Welcome to Nopalito
At Nopalito, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine in a vibrant yet casual setting, nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Lower Haight. This women-owned establishment proudly offers a menu bursting with flavor, featuring elevated takes on traditional dishes, from the exquisite mole enchiladas to the fresh and zesty tacos de pescado. Our commitment to quality shines through with locally sourced ingredients and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring every guest finds something to love. With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Nopalito is not just a restaurant; it's a joyous gathering place for families and friends.
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306 Broderick St San Francisco, CA 94117 United States Hotline: (415) 437-0303
Welcome to Nopalito: Where Elevated Mexican Cuisine Meets Casual Dining
Nopalito, located at 306 Broderick St in the heart of San Francisco, offers a vibrant escape into the world of Mexican culinary delights. This incredibly welcoming establishment serves as a haven for food lovers, whether you're in the mood for a casual meal with friends, a family gathering, or even a quick takeaway. With a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options alongside mouth-watering traditional dishes, Nopalito ensures there's something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for an inclusive dining experience.
- Ambiance: The atmosphere at Nopalito strikes a perfect balance: casual yet sophisticated. With outdoor seating available and a family-friendly vibe, it's ideal for everything from business lunches to leisurely dinners.
- Innovative Menu: Nopalito elevates the Mexican food experience with dishes such as the Tacos de Pescado, featuring zesty marinated fish and fresh toppings, and their Mole Enchiladas, which have been dubbed a must-try for their layered flavors. Many dishes are artfully plated, making them Instagram-ready!
- Top Highlights:
- Guacamole and Chips: A classic starter that's made even better with house-made corn tortilla chips.
- Carnitas: Slow-braised to perfection, this dish showcases the rich and satisfying flavors that Nopalito embodies.
- Totopos: A creative take on crunchy snacks that customers rave about.
- Frozen White Guava Margarita: This drink has garnered rave reviews for its balance between sweetness and richness.
Even the side dishes shine at Nopalito, with offerings like house-made tortillas and seasonal sides that enrich every meal. Families will appreciate the casual service model, including the option to order via a QR code at the table—a convenient touch for those dining with kids. Plus, Nopalito is rooted in community engagement, being a women-owned establishment committed to an inclusive environment with gender-neutral restrooms and wheelchair accessibility.
In terms of payment options, Nopalito embraces modern convenience, accepting credit cards, mobile payments, and even cryptocurrency. Parking nearby facilitates stress-free access, adding to the overall inviting experience.
The passion and creativity of Nopalito's kitchen are palpable with every bite. From the well-curated drink list to the cohesive presentation of each dish, guests leave not just satisfied, but eager to return. Whether you're savoring the complex flavors of their pozole or indulging in the flavorful gorditas, every dish tells a story of tradition combined with a modern twist.
If you’re looking for a place that excels in both flavor and atmosphere, look no further than Nopalito. This restaurant is not just a meal; it's an experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Next time you're in the Lower Haight neighborhood, make sure to visit Nopalito—your taste buds will thank you!
I really like the Lower Haight neighborhood, and if you're looking for elevated Mexican food, Nopalito is a great option! We asked the waiter for their recommendation (something I usually do when dining out), and they recommended the tacos de pescado. I personally enjoyed the freshness and zesty marinade of the fish, but felt like the orange slices on top were a bit overpowering. The mole enchiladas were another hit! I really enjoyed the layered spicy and sweet flavor of the mole and would just buy that by itself
The "online" ordering system is a little wonky while sitting in a restaurant. It was a very impersonal way to start the experience. The ambiance is very casual and chill, which is a perfect way to enjoy an upmarket Mexican lunch. The food was pretty sensational! We had the canitas, which were cooked to perfection. The two dishes in Mexican food (IMO) that make or break are the chiliequiles and the mole. They nailed both. What a fun idea to pop a few pomegranate seeds on the guac! Each dish was PERFECTLY plated. Hats off to the chef or team in the kitchen. Everything was IG ready. :)
My husband and I have loved Nopalito for years, and are still fans. I would describe this type of cuisine as refined fast casual Mexican cuisine, that is quite clean, but delicious, with high quality ingredients that you can really taste. I feel sad that their Irving Street location closed in the past few years, but I'm glad this establishment is still around. All their dishes are great! The favorites that we get over and over again are the Carnitas Plate, the Seared Trout over beans, Nopalito Margaritas, and Pozole. Their rice and beans are a staple too, although I wish they were just included in their entree plates - it's kind of annoying to pay another $6.50 for rice and beans on the side (when other Mexican restaurants will just include it). Their plates are nicely presented too, nothing crazy, but definitely some thought was put into it (i.e. the trout). Margaritas are strong, very nice!! This place is extremely family friendly. They have tons of high chairs, and the food comes out very, very fast for those impatient toddlers, since you do have the option to order from a QR code on your table. My only complaint is that the prices have really gone up over the years. My favorite trout and carnitas are now $30 each, and that doesn't include rice and beans even. Sigh. We do love this place though for their great food, which is why we're repeat customers. We'll be coming back for more no matter what.
The parking is close and assessable at ground level. Cozy and comfy with outdoor option. The food is very tasty and unique but a bit pricey. Loved the chicken mole enchiladas, my son had delicious carnitas and daughter had the gorditas. All tasty and yummy. Overall, it is a great place to eat and will definitely return.
Honestly, what a great restaurant!! As long as they continue to sell totopos, they will always have a customer. I could easily eat a whole bowl to myself in a single sitting. It is basically the fancy version of a Doritos topped with sour cream and cheese. How much better can you get? Totopos are a must every time I visit Nopalito. This time around, I got the cauliflowers to share (also, delicious!) and the tacos de pescado. The margarita was also a solid option! The service has always been terrific. My only "negatives" would be that it's a little on the pricier side for the portion, and parking can be a bit difficult. Overall, I would come back again and again!! Service: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5
The perfect spot for a delicious margarita! A friend and I stopped by for a drink on a Saturday. There was no wait for a table, and ordering off the app was easy! We ordered the Frozen White Guava Margarita. All I can say is WOW! It might be one of the best margaritas I've ever had--perfectly sweet with a wonderful guava flavor. A must-order! We also got the chips and guacamole. The chips tasted like corn chips, and the guac was very fresh. TL;DR - The Frozen White Guava Margarita is a must-order!!