Picaro

Spanish restaurant · Mission Dolores

Picaro

Spanish restaurant · Mission Dolores

4

3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Highlights

At Picaro, San Francisco’s first tapas gem, indulge in colorful small plates and pitchers of sangria while soaking in vibrant art and lively vibes.  

Featured in Eater
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3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 Get directions

picarocafe.com
@picarocafe_

$20–30 · Menu

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3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 Get directions

+1 415 431 4089
picarocafe.com
@picarocafe_

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"The oldest Spanish restaurant in the city, Picaro has been a consistent catch-all for tapas in the Mission for over 40 years. Vegetarian options like sliced, grilled artichokes, a tortilla with spinach, and cabbage sauteed with garlic and paprika, are just as much of a staple here as the fried calamari, Picaro’s impressive lobster tail paella, and the beef, chicken, and chorizo stew known as “ropa vieja.” Great for groups and known for their sangria, the Dali- and Picasso-themed Picaro is one of the few places where you can get a bottle of wine for less than $30." - Adrian Spinelli

The 10 Best Spanish Restaurants and Bars in San Francisco
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@eater

"Man, there are so few greater joys in life than the airy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside Iberian triumph that is a Spanish tortilla. And San Francisco’s finest iteration might be at Caldero, a brand new pop-up from Victoria Lozano of Andina’s father. The first thing to note is the slice of tortilla is double or triple the size of anything I’ve seen at bars in Spain, and much bigger than at fellow Mission District Spanish joint Esperento, where eight smaller tortillas arrive circling a ramekin of aioli. Served at Buddy the Bar on a warm evening, the piping hot titan boasted a generous dollop of aioli on top with a smattering of paprika. The sauce delivered a big punch of garlic, and by big I mean tremendous. But by no means was the garlic overwhelming, instead, the flavor allowed for a kind of trickle-down effect for the quiche’s profile — the potato and egg could be bland in other preparations of the dish, but not so in Caldero’s riff. Sometimes to my embarrassment I truly enjoy large and in-charge servings; Walter Green of the now-defunct Lucky Peach once wrote people love huge piles of food. There’s something about the Ben & Jerry’s-esque portion of this tortilla, matched by the clever and punchy spices woven throughout, that enrapture and enthrall any fans of this Spanish bar food. And for any nonbelievers, Caldero’s rendition ought to convert. Caldero, San Francisco" - Lauren Saria

The Best Dishes Eater SF Editors Ate This Week: Spring 2023 - Eater SF
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@eater

"Lively and full of character, Picaro lays claim to being the first tapas restaurant in San Francisco. What’s not to love: Their tapas are affordable, their paella is available in portions that feed six, and they’ve got plenty of sangria and “clara,” a Spanish beer-based drink with lemon soda." - Caleb Pershan

15 Exciting Spanish Restaurants in San Francisco and the East Bay - Eater SF
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@eater

"Picaro is a sister business to Esperpento, located on 16th Street. Some of Esperpento's staff will be working here temporarily during the closure." - Caleb Pershan

SF Restaurant Esperpento Closed By City-Mandated Seismic Retrofit - Eater SF
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Prim Rose

Google
Big portions, big flavor! Paella was authentic and delicious. Sangria was perfect. Friendly staff made the whole experience even better. Loved Picaro!

Alexica Qian

Google
Such a good place! The patata brava tastes sooo good. Bring me back to Barcelona. The Tortillas, paella, blood sausage, octopus are amazing too.

Chris #520REVS Wanstrath

Google
Lovely place. On the small side so was hard to have conversations with your friends. We did have a waitress spill the bottle of sangria we ordered but no personal stuff was wet. Few phones got wet but nothing damaged. I would think they would have comp. Us that 1st bottle for the trouble of spilling it all over our table, but they didn't. We had the meat and seafood paella. Which was good. Doesn't compare if you have been to Spain and had it thier like we have. But still good dish.

Robespierre Reyes

Google
A real tapas place in San Francisco! Family friendly and delicious dishes for all ages. I highly recommend the paella, make sure to order ahead because it takes at least 30 minutes to be served. They have a variety of imported beers such as Estrella Galicia. They accept all payment methods. Definitively a must during your visit in SF!

Richard Garcia

Google
They are very quick! Obviously, order a paella early on since it takes a out 30 minutes for it. For sides you can't go wrong with anything. Forgot to take pictures of them but we got Patatas Bravas (really good) Patatas Aoli Jamón (incredible) Pan con Tomate Manchego Cheese Chorizo (our favorite tapas) Carne (comes with vegetables) For the paella we went with the classic seafood one. Twas good, although I would've preferred if it had built up more crispy rice. I would still come back here again tho. Great for a date, grabbing dinner with friends (small or big group)

Jeanette G

Google
Excellent spot for tapas and shared plates with friends or family! I recommend a variety of plates and a paella to share. All of the food is solid and I personally recommend you try their Spanish tortilla, fried calamari, asparagus, and seafood paella! Not to mention, a cold glass of sangria or cava!

Krishin Asnani

Google
Picaro feels like a vintage film set—nostalgic for a time better than the one we live in. It might even be the perfect place to plot a revolution. But more often, it’s where I talk about the film I just saw at Roxie —or the one I’ll soon star in. Think: the next Indian Paul Newman, with fewer blue eyes and more Subcontinental soul. I sip Spanish wine, share vegetarian tapas, and dream a little dream.

Patricia F

Google
Loved Picaro! It was insanely busy on Friday night. If you can make some reservations parking was quite difficult and we were late because of searching for it. Veggie platter was surprisingly tasty. They bring free bread with the tasty sauce it’s so addictive just make sure to leave room for your meal. A fun little Spanish tapas night in SF with a cute vibe.

Shirley B.

Yelp
María Jose is a great server. First time here and will be back. Loved seafood paella, morcilla & octopus . And the crema catalana , delicious! And the atmosphere was amazing

Denis L.

Yelp
Food was good, Saturday night took us an hour to get our table ready, Stuff working fast and efficient. Good place to enjoy food drinks and good times with your friends Surrounding is a little old but it has its own charm

Jeanie N.

Yelp
Oh, Picaro. How I dream of that salsa brava... I mean, I really do. That red sauce is one of my top five sauces of all time, in the world. It's kind of upsetting, really. If you love garlic, you'll love their salsa brava. I also love their tapas. I highly recommend: - broccoli (!!) - asparagus (!) - artichoke (!!) - patatas bravas (!) - green beans - tortilla espanola - sangriaaaa, red or white(!) - crema catalana (!!) The paella takes 30min to come out, and as a vegetarian, I didn't really think their veggie one was worth it. I'd much rather nibble on a variety of other plates, rather than fill up on paella. The QR codes at the tables are for menus only, so you'll still have to figure out a way to split the check upon payment. The service is generally pretty good, but you might have to flag down a waiter to get more water/etc. Picaro deserves all the love and hype it gets. I regularly take out-of-towners here, and celebrate birthdays here, and really I'll take any excuse to eat an unholy amount of that red sauce. I'd exercise caution if you are prone to heartburn though.

Alyson S.

Yelp
I finally had the opportunity to try Picaro after hearing high praises from a friend. Picaro offers delicious Spanish food at a reasonable price for San Francisco. The restaurant itself is very spacious and is suitable for small to large parties. Staff are welcoming, accommodating, attentive, and service is excellent. We started the meal with complimentary bread and bravas sauce. The sauce is addictive and can be eaten with everything and anything. The garlic octopus (pulpo al ajillo) and shrimp (gambas a la plancha) were tender and well-seasoned. The seafood paella was flavorful and topped with a generous portion of fresh calamari, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Picaro offers a plethora of dishes suitable for meat eaters, vegetarians, and pescatarians. Dishes are easily shareable for the table. Overall, I had a great first experience dining at Picaro and am excited to return and to continue exploring their menu.

