Best Spanish Restaurants in San Francisco
14 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Coqueta
Waterfront location with a modern Spanish menu and exceptional cocktails.
Essential Picks
#1
Coqueta
9.2
Coqueta offers a vibrant waterfront setting with handcrafted tapas, traditional paellas, and creative cocktails, all made with the freshest California ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gambas al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Paella Valenciana
What Makes it Special: Waterfront location with a modern Spanish menu and exceptional cocktails.
Notable Picks
8.8
Canela offers a cozy ambiance with a menu featuring traditional Spanish tapas and an extensive selection of Spanish wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Pintxos, Churros with Chocolate Sauce, Paella Mixta
What Makes it Special: A blend of authentic Spanish flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
#3
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
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood gem offering innovative Spanish-Californian dishes in a relaxed setting.
8.4
Spanish tapas and paella served from the Warwick’s streetfront space with heated outdoor tables. It’s a downtown go-to for shareable plates and a glass of Tempranillo before shows near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Gambas al ajillo, Pulpo a la plancha
What Makes it Special: Downtown Spanish tapas with patio seating and reliable paella.
#5
Picaro
8.4
A lively Spanish restaurant known for its paellas and sangria. The casual atmosphere and extensive menu make it a great spot for a laid-back yet flavorful date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella de Carne, Paella Hortelana, Sangria
What Makes it Special: Generous portions of traditional Spanish dishes in a lively setting.
#6
Destapas
8.3
Destapas SF offers a modern take on Spanish tapas with a focus on plant-based options and a vibrant atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plant-Based Tuna Tartare, Vegan Paella, Patatas Bravas
What Makes it Special: A plant-based twist on traditional Spanish tapas in a lively setting.
#7
El Chato
8.3
Spanish-style taberna and wine bar focused on pintxos, tinned seafood, and a sharp vermouth and sherry program. Ideal for date-night grazing or a later-evening hang with thoughtful by-the-glass pours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gilda Pintxo, Pan con Tomate y Jamón, Tinned Conservas with Chips
What Makes it Special: Pintxos and conservas with a smart vermouth and sherry list.
#8
El Lopo
8.2
Spanish-style aperitivo bar known for sherry, vermouth, and tapas-sized snacks. Locals slide in for porrones, conservas, and Iberian-leaning small plates before or after dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas bravas-style potatoes with saffron aioli, Galician-style empanada (rotating fillings), Conservas: sardines or razor clams
What Makes it Special: Sherry-and-vermouth-driven Spanish aperitivo with snacky, seasonal tapas.
#9
L Campo
8.2
Spanish tapas and paellas in a downtown setting, with a concise menu focused on classic shareables and rice dishes. Locals use it for date nights, small groups, and a glass of wine alongside plates meant to pass around.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo
What Makes it Special: Tapas and paella program centered on Spanish classics served to share.
#10
The Pawn Shop
8.1
Hidden, speakeasy-style tapas bar off 6th Street serving classic Spanish small plates and low-ABV cocktails. Locals book it for playful, immersive vibes and reliable bravas, gambas, and octopus before nights out in SoMa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo, Pulpo a la Plancha
What Makes it Special: A speakeasy-style entry leads to serious Spanish tapas and cocktails.
#11
Esperpento
8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Long-running Mission tapas institution known for straightforward classics, friendly prices, and lively energy. It’s a go-to for sangria, bravas, and paellas in a casual, bustling room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortilla Española, Gambas al Ajillo, Paella Mixta
What Makes it Special: Mission mainstay for classic tapas at wallet-friendly prices.
Worthy Picks
#12
Red Window
7.9
Low-proof cocktail bar with a European tapas menu and a legit wings plate (al ajillo) that shines during happy hour. Lively room, late-day deals, and easy ordering for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Spanish Fried Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Tapas-style wings with HH deals alongside a standout cocktail list.
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood Spanish market-café offering freshly prepared bocadillo sandwiches and Spanish-style coffee alongside an extensive selection of Iberian pantry items and wines. Locals use it for a quick, affordable taste of Spain without leaving the Inner Richmond.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bocadillo de jamón (jamón serrano), Bocadillo de chorizo, Bocadillo de manchego
What Makes it Special: Spanish market with made-to-order bocadillos and Iberian wines under one roof.
#14
Caldero
7.8
A cozy Spanish goods boutique that hosts paella, tapas, and wine tastings on Union Street. It’s a casual, intimate way to share tortilla, gambas, and a glass of Spanish wine without the formality of a full restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Paella, Tortilla Española, Gambas al Ajillo
What Makes it Special: Spanish market with evening tastings and tapas-driven events.