Maria Isabel Showcases Chef Laura Ozyilmaz's Mastery of Mexican Cuisine

The new restaurant from the team behind Dalida blends local and Mexican ingredients through the lens of the Ozyilmaz's cooking backgrounds.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:05pm by

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Mexican dish like a taco or mole-covered enchilada, repeated in a tight grid pattern with flat, unnatural neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the bold, creative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine at Maria Isabel.The bold, vibrant flavors of Maria Isabel's regional Mexican cuisine are celebrated through a modern pop art lens.San Francisco Today

Chef Laura Ozyilmaz, known for her work at the acclaimed Presidio restaurant Dalida, has opened a new restaurant called Maria Isabel that showcases her personal take on Mexican cuisine. The menu features a blend of regional Mexican dishes and locally-sourced ingredients, with standout items like the ceviche Acapulqueño and the duck carnitas enmoladas.

Why it matters

Maria Isabel represents an exciting evolution in San Francisco's dining scene, as talented chefs like the Ozyilmazes continue to push the boundaries of traditional cuisines by incorporating local flavors and techniques. The restaurant's focus on regional Mexican specialties also helps to diversify the city's culinary landscape beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings.

The details

The ceviche Acapulqueño features tender bites of poached shrimp and raw scallop, topped with three fried shrimp heads, and dressed in a marigold and sour orange sauce with a subtle spicy kick from serranos. The duck carnitas enmoladas showcases the interplay between the rich mole negro and the lighter, fruity manchamanteles mole. The artichoke tetela balances crunchy textures like chapuline-laden salsa macha with the smooth base of mole blanco.

  • Maria Isabel opened in April 2026.

The players

Laura Ozyilmaz

The chef and co-owner of Maria Isabel, known for her work at the acclaimed Presidio restaurant Dalida.

Sayat Ozyilmaz

The co-owner of Maria Isabel, who is partnering with his wife Laura on the new restaurant.

Evan Williams

The consulting bar director at Maria Isabel, known for his well-balanced and technically impressive cocktails.

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What they’re saying

“The ceviche Acapulqueño was one of the highlights of the night, featuring tender bites of poached shrimp and raw scallop.”

— Dianne De Guzman, Eater Northern California/Pacific Northwest Editor

“The duck carnitas enmoladas really sings, thanks to the dual moles. The mix of mole negro with the lighter cherry manchamanteles balances each other out.”

— Dianne De Guzman, Eater Northern California/Pacific Northwest Editor

What’s next

Reservations for Maria Isabel are released on OpenTable 30 days in advance, but the restaurant also accepts walk-ins depending on availability. Smaller parties or solo diners may have better luck finding a spot at the counter in the brighter 'Maria' portion of the restaurant.

The takeaway

Maria Isabel represents an exciting new chapter in San Francisco's dining scene, as talented chefs like the Ozyilmazes continue to push the boundaries of traditional cuisines by blending regional Mexican specialties with locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant's focus on showcasing the personal stories and cooking backgrounds of its owners makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine.