Coqueta

Spanish restaurant · North Waterfront

Coqueta

Spanish restaurant · North Waterfront

4

Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Highlights

Coqueta serves hearty, creative Spanish tapas and cocktails in a lively waterfront spot with cozy indoor and scenic outdoor seating.  

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Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 Get directions

coquetasf.com
@coquetarestaurants

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 Get directions

+1 415 704 8866
coquetasf.com
@coquetarestaurants

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Jul 31, 2025

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@eater

The 10 Best Spanish Restaurants and Bars in San Francisco

"If there’s one thing that lasting restaurants on the Embarcadero understand, it’s hospitality — and Coqueta ranks among the best in that department. These days, it’s Sevilla native chef Marco Paz leading the kitchen and the vision of star chef Michael Chiarello’s ode to Spain. (Chiarello passed away in 2023.) Coqueta has ultimate versions of Spanish classics like creamy jamón ibérico croquetas, smoky charred octopus, pintxos for days, and maybe the greatest Basque-style manchego cheesecake you’ll ever devour. An intriguing array of gin and tonics and a very thorough wine list from all over Spain make for both a gorgeous waterfront happy hour or a dinner in the plush dining room." - Adrian Spinelli

https://sf.eater.com/maps/san-francisco-best-spanish-restaurants-bars-tapas-pintxos
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@eater

Food Network Star Chef Michael Chiarello Dies After Severe Allergic Reaction - Eater SF

"The chef’s restaurants in San Francisco and Napa Valley, which include Coqueta at Pier 5 and Bottega, Ottimo, and Coquetta in Yountville, remain open." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/2023/10/10/23911304/michael-chiarello-allergic-reaction
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@goop

"Chef Michael Chiarello does traditional tapas in a totally new way. For one thing, the portions are hearty and filling, not the miniscule bites you might be used to; the ingredients lean heavily on what's in season rather than what's expected. For dessert, get the churros—served with drinking chocolate and a sci-fi-looking berry powder. While you wait for a table (call ahead for reservations), the outdoor bar is a fun scene to grab a drink."

The Classic San Francisco Guide
View Postcard for Coqueta
@eater

Michelin Announces San Francisco Bay Area’s Bib Gourmand Winners - Eater SF

"Also of note: Coqueta remains on the list, despite a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against chef/owner Michael Chiarello that was settled out of court in 2016." - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2019/5/28/18642982/michelin-san-francisco-bib-gourmands-2019
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Stephanie Anne

Google
Fantastic food. Great location! The price for the food was overpriced due to it being bite sized pieces for almost $20-30 a pop. The service members do beg for tips which ruined the experience.

Michael Hunter

Google
Loved dining at this place. We stopped here for an early dinner. It's a great location on the waterfront, a perfect place to eat outside on a beautiful day. The hospitality was very good and the service was perfect. They had the foresight to check if we had any allergies when taking our order. They were very on top of making sure we had water and clearing our plates when necessary. We ordered the patatas bravas, the ham croquettes, the octopus, and the grilled duck breast. Everything was delicious, perfectly seasoned and had great flavors. For dessert, we had the churros. Will definitely want to come back here again to try more items on the menu.

Francis van Steenberge

Google
What an absolutely fantastic dining experience! This restaurant is truly awesome, and a huge part of that is thanks to their incredible manager. She seamlessly found us a table despite the bustling crowd, and went above and beyond to ensure the kitchen expertly accommodated my spouse's allergies. And the food? The paella was simply excellent! We also adored the prime location and the charming outdoor seating. Highly recommend!

Dionna Smith

Google
I've had many tapas meals over the years, but this one stands out as one of the absolute best. Every dish was a hit—flavorful, balanced, and beautifully presented. The steak was next-level: perfectly seared with a tender center and seasoned just right. Rich, juicy, and satisfying—every bite was a reminder of how good simple ingredients can be when done well. The shrimp came served on a slice of crusty bread, soaking up every drop of its garlicky, olive-oil-laced sauce. It was everything you want from a tapa—bold, buttery, and comforting. The deviled eggs were surprisingly elegant: creamy, with a smoky finish and just the right amount of kick. A classic dish, elevated. And the anchovies? Salty, sharp, and unapologetically bold. They were served clean and minimal—no frills—letting their intense flavor shine. If you’re an anchovy fan, these are dream-worthy. Now, the drinks deserve their own spotlight. The Golden Gate drink was refreshing and citrusy, with just enough complexity to keep it interesting. But the true standout was the iced espresso with Licor 43—YUM! Cold, smooth, with that sweet vanilla depth from the liqueur—it was like dessert and a pick-me-up in one glass. (Recommended by Nikolas) This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience I’ll be chasing again. Every bite, every sip—pure joy. Our waiter Nikolas made some great recommendations. Thanks!

Ourania Haviaridis

Google
What a gem! Absolutely loved this place. We had the opportunity to stop by and grab some dinner. The tapas options were just perfect. Loved the potato croquettes, the prawns (you need the bread to soak up THAT oil!!). I didn't try the paella but my lord did that look phenomenal.

Sherry Ann Sanchez

Google
Melt-in-your-mouth food, awesome service, and just a great place to eat whether you're on a date, with family or friends. And our server, Nicolas (who looks just like Ryan Reynolds) was fantastic! He introduced us to our new favorite, the bikini 😍.

Sharayu Karkera

Google
The best Spanish tapas restaurants for special occasions, dates , dinner etc. This fine dining restaurant is one of our favourite restaurants in city. The cocktails are delicious but the food tops it all. I would definitely recommend the eggplant which is sooo good, the patatas bravas, the shrimp , there are two sheimp tapas and both are great, the dates with goat cheese, the deviled eggs, the salmon bites, the croquettas are so soft and these are just Tapas. My husband and I usually just have tapas because they are shareable and so tasty that you don’t need to order the mains. You do need to make advanced reservations however they also have a cover outdoor seating which is usually good too. But weekends best to go early.

Kiran Elengickal

Google
Coqueta offers an outstanding dining experience right on the waterfront. The moment you step in, you are welcomed with warm hospitality and a bustling yet cozy atmosphere. Be prepared, it gets quite crowded in the evenings, so a reservation or early arrival is highly recommended. The tapas-style menu is full of delightful surprises. We started with the croquetas and they were crisp on the outside, creamy inside, just perfect. The grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes was a standout, incredibly tender and infused with smoky, tangy flavors that made it memorable. Every dish was plated beautifully and felt thoughtfully curated. The bar area is a visual treat with its creative cocktail setup. Watching the bartenders craft their drinks with fresh garnishes, fruits, and spices added a fun and engaging element to the evening. The drink selection is impressive, and the views of the Bay from the bar add a touch of elegance to the whole experience. They have a good wine selection as well. Service was excellent from start to finish, attentive but never intrusive. Despite the packed house, our servers were prompt and always available with great recommendations. The ambiance is lively yet refined, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date. Coqueta is a fantastic spot if you are looking for elevated Spanish cuisine with a modern twist in San Francisco. From the vibrant energy to the flavorful food and inventive cocktails, it’s a place that delivers on every level. Definitely worth a visit!

Lily C.

Yelp
Jose Luis the manager was amazing ! We had a large group and he managed to fit us in, which meant a lot to our team, since this was the last time we were going to be together. we appreciate him so much! We ate lots of amazing food. The cocktails were fantastic. We literally ordered everything on the menu. The calamari, the fingerling potatoes, the paella. But everything was just delicious and what a great atmosphere!
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Crystal L.

Yelp
This place is a phenomenal restaurant in SF. Wish I knew about it sooner! Everything was superb, from the service, ambience, drinks and tapas. I loved how there was just enough for everyone to try, while still not feeling bloated after eating all the items. Every dish was quite unique, unlike other things I've had before. The only dish I probably wouldn't order again was the paella, it was goood but nothing necessarily special to me. I also am not the biggest tomato fan, so that played a factor. I would highly recommend this place if you're out with coworkers (and get the meal paid for, it was a bit more $$), or for a nice, special date to celebrate something, or taking your parents or relatives who are visiting SF.
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Calvin T.

Yelp
Service was magnificent, we went here for the night of our engagement and my friends called ahead to notify them of the occasion, the restaurant had glasses of champagne, a congrats card, and a vase of flowers waiting for us at the table, we really appreciated the gesture. The interior was very spacious, teleports you to a different country, and can seat many parties. The things that faltered were the portions, flavor, and price. The portions were way too small for what you pay, and the paella lacked the wow factor to justify us coming back again. They can add portions and pieces to the tapas to fit the size of your party, at additional cost. I do wish the paella stood out more, as this is their signature.
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Eliza G.

Yelp
Unfortunately don't recommend ordering the Paella. Uncooked rice, burned on the bottom, we weren't able to finish it because taste was just so bad. Never have had a tomato paste based paella. Server was very attentive. Great ambiance.
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Mike M.

Yelp
Stopped in for an early dinner while exploring the area. Great spot for nice drinks and small bites. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating options. Great waterfront views. Definitely try the cheesecake lollipops, it's delicious. Our server was good in helping us navigate the menu and gave us good recommendation on what to try (including the dessert).
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Gabi M.

Yelp
I was part of the "adventurous women" party of 4 that Andrea R recently wrote about and her review was pretty spot on! We came in on a Wednesday night right on time for our reservation... It was good we had a reservation as the restaurant appeared to be mostly full with a lively crowd. The staff we encountered were all friendly and had great energy! Shout out to Nicholas, our server, who was very knowledgeable and patient with us as we figured out what to order. I had a glass of red sangria and enjoyed it... the others enjoyed white sangria and a cocktail or two. For food, we went with kale salad, deviled eggs, salmon ahumado, a seabass entree, and a paella. My favorite item of all was the salmon ahumado. Don't miss it! Everything else was good, but if/when I return, I'll likely make a meal of that salmon! If you're seeking a fun atmosphere, Spanish tapas style food and drink, you can't go wrong with Coqueta!
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Alaya W.

Yelp
This entire restaurant was a vibe for me. I love the small bites, and I also love the unique drinks. The deviled eggs were amazing good. The mini Salmon bites were delicious. Our drinks were amazing good. The service was good, the staff did very nice. Definitely will be coming back here!
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Maya R.

Yelp
The pulpo, tender and full of flavor, the stuffed egg, a delightful surprise, and the savory meatballs, a true standout, all tantalized our taste buds. We had some lovely cocktails that paired perfectly. The impeccable service added a touch of warmth to the vibrant atmosphere, making our visit truly unforgettable. Coqueta Tapas is a gem worth revisiting for its exceptional food, drinks, and hospitality. ¡Olé!
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Amanda K.

Yelp
1. Make a reservation!! This place is rightfully popular, but space is tight and wait times are long. 2. That said, it's a must-eat in SF. If not for the food, definitely for the location- this is prime waterfront dining with great walkability to the rest of the Embarcadero 3. Lastly but most importantly, their food is divine! Couldn't decide between paella or tapas, but glad my date and I opted for tapas (more variety). Our server even offered to upsize some of the plates to 4 pieces so we could each have two bites. Don't let the small plates fool you, you will leave comfortably full and your palette enlightened!
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Ilona M.

