San Francisco’s food scene thrives on global influences, and Coqueta brings Spain right to the Embarcadero. This waterfront gem by Chef Michael Chiarello blends traditional Spanish tapas with California’s seasonal bounty—creating a dining experience that’s both authentic and fresh.

The name Coqueta means “flirt” in Spanish, and the restaurant definitely lives up to it—charming diners with bold flavors, a buzzing open kitchen, and sweeping views of the Bay Bridge. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a weekend lunch with friends, or a stop on your SF foodie crawl, Coqueta hits all the right notes.

The Atmosphere

Coqueta’s location along the Embarcadero makes it a standout. The interior channels a warm, rustic-chic aesthetic—think dark wood, leather accents, and an energetic, open vibe that spills out onto the patio when the weather’s right. The waterfront setting is unbeatable, especially around sunset.

Must-Order Dishes at Coqueta

The menu is built around shareable small plates, so you’ll want to bring a few friends and sample a spread. Here’s what to look for:

1. Patatas Bravas

A staple of Spanish tapas, these crispy potatoes are elevated with a spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli. Simple, but perfectly executed.

2. Pintxos

Mini skewers with bold toppings like chorizo, manchego, and olives—ideal for starting your meal with a variety of flavors in just a few bites.

3. Croquetas de Pollo

Creamy chicken croquettes with a crispy exterior. Comforting, golden, and gone in seconds.

4. Paella of the Day

Rich, saffron-scented rice topped with seasonal seafood or meats. Perfect for sharing and layered with flavor.

5. Iberico Pork or Grilled Octopus

Signature large plates that showcase Spanish ingredients with California-style plating. Don’t skip these if you’re looking for something heartier.

6. Affogato for a perfectly balanced dessert specially on warmer days.

What to Drink

The gin & tonic program is a Coqueta signature. Spain takes its G&T seriously, and Coqueta follows suit with premium gins, botanical garnishes, and elegant presentation. The Spanish wine list is also worth exploring—ask the staff for pairing recommendations based on your dishes.

Is Coqueta Worth It for Travelers?

Absolutely. The waterfront views, buzzy atmosphere, and flavorful small plates make this a can’t-miss stop for visitors looking to explore San Francisco through its culinary scene. It also works beautifully for locals looking for a casual-but-special night out.

Final Word

Coqueta is one of those restaurants that effortlessly blends location, flavor, and vibe. Whether you’re craving bold Spanish tapas or just looking for a place with serious San Francisco energy, this spot will keep you coming back. To read the list of my favorite restaurants in the city, click here.

There’s no shortage of Italian restaurants in San Francisco, but Cotogna manages to hit that rare sweet spot: stylish but un-fussy, refined yet rustic, and always deeply satisfying. Tucked into the historic Jackson Square neighborhood, Cotogna is the kind of place that makes you want to linger—over a glass of Barolo, a wood-fired pizza, or a slow Sunday lunch that effortlessly turns into an early dinner.

Chef Michael Tusk, the James Beard Award–winning force behind Quince, brings a fresh approach to Italian cuisine at Cotogna. It’s approachable but elevated, seasonal but timeless. The open kitchen and wood-fired hearth set the tone—warm, lively, and full of intention.

What to Expect at Cotogna

The space strikes a balance between rustic and urban chic. Think terra cotta tiles, exposed wood beams, and a cozy yet energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for both date nights and solo dining at the bar. The service is polished but relaxed, and the wine list leans confidently Italian with plenty of California favorites sprinkled in.

Cotogna’s menu changes almost daily, but you can always count on house-made pastas, inventive antipasti, and wood-fired mains. There’s a rhythm to the way dishes arrive that makes even a casual lunch feel like a curated experience.

What to Order at Cotogna

Some dishes are practically permanent due to cult status. If they’re on the menu, don’t miss these:

1. Raviolo di Ricotta

A single, oversized raviolo filled with ricotta and an egg yolk that bursts with each cut. Drenched in brown butter and finished with shaved parmigiano—it’s a perfect bite of richness and restraint.

2. Agnolotti del Plin

Tiny, hand-pinched pasta parcels, filled with meat and seasonal herbs. Silky, tender, and deeply flavorful.

3. Wood-Grilled Meats

Whether it’s their famous Bisteca alla Fioerntina, chicken a la diavola or their rotational grilled meats, the wood fire imparts a depth that defines Cotogna’s signature style.

4. Seasonal Pizzas

The thin-crust pizzas here are more than a side note. Topped with local ingredients and kissed by the wood oven, they balance chew and char in every slice.

A Sister Spot Worth Mentioning: Verjus

Just a short walk away is Verjus— Cotogna’s effortlessly cool sister restaurant and wine bar. Also owned by Michael Tusk, Verjus offers a more casual, Parisian-style experience with natural wines and shareable plates. It’s the kind of place you pop into for a quick glass and end up ordering half the menu.

If you’re planning a food-focused day in San Francisco, starting at Cotogna and ending at Verjus is a pairing made in culinary heaven.

Final Thoughts

Cotogna is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why you fell in love with dining out in the first place. It’s thoughtful without being precious, elevated without being exclusive, and delicious in every sense. Whether you’re a local looking for your new go-to or a traveler building your perfect San Francisco itinerary—Cotogna belongs on your list.

San Francisco is no stranger to incredible food, but Kokkari Estiatorio stands out as a timeless favorite. This warm and stylish Greek restaurant blends rustic Mediterranean charm with a refined, welcoming energy that keeps both locals and travelers coming back.

Tucked into the Financial District, Kokkari isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Think wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables, all rooted in classic Hellenic tradition. The atmosphere feels like an upscale Greek countryside home, with exposed beams, flickering fireplaces, and cozy corners that somehow still feel sophisticated.

What to order at Kokkari

I love their appetizers and can recommend every single one of them, however, here are my all time favorites:

• Dolmates (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Delicate, balanced, bright and deeply flavorful
• Saganaki (Pan-Seared Cheese): If you love a dramatic, sizzling start to your meal- This is it! Served with lemon, it’s tangy, salty, rich and addictive.
• Gigantes (Baked Giant Beans): A vegetarian favorite that is hearty, flavorful and delicious
• Octopus: Tender, smoky with Kokkari dressing (Olive Oil, Oregano and Lemon)

• As for the mains, I usually opt-in for the whole fish. My favorite choice is Lavraki (Branzino) with a side of Kokkari potatoes. You can order your fish grilled or pan fried. You can’t also  go wrong with the lamb chops, steak, or their daily special from the rotisserie.

Travel-Worthy Dining

If you’re planning a foodie trip to San Francisco, Kokkari deserves a top spot on your list. It’s ideal for a special night out or even a long lunch that stretches into the afternoon. And though it’s upscale, it’s never pretentious—just thoughtful service and unforgettable flavors.

Pro Tip: Book well in advance via Open Table.  Kokkari is one of those places that’s always in demand, and for good reason. To read the full list of the places I highly recommend to eat while in SF, click here.

If there’s one restaurant in San Francisco that knows how to have fun with food without ever compromising flavor, it’s Ernest. Tucked into the Mission District, Ernest blends global inspiration with California ingredients—and every plate feels like a little surprise party.

A Little Unpredictable, A Lot Delicious

The menu at Ernest doesn’t follow the rules—and that’s exactly the point. Chef Brandon Rice brings together flavors from Japan, Korea, Mexico, and beyond, then filters them through a Bay Area lens. The result? Dishes that are bold, creative, and seriously crave-worthy.

What to Expect (and What to Order)

The menu changes often, but here are a few staples that give you a taste of what Ernest is all about:

• Sushi Rice: Think of a sushi roll but with beef tartar. A crowd favorite for a reason—delicious, playful and perfectly balanced.
• Parker house rolls: Made with cultued butter, their bread is one of the items they are known for.
• Koshikari Fried Rice: Seasonal ingredients, delicious and a perfect pairing with any of the main dish
• Shaved Ice: One of the most fun and flavorful desserts you can chose from the menu. Chef creates seasonal flavors for this delicious dessert.

They also offer a  tasting menu, and it’s absolutely worth it if you’re in the mood to be surprised in the best way possible.

The Ernest Experience

What sets Ernest apart isn’t just the food—it’s the atmosphere. The open kitchen gives the space an energy you can feel, and the service hits that sweet spot between knowledgeable and easygoing. Whether you’re celebrating or just out for a Tuesday night bite, it somehow always feels like the right place.

How to Book Ernest

• Reservations: Via Resy, book in advance as they fill up fast
• Ambience: Industrial-cool, energetic, and great for food lovers
• Location: 1890 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s bold, creative, and just plain fun—Ernest delivers. It’s on my top San Francisco dining experience for a reason!

If you’re craving a Japanese dining experience that feels both authentic and effortlessly cool, Izakaya Rintaro in San Francisco should be high on your list. Tucked away on a quiet Mission District street, this spot brings Tokyo-style charm to California—with food so fresh, you’ll want to come back before you’ve even left.

A True Izakaya Experience in the Bay Area

Izakaya Rintaro isn’t trying to be trendy—it just is. With its wooden beams, soft lantern lighting, and an open kitchen that smells like comfort and umami, the vibe is welcoming without being fussy. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile.

What to Order (Hint: Everything)

The menu changes with the seasons, but freshness is always the star here. Whether it’s sashimi that practically melts on your tongue or handmade tofu that redefines what you thought tofu could be, everything feels carefully thought out and beautifully executed.

A few highlights:

• Chicken tsukune (skewered meatballs): grilled to perfection with a yolky dipping sauce that dreams are made of.
• Teba: (Sometimes off menu) Fried chicken wings with ginger soy sause. You don’t want to miss that!
• Any of their Yakitoris (Grilled items): I love Eringi (trumpet mushrooms), Sori (chicken thigh) and chicken knees.
• Kama Tama Udon: my personal favorite hand rolled udon (think carbonara style) with shaved Katsubushi and egg yolk.

Don’t skip the drinks. Rintaro’s sake list is solid, and the staff knows how to help you pick the right pour—even if you’re new to sake.

Why I Keep Coming Back:

What I love about Rintaro is how balanced it feels. It’s cozy but cool, high-quality but not intimidating. The food? Always incredible. The kind of freshness that’s noticeable from the very first bite. You can tell they care—from sourcing ingredients to plating to the overall experience.

Tips:

• Reservations: Definitely make one. They are available on Resy.
• Location: 82 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Pro tip: Ask for their daily specials right away before they run out of the popular stuff!

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Add Izakaya Rintaro to your foodie list. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem—even if the locals already know it’s gold. For a list of the places I love to dine in SF, click here.

If you’re exploring the best restaurants in San Francisco, especially in the charming neighborhood of Pacific Heights, Sorrel is a standout destination. Known for its elevated approach to California cuisine, this Michelin-starred restaurant blends seasonality, creativity, and a refined dining experience that still feels welcoming.

At its core, Sorrel is all about seasonal tasting menus that showcase local ingredients and Italian inspiration. Guests can choose between two thoughtfully curated menus: a longer chef’s tasting menu or a shorter seasonal option—both offering a dynamic, artistic take on modern California cooking. Each dish reflects a commitment to quality and creativity, making Sorrel one of the top choices when looking for California cuisine in San Francisco.

Big things are on the horizon for Sorrel. The team is set to open a new pizza spot at the Ferry Building, one of San Francisco’s most iconic foodie destinations. While the vibe will be more casual, the same level of care and innovation is expected to carry over into this exciting new project. It’s another reason to watch what’s next on the city’s ever-evolving dining map.

Located on California Street in Pacific Heights, Sorrel is ideal for both locals and visitors looking for an intimate and elevated dining experience. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends. If you’re into wine pairings, the sommelier-curated list complements the menu beautifully and adds another layer to the journey.

Whether you’re on a culinary tour of Michelin restaurants in San Francisco, or just looking for a memorable night out, Sorrel delivers a thoughtful, flavorful, and distinctly local experience. For a full list of the best places to dine in San Francisco click here.