Lisa X.

Yelp
Couple of weeks ago when one of my friends came to visit, I took her on a Waymo from her Union Square hotel to Picaro in the Mission. Not too many people in the restaurant that day, but I think there was a birthday party in the back of the restaurant. The service was great. Our waitress was very friendly. My friend was surprised at how tasty the food was (tapas) and how affordable everything was. We had a great time catching up. We especially enjoyed the yummy garlic shrimp. Ambiance is casual friendly vibes. Located on 16th St & Valencia.

Tia L.

Yelp
Picaro is such a lovely and inviting spot for group dinners! The paella doesn't miss and it fills the table up easily. The service is always kind, though food can be a bit of a wait (~20min) especially if you order paella.

Christine W.

Yelp
Came here to try out a new place with my friend! We got the fried anchovies, tortilla de patata, garlic octopus, and saffron rice to share, which was more than enough for two people- felt really full afterwards. Ambiance is nice, and I really liked the decorations! Service was also good as the server provided us with several food suggestions/recommendations! Food summary: Tortilla de Patata 10/10 Omelette with onion and potato. Very good, and I'd definitely get it again! Was unsure about it at first, but everything works well together and was cooked very well. Definitely my favorite dish from here that I've tried so far. Garlic octopus 9/10 I liked that there were also potatoes included in this. The octopus was a little bit salty, but overall was still very good and had a nice garlicky flavor! Saffron rice (side) 7/10 This was still good, but I did not enjoy it as much as the other dishes. It had a good taste and the rice as well-cooked! Fried anchovies 9/10 Was seasoned and fried well! Reminded me of a different Chinese dish I've had before, so I enjoyed it. Extra: Bread 9/10 Loved the dip that the bread came with. Was a little spicy, but packed with flavor :)

Jacob T.

Yelp
Overall: 4.5/5 Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Price: 4/5 Cleanliness: 3/5 The food is fantastic! I ordered the Seafood Paella which was really good. I also ordered the Fried Calamari which was delicious! The house garlic sauce is outta here!! The restrooms needed attention though. Not sure how often they clean the restrooms but it's important because it can be indication of the level of cleanliness the staff has. Overall, had a great experience and the food was great!

Eugene C.

Yelp
Came for a second visit, hoping for as good as the first time, and instead it was even better. I ordered the paella again but asked for a crispier bottom, and they delivered. They knew exactly what I was talking about. It wasn't perfect (some bits were over charred and some of the seafood was a little drier), but nearly so. For those that expect or prefer soccarat/crispy rice with their paella, they can do that. Again, flavor was spot on. Again, couldn't finish my food despite not spending much. The wine was so smooth and one of the best I've had (so much so that I wrote down the name so I can get a bottle for home) and yet so affordable. This place continues to be a gem.

Allison S.

Yelp
Decent place for tapas and Paella but nothing out of this world. I enjoyed the tortilla de patata and glad I tried it over the usual patatas bravado. Paella was a bit on the dry side as well as the pork skewers. I wouldn't order that or the octopus again as I was underwhelmed. The food came out pretty quick because we were there for an early dinner, once it started getting busy around 6:30PM, the waiters didn't really come by anymore and it was extremely loud in the restaurant. One thing that bothered me was how stuffy and hot the restaurant was. We even sat by the window with it open but I was still very uncomfortable. It made my clothes very very smelly when I left. Definitely not my go to place, but I feel like there aren't too many great options in the city, especially ones that aren't over the top and over priced.

Arman Eli P.