Yelp
Coqueta gets three stars for being a super cute restaurant with pretty good food, despite being wildly overpriced and the service being abysmal at best. I grew up in Spain and visit regularly, and Spanish food (tapas) should absolutely not cost almost $300 for two people. This meal in Spain would have cost half of what we ended up paying, if that. Some of the food was absolutely unreal -- the patatas bravas (10/10) and the filete de coliflor (11/10) were out of this world. I actually wanted to place an additional order of both of these to take home to my partner, but the server never told us that their kitchen (or their restaurant) was closing, so we couldn't get any final orders in. The manchego cheesecake lollipop was also one of the best things I've ever tasted, but the size of that thing was an actual joke. I could have ordered another 4 of those just for myself. Other items were super underwhelming -- the pan con tomate was just fine but not what it authentically tastes like; the paella de primavera was also okay, but I don't think they can get away with calling it a paella because it frankly isn't paella. It's just fried (?) rice and veggies. No saffron, no hint of a traditional paella at all. The kale salad was pretty good, but I probably wouldn't order it again. We also ended up ordering another dessert because the "cheesecake" was so tiny, and I forget what it was called but it was decent. It had rice pudding inside which is unlike anything I've ever had, but the horchata ice cream and huckleberry compote was a delicious touch. The main problem we had with our evening was that we barely saw our server. We also ordered the stuffed vegetarian dates, and he forgot them. That's fine, so we reminded him. He then brought a giant platter out to us with various finger foods on it (dates, mushrooms, etc) and he asked us which ones we wanted. We took a little bit of everything, thinking that was just the norm when you order the stuffed dates. We then see our bill and it turns out that each of them were priced individually, and that was super misleading because we never ordered all of that -- we thought we just placed an order for the dates and assumed he'd bring us a certain amount of them (according to how many would be in the order). Anyways, Coqueta has been on my list for some time now and I'm so glad I tried it out! I'd definitely come back for drinks and the patatas bravas alone, but I think they really need to up their game before I can give them a higher rating.
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Meg G.

Yelp
so so good!! the food was so fun and flavourful, and I was over the moon to see a vegetarian paella on the menu! overall great vegetarian options (which I rarely see for tapas). another highlight was definitely the service, they were excellent at recommendations and timing the food perfectly - loved everything!
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Piyush G.

Yelp
The server made us comfortable and treated us well. The food was great starting with the shareable tapas and the paella. The overall atmosphere of the place was great as well. Highly recommend going there.
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Miranda L.

Yelp
Met up with a friend for dinner on a Tuesday night and we made a reservation for 5:30 pm in case the restaurant filled up. We got a table outside near almost the end of the outside section and it was a little difficult for us to get the staff's attention. Paella Mar y Montana - They explained that their paellas were a good portion for two so we ordered the first option that had prawns, clams, mussels, peas and chorizo. The menu mentions that the wait time is about 30 - 40 minutes which is around when ours came out. The flavors of the dish were very nice: the tomato and seafood flavors came through strongly, the prawns were perfectly charred and chorizo added a nice saltiness. While there was a nice crisp layer to the rice and everything was flavored well, the biggest issue we had was that it came out cold which made it hard for us to scoop the portions out as it was stuck to the plate and to fully enjoy what the dish should be like. Our total came out to around 80 dollars without tip for one dish which we felt was overpriced and our overall experience was okay.
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Sayana S.

Yelp
Great spot for tapas and outdoor seating! This place offers delicious tapas and excellent service. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. When the weather is warm, they have great outdoor seating, adding another option for a pleasant dining experience.
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Kimberly W.

Yelp
Went to Coqueta for a wedding reception so had an opportunity to try some of everything. While I don't have a clue what I had, every single bite was delicious as was the sangria. And the staff are phenomenal. I look forward to going back and ordering from the menu.
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Andrea R.

Yelp
We needed a last minute dinner reservation for our party of 4 on a Wed evening....not easy, but Coqueta was able to squeeze us in! In fact, they gave us a very spacious table for 8 for our party of 4. Our waiter (Nicholas I believe?) did a great job explaining the menu and kept us entertained with tales about how he would lose sleep that night if we didn't eat up all our food. We started with sangria (white for me), which was very good. As for our meal it's a sharing type of place and I was lucky enough to be with 3 adventurous women who pretty much eat everything. We went with the kale salad (good), deviled eggs (amazing), smoked salmon bites (winner of the evening), seabass (too many bones) and paella (pretty good). We did a pretty good job, but did leave some seabass and paella on our plates so hopefully Nicholas didn't lose any sleep over us, but it was a lot of food.
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Maria De Los Angeles P.

Yelp
I had always wanted to come to Coqueta, and today turned out to be a lovely night to do so. The food is exquisite; I was quite conservative in my order due to a long journey and a modest appetite, but I couldn't resist trying the Kale salad, a chef's recommendation. I give it a 4/5; the mix of flavors and ingredients creates a delightful taste. I also ordered Smoked Salmon, simple but delicious, and finally I ordered the exquisite grilled octopus, incredibly flavorful. I couldn't leave without trying a dessert, so I opted for the Rice Cake "Biscocho de Arroz" loved it! Different, crunchy, and delicious. All servers and Busser are kind and sweet..! The ambiance is beautiful; it's not a big restaurant, but it feels cute. I will definitely have to come back to try other dishes that piqued my curiosity. Thank you, Coqueta team!
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Dilnaz P.

Yelp
Yummy food, great service!! I Highly recommended this place. It's nice almosphere. Right on the pier. Definitely will come back!
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Vivian Y.

