it was a great experience”

“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.”

“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:)”

“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”