Californios Chef Val Cantu's Guide To San Francisco

Chef Val Cantu is no stranger to authentic Mexican cuisine. When he was just 5 years old, his father moved his family to a small town in central Texas and opened a Mexican restaurant and tortilleria. Cantu followed in his father's culinary footsteps, and today he is the chef and owner of Californios, a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district.

After falling in love with the Bay Area's endless bounty, Cantu decided to move to San Francisco and open Californios — first as a pop-up and eventually as a permanent establishment. He has since been named a Rising Star Chef by StarChefs and the San Francisco Chronicle in 2016 and one of Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs in 2017.

So what is his favorite part of San Francisco? "We are on the cutting edge of cuisine, art, technology and culture," says Cantu. When he's not crafting traditional recipes for his seasonal menus, you might find this culinary genius indulging in some dessert at Atelier Crenn or picking out some fresh ingredients at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. From restaurants to exhibits, here are some of his favorite picks around the Bay Area:

What neighborhood do you live in? Portola — the Garden District

What’s your occupation? Chef and owner of Californios

Describe San Francisco in three words: Changing, crazy, fast

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? Benu

Best sushi: Sushi Wako

Best Italian food: Quince

Best dessert: Atelier Crenn

Best pizza: Flour + Water

Best spot for a quick lunch: Prubechu

Best food truck: Del Popolo

Best spot for a romantic date: The Matterhorn Swiss Restaurant

Best glass of wine: The Morris

Best Sunday brunch: Boogaloos

Best spot for a power business meeting: Louie's Gen-Gen Room at Liho Liho Yacht Club

Best cup of coffee or tea: Ritual Coffee and Song Tea

Best steak: House of Prime Rib

Best craft cocktail: Benjamin Cooper or True Laurel

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? San Francisco Proper Hotel

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: The Human Condition

Best gym or fitness studio: Mission Yoga

Best spa: Remede Spa at the St. Regis

Favorite charity event or organization: La Cocina

Favorite cultural event: The San Francisco Ballet

Favorite cultural institution: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in San Francisco? Minnesota Street Projects

Best historic or iconic San Francisco landmark to see or explore: Mission Dolores

What’s your all-time favorite spot in San Francisco? Ferry Building Farmer’s Market

The best aspect of San Francisco is: We are on the cutting edge of cuisine, art, technology and culture.

More city guides from notable San Franciscans:

• Chef Laurent Manrique's Guide To San Francisco
• Blogger Kelly Huibregtse's Guide To San Francisco
• Rich Table Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich's Guide To San Francisco

Image Credit: Jim Sullivan