Yelp
My friends took me here for a birthday dinner and everything was amazing. Our server was very knowledgeable about the dishes and gave us really good recommendations. Staff was also very friendly and attentive, coming frequently to help refill water and remove finished plates. Food and drinks - - Huevo de Cordoniz (quail egg) 5/5 - I love quail eggs and this dish brought me a new experience with quail eggs. The jamon serrano and mustard seed pairing with the quail eggs was such an adventure in bite-size! - champinones 4/5 - I thought the jamon serrano really stood out with the quail egg bite but was kind of lost here with the star being the mushrooms. Good nonetheless if you like mushrooms! - Jamon Iberico De Bellota paired with Manchego Crudo 4/5 - Can't go wrong with meat and cheese! My friends don't care for goat cheese and blue cheese so we went with the milder manchego. Served with a spiced crispy flat bread and a jelly/jam on the side, we enjoyed the platter very much. - Mar Y Montana 3/5 - one of the first dishes we decided on (because uni!) but least exciting. This was a bit underwhelming in my opinion compared to the others. - Bocadillo De La Casa "Bikini" 5/5 - recommended by our waiter and the biggest surprise to our party. The entire sandwich was melt in your mouth soft and the truffle honey really brings the whole thing together. My friends don't care for goat cheese but enjoyed this very much with the honey. - Pulpo a La Parilla 5/5 - how could octopus be this tender? Great char and grilled wonderfully, we absolutely devoured this dish. - Paella Mar y Montana 5/5 - soooo good. You really taste the seafood broth in the paella rice and the seafood was cooked just right. The head-on prawns had such an amazing char and the mussels and clams had great wine flavor. Paired with some aioli and picked peppers, everything was perfect. - sangria blanca 4.5/5 - good, crisp flavor. One pitcher gave us about 6 cups which was perfect for 3 people. - churros 5/5 - light, crispy churros that my friend said reminded her of funnel cakes. Served with a side of chocolate and berry powder, this was a great dish to end on. This place has been on my list to try for the longest time and I'm so glad it's lived up to my expectations. I definitely expect to be back.
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Pearl B.

Yelp
Great time visiting this place while in the area , excellent staff , servers , nice location and ambiance, tapas and drinks were delicious. We had such a great time we stopped by again after walking and touring the city. Definitely will be back !
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Ness S.

Yelp
The ambiance is quite nice here. But the chairs where we were seated were not comfortable. The service was excellent. Very friendly and nice. We shared a pitcher of Sangria and several tapas and paella . - The Sangria was very good. - Chicken croquetas were good. - The Brussels sprouts were excellent. - The beet salad was very good. - I really liked the pork belly sliders - the eggplant mozzarella sandwich ("bikini") was excellent - The squid-ink paella was delicious but a little on the small side.
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Tammy B.

Yelp
Gaucho Bistec- tomahawk ribeye steak, loved the presentation, meat was incredibly tender and juicy- had a smoky flavor to it. Cooked perfectly over hard wood- served with a pepper oil sauce that was light but added lots of flavor Salmon Ahumado- smoked salmon with truffle honey and queso on a brioche sort of bread. Absolutely loved this, it was so good. Salmon was very fresh and the truffle honey gave it a sweet flavor which complemented the brioche and queso perfectly Gambas Negras- these prawns were huge and were served in a black garlic chili sauce Pan con Tomate- this bread is known to be iconic by the restaurant due to the chef (also recently passed away a few months ago sadly) having traveled to Spain and fallen in love with the bread over there. He brought back a grain of bread to SF and tried to match it to different bakeries here and they were able to find a bakery that makes the same bread he had in Spain which they serve. They serve this with a tomato sauce that has a hint of spice to it. Love it and the story was also great Croquettas de Pollo- this tasted like a mozzarella stick but instead of mozzarella it's like queso and has chicken and English peas stuffed in it. Crusted with chimcharron, practically melts in your mouth- I really like the outside grainy texture and how the inside is gooey Patatas Bravas- this tasted like a bite size mashed potato. The outer part is perfectly crisp and the inside is soft and creamy. Served w salsa and garlic aoili Son of Sevilla- this gin and tonic was fantastic, it had a very subtle citrusy apricot taste with floral notes. Also the presentation is too good Beso de Barca- tequila with a subtle taste of raspberry and rose, and a kick from jalapeño aftertaste. Fire, we got 2 Espresso Martini- loved how light this was and really enjoyed how they dust cacao powder on half as it made it have a chocolate taste to it Beignets- light and fluffy, loved how the outer edge was crisp but wish the inside was a bit more doughy. Served with chocolate sauce and dried raspberry Chocolate cake- rich but light dark chocolate cake with caramel toffee flavoring, very unique I actually loved everything, most of my ratings for the dishes were 10/10. This place is located on the pier. It's a tapas place mostly which I loved. Everything we tried was so unique and had so much flavor. Their drinks were absolutely incredible. We actually tried to go here again during our SF trip but unfortunately they were closing. The interior design was absolutely stunning too and such a cool atmosphere. Would come here EVERYTIME I visit SF actually. Such a cool dining experience, service was fantastic. Will be thinking of their Spanish gin and tonics frequently. Instagram: @hungrytamale
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Pablo A.

Yelp
We went last night for a reservation for two at 7 PM. Ambiance is nice, quiet and dimly lit. Servers and staff are quick and attentive however, the paella was at most- subpar. We ordered the tiera y mar paella. The rice was undercooked, overly burnt on the bottom and it had a thick tomato base that was coagulated and dried out in some places. The dish felt and tasted as if at a friend's house who was making paella for the first time using a recipe from a cook book and asking for my opinion. It was incredibly underwhelming and for the price I was expecting the dish to sing with a melody of flavors. The drinks were stiff and phenomenal, as were the tapas. Every other aspect of the restaurant was great, but the main course very much spoiled my tastebuds and my night. Next time I'm going to try the tomahawk steak and steer clear of the burnt, tomato-y, undercooked rice bonanza.
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Karen Z.

Yelp
Classic tapas style restaurant with paella. We ordered the vegetarian paella because that's recommended on the menu, but am not very impressed. Will probably try the meat ones next time. From the tapas, I really liked the mushroom. It's very tender and rich of taste, all the tastes are soaked into the mushroom. Also interesting taste with egg yolk. Also liked the salmon tapas but it's a little hard to divide and share. The restaurant is at the waterfront and very well furnished. Great spot for a gathering! We had to wait a while for our server from time to time, but overall was okay. $50 pp post tax and tip
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Jenny N.

Yelp
I came here on a weekday night and we were seated immediately. The service was quick and attentive, never had to wave down a waiter for anything. I've walked by Coqueta many times growing up in SF, and always wanted to try it, being that it is one of the most popular places on Yelp SF. However, I found that the food here was only okay and quite overpriced. Apparently, I forgot to take some photos of the food I had, sorry, I think my hands were too cold. For food, we got the... - Platillo De Calamari : Their version of the calamari. Largest portion tonight. I would skip on this. The squid was quite tough and hard to chew, but I did enjoy the squid ink twist on the traditional dipping sauce - Pork and Duck meatballs: These were good but they were overpriced! Three meatballs for $19. That's like $6 for a Costco sample... - Pulpo a la Parrilla: grilled octopus... yumm! I enjoyed this dish, it's your pretty average grilled octopus dish. Overall, I'm glad that I've tried this place. Would I come back? Maybe if my company hosted a party here.
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Sarkis K.

Yelp
Beautiful location right on the bay! We had a date here during the day and enjoyed sitting by the water as we toasted our delicious cocktails. The food was well plated and delicious. Great place for a casual drop in or fine dining experience.
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Samantha C.

Yelp
My friend made reservations for a group of three on a Sunday evening during the city's restaurant week. We all got the prix fixe dinner and tried a bunch of dishes: kale salad (3/5): great balance of flavors and textures between the fried garlic, ripe pears and grapes, and vinaigrette but way too overdressed and too much cheese that made each bite salty chicken croquetas (2/5): we all agreed this was kind of like a dry chicken pot pie filling that was fried..and the portion was so small compared to the patatas bravas, the other option for that course of the menu patatas bravas (4/5): crispy skin that popped as I bit into it to get to this super fluffy, creamy pillow of an interior...garlic aioli went well with the tomato red pepper sauce. only thing is the potato by itself was too salty seafood paella (3/5): The ham didn't do much for me, but the seafood was perfectly cooked. Rice on the dry side...it was my first time trying paella so i'm not sure if this is ideal for the dish or not. vegetarian paella (4/5): The sauces and vegetables that come with this dish added the most flavor. Again, the rice was on the drier side so the sauces and the moisture from the vegetables really helped it plus the contrast between the soft and crunchy made it more enjoyable to eat. zarzuela de pescado (1/5): fish was cooked fine but tasted kind of fishy, everything on that plate tasted like nothing which was sad considering nobody wanted to sop up the sauce with the bread that came with it...we didn't even want to finish it manchego cheesecake (3/5): some butterscotch covered manchego cheesecake bite served with caramel popcorn...it was a really small bite, maybe because it is so rich? but the portion size did not impress me...the popcorn tasted like your average caramel popcorn and the cheesecake didn't wow me Service was good, but the food was inconsistent given the prices. I wouldn't come back here unless someone was adamant on going for a special celebration of theirs.
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Eliot K.

Yelp
I wanted to try tapas in the embarcadero area and was pleasantly surprised by Coqueta. First thing I noticed was the rustic vibes, exquisite attention to interior details all the way down to IG worthy cocktails. It really speaks how much care and attention this business takes go the next level for customers. Croquettes 5/5 . Super crispy and love the orange slice that comes on the side as palate cleanser Champiñón(mushroom) 5/5 . I'm a big fan of anything mushroom. I really love the egg on top. Just added that extra creaminess to the king trumpet mushrooms. So delicious! Huevos national ( deviled eggs ):5/5 these are probably the most aesthetic.. I love the caviar on top really just takes it to the next level. Steak ( ribeye) : 5/5 the first round came out a bit undercooked and we requested to cook a little bit more and it was spot on. Very high quality meat. Signature cocktails: 5/5 whoever the culinary expert is crafting these cocktails, I really want to give props to you! Look at the photos attached. Just beautiful works of art but the drinks were made from someone that has a lot experience. Kudos ! Interior: 5/5: I love the festive ambiance..wa lighting . Rustic interior. This is really a great place..If you wanted to impress your date, I also noticed other people celebrating birthdays. At the same time there are some people with their kids. Service 5/5: Service were really quick to deliver the tapas. There was a floor manager that came to our table a couple times asked us how her food was and if everything was okay. Servers work together as a team and if you needed anything they were happy to help.
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Desiree T.

Yelp
Coqueta is such a great place for a business lunch or just time with friends. The venue is right on the water and the ambiance is gorgeous. The menu services a nice array of tapas with a good mix of sea and land. Plenty of options if you're vegetarian as well. Love coming here for lunch on a nice day! Reservations recommended!
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Iris C.

Yelp
Absolutely loved the food at this place! While it was a bit pricey, the quality definitely matched the cost. My favorites were the Salmon Alhumada and Patatas Bravas. Plus, the service was also really good. Highly recommend trying them!
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Janette W.

