Popped in on a whim for happy hour and we were so glad we stumbled on this restaurant! I had a spicy marg and my husband had a charro negro, both were delicious and full strength! We had the perfect snacks to go with it - salsas and tostados and some fish tacos. The staff were warm and friendly. Would recommend!
Trista Brophy Cerquera
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May 22, 2026
Hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. We ordered th toastadas and salsas, added guacamole, the mushroom enchiladas, the hibiscus pineapple lime tonic mocktail, and ended with goat cheese flan. Every bite was a unique flavor bomb!
Amaury S
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July 02, 2025
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!
Mollie Dacey
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January 01, 2026
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
Elise Lehotsky
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June 20, 2025
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.
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Popped in on a whim for happy hour and we were so glad we stumbled on this restaurant! I had a spicy marg and my husband had a charro negro, both were delicious and full strength! We had the perfect snacks to go with it - salsas and tostados and some fish tacos. The staff were warm and friendly. Would recommend!
Hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. We ordered th toastadas and salsas, added guacamole, the mushroom enchiladas, the hibiscus pineapple lime tonic mocktail, and ended with goat cheese flan. Every bite was a unique flavor bomb!
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!
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
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.