Yelp
Just an update: Still, the best food, the best staff, the best ambiance! But let me break it down: Free basket of bread? Who wouldn't want a free bread or food? Lol. Calamares Fritos was good but the dip should be more flavorful. But one of my fave. Pescado Rebozado con Aioli was amazing too. Add on to my fave! As per my boyfriend, Boquerones en Vinagre was okay. He tried the same food in Barcelona, Spain and he said that it's not as sour. Ropa Vieja is great! One of my fave too. Recommendation: For the sauce/ Aioli of Pescado Rebozado and Calamares Fritos - a little more garlic, a hint of Paprika and a hint of Black Pepper would be great(Trust me). For Pescado Rebozado - just want to recommend for the staff to double check on removing the fish bone entirely. I don't mind the fish bone as I grew up with it, but I just want to suggest it as some customer or people out there are too sensitive and complains too much on certain things. Btw, I've been here several times. Overall, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Rikki Erielle N.

Yelp
Came here for a birthday dinner for my cousins! The place was booming and had a really lively energy. The service was great and fast as well! I lovedddd the oysters! The only downside is the surrounding area outside felt a bit unsafe. Parking was super hard as well, but I guess that's anywhere in the city!

Deepthi T.

Yelp
A great spot for Spanish tapas!! The food comes out quick and order a ton to sample a little bit of everything! If you want paella, bring a huge group to share since it comes out large. The sangria is good and pairs well with the food. Most of my favorite tapas contain meat so maybe not the best spot for vegetarians. Be adventurous and try the oxtail soup! The seafood is fresh and delicious as well. I like getting the oysters, shrimp with garlic butter, croquetas and more!

Cynthia C.

Yelp
When coming here, you must always have a reservation just because the space is fairly small and people usually go with a party. And just like as we came for my sister's birthday and we were a fairly small party, but yeah, we were all squeezed onto a table . We don't mind , because the food and drinks are amazing here. This is definitely a San Francisco staple for Latin America style paella, which we love, and we love that they have different variations and styles of a paella for all types of food, restrictions, or people who are picky eaters

Lejla I.

Yelp
We came here before the New year and it was awesome. Good atmosphere, great service. They cleated us even though we had no reservation. Food was absolutely amazing! I loved the sauce that comes with bread! Paella with seafood is a must try!!!

Sharon C.

Yelp
Food and Service was very good. Enjoy different dishes, sangria is algo good great service all the staff was really nice

Carmen U.

Yelp
Had a great time trying different tapas at Picaro. My favorites were the chicken croquettes and potato omelette. Chicken croquettes were crunchy and had a creamy chicken filling. Potato omelette had a delicious garlic aioli. Though we would skip the stews. The rabbit stew was heavy with oregano and meat was very dry (should have known as its rabbit). Clams were not very large nor flavorful. Some hits and misses. They have a huge menu, including paellas. Will be back to try more!

Ina B.

Yelp
Went there last night with son, granddaughter, grandson, son's GF, ex-hubby and his wife (yeah, we're a Happy Friendly Family!) to celebrate my son's and ex-hubby's birthdays. The food was fantastic. We had a yummy seafood paella and a huge assortment of tapas that ranged from "really good" to "to die for" (the lobster tail). And yes, we appreciated the complimentary bread and dipping sauce. The service was friendly, attentive, and extremely patient with our many questions about their Gi-normous menu choices. Sadly for hearing-impaired Me, the noise level (which as I age is the most important aspect of the ambiance) made it impossible for me to participate in any substantive conversation. I'm nowheres near "deaf" but like many of my fellow septuagenarians need hearing aids, and regardless of setting them on "speech and noise" (maybe I should have tried "airplane" mode?) and playing with the volume for each ear, I couldn't understand much of anything anyone said unless they were sitting right next to me or shouting at me from directly across the table. I'll admit, though, that it didn't occur to my son when he made the reservation to ask whether they had a quieter area of the restaurant that could accommodate seven, so if someone in your party is a bit hearing-impaired I'd recommend you ask the when you make the reservation.

Emily B.

Yelp
Best place to take a tourist who has little food options at home. Tapas is fun and exciting and yummy

Divya K.

Yelp
I'm surprised that Picaro has so many 5-star reviews. I thought the paella was just okay. We got the vegetarian paella, carne and the seafood. Protein portions are generous but the rice just was not that flavorful and could have been more spicier imo. The complimentary bread and salsa was divine and service was great, as mentioned on the menu, we had to wait ~30 minutes for the paellas to be ready. Parking can be difficult and we had to do some rounds for street parking.