Yelp
*****My 1,000th review****** This restaurant has been my go-to special spot over the years, and I was stunned to see that I hadn't reviewed it before. This is where I take my parents when they come to visit, the team when we can expense a meal, and myself when I want to celebrate. The cocktail and wine menu could be its own review, really. The wines here are the perfect pairing with the menu. The cocktails vary from bright and refreshing with the gin and tonics to dark and mysterious, like my favorite, the Widower's Kiss. The Iberico Jamon is a must and I have come here simply for that and the Widower's Kiss. The Setas Al Ajillo is one of the standouts, truly because I don't think I've had a similar dish anywhere else. The trumpet mushrooms are cooked perfectly, with the tiniest drizzle of chili oil and these amazing tiny, crispy garlic chips that pack a punch. Then! There's the most perfect poached egg yolk. This dish might be the first to make me think, perhaps I could be a vegetarian if this is what it's like! Other great dishes include the grilled prawns and albondigas. You also can't leave here without getting the kale salad. Now I've had my share of kale salads, but this version should be the standard all other salads should be judged! It's lacinato kale (the best kind) with the perfect dollops of goat cheese and berries, little crispies, and an amazing dressing. The octopus is also one of the best I've had. I don't know if I've ever seen my Dad happier than he was with the combination of dishes! Did I mention the view and location? There are 2 bars and the views are unbeatable. This review has even more meaning for me, noting the recent death of Chef Chiarello, and all he did for the Bay Area restaurant scene. If you haven't tried the Yountville location, you should also put that on your list.
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Kanika K.

Yelp
We walked in as a party of two as it was too late for reservations but they were able to seat us at the bar first and somehow a high table opened up in the dining room later. The server was on top of it and let us know about that right away and didn't let us sit at the bar too long. The actual food was the most memorable experience I have had in SF. The food there pairs ingredients that wouldn't think would go together like eggplant and truffle honey with brioche bun. We ordered the potato braves, the butternut squash, the kale salad with grapes and the cheesecake! Each dish was to die for! All these are vegetarian dishes that I highly recommend and four tapas felt enough for two people. The servers are nice, knowledgeable and helpful and the dining room is super cute and organized. 5 stars for everything Wine glasses started at $15. I ordered a tempernillo for $17 and my friend ordered a Napa red for $22 Corkage there is $35 if someone wants to bring in their own bottle
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Emily C.

Yelp
*Updated review Pricey & upscale restaurant, with the chops to back it up! The salads are all on the smaller side, as are the grilled "entree" items. Recommend sticking to the tapas and paella. We ordered a bunch of hot tapas and I honestly enjoyed ALL of them. Patatas bravas - small creamy little whole potatoes, small enough to just pop in your mouth. It's a damn good potato, and I know me potatoes. Crispy calamari - I liked it! Very crispy. The squid ink sauce looked cool but just tasted like a regular aioli. Done nice and done right. Huevos Rotos - probably my least favorite of the tapas.. didn't find it special. Grilled octopus - very tender and a good portion! It wasn't that seasoned or dressed, but I liked that because all you really need is the natural sweetness of the octopus. Croquetas - mmm! Probably one of my favs. Because of the ingredients (chicken & pea) it kinda tastes like a chicken pot pie but in fried form.. YUM Lamb meatballs - small, but yummy! Paella - we got the standard one. The flavor was VERY good and very shrimpy but I wish there was crisp at the bottom (there was none to be detected). If it had a crispy bottom, it would have taken it over the edge. COCKTAIL - I had the one that had pandan and coconut cream. Very good. Secretly strong, not too sweet. Loved the long and extensive cocktail menu, something for everyone.
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Debora L.

Yelp
Trendy place, appreciate the pinxtos at the beginning (one was vegetarian the other 3 were not). Decent service, all stars were the paella (takes 40m to come out), eggplant on brioche (vegetarian), patatas, but really all were good with some vegetarian options. Decently reminiscent (but not the same) to what I recall in Barcelona tapas. Prices add up.
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Melanie Y.

Yelp
My friend and I were super excited to try this place after seeing the beautiful pictures and we could not be more disappointed with our experience at this restaurant. Both the food and service fell short of our expectations considering the price point and it is not somewhere that I would recommend or come back to. We were seated inside and the interior was super cozy with a pleasant ambiance. To start, our server was not very attentive and a bit rude. Our table was next to the order system and it felt like our waiter only remembered to take our orders everytime he went to input another table's orders and he'd glance over and see that we had no food on our table. He had an impatient look everytime our orders were taken and instead of standing by our table and conversing with us, he was inputting our orders facing the other way while we were ordering as if we were ordering at In-N-Out. For food, we ordered the Pulpo a la Parilla ($22), Salmon Ahumado ($14), and Huevos Nacionales ($14) as starters. For the price, what we had did not match in quantity or quality. The octopus and deviled eggs were super bland and did not have much flavor to it. While the Salmon Ahumado was enjoyable, the bagel part at the bottom was super hard to bite into. Lastly, we ordered the Paella Mar Y Montana ($65) to share and it was super salty. For drinks, we got the Pac Height Spritz ($16) and the Barca ($17). These were pretty sweet and easy to drink!
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Teresa G.

Yelp
Made reservations here to have an early dinner with the family after watching a musical at the Golden Gate Theater. They were really nice to accommodate us earlier than our reserved time. It was a beautiful day to sit outdoors. Glad to still feel safe and enjoy the vibrant vibe of the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Our server was attentive and provided great service. We never felt rushed. Food was really delightful from the Cogollos, Patatas Bravas and the Pulpo a la Parilla, to the Paella Mar y Montana and Setas al Ajillo. Everything was tasty and you could tell they were made from fresh ingredients. Servings are just enough to share. Cogollos was made with grilled little gem lettuce with chicken essence, it had a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts and crispy chicken skin. Patatas Bravas was made of baby potatoes and served with garlic aioli and salsa brava that we wanted to lick off the plate. The pimenton sauce on which the Pulpo a la Parilla was served was as tasty. Would have loved to dip some bread on this sauce but had to save room for the Paella Mar y Montana. This had a generous amount of mussels and clams, prawns and chorizo. The crispy rice at the bottom was extra delightful! The Setas al Ajillo which is grilled trumpet mushrooms with garlic chili oil and some sherry reduction served with a poached egg and garlic chips was a great complement to the paella. We thought we would not have room for dessert but we topped off our wonderful experience with their Crema de Catalan and Churros which were pure perfection!
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Ewa U.

