Best Tapas Restaurants in The Castro

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of bota tapas and paella bar restaurant

1. bota tapas and paella bar

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 11 times today

At Bota Tapas and Paella Bar in the bustling heart of Union Square, San Francisco, the essence of Spain is vividly brought to life. Diners consistently praise its authentic Spanish cuisine, with reviews noting that the "grilled octopus is the best" and the "paella was excellent." The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity shines through its menu, featuring classics like patatas bravas and innovative dishes such as bacon-wrapped dates. Guests rave about the "delicious squid ink paella" and the vibrant atmosphere, describing Bota as a place that "transports you to Spain without flying." With its chic yet casual setting, Bota is the go-to spot for those seeking a taste of Spain in downtown San Francisco.

A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

2. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1568)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Castro

Booked 6 times today

Step into the vibrant heart of Mediterranean flavors at Canela Bistro & Wine Bar in The Castro, San Francisco. Celebrated for its exceptional Spanish cuisine, Canela captures the essence of Mediterranean dining with a menu that highlights the rich tapestry of flavors from Spain. Awarded the prestigious Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine list featuring over 75 unique Spanish wines, ensuring a genuine culinary journey. Guests rave about the "delicious and authentic Spanish tapas" and the "outstanding service," making Canela a beloved treasure in the neighborhood. Whether you're indulging in their famed seafood paella or savoring the homemade desserts, Canela Bistro & Wine Bar promises an unforgettable dining experience that resonates with the warmth and authenticity of Mediterranean hospitality.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

3. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tapas • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 58 times today

Coqueta in San Francisco stands out as a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence, specializing in authentic Tapas and Small Plates. Nestled at Pier 5 on the vibrant San Francisco Waterfront, this restaurant brought to life by award-winning Chef Michael Chiarello, offers an exquisite array of dishes that celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of Spain. Diners rave about the “incredibly nuanced” food and “creative dishes” like the salmon ahumado and croquetas, which showcase the fresh, local ingredients from Northern California. The ambiance is described as fun and lively, perfect for social dining, making Coqueta a "must-do" when visiting San Francisco. Whether it's the playful lollipop cheesecake or the highly recommended paella, every dish promises a culinary adventure, leaving patrons planning their next visit before the current one ends.

4. Destapas SF

4.6

Exceptional(118)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Mission

Booked 16 times today

At Destapas SF, nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, you'll find a slice of Spain that delights with its authenticity and culinary prowess. Owners Luis Raga and Raul Aguilera have curated a space where the spirit of a casual Spanish bar/restaurant thrives. Patrons rave about the "real Spanish tapas" and dishes like the "superb" paella and "melt-in-your-mouth jamon Iberico." One reviewer exclaimed, "Only place in SF where you'll find real Spanish tapas," highlighting the unmatched quality and authenticity. The restaurant's dynamic menu features favorites like patatas bravas, pulpo, and tortilla Española, ensuring a truly Spanish dining experience. Whether it's enjoying tapas and drinks during the vibrant happy hour or relaxing on the picturesque back patio, Destapas SF promises an unforgettable journey through the tastes of Spain right in the heart of San Francisco.

5. Top of the Mark

4.3

Awesome(846)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Nob Hill

Booked 11 times today

Top of the Mark, perched on the 19th floor in Nob Hill, San Francisco, is a culinary and visual spectacle, making it a must-visit for aficionados of International cuisine. Celebrated as the number 1 hotel bar in California by USAToday, it offers a mesmerizing 360-degree view of the city, including landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Patrons rave about the "over the top desserts" and "tantalizing appetizers" that perfectly pair with innovative cocktails. The live music and vibrant dance scene on Saturdays enhance the dining experience, making every visit memorable. As one reviewer put it, the place is “wow” from the moment you walk in, with food and service that match the breathtaking views. Join us at Top of the Mark for an unforgettable journey through International flavors and San Francisco’s charm.

6. Piqueos

4.9

Exceptional(1186)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • Bernal Heights

Booked 7 times today

At Piqueos in the charming Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, the essence of Peruvian cuisine comes to life with every dish meticulously crafted to showcase the vibrant, authentic flavors of Peru. This restaurant, renowned for its "fusion Peruvian Cuisine," has consistently amazed diners with its culinary excellence. Guests rave about the "best ceviche in SF" and the "explosion of tastes" from dishes like the chaufa pork belly and Salmon Ceviche, emphasizing the freshness and unique flavor profiles. With glowing reviews like "the food was all delicious," and "really an amazing dining experience," Piqueos proves to be a standout destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Peru. The artful ambiance and attentive service further enhance the dining experience, making Piqueos a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

7. Bansang

4.5

Awesome(316)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Western Addition

Booked 33 times today

Bansang in Western Addition, San Francisco, offers a delightful twist on traditional Korean cuisine with its innovative tapas-style dishes that invite diners to explore a tapestry of flavors in one sitting. Celebrated for its creative approach, Bansang transforms classic Korean elements into small plates that are perfect for sharing, allowing each guest to experience a variety of tastes. Guests rave about the "uni toast," described as one of the best dishes ever tasted, and the "pork collar," which is consistently highlighted for its deliciousness. The ambiance of Bansang complements its culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique dining experience with meticulously crafted Korean tapas.

