Best SF Paellas (Updated 2023)

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.

Abrazo

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.

Alegrias

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.

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42 Columbus Ave / (415) 392-2275 / Website

Bask is a swanky choice when in North Beach identifiable by their large artistic sign and snug interior for which to enjoy their Paella Royale with Manila clams, Spanish chorizo, and calamari, or their Black Seafood Paella with artichoke. Harnessing the flavors and culture of the Basque region, you'll truly feel like you've escaped within this European neighborhood even just from their many wines and casual tapas.

Bellota

Finding an expansive home inside a SoMa historic landmark building, Bellota successfully channels and harmonizes both new and Old World elements in their aesthetic, mission, and incredibly flavorful cuisine. Feel relaxed in their luminous and airy Mediterranean 140-seat dining room, complete with live music and an open kitchen. Can't decide on which of their four different Paellas to indulge in? No problem! They generously offer a creative Dividida option that allows you to sample two Paellas split in the middle, which we recommend filling with their Lechon with seared pork belly and roasted grapes, and their Arros Negre with squid ink rice and calamari.

Just be sure to leave room for their rich desserts of Churros, pistachio Mostachon, and silky Carajillo pick-me-ups!

Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

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!

Cha Cha Cha

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.

Coqueta

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.

Picaro

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.

Whether it be for National Paella Day on March 27, or just want an authentic taste of Spain, these impeccable restaurants are cozy, familial, and genuine in every way!

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The Best SF Restaurants For Paella

Abrazo

Alegrias

Bask

Bellota

Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

Cha Cha Cha

Coqueta

Picaro