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Abrazo
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Abrazo
8.5
Abrazo offers a cozy neighborhood setting with Spanish-Californian cuisine, featuring seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Croquetas, Seafood Paella
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A neighborhood gem offering innovative Spanish-Californian dishes in a relaxed setting.
Who should go: Couples and solo diners seeking a quiet, intimate dining experience.
When to visit: Evenings for a romantic dinner or solo dining.
What to order: Array
Insider tip: Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated experience of seasonal dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but can be difficult after 6pm. Valet parking available for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are acceptable, but lean towards dressier attire for the best experience.
Noise level: Moderate - ideal for intimate conversations without distractions.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though it can get busier around lunchtime.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated vegetarian options are available on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly options, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area and options clearly marked on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's perfect for a first date due to its intimate atmosphere and excellent food. The quiet, cozy setting encourages conversation and provides a romantic vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It can be difficult, especially on weekends, as it's a popular spot. It's best to make a reservation to guarantee a table, but you might be able to get a seat during off-peak hours on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more geared toward couples and solo diners, children are welcome. However, the quiet and intimate setting may not be ideal for younger kids who are more active.
Best For
Better for: Abrazo excels in providing a relaxed, intimate dining experience with innovative Spanish-Californian dishes and a curated wine list. It's great for quiet meals or romantic dates.
Skip if: If you're looking for a lively atmosphere or quick service, consider alternatives. Abrazo focuses on a relaxed pace and intimate vibe, which may not suit large groups or those in a rush.
Abrazo
8.5
Spanish-Californian cooking in a polished neighborhood setting with seafood-forward plates and warm service. A relaxed spot for dates over gambas, croquetas, and paella for two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al Ajillo, Croquetas, Seafood Paella
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seafood-leaning Spanish flavors with neighborhood warmth.
Who should go: Seafood-loving date-night diners
When to visit: Tue–Thu early evening for easier seating
What to order: Gambas; croquetas; seafood paella
Insider tip: Solo or last-minute? Try bar seats for quicker paella access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Russian Hill is limited, especially after 6pm; no valet provided.
Dress code: Smart casual—stylish but relaxed; jeans and a nice shirt are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but you can comfortably hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may be faster.
Weekday lunch: No dedicated lunch service; early weekday dinners have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and paella can be tailored vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tapas options, though staff will adjust when possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff provide clear guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, polished service, and shareable seafood plates make it a strong first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight walk-ins may snag bar or early tables, but weekends require a reservation for dining room seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu skews adult with seafood and wine focus; best for teens or older kids comfortable with adventurous dishes.
Best For
Better for: Abrazo excels at neighborhood warmth paired with polished Spanish-Californian seafood plates—more relaxed and personal than larger fine-dining spots.
Skip if: If you’re seeking large groups, family-style menus, or ultra-formal fine dining, other venues may suit better.
Abrazo
8.5
Spanish-Californian neighborhood spot with seafood-leaning plates, polished service, and a warm room. Ideal for relaxed dates over gambas al ajillo, croquetas, and a shareable seafood paella.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al ajillo, Salt cod croquetas, Seafood paella
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Spanish flavors meet California seasonality with seafood at the center.
Who should go: Seafood-focused date-night diners
When to visit: Tue–Thu early evening for seats
What to order: Gambas; croquetas; seafood paella
Insider tip: Bar seats are fastest for last-minute paella.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Hyde and surrounding Russian Hill blocks; allow extra time or consider a nearby paid lot at Polk & Union (~5 min walk).
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket. Many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but you can still hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats are first-come and often quicker.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though it can get busier midweek evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several share plates like croquetas, salads, and seasonal veggie tapas.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 tapas can be adapted, but overall options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many seafood and meat dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy neighborhood vibe, polished service, and shareable seafood paella make it an intimate and low-pressure choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends. Your best bet is arriving early or aiming for bar seating, where walk-ins are usually accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the focus is adult dining with wine and tapas. Older teens might enjoy it, but it’s not geared toward younger children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic dates and polished yet relaxed seafood-forward Spanish cooking in a neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a kid-oriented spot, a fully vegan menu, or a large group setting with lots of space and noise tolerance.
Abrazo
8.5
Neighborhood Spanish-Californian spot in Russian Hill with a seafood-forward menu and polished service. Plates like gambas al ajillo, croquetas, and a robust seafood paella anchor relaxed date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella with bomba rice and saffron, Gambas al ajillo, Croquetas with serrano and manchego
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Seafood-leaning Spanish cooking with neighborhood warmth and seasonal polish.
Who should go: Date-night diners who love Spanish flavors
When to visit: Tue–Thu early evening for easier reservations
What to order: Gambas al ajillo, croquetas, seafood paella
Insider tip: Bar seats are the quickest way to try the paella without a long wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Polk and nearby Russian Hill streets; allow extra time. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—conversation is possible but the room feels lively, especially on weekends.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch service—dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—small plates like croquetas, tortilla Española, and seasonal veggie tapas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 small plates can be adapted, but menu skews seafood-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Several options including paella and grilled seafood; staff can guide on safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate lighting, polished service, and shareable tapas create a relaxed but elevated atmosphere perfect for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—weeknights early are your best bet. On weekends, walk-ins usually face long waits; bar seats are more attainable.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially; the vibe is geared toward adults, date nights, and groups of friends. Older kids may be fine, but there are no special amenities for children.
Best For
Better for: Better for seafood-focused Spanish plates and polished service than casual tapas bars in the area.
Skip if: Skip if you need a kid-friendly venue, large group space, or fully vegan menu—choose alternatives with broader menus or family orientation.
Abrazo
8.4
Spanish-Californian plates from chef-owner Michael Pawlik in a warm Russian Hill room, with classics like gambas al ajillo and patatas bravas alongside a seafood paella. Locals use it for an intimate, polished date where the wine list leans Spain and service is attentive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Gambas al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven Spanish-Californian menu with paella and thoughtful Iberian wines.
Who should go: Couples seeking refined, cozy Spanish flavors
When to visit: Tue–Thu evenings for easier reservations
What to order: Seafood paella, gambas al ajillo, croquetas
Insider tip: Ask about half-bottles or Spanish cellar picks for pairings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Russian Hill is limited and competitive after 6pm; no valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but many diners lean a little dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—enough background buzz for energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several Spanish classics like patatas bravas and seasonal veggie plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items may be adapted but not a strong focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—paella and some tapas can be made gluten-free; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and polished but unfussy menu make it a strong first-date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends fill quickly—booking ahead is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—Abrazo is more adult-focused with a small dining room and no children’s menu. Best for ages 12+.
Best For
Better for: Better for couples who want authentic Spanish flavors with a Californian twist in an intimate setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want a loud, group-friendly tapas scene or a wide vegan menu—opt for larger Spanish restaurants instead.