Photo courtesy Curadero
It’s time to get your fix! The much-anticipated soulful, coastal Mexican kitchen, Curadero, has arrived downtown. Derived from Curandero, or native healer, Curadero is a place to gather and be healed of hunger, hangover, boredom or anything else that ails you. It’s a vibrant place where urban lifestyle and bold, flavorful Mexican food collide.
Curadero / Photo courtesy Curadero
Curadero was created by award-winning interior architects, Studio Unltd. The interior is a vibrant, sociable space that exudes an undeniably alluring south of the border feel, with a nod towards San Diego’s coastal vibe. Large, bright murals depicting medicine men by Mexican muralist Neuzz are balanced by beautiful brickwork and rustic textures. Colorful tiles are found throughout, adorning a sit-down crudo bar, as well as Curadero’s cocktail bar. Beautiful, mixed metal lighting further sets the tone, while the open and airy dining room complete the cantina-style vibe that beckons a gathering of family and friends.
The second-level Arriba Room welcomes late night revelers looking for a space to unwind and enjoy a casual bite or drink. Open Thursday through Saturday from 9 P.M. -1 A.M., the Arriba Room will serve street tacos from its walk-up taco window, Mexican beer and wine, batched cocktails and house sodas. Head to the game lounge and try your hand at one of the classic arcade games, like Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga and Frogger, or challenge friends to a friendly game of foosball or shuffle board.
Executive chef Brad Kraten and Sous Chef Emiliano Najera / Photo courtesy Curadero
The menus at Curadero from Executive Chef Brad Kraten and Sous Chef Emiliano Najera get to the soul of Mexican cuisine. Their ability to take traditional, regional dishes from all over Mexico and prepare them with true and fresh ingredients makes dining at Curadero an experience not-to-miss.
Ceviche de Pescado / Photo courtesy Curadero
For Dinner, sample something from the Crudo Bar, like the Tiradito de Robalo with local cured chorizo, finger limes, jalapeno and olive oil or Aguachile Verde with shrimp, cucumber, marinated red onions, and lemon oil.
Queso Fundido / Photo courtesy Curadero
Move on to Starters like the Pozole with pork broth, hominy, lettuce, radish, oregano and salsa roja, or Mejillones con Birria, or Carlsbad blue mussels in a birria broth with goat crisp and cilantro.
Platos Fuertos - Carne Asada / Photo courtesy Curadero
Platos Fuertos, larger plates meant to share, dish out braised, grilled and roasted proteins, like Grilled and Thinly Sliced Carne Asada Sirloin with chiles toreados, nopal asado, grilled onions and avocado, and Calabaza y Maiz Cazuela with roasted zucchini and corn, grilled onions, confit tomatoes sautéed mushrooms, crema and queso fresco.
Ensalada Curadero / Photo courtesy Curadero
Lunch features many items from dinner menu, but with a few not-to-miss additions. Try the Birria, or spicy goat stew, with fresh tortillas and frijoles de la olla, or the Taco Placero with guacamole, pork chicharron, queso fresco, charred salsa and cilantro.
Chilaquiles Rojos O Verdes / Photo courtesy Curadero
For Breakfast, Curadero delights with traditional dishes, like Canasta de Pan with Mexican whipped spiced ricotta, Chilaquiles Rojos o Verdes, Queso Panela Asado, and housemade pastries with Champurrado.
Lead bartender Jade Boyd / Photo courtesy Curadero
The bar at Curadero houses over 80 premium tequilas and other Mexican spirits, like mezcal, bacanora, and sotol. Guests can indulge in a number of liquid remedies by Lead Bartender Jade Boyd. Boyd, who concocted a menu to pair with Chef Kraten’s bold food, will utilize ingredients and garnishes that will surprise the eyes as well as the palate.
Curadero
1047 Fifth Ave., #100, downtown San Diego. (619) 515-3003 or curadero.com
Follow Curadero