FAQ
Reservations
How do I book a reservation with Maria Isabel?
Reservations are available through OpenTable or our website. We release reservations at 7:00AM 30 days in advance on a rolling basis, and OpenTable reflects our most current availability. If you are not seeing availability, we are likely fully committed for that evening.
For reservation changes or late arrivals, please send us a text message at (415) 275-0075.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We highly recommend making a reservation since our space is limited. That said, we do set aside a couple of seats for walk-ins each evening when possible.
Availability changes night to night, so we recommend texting us before stopping by so we can give you the best idea of what the evening looks like. We also keep a physical waitlist at the restaurant.
Do you accept reservations for the counter?
Yes. Counter reservations are available and tend to fill quickly.
The counter sits along the edge of the dining room. While connected to the kitchen, it does not offer a direct view into it, creating a more intimate and slightly tucked-away experience while still feeling part of the energy of the restaurant.
Do you have a bar?
We offer a very limited standing bar area for guests enjoying beverages before or after dinner. Space is available on a first come, first served basis and is reserved for beverage service only.
How do I join the waitlist?
We recommend setting a Notify Me alert through OpenTable. If a reservation becomes available, OpenTable will notify you directly. We also review our waitlist as reservations change and may reach out by text or phone if we are able to accommodate your request.
Do you require a credit card to make a reservation?
Yes. A credit card is required to secure all reservations.
What is your cancellation policy?
Reservations may be modified or canceled through OpenTable up to 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 48 hours and no-shows will incur a charge of $48 per guest.
What happens if I am running late?
We are happy to offer a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals. Beyond that time, we may not be able to guarantee your table due to the reservations that follow.
If you are running late, please send us a text message at (415) 275-0075.
How long do I have my table?
To help us provide the best experience for all of our guests throughout the evening, we kindly ask that reservations observe the following dining times:
Party of 1 guest: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Parties of 2 guests: 2 hours
Parties of 3-4 guests: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Parties of 5-6 guests: 2 hours and 30 minutes
What should I know before arriving?
We encourage guests to allow extra time for parking and travel, as parking in the neighborhood can be limited, particularly during busy dining hours.
Can I request a specific table or dining room?
We are happy to note seating preferences and will always do our best to accommodate requests. Due to the size of our restaurant and the flow of reservations each evening, we are unable to guarantee specific tables or seating locations.
Can I bring my child or infant?
Children are welcome to dine with us. Please note that due to the intimate nature of our dining room, we are unable to accommodate strollers, high chairs, booster seats, or children's menus.
Dining Experience
What is included in the chef's menu?
We offer a $90 per person chef-curated tasting menu celebrating contemporary Mexican Pacific Coast flavors, pristine California seafood, and our house-ground moles, all guided by the best ingredients of the season.
We also offer pescatarian and vegetarian tasting menus for $100 per person with advance notice. These menus require additional preparation from our kitchen team and are offered in limited quantities each evening.
Menus change frequently with the seasons and may vary from evening to evening.
The tasting menu is designed to be enjoyed within the reservation times outlined above.
We require full table participation.
Can I order à la carte?
Yes. In addition to our tasting menus, we offer an à la carte menu.
If you have selected the tasting menu when making your reservation, we kindly ask that you honor that selection whenever possible, as we prepare a limited number of tasting menu experiences each evening based on advance reservations.
If your plans change, please let us know ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate.
Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian options?
Yes. We are happy to offer vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus for $100 per person with advance notice.
Because we have a small kitchen and these menus require additional preparation, we ask that guests include any dietary preferences when booking so our team can plan accordingly.
We are currently unable to offer a vegan tasting menu.
Our menus change regularly with the seasons, and available accommodations may vary throughout the year.
I have an allergy or dietary restriction. Can I dine at Maria Isabel?
We kindly ask that allergies and dietary restrictions be shared before your visit so that our kitchen and service team can best guide your experience.
We will always do our best to accommodate wherever possible. At this time, however, we are unable to accommodate allium or nightshade allergies within our tasting menu, as these ingredients are foundational to many of our preparations.
If you have questions about a specific allergy or dietary need, please reach out before making your reservation.
Is the food spicy?
Some dishes contain chiles, salsas, and may have a moderate level of spice. Our menu is designed to showcase balance and flavor rather than heat alone.
If you are sensitive to spice, please let your server know and we will be happy to guide you through the menu.
Is the menu traditional Mexican food?
Maria Isabel is rooted in the culinary traditions of Mexico, particularly the country's Pacific Coast, while drawing inspiration from Northern California's seasons and ingredients.
Many of our ingredients, techniques, and recipes are inspired by the regions and traditions that shaped our chefs' upbringing.
While some dishes may feel familiar, others are interpretations of regional Mexican traditions viewed through a contemporary lens.
What is the corkage policy?
Corkage is $40 for the first 750mL bottle. A second bottle is $60. Magnum bottles (1500mL) are $100.
Do you have a dress code?
While we do not have a formal dress code, we encourage guests to dress for an evening out and in a way that feels appropriate for the experience.
Groups & Private Events
How do I book a large group, private dining event, or full restaurant buyout?
For parties of 8 or more guests, private dining, or full restaurant buyouts, please complete our inquiry form:
https://www.mariaisabelsf.com/private-events/
Parties of 8 or more guests are coordinated through our events team and are not available to book through OpenTable.
As a small restaurant, larger gatherings require additional planning and coordination. Our team will review your inquiry and be in touch with available options.
Planning Your Visit
Where is Maria Isabel located?
We are located at 500 Presidio Avenue in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood.
What are your operating hours?
We are open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Is there parking available?
Street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, though it can be limited, particularly during peak dining hours. We recommend allowing extra time for parking and travel or considering a rideshare service.
Paid parking is also available at the Jewish Community Center parking garage located at 3200 California Street, a short walk from the restaurant.
Do you have outdoor seating?
We currently offer indoor dining only.
Is Maria Isabel wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We are wheelchair accessible and offer ADA seating.
Takeout & Catering
Do you offer takeout?
While we do not currently offer a standard takeout menu, we are happy to create custom pickup catering menus for special occasions.
Careers
I want to work at Maria Isabel. How do I apply?
Current openings are listed on Culinary Agents. If you do not see the position you are seeking, please send your resume and cover letter to mariaisabel@mariaisabelsf.com.
Holidays
What are your holiday hours?
We are closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Holiday hours may occasionally change due to private events, so we recommend checking Google or our Instagram stories for the most up-to-date information.