Chefs Launch Maria Isabel to Celebrate Mexican Culinary Heritage

Chefs Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, known for their successful restaurant Dalida, are set to debut a new culinary venture named Maria Isabel. Scheduled to open on March 3, 2026, this 50-seat restaurant will occupy the former space of Ella’s American Kitchen in Presidio Heights, San Francisco. The establishment aims to highlight the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico, drawing inspiration from Laura’s heritage.

At the core of Maria Isabel’s concept is the celebration of the culinary connection between the Pacific coast of Mexico and California. Laura, who hails from Guerrero, brings with her a wealth of knowledge about tropical ingredients and coastal flavors, while her father’s roots in Sinaloa introduce dishes like aguachile and chilorio. The menu will reflect these influences, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

Unique Dining Experience with Artful Presentation

Maria Isabel will present its dishes in a communal style, encouraging shared experiences among diners. The menu will be available à la carte, with an optional family-style tasting menu priced at $90 per person, requiring full table participation. Starters will include grilled oysters served with various sauces, a selection of aguachiles, and ceviches, all showcasing the fresh flavors of the coast.

One standout dish will be the pulpo enamorado tostada, featuring grilled octopus, tomatoes, and serrano chiles, served on a tostada. Other notable offerings include pan de cazuela, a nixtamalized corn cake with glazed pork belly, and crab tortita ahogada, a small sandwich stuffed with crab and charred pineapple. The restaurant will also feature an extensive masa program, making fresh tortillas and tamales in-house using local corn.

The design of Maria Isabel, led by Jenne Wicht of JAK W, will create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The space will be divided into two distinct sections, reflecting the inspiration behind the restaurant’s name. One area will be bright and lively, representing Laura’s sister, Maria, with soft colors, while the other, inspired by her mother Isabel, will have a more mature and grounded aesthetic.

Innovative Beverage Offerings

The beverage program at Maria Isabel will be developed by the team from Dalida, with Jerry McGie serving as Wine Director. The wine list will focus on selections from California and underrepresented regions such as Baja California and Querétaro in Mexico, as well as South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. This carefully curated list will feature around 80 selections, spotlighting talented winemakers who are redefining traditional practices.

The cocktail menu, crafted by Consulting Bar Director Evan Williams, will explore a variety of Mexican spirits beyond tequila and mezcal, including sotol and bacanora. The cocktails will draw inspiration from classic Mexican flavors while employing modern techniques. Notable cocktails will include the Truchita, a refreshing mix of papaya seed-infused tequila and grapefruit, and the Más Sabe el Diablo, a smoky cocktail that encapsulates the essence of al pastor tacos.

As for the dessert offerings, patrons can expect items like a coconut and mezcal Baked Acapulco and flan de piña, a roasted pineapple flan topped with spicy salsa macha.

With its focus on communal dining, seasonal ingredients, and a blend of traditional and modern culinary techniques, Maria Isabel is poised to become a vibrant addition to San Francisco’s dining scene. As the Ozyilmazes prepare for their opening, the anticipation is building for a restaurant that promises to bridge cultures through food.