Seemor
XICAB+Worth Trying
1265 Battery St Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94111
· Mexican restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (409 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative, fully gluten-free Modern Mexican with standout ambiance and cocktails; food impresses many but service speed, portion value, and occasional execution misses divide opinions.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
XICA delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional setting appeal and strong food quality when execution hits. However, inconsistent plating and seasoning combined with recurring service delays at peak times prevent grade A-level reliability. The modern, chef-driven menu and dedicated gluten-free kitchen are genuine strengths, but modest portions relative to pricing and occasional tortilla quality issues keep this competitive with respected local favorites rather than among the area's premier destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a plaza near the Embarcadero, XICA feels modern and vibrant with twinkle lights and a sunny terrace. Guests talk about friendly servers who recommend favorites, like one who said the catch of the day would be a can’t-miss. Many diners praise the presentation and a lively, stylish room, though a few report long waits when it is slammed. Cocktails get love—several crave that carrot margarita—and the vibe lands between casual and polished. The cooking leans contemporary and chef-driven, not purely traditional. Expect playful twists like churro waffles with fried chicken, a duck quesadilla with mole, and even a ribeye aguachile. When the kitchen hits, plates are vivid and balanced; a handful of diners wished for bolder seasoning or found tortillas dry late in service. If you like modern takes with Oaxacan cues and flavor-first plating, you will have fun here. Families do well: a fully gluten-free menu brings peace of mind for celiac diners, and kids gravitate to tacos, quesadillas, and fries. Portions can feel modest for the price, so plan accordingly. If your crew expects sizzling fajitas on cast iron and ultra-classic fare, note the modern-leaning menu and order toward tacos, enchiladas, or corn ribs that kids already love.
At a Glance
- Dedicated gluten-free kitchen with strong celiac trust
- Stylish space and patio near the waterfront
- Creative dishes and cocktail program stand out
- Service delays and inconsistencies at peak times
- Portion size vs. price frustrates some diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- fully_gluten_free_kitchen
- modern_mexican_with_plaza_setting
- creative_cocktails_including_carrot_margarita
What People Love
- Peace of mind from a fully gluten-free kitchen
- Vivid, modern Mexican flavors when the kitchen is on
- Beautiful patio and design-forward dining room
- Signature cocktails like the carrot margarita
Points of Concern
- Peak-hour waits can exceed 60 minutes for mains; manage timing expectations
- Prices are premium; several guests consider taco portions small
- Execution dips reported: occasional dry enchiladas, bland fajitas, or stale-tasting tortillas
- Adventurous, modern-leaning menu may not fit conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For conservative eaters, choose Enchiladas Divorciadas or Pollo Asado Tacos
- Value play: share Elotitos or Taquitos plus a taco plate
- ALERT: Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Perfect For
- Gluten-free dining without compromise
- Date night with creative cocktails
- Pre- or post-Exploratorium meals
- Small groups celebrating brunch
Location Insights
Area: Waterfront-adjacent corporate plaza with business crowds by day, destination dinners and tourists evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit business district with steady foot traffic; occasional plaza nuisances possible.
Nearby: Near Embarcadero, Exploratorium, Coit Tower stairs; offices, hotels, and ferry connections nearby.
EmbarcaderoThe Embarcadero neighborhood along the waterfront offers a vibrant dining scene with upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and seafood spots catering to office workers and visitors. The area is lively during weekdays with a professional crowd and more relaxed on weekends, featuring scenic views and outdoor dining options.
South BeachSouth Beach is a trendy micro-neighborhood known for its modern residential buildings, proximity to the waterfront, and a growing number of chic restaurants and bars. It attracts a younger demographic seeking a mix of work, leisure, and dining experiences in a contemporary urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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