There is a new cool taco joint in town, but it’s far above such a nickname or billing. Folsom’s newest option for Mexican Food, Cantina Pedregal, the brainchild of two of the region’s most decorated top chefs officially turned on the lights and fired up the grill this week to begin dazzling Folsom foodies with its upscale fare and cantina atmosphere
Located in the Folsom Pointe center that is home to Mikuni Sushi and Mendocino Farms near the East Bidwell and Highway 50 interchange the restaurant specializes in northeastern style Mexican fare in a space adjacent to Mikuni that has been home to three restaurants in its recent past, most recently the space was a craft pizza place known as Flock which closed last year. By looks of things so far, Pedregal should be a long term tenant as diners were already raving about their unique menu this week.
The names behind Cantina Pedregal are no strangers to operating successful restaurants and known for top quality dishes. Patrico Wise and his wife Cinthia Martinez have long owned and operated Nixtaco in Roseville, as detailed in a Folsom Times business story late last year just as they took possession of the space. Business partners Brad Cecchi and Clay Nutting are the masterminds being Canon in East Sacramento.
Both of the restaurants already on their resumes have impressive accolades. Nixtaco found its way on the Michelin North America list last year for its high-quality and affordable meals. Canon has been part of the ranking for the last four years. So simply put, Folsom’s newest cantina will come with plenty of experience behind it.
There is even some history behind the name of the restaurant. Pedregal was the name of the neighborhood where Wise grew up in Northern Mexico.
“My wife and I grew up in Monterrey, Mexico where cantinas are casual places to spend time with friends and family, where people gather to talk, play games and get to know their neighbors,” Wise told Folsom Times as they announced their plans for the spot late in 2023. “The ambiance is always warm and convivial and that is the feeling that will carry over into Pedregal,”
The establishment offers a new style of dining to the Folsom community. A style that both partners are confident will last the test of time when it comes to being well received by Folsom and the surrounding communities, including the Highway 50 corridor.
Not only does the new eatery offer another option for Folsom foodies, it’s a great location for travelers going east or west on Highway 50 and can make it a stop on the way down from Apple Hill or on a road trip from the Bay up to Tahoe who will surely enjoy the cantina styled venue that offers a unique ambiance with a semi-open kitchen layout.
“The cantina concept is fairly new to our region both in design and in the menu and will be a unique experience for our guests,” Wise said.
The partners have already worked together on successful projects in the past, including Sacramento’s Farm to Fork Festival and the popular Baconfest, among others. Their new Folsom creation offers a number of meat options including seafood, beef, chicken, pork as well as vegetarian offerings.
Much like Wise, Cecchi is very excited about the new restaurant and adding this style of fare to his resume of fine dining successes.
“For me, it’s a great opportunity to bring my expertise in running fine dining restaurants and developing concepts, and to learn traditional northern Mexican food from Patricio, and then adapt our level of hospitality to it, “ said Cecchi. The northern influence is event represented in the restaurant’s full name which includes the suffix of “del Norte.”
When Flock closed its doors in 2022, much of the equipment and amenities were left for a future buyer. Wise and Cecchi assumed much of the previous amenities in the deal and have put their own touches on the interior and atmosphere. They originally planned opening back in January, but as they worked on the building they made modifications along the way that stretched their efforts out a few more months, including the addition of an expanded outdoor patio area.
The official address to punch into your GPS for Cantina Pedregal is 185 Placerville Road, Suite 150 in Folsom. At this time the restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week from 5 to 9 p.m as they ramp up and fully train their staff, many of which are Folsom locals.
Starting on Aug. 21 they will modify their hours to open at 11 a.m. and begin offering lunch as well as dinner. To get a complete look at their offerings and more prospective diners can visit their website at www.cantinapedregal.com where they can make reservations, which is encouraged due to his eary popularity.
