Nuestra historia…

Chef Maria Elena Esquivel and Ignacio Perez, the wife and husband duo of the six-year-old Oakland-based CHICA, closed the doors of their small beloved neighborhood establishment in 2022 as they geared up for their new full service restaurant XICA, along the Embarcadero at Levi's Plaza.  XICA is a Chicana style restaurant serving Mexican flavors with a Bay Area-influence for brunch, lunch and dinner, along with specialty cocktail beverages.  XICA signifies the return to their starting place as CHICA, which started as a takeout window from 2015-2020 on Green street at Levi’s Plaza.

From a dream to serve home style food and coffee in a beautiful and comfortable environment, returning to the Levi’s plaza to 1265 Battery Street is really coming full circle. They both love and appreciate a good cup of coffee, great food and what it produces: bringing people together. They look to connect & create with Chef Maria E’s dishes with the duo saying “We want to create and be part of a world where we’re happy to live in”. By choosing XICA you are supporting a locally Mexican Family-Owned, Woman & POC-led business. All of their food is prepared in house, by locals using ingredients sourced from local vendors. When you serve XICA’s food, you are serving the community.

“… This opportunity allows us to offer more of ourselves in a beautiful space (with a real kitchen!). It truly feels like a butterfly breaking out of their cocoon moment." -Chef Maria E

MEDIA

EATER SAN FRANCISCO: Step Inside Xica, a Colorful New Haven for Gluten-Free Mexican Food on the Waterfront

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: This Mexican American brunch spot was always packed, so it took over a huge S.F. location

HOODLINE: Brunch-centric Mexican restaurant Xica opens at Levi’s Plaza in San Francisco

THE BOLD ITALIC: “Back to Back” and “Xica”: Two new restaurants you don’t know, but should

SAN FRANCISCO MAGAZINE: The 11 Most Exciting Restaurant Openings In San Francisco

EATER SAN FRANCISCO: 15 Mighty Mexican Restaurants in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: Popular Oakland brunch spot brings old favorites to new S.F ...

FIND ME GLUTEN FREE : XICA SF REVIEW