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.
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.
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.
Area vibe: 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.
What's nearby: Near Embarcadero, Exploratorium, Coit Tower stairs; offices, hotels, and ferry connections nearby.