8. El Techo

4.6

Exceptional(398)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • Mission

Booked 41 times today

El Techo, perched atop the bustling streets of San Francisco's Mission District, is a vibrant haven for Tapas and small plates enthusiasts. Renowned for its "fantastic rooftop experience" and "sweeping city views," this gem offers a delightful array of pan-Latin American cuisine that keeps patrons coming back. Diners rave about the "surprisingly delicious food" and the "perfect amount of full" feeling after indulging in their culinary delights. From the "mouth-watering" Yuca fries with a hint of pepper to the perfectly cooked Pulpo, each dish is a testament to El Techo's commitment to quality and authenticity. The atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and inviting," making it an ideal spot for both lively gatherings and intimate evenings. El Techo is truly a top destination for anyone seeking an authentic Tapas experience in San Francisco.

9. Abrazo

4.9

Exceptional(510)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Russian Hill

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Abrazo, a culinary treasure nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Russian Hill, where the essence of Spanish-Californian cuisine is celebrated with a modern twist. Abrazo has perfected the art of Tapas/Small Plates, offering a menu that dazzles with dishes like the charred octopus and gambas al ajillo, praised for their "outstanding" flavors and authenticity. Diners frequently laud the "wonderful, flavorful" food and the atmosphere that captures the vibrant spirit of Spain fused seamlessly with California's fresh produce. A visit to Abrazo promises not just a meal but an "amazing experience," with every small plate crafted to evoke the convivial and communal essence of traditional Spanish dining. This neighborhood gem, highly recommended for its "excellent food and service," stands as a testament to the rich culinary traditions it honors and innovates.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)

4.6

Exceptional(281)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • SOMA

Booked 29 times today

Gyu-Kaku in San Francisco, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese BBQ delights. Celebrated as the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand since its inception in Tokyo in 1996, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests become chefs at their own table-top smokeless grills. Patrons rave about the "exceptionally delightful" dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib. One enthusiast mentioned, "Every bite was a symphony of flavor," highlighting the top-notch, well-seasoned meats. The atmosphere is perfect for a range of occasions, from casual dinners to celebratory gatherings, making every visit a magical culinary adventure. With its extensive menu and dedicated service, Gyu-Kaku stands out as a must-visit spot for Japanese cuisine aficionados in San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Heather
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
This was the best meal I have had in a while! Inventive dishes with great flavor, yet very accessible and well priced for the quality. It was fun to have smaller tapas plates to share and be able to try more delicious dishes!
More info
BansangPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Korean• Western Addition
•
4.5
L
Linda
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We have been enjoying Christmas Brunch at the Top of the Mark for over 25 years. This year was the best organized and the "people flow" was so much better. Excellent food and the lovely young woman who made my yummy omelet was so professional and crisp and fun to watch. I understand that the new manager, is Amu" I think is her name, who wore a spectacular magenta dress, kept everything smoothly running and was so gracious. I had the privilege of thanking her personally. Frank was our expert server (he has worked there over 25 years) and he was unruffled and did not miss a beat even when dealing with the crass and rude and snarky pair who sat behind us. THANK YOU Mark Hopkins for making our Christmas, yet again, memorable.
More info
Top of the MarkPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Nob Hill
•
4.3
F
FrankVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely loved our dinner with friends. Cocktails, wine and all the tapas were delicious. Service by Jessica was extraordinary.
More info
Canela Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Castro
•
4.8
E
EileenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •51 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Quiet place on Xmas eve morning.Food was well prepared, good presentation, prompt service. Enjoyed the excellent Mussels and tasty Brussel Sprouts. Sweet spot in Warwick Hotel.
More info
bota tapas and paella barPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
K
Kalief
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Dec 2024
Great—as always! The food is consistently good, the ambiance was lively and warm and the server was incredibly attentive.
More info
El TechoPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission
•
4.6

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Best Tapas Restaurants in The Castro

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. bota tapas and paella bar

2. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

3. COQUETA - San Francisco

4. Destapas SF

5. Top of the Mark

6. Piqueos

7. Bansang

8. El Techo

9. Abrazo

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)

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