Restaurants

Molcajete Cocina Mexicana | Mexican, 1743 Webster St., 510-466-6652 Manuel Torres the owner of this off-the-beaten-path cocina, professes a deep love of Mexican salsa as the inspiration for his quaint restaurant, and, indeed, the many salsas and sauces here—hand-mashed in the molcajete, the Mexican version of mortar and pestle—shine in the dishes. From the empanadas, sopes, and flautas to the chilaquiles, enchiladas, and rellenos, these offerings are fresh, artful presentations that taste like a bit of real Mexico. Masa cakes, chilies, chicken tinga, cochinita pibil, plantains, and nopal are among the ingredients that make their way onto plates with mole, red, and green sauces, all definite taste sensations. Delicious agua fresca, too. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tue.–Sat. and breakfast and lunch daily.