Yelp
Nestled in the beautiful San Francisco Embarcadero waterway, this Peruvian kitchen is upscale and classy without the pretentious vibes. The food is well executed - and for a party of 3, five appis and a paella will be plenty! Do not skip the gin cocktails as they are a sort of specialty here. Same goes for the sangrias. The squid ink paella was delish, but my fave was the calamari ala Negra, with its unique seasoning and dip. Got plans after? Try strolling on the pier to watch the local fishermen - or head down market street to local edition for additional cocktails. Cheers
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Nicole ..

Yelp
If someone told me, life or death, to name a place that will impress them, I will name Coqueta in a heartbeat. This place never fails to disappoint and make you feel like you're celebrating something special. Each dish are all-rounders, and none of them feel like the "ugly duckling" on the menu. Drinks are amazing as well and the staff are great.
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Robert W.

Yelp
I've been looking for some Spanish food and came across Coqueta on my Yelp search. Located along Embarcadoro street, and proximal to other post meal locations this restaurant has a nice curb appeal with the open patio area adjacent to the enclosed patio seating. The covered seating outside the main bar is a great launching point for happy hour drinks or waiting area for your seat. What I particularly like about the outside area is it has a great views of the bay and harbor area. The inside seating has a very soft and rustic evening glow that would be fitting in Spain. The food menu is organized by bite size skewers, meats and cheeses, salads, cold & hot tapas, from the grill and from the market, and lastly obligatory paellas. I'm a huge fan of tapas style eating, variety or quantity. I was really wanting to go with a paella dish, surprisingly, their paella is quite large, probably larger than one person could eat, but I wasn't disappointed in going with the variety of tapas options. On this occasion I opted for the Boquerones composed ofspanish white anchovies, manzanilla olives each on their own mini skewer. Very cute! A must option is the Bocadillo de Cochinillo that is a 3hr braised pork belly, spanish slaw, apple-honey mustard, pickled cucumbers, on a house made brioche. One of the best value for price and taste. Third dish is the Huevos Rotos sunny side up egg with shrimp, crispy potato, garlic chips, pine nuts, chili de arbol and chorizo dressing. Not a bad dish, but a bit rich. To finish the evening, I had to go with the churro's with the chocolate dipping sauce. The churros were perfect size and not oily from the fry. I would like to come back again during the day or for HH when the weather is nice outside to enjoy the patio area and take in food and vibe again.
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Ayush K.

Yelp
Personally, I think it was okay. We ordered vegetarian paella, patatas bravas, bocadellio de la casa "bikini," albondigas ala feria, and churros. The drinks we got were barsa (gin & tonic) and the sun never set (cocktail). The presentation of the food was on point, but the flavors were definitely missing. Some of these dishes were chef recommended, but they were very bland, especially the paella. The drinks were okay. Eggplant and albondigas were very sweet. We were expecting it to be sweet because of the ingredients, but it was sweeter than we expected. Patatas bravas and churros were good. They have heated outdoor space, which is covered and also indoor seating. Indoor space is very elegant. Our server was very attentive and super friendly. There was some delay here and there, but mostly because of how busy it was that time of the day.
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Jennie C.

Yelp
I think the ambiance and presentation of the food was excellent; the food itself was a bit strong in saltiness and sweetness and a bit, dare I say, unsophisticated? The waiter was extremely attentive though. Great drinks Make a reservation if you want a nice view
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Hannah C.

Yelp
Loved loved loved this place! Right on the water so cute! Food was a little salty to taste but flavors were delicious and service was great
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Rachel H.

Yelp
Coqueta translates to "flirt" or "infatuation" in Spanish, so its more than a little ironic that this restaurant helmed by celebrity chef, Michael Chiarello, has been in the news due to allegations (in 2016) of sexual harrassment coming from two employees. Meanwhile, we knew none of this when arriving at Pier 5 this weekend, or at the time we booked through a reservations app. We found the restaurant beautiful, and well situated on the San Francisco waterfront facing the Bay Bridge, and the food and the drinks outstanding. We ordered several classic tapas: a delicious papas bravas rendition and gambas (shrimp). We added to that several "California" style tapas and some drinks: a beet salad and an eggplant bocadillo on milk bread with cheese and truffled honey. It was an excellent food and drink experience, with a strong aftertaste once we read later about the employee allegations (easily found online & disturbing) that resulted in an undisclosed settlement. I should share the restaurant was entirely packed on Friday during early evening, on a rare sunny San Francisco evening.
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Irina R.

Yelp
This is a perfect place if you love tapas style meals. Coqueta is located in Embarcadero so plan ahead to find parking. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on the weekends. It's on the water but only a handful of seats will have a nice view, majority of tables are inside. Ambiance is cozy, restaurant has very warm lighting so, overall, it has more of a laid back vibe. Perfect to unwind and enjoy your time without feeling rushed. Definitely not a formal place but can be good for a smaller business networking dinner. Sangria was really good: beautifully presented and pretty strong! All the food we've tried was absolutely delicious but nothing that I would crave to come back for. Service was very attentive but not overbearing. Overall, it's a good place if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, tapas style meal and, potentially, a great view!
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Sarah K.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite spots in SF. Love their gin and tonic which is their signature cocktail, still haven't had better. The ambiance at the bar area is fun and has a great vibe. They have all tapas style and my favorite is the gambas and their paella of course.
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Joey W.