Raquel D.

Yelp
This place was so packed it was so incredibly loud I could barely hear my friend. I think we both had to yell at each other lol. Food was good but I don't think we did the best selection. The aioli sauce is to die for but I wasn't crazy about the way the patatas were cooked. No seasoning almost. Chicken croquettes were a miss. Rabbit stew was good and interesting, enjoyed the sauce but was kind of dry and tough. The fried fish strips were a winner though

Kelly H.

Yelp
If you want the best Spanish food in the city, come here. You also can't beat their prices. Happy hour is $4 a glass for sangria--which is nice and light, but the alcohol definitely sneaks up on you so be careful. We also ordered the patatas bravas which had the best sauce, it was amazing. We also ordered the seafood platter which was impeccable. And dipping the seafood in the patatas bravas sauce was next level amazing. And they do not skimp on the seafood here. Just 10/10 all around. Literally my new favorite seafood place in the city, and can't beat the price with tip at $70 (we also have a ton of leftovers).

Anthony H.

Yelp
Wow! The service here was amazing! The food was nothing less than astounding. Best Spanish food I've had and I've eaten in Barcelona. The patatas bravas sauce was as incredible and garlic forward as everyone says. The mariscana (seafood) platter was a true treat and I highly recommend it. The sangria is great and the price can't be beat on happy hour. The pricing generally is great; definitely the best bang for your buck. The atmosphere really feels like a northern Spanish cafe which is I think what they are going for. It's can't recommend this place enough. Bring cash! There is a ~5% discount for cash.

Eunice C.

Yelp
What a throwback. I remember vividly just a few years ago when I first moved to SF and Yelp was not even an app installed on my phone, I dined in at this Tapas place with a great romesco sauce. As a non yelper then, I failed to "document" the food, not even the name of the place. Fast forward to 2024, my date took me to Picaro for some tapas and drinks. My heart skipped a beat because I instantly recognized it as we entered the door. My joy was short-lived though as the basket of bread came with romesco sauce no more but rather with a salsa brava. I might be mistaken but I know it just isn't the same sauce they used to serve. It was good (and spicy) however wasn't the one I've been dreaming of going back to for years. We ordered a bunch, 6 tapas to be exact and a couple of white sangrias - Tapas : Patatas Bravas - perfectly fried potatoes with crispy edges while still soft on the center. These paired well with the spicy sauce. Pulpo Al Ajillo - octopus is difficult to cook and yet it came out soft and flavorful. Some parts were slimy though, I am not sure if that was intentional. Boquerones Fritos - fried anchovies were meaty and tender Miyagi oysters - small oysters with zero to mild brininess Champiñones Al Ajillo - meaty fungi with a hint of garlic Mejillones ala Vinaigrette - steamed mussels with diced tomatoes and vinegar base sauce We did not order paella this time. We somehow ended up getting a bunch of tapas which we later realized was too much for a group of 2. Service is great. Staff is very attentive. They always check on you and refill your glass of water and take empty plates. Overall, a pretty solid time at Picaro. A nice nightcap to kickoff the weekend.

Spencer Q.

Yelp
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 3.5/5 Overall: A good selection of tapas to choose from. Would I come back: It's my go to for tapas in the city. The extended review... Food: 4/5 - Got a mixture of things and all of them were all very tasty. The good thing is you can order many things to taste. Of them I always get the Spanish Tortilla which is an egg and potato dish. Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive service. Ambiance: 3.5/5 - There are times when a band will come in and walk throughout the restaurant playing loud music. That's one thing I can do without.

Brianna C.

Yelp
Picaro is a great place for a casual night out and for a great and fulfilling meal. The seafood paella is flavorful and the tapas are plentiful. Some of the tapas we ordered include patatas bravas and the pan con tomate dip. There wasn't a specific standout, but service was fantastic and we had a band play for our table for a friend's birthday which was a nice touch but slightly weird that they charged us for it.

Prasiddha H.

Yelp
Went to Picaro with the boy during a San Francisco day trip and decided to grab a late snacky lunch here! This place has been on my list for a while and I'm glad I got to try it out. This place is a cute Spanish tapas place with great prices, big portions and lots of heart. The service was homely and I enjoyed it. For the food we ordered: * chicken croquettes - these were crispy, creamy, chickeny goodness * patatas bravas - the boy really loved this as did I - the crispy potatoes with the orange sauce is beyond me in terms of how delicious this is! I wish I could have more always * gambas ajillo - this is also garlic shrimp and it's absolutely delicious. Shrimp in a buttery sauce I absolutely enjoyed this. We enjoyed dunking the free bread they gave us in this sauce and it was yummy Overall the food was delicious and I would recommend others to visit!

Paulina F.

Yelp
The grilled calamari is my favorite. I've ordered it many times. Yesterday, I got a promo on a combination meal through DoorDash. I had to get the grilled calamari. I chose potatoes and cabbage as sides. Thanks for the savings.

Jessica Y.

Yelp
Came here for my brother's birthday. It was BUSY on a Saturday evening but luckily we had reservations. The food here is so good! We ordered a few pitchers of sangrias. It wasn't too sweet and I love that it wasn't overfilled with too much fruit. And even though it was soooo busy, our servers were so attentive! The nice thing about the paella is that you could order different portions. For dinner we shared a bunch of stuff: Patatas Bravas Morcilla- Black sausage: I know it sounds weird but it was DELICIOUS! Jamon Serrano En Pan Con Tomate Sopa De Marisco: OMG I would totally come back just to get this soup! Paella de arroz Negro: I love squid ink so this was my favorite! Paella de Carne: Everyone else you wasn't into seafood absolutely loved this one! To top it off, this place has a little mariachi band that goes around the restaurant to play music. It is very loud inside, even without the music so make sure you're okay with that. But the food was so good here. This is a must!

Sheila J.

Yelp
We made reservations but ended up walking in earlier and were seated quickly without issue. Food Seafood Paella tasty but I've had tastier paella, however they didn't skimp on the seafood Bread Whatever sauce it came with was incredible. Drinks - pitchers of white sangria which were delicious. The service was top notch. Our server was very attentive and helpful. Parking was treacherous on a Sunday night. We drove around multiple times for parking but I would think that's expected considering the neighborhood. My friend that suggested coming here during the week when there is a live band. I will be back to experience that and the happy hour specials that look promising.

Mira P.

Yelp
The sangria is where it's at here! It would be great if they had a more sophisticated wine list. But we can overlook that as they do allow you to bring wine in for a decent corkage fee. We had a few appetizers: 1. Morcilla Sauteed Spanish blood sausage. $8.25 Delicious and not oily at all! 2. Pinchos Pork kebabs on a bed of Spanish rice. $8.00 Delicious you can taste the charbroiled finish and again bold in flavor. We wish we had this restaurant in miami. It's affordable and authentic.

katrina a.

Yelp
Amazing paella! This is comfort food at its best! Very family oriented place to eat. Nothing fancy, just amazing authentic flavors. The servings are very large. For a family of 5, ordering 2 paellas, 1 seafood platter and calamari, we were able to take home and have another complete meal. The service is very good! Everyone is very friendly. They have a great menu that will please everyone! Kid approved!

L S.

Yelp
OMG - LOVE this place! We were waiting for a film showing at the Roxie and sat outside Picaro watching the Roxie's previous showing exiting the theater and was able to jump in line once the line started forming. For that, awesome location. Food is also surprisingly solid too. The setting really reminds me of sitting at an outdoor cafe in Spain or Portugal eating tapas and sipping wine.

Shelby S.

