Calafia Cantina y Fonda

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.

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:)

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

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).