Yelp
I was expecting the tapas and paella to be solid based on its rating but some of the tapas and the paella we got was only okay. Patatas Bravas - the potatoes were crispy on the outside. The salsa brava was so so good! The garlic aioli didn't actually have that much flavor. Platillo de Calamari - the calamari was crispy and had a good crunch. I liked the squid ink sauce it came with. Bocadillo de La Casa "Bikini" - I really liked how the jam worked so well with the goat cheese, eggplant, and truffle honey. It was good but I felt like there wasn't enough eggplant. Croquetas de Pollo - one of my favorites! Crispy on the outside and flavorful and crab cake like texture on the inside. I also love how they pair it with a blood orange. Albondigas Ala Feria - duck and pork meatballs were a little gamey. I did like the onion sofrita and crispy shallots toppings. Paella de Tinta ($60) - paella felt a little bland so had to top it with the sauce and pickled garlic scapes they provide you on the side. The seafood felt fresh as none of it was mushy. I was a bit disappointed at the paella especially at this price point.
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Auggie L.

Yelp
Went for San Francisco Restaurant Week Lunch Food - 5/5. Croquetas had a soft bite to them with plenty of crunch. Flavors were on the mild side with the cured oranges adding a slight zing. Patatas had a very fun texture combination. Potatoes were soft inside with a very thin layer of crispy skin that contrasted really well. Aioli added a creamy richness and the salsa gave it heat to keep the flavor fresh. Paella was served in an adorable personal sized cast iron with good amount of toppings. The shrimp was very tender with only the slightest pressure separating the head. Head was easy to chew to get to its umami head bits. Chorizo gave a lot of savory and salty flavors which paired nicely with the rice. The rice itself was on the bland side and lacked the crusted bottom you normally expect from a paella. When paired with some of the toppings it was nice but by itself it was lacking which made me wish there was more chorizo. Manchego cheesecakes were fantastic with the cake itself having a strong, dense flavor being wrapped around a similarly dense, rich dulce de leche shell. The pairing of the flavors were phenomenal! Caramel popcorn was fantastic as well leading me to believe their dessert section really knows how to make a delicious shell. Service - 4/5. Service was attentive and the food, especially the paella, came out quicker than expected. Our host seemed a bit nonchalant as he first tried to seat us in the worst seat possible and then looked dumbfounded when we asked about the restaurant week menu. Fortunately, the issues were rectified quickly. Value - 4/5. Their restaurant week special has good selections including the personal-sized paella option, which is not regularly available on their menu. Food was delicious but the paella felt like it could've been better and the portion sizes are on the small side. Even so, for the price tag of $40, it was a nice, budget-friendly way to experience the restaurant. Parking - Street (Metered)
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Jennifer L.

Yelp
This is a late post for a 2022 visit. The food was solid, but the service was just okay. We came on a busy weeknight and were a little disappointed with wait times. Despite having reservations we had to wait a while for our table and also it took a while to order. Servers were friendly but perhaps it was just a super busy time for them. We thought all the savory items were delicious but it can get a little too crowded with overflow from the bar for a good date night.
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Soomin K.

Yelp
Service 5/5 - attentive, great recommendations for dishes, professional and friendly Food 5/5 - authentic but with Coqueta's personal touch, great variety of food, and just delishhhh Ambiance 5/5 ( if you sit in the main dining room) - I've dined outdoor and the left side of the restaurant which I wasn't a huge fan of. This time I sat in the main dining room, and I loved it. Ambiance is so much better in the main dining room. Price - not a casual dining place, so it is at more expensive price range Parking - real hard to find a parking. Don't park at the public parking near the restaurant. No hourly parking available on the weekend, so you have to pay $35 during the day. Look for a street parking which can be frustrating but just go 30mins earlier than the resy time. Comment - I've been to Coqueta many times pre-Covid, and i finally visited again recently. Food was as good as before, service was amazing. Only downside is I thought the place was not dusted enough. As soon as I opened up my napkin, I saw bunch of dust float around. Blame the amazing natural sunlight for exposing it, but prob would be great if the place was dusted or ventilated more frequently if that's not being done.
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Rachel M.

Yelp
Celebrated my brother's birthday at Chef Michael Chiarello's SF tapas restaurant on a rainy Sunday. Located along the Embarcadero near the water, this restaurant definitely has a ton of foot traffic. Ambiance inside was beautiful and we were able to get a table in the center. Our servers were very friendly, welcoming and accommodating. We all ordered a variety of drinks, tapas and paella and everything was brought in a nice cadence. Drinks were beautifully presented and refreshing. I ordered the Passion of a Mojito and it was a nice fusion of mint and passion fruit. Food highlights -Pulpo a la Parilla- smoky tender octopus pieces with potatoes and aioli were delicious. -Salmon ahumado - the truffle honey that is drizzled on the smoked salmon with crostini was so tasty and tied the whole dish together. -Setas Al ajillo - grilled trumpet mushrooms in a savory garlic chili oil were very meaty flavorful. Wish it came with more! -Paella Primavera (vegan)- vibrant with veggies and the rice was cooked well in saffron broth, but was bland. A suggestion would be to add more flavorful plant-based protein options, like vegan chorizo or sausage. -Paella Mar y Montaña - had ample clams, mussels, shrimp, and chorizo cooked in a tomato based broth. I enjoyed the aioli with the seafood but the mole verde lacked flavor. FYI they charge a $5 cake cutting fee per person. Next time, I want to try the churros and this amazing strawberry dessert I kept seeing. Overall, we had a wonderful time celebrating my brother- thank you Coqueta team!