Small restaurant with a menu that is changed up frequently. We were there as a foursome and we got a variety of dishes. I had the crab churros and a delicata squash salad. Both were delicious!
Rachelle Storti
We made a reservation. The food was amazing! My only gripe would be the salsa trio. They were more like sauces, but they were still very tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vernon Tarbell
I found the food delicious, and the atmosphere nice and relaxing
Jeff Matranga
My wife and I basically stumbled on this place on August 29, 2025. We did not see it on Google but decided to try it. It was great. The service was attentive, friendly, and efficient. The food was very good. The atmosphere was great. We would definitely go again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan DiPaolo
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).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amaury S
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Elise Lehotsky
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dominic Dymond
They have the music and the food (before 8)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Julia Dunning
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BETTY Rodriguez
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:)
Amazing!! There are a ton of great restaurants in Portland but this place is off the charts - out of the tourist zone - amazing food and great ambiance - so so good
Cynthia
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
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clare Healy
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremy R
Love this place! The tacos available from the window at lunch time are delicious, and the Pozole Rojo is the best soup in town!! The staff is the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Gallas
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!
Small restaurant with a menu that is changed up frequently. We were there as a foursome and we got a variety of dishes. I had the crab churros and a delicata squash salad. Both were delicious!
We made a reservation. The food was amazing! My only gripe would be the salsa trio. They were more like sauces, but they were still very tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I found the food delicious, and the atmosphere nice and relaxing
My wife and I basically stumbled on this place on August 29, 2025. We did not see it on Google but decided to try it. It was great. The service was attentive, friendly, and efficient. The food was very good. The atmosphere was great. We would definitely go again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They have the music and the food (before 8)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing!! There are a ton of great restaurants in Portland but this place is off the charts - out of the tourist zone - amazing food and great ambiance - so so good
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
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place! The tacos available from the window at lunch time are delicious, and the Pozole Rojo is the best soup in town!! The staff is the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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