Originating in the Valencian region of Spain, Paella has become a ubiquitous hallmark of Spanish cuisine. As a comforting meal consisting of rice simmered in a flavorful saffron broth with various combinations of meat or seafood in a large shallow pan, many restaurants here in San Francisco are serving up the flavorful dish to their local communities. Here are the best places to order Spanish Paella around the city, either to share as a group, or just all for yourself.
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Pier 5 / Website
Coqueta sits right on the seaside on the Embarcadero, which is the perfect view to enjoy while sipping on wine and enjoying any of their three signature Paellas. Just walking distance from the Ferry Building, their Paellas include the “Mar y Montaña,” with head-on gulf prawns, clams, mussles, english peas and chorizo, the “Tinta,” or Black Paella with calamari in squid ink soffrito, and the chef’s current favorite, the vegetarian “Primavera,” with white asparagus and wild mushrooms in fennel broth.
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888 Brannan St / Website
Finding home inside a historic landmark building in SOMA, Bellota channels and successfully harmonizes both new and Old World elements in their aesthetic, mission, and food. Feel relaxed in their airy Mediterranean 140-seat dining room with live music and an open kitchen while choosing out of their four different Paellas. The “Otoño” with kuri squash and roasted grapes, of their “Lechón” with pork belly, chestnuts, and delicata squash are unique essentials, and you can even try both simultaneously in a split Paella pan!
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3120 16th St / Website
Since 1982, Picaro has been serving up a wide selection of quality Spanish fare in the heart of the Mission District. They offer six (!) varieties of Paella from the Mixta to the Arroz Negro classics, but the ones to highlight are their Paella de Longosta with lobster tail, calamari and clams, and vegetarian Paella Hortelana featuring artichokes and asparagus.
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1801 Haight St, 2327 Mission St / Website
With a location both in the Haight and the Mission, Cha Cha Cha is a Cuban restaurant serving modernized native and Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy their colorful decor with either their “Paella Mixta” with mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops, and andouille sausage, or their vegetarian “Paella de Verduras” with sauteed seasonal vegetables and saffron butter.
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2000 Hyde St / Website
Abrazo is a sunny, high-ceiling restaurant in the Russian Hill neighborhood near Ina Coolbrith Park providing Spanish-Californian specials that are just as bright. Utilizing fresh and local ingredients, Executive Chef and Owner Michael Pawlik’s Seafood Paella is exceptional with smoked paprika aioli, grilled meyer lemon, prawns, scallops, chorizo, and more.
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2272 Market St. / Website
Canela is a lovely addition to the Castro neighborhood, contributing both complex Spanish wines and gourmet tapas right on Market Street. Enjoy a “Prix Fixe” Paella tasting menu with an expansive selection of tapas and Paella with either Mixed Seafood and Chorizo, Chicken and Chorizo, or Seasonal Mushrooms. Head chef and owner Mat Schuster even has a culinary podcast titled Food, Wine, and the Culinary Mind!
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2018 Lombard St / Website
After 24 years of serving traditional Spanish food out of their cozy restaurant in the Marina, the founders Cesar and Nora have recently retired and passed on their legacy to new owners Arman and Angelynne. The two continue on their sought after recipes, especially with Alegrias’ five options of Paellas. The “Paella a la Valenciana” with saffron infused spanish rice with chicken and seafood is a must-order.
Photography by: Raphael Maksian/Unsplash
