Destino

(415)552-4451
1815 Market St.
(bet. Octavia & Guerrero)
San Francisco, CA
(Castro district)

$-$$$
Rating: 8 (Rating & price key)
01/17/03

Excellent latin fusion food, mostly tapas-style. We split 6 tapas orders among 4 of us and it was just the right amount of food. We started with tasty mojitos (the famous cuban rum, lime, and sugar cocktail) and buns with an excellent minty chutney-style sauce. The Papas a la Huancainae (cold potato salad with queso fresco sauce and peruvian olives) was delicious - sort of a mashed potato torte if you will, the Chile Relleno Salsa de Chipotle was unusual and excellent. Unlike most, it had ground sirloin and cheddar in it. The Picante de Camarones (sauteed tiger prawns, sofrito puree, and flour chips) was a hit with everyone, especially me. The prawns were superbly cooked and the sauce was very well-flavored and complimented the shrimp nicely. The Pastel de Choclo (sweet (and I do mean sweet!) corn casserole w/ground beef, shredded chicken, and sun dried olives) was well-executed, but a touch too sweet for my liking. The Leg of Lamb Skewers were also very good, although less exciting and exotic than the rest of what we ordered. All in all a very satisfying dining experience! The service was prompt and helpful and the ambience is pleasant. Reservations are probably a good idea on the weekend, although we had no trouble walking in on a Thursday night.