I’m trying not to over eat. Really I am.
But are you seeing what I’m seeing??
Seriously, it’s HARD not to over eat when THAT gorgeous thing is staring right at you. Anyone with me?
It’s a total calories overload, especially between 2 people. But every bite at Coqueta is soooooo worth it.
Think: the most photogenic tapas, delicious drinks, and a rustic-chic space with floor-to-ceiling windows and thick wooden accents.
Since the food and interior is to-die for, basically everyone one in the restaurant is either instagramming or snapchatting (<– ahem. totally guilty of both. We’ve all been there).
Side: Coqueta has a pretty impressive track record for its first year, they scored a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant, earned a stellar 3.5 stars from Bauer, and garnished an Esquire chef of the year prize for celebrity chef Michael Chiarello.) – SF Eater.
www.coquetasf.com
(view from outside)
Now moving onto the food… they serve a a modern interpretation of traditional Spanish tapas with a twist of northern California flavors. The menu features cured meats & iberian cheeses; cold tapas; open-face sandwiches; a dozen hot tapas; and family-style shared plates.
Pretty much, everything I ordered was a winner and there wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy. The only thing I regret is not having room for more food (insert: crying emoji).
Croquetas de Pollo ($9)
Okay. Hands down… these are my favorite things here. It comes with three chicharón-crusted chicken and English pea croquetas with cured cara-cara oranges. Once you bite through the crispy outer layer, you get a creamy consistency with tender chucks of chicken inside.
Salmon Ahumado ($8). Omg… that truffle honey… I die.
This was a nice little palate opener and my 2nd favorite thing here (I’m a huge fan of lox bagels).
The combination of the sweet honey + the saltiness of the salmon + the crunch of the crispy bread made it a perfect bite.
Albondigas a la Feria ($14)
So bomb. These are grilled duck and pork meatballs with tart cherry and tempranillo salsa and crispy shallots. The meatballs were juicy and tender with a deep brown sear on the exterior.
Paella: The classic ($45/ serves 2-3)
I can’t even right now… (currently: writing this blog post while starving)
Honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had.
This version is made with bomba rice that nicely soaks up all the flavors of the jamón serrano-shellfish broth, topped with gulf shrimp, clams, chorizo, and broccolini.
While all that^ was already bomb, it wasn’t until I tasted the lemon aioli till I was REALLY blown away.
For dessert, we had the Churro Fantasia. (and yes, I know… I should have stopped eating after the paella)
But who doesn’t love churros?? Especially with a drinking chocolate and mixed berry powder. I can’t resist.
So to sum it all up:
My BF and I totally over-ate. But YOLO.
Coqueta is perfect for a nice brunch or dinner date (especially since it’s located at Pier 5 along the embarcadero). I’d recommend coming here with friends so you can share everything and order more food. The paella is a MUST (you could prob split that between 4 people) and order more tapas to share. And since it takes about 30-40min to make, place your order right when you sit down!
Oh, and their drinks are to die for. While I didn’t get any, I’m sure it’s as good as it looks:
Read more on their molecular drinks HERE
Location:
Pier 5 (on the Embarcadero, near Broadway); San Francisco
(415) 704-8866. www.coquetasf.com
18 Comments
Eating good and yseful food is really cool. I like seafood evry much that is my favourite one.
Hello there, love your blog! It’s always open on my smartphone, I read it while eating so I can imagine I’m eating what you ate LOL :)
Just a thought, I think that might be Romanesco Broccoli (with the pointy peaks) and not broccolini.. More than two years too late a comment though!
Reema
Goa, India
my husband and I are very fond of all sorts of sea products. Sometimes we go to our favorite restaurant to eat mussels. they’re amazing, yes
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Overall, I was pretty impressed. It’s expensive but worth a visit. The meatballs were a fantastic choice, my 6 year old was going crazy for them!
I also wish the prices were friendlier! I’d probably be there everyday if I could haha. And so glad to hear ur kid loved them :)
Hands down one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. We sat at the bar and I’ve never seen so much love and effort go into making our drinks. You have made some excellent recommendations for us so far!
The bartenders are so awesome. So glad you loved it!
Oh man, my friend works near there so she’s been a couple times and raved about it. It’s on my to-eat list when I get a chance. The churro especially looks SO GOOD <3_<3
It was AMAZ! Definitely check it out and let me know what you think!
My BF and I visited SF this weekend, and we got so many good recommendations from your blog! We loved the paella here, and I also got some really good shots!
Yay! Glad you guys found my blog so useful :)
You have to go back for the gin cocktails!! They pour it into a pretty glass table side. It’s perfect for your food pics and BTW I love your instagram feed.
Thank you so much!! :) I’ll definitely go back for dinner and drinks!
I’m a huge fan of Michael Chiarello’s restaurant Bottega in Yountville. If you ever get a chance, you should also try it!
ooo thanks for the rec! I’m going to napa next month, so I’ll definitely try to fit that in!
the seafood paella looks so appetizing!!! and …. i died at the chocolate churros.
ugh I know. me too lol