Papalote Mexican Grill   

The burrito is a California invention, but at Papalote this standard is so Californian it's more likely to speak with a surfer accent than a Mexican one. The restaurant is clean and slightly upscale (though the prices barely reflect it), with art on the walls, food brought to your table and every dish adorned with fresh and tasty garnishes. The portions are ample, but meals are not the gut-busting showstoppers that Mission diners have come to expect. The tradeoff is in the quality and freshness of the food, which is far better than average. Succulent, flavorful grilled prawns and the moist and delicious marinated tofu are always outstanding. It?s worth it to pay for the guacamole and the house-special refried black beans, both are very well-made and robust. Moles, chile verde and even fajitas lift this menu up from the trenches of mere taqueria, and add the restaurant to the ever-growing list of trendy neighborhood Nuevo Latino spots. While not quite fine dining, this is one Mission burrito place where you can comfortably take your Marina friends. -- Karen Solomon