Yelp
Parking can be tough but there's a nearby paid parking garage that makes it easy. We started off with a free basket of bread and the most delicious sauce on the side. We ordered a bunch of small plates to try like both the octopus and shrimp Al ajillo, chorizo salteado, patatas bravas, croquettes de pollo, and oxtail stew. Then of course a paella dish and we chose the lobster one for 2 people but was definitely enough for 3. It was warm and had a soft texture and mixed with the spicy bread dipping sauce, it came to life. The croquettes and oxtail stew were my favorite. There is a lot on the menu to choose from and share or order for yourself.

Ka C.

Yelp
We were in San Francisco area for vacation. Thanks to Yelp, we found this amazing place! We came here two days in a row. You could tell how much we love this place. The decor here was cool, tables were a little bit old. However, the food was great. So who cares. The pricing here is really affordable given the quality of food. The paella dish was okay, not wow. We loved the Parrillada meat plate. That was bomb, so flavorful and plenty of meat, the potatoes underneath absorbed all the juice from the meat and veggies (chef's kiss). We were still thinking about it from time to time after we dined there a few months ago. I wish they're keeping up with the quality and pricing . Will definitely go back when we're in the area again.

Mia C.

Yelp
came here yesterday for brunch for a belated birthday celebration and everyone enjoyed the food (I've been wanting to try this place and so glad we did - we all enjoyed the food = not a crumb left!) we were so stuffed we didn't order dessert and so glad only ordered paella for two because it was more that enough to feed us 4!

Shirley W.

Yelp
The highlights were the Tortillas de patata and the Gambas al Ajillo. They tasted like I was in Spain and nearly brought tears to my eyes. The food was so comforting. The garlic sauce in the shrimp we wish we could have had more of. Would have been perfect if they had better bread. The paella de carne was very well seasoned but could have been on the stove longer as the socarrat wasn't well formed. The crema catalan was delicious and loved the slight hint of ginger to round out the creaminess.

Rise G.

Yelp
Really good tapas in the Mission. I've been going here for years and love the variety of options on the menu. We did notice prices recently increased, which is somewhat expected due to prices increasing almost everywhere, but were also disappointed since they seemed to have gone up quite a bit in just a couple of months. Also, they've recently updated their menu to include a price per item when paying via cash vs. credit card. I understand businesses need to pay a fee for credit card usage, however everyone uses credit cards these days so I hate to see this expense passed on to the customer. All in all the food and service is really good with one note - the garlic shrimp were the tiniest shrimp we've ever received here (see picture for shrimp size compared to spoon/lemon wedge); if/when prices are raised I expect to receive the same quantity of food as before. Lastly, the restaurant is very spacious and we've never had to wait to be seated. It also seems to be good for larger groups as they have an area with large tables/seating.

Ewa U.

Yelp
This is a GEM of a Spanish tapas place. In the midst of all the inflated prices and often disappointing food quality throughout San Francisco's 'elite' restaurants - this little piece of Spanish heaven somehow manages to maintain its authentic vibes, great food and amazing prices!! Situated in the heart of mission - you'll be in for a treat. Stop by for a 20$ pitcher of red or white sangria and/or tapas! Lots to choose from here. I promise, even if you're not into tapas, this place will make you smile. Cheers

D E.

Yelp
Service was excellent, but everything else was kind of a mixed bag. I enjoyed the patatas bravas, grilled artichokes, oxtail stew, and complimentary bread and sauce. The potatoes were so perfectly fried that I wished they served the sauce on the side. While the sauce was delicious (I think it's the same sauce they serve with the bread), the potatoes were drowning in it, and quickly lost their crispness. The preparation of the artichokes came as a surprise--we thought it'd be served in the usual whole/halved manner in which you pluck off the leaves to eat. Instead, the heart and attached inner leaves came thinly sliced. It ended up being a very good dish. The paellas were super disappointing. We ordered two--the meat and the seafood. The flavors were nice but, in both, the rice was extremely wet (no socarrat!!!), while the meat and seafood were overcooked and tough/dry. The atmosphere is simultaneously fun and overwhelming. The place is lively, but so, so loud. It also seems like a fire hazard to pack the tables as tightly together as they do. The guy sitting behind me felt the need to get up every five minutes and his butt kept brushing up against the back of our heads as he made it from his seat next to the wall to the outer end of the long table he was sitting at. For me, the meal wasn't worth the fight for parking in the area.

