Coqueta is located on the Embarcadero overlooking the Bay Bridge

Being a passionate foodie I can really geek out on the who’s who in “Chef Land”. From the celebrity chefs on television to the real life cookbook writers and restaurateurs of the world, there are so many crazy talented people in food. One of said people is Michael Chiarello. You would totally recognize him..he’s been on the Food Network but is also famous for his Italian-infused California style cuisine featured at his restaurant in Napa called Bottega. I haven’t been (yet) but I know people who have and sing it’s praises as one of the best meals of their life. I have however been to his newer Spanish tapas restaurant on Pier 5 on the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco called Coqueta, and I am going to go on record and tell you it is a guaranteed good meal, a great experience, a must try. From the jaw dropping interior full of unique artistic embelishments to the fun tapas approach to food, Coqueta is just lovely and I can not wait to go back. My girlfriend and I did a heavy apps happy hour/early dinner but agreed it would be really fun to dine as a group since the paella serves a small army and is a must try. Full disclosure, we did have a few dishes we didn’t love (pictures not included below) but 1) we are super critical of our food/annoying foodies so take our opinion with a grain of salt and 2) the majority of our picks were fantastic and made me forget whatever I didn’t love. I can’t wait for our next out of town visitors so I can go back and experience it again, you have my word, it is not one to miss.

Coqueta
Pier 5, The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111
415.704.8866

Gin and Tonics are their specialty drink, they make a variety to chose from. This is the Barca Gin & Tonic. Can we talk about the fact that it’s the most beautiful drink ever made?! Do you see the sprig of pine, the rose, cloves, grapefruit and super large geometric shaped ice cube?!!!?!?! I didn’t think I liked G&T, but this drink was clean, light, refreshing, with very little sweetness (because it wasn’t made with crap tonic out of a can). I can’t wait to go back and have another.

I was losing my mind over all the beautiful design, look at these tiles!

Pintxos, or bite-sized skewers to start. You can take as many as you want…daaaanngerous! Obviously, I snatched the quail deviled egg and olive with anchovy.

Sandia y Jamon, Red and Yellow Watermelon Salad with Crispy Serrano Ham, Purslane and Basil Seed

Montaditos, open faced sandwiches…these were made to make me happy. Salmon Alhumado, Smoked salmon, queso fresco and truffle honey. Just stop, I can’t take the amazingness.

Albondigas a la Feria, grilled duck and pork meatballs with tart cherry and tempranillo salsa and crispy shallots. Melt in your mouth.

I told the hubs I want to recreate this in our house, he quickly reminded me our walls are white, Damn it!

Manchego cheesecake bites. I’m not totally a sweets person but I thought they were ok, if you love sweets you will probably love them. Super decadent.