S V.

Yelp
Good service, average food. We ordered the seafood paella and a ton of tapas. Everything was average; bland and greasy at best.

John P.

Yelp
Went here on a Thursday around 620pm. Was able to get a table for 2 without a reservation. They had a lot of seats available inside and outside, but it started to get busy around 730. I've eaten here before, but this review will be about my experience on that day. We ordered the Parrillada, which a meat platter over potatoes. Overall, the dish was super meat heavy! It said it's good for 2-3 people but I believe it's good for 4-5 people. It was huge! My favorite parts of the dish was the sausage and potatoes. It was seasoned perfectly and sooo good. The rest was okay and the chicken was dry. Honestly I wouldn't order this again. Too much meat. We had a lot to take home. We also had the red sangria pitcher which was perfect for 2. Sweet and fruity tasting! I would recommend ordering the tapas and paella instead of a big meat platter. But my friends favorite was the Parrillada, so to each their own!

Samantha P.

Yelp
Go for the paella! Delicious & plentiful portion. Many tapas options to choose from as well, which were reasonably priced. A live mariachi band made this experience even more fun! Would be ideal location for groups to split the dishes & sangria pitchers.

Nancy N.

Yelp
My family member woke up this morning looking green with vomiting and diarrhea. This will be reported to the health department. So disappointing as this restaurant has been a family go to for years. Lobster thought to be the culprit of food poisoning.

Anthony N.

Yelp
Picaro in San Francisco's Mission district is an absolute gem for anyone craving a taste of Spain! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with the warm ambiance of a family-owned restaurant and the aroma of authentic Spanish cuisine. The tapas selection is a delight, with each dish bursting with flavor and authenticity. The paella is a must-try, and their sangria is the perfect complement to any meal. But it doesn't stop there - the imported Iberia ham and perfectly cooked octopus are simply divine. And let's not forget about their decadent desserts; the chocolate mousse, flan, and churros with ice cream are to die for!

Jolens V.

Yelp
Nice restaurant. Delicious food The servers are so sweet and friendly. I had to wait for the Paella I am thankful that they game me bread. I t so good. It came with a tasty dip and it made it easy for me to not be too hungry. The Paella was divine. I am for sure going back.

Linda Y.

Yelp
Good place to go with a group - easy to get a reservation. We got a bunch of appetizers and the seafood paella -- it was solid, though by no means the best paella I've had. We also got a pitcher of sangria, which was tasty. Easy place to swing by in the Mission, right off Valencia. Atmosphere was cozy.

Kent L.

Yelp
Excellent happy hour pitcher of sangria for $14. Happy hour does not include any food, so tapas are regular price. Plates are less than $10 and an awesome way to share some tasty snacks with a friend. I would totally come back. The complimentary house bread comes with a nice brava sauce, very appetizing. The Spanish tortilla was delicious, as were the sausages. Very good octopus and anchovie stuffed olives as well. Overall great experience and a good way to catch up with a friend over some food.

Julian C.

Yelp
Great food and vibes, would highly recommend for Spanish tapas in the city! Been here many times and the food always delivers. Some of my favorites are the chorizo, chicken croquettes, garlic shrimp, and fried calamari. All of the food is so well seasoned, I've had very few dishes I didn't like. I also really like the sharing nature of tapas so you can try more things and makes it a great place for groups. They give complimentary bread with patatas bravas sauce which is so good. Picaro is pretty reasonably priced per dish considering the quality of the food + decent portions. They also have happy hour from 4-7pm, which includes their Sangria which is also pretty tasty. Overall, one of my favorite Spanish places in the city, would recommend.