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bota tapas and paella bar

bota tapas and paella bar, 490 Geary Street, San Francisco

4.3
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.3 out of 5 (76 Ratings)
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0.9 miles The Masonic San Francisco
About bota tapas and paella bar
The Spotlight on bota tapas and paella bar

Vibrant Spanish Flavors in the Heart of San Francisco

Bota Tapas & Paella Bar brings the spirit of Spain to downtown San Francisco with authentic flavors, rustic-chic décor, and a buzzing but relaxed atmosphere. Located on Geary Street, just a short walk from several major concert venues and theaters, it’s a perfect spot to kick off a music-filled night. The menu is driven by seasonal ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, offering a wide range of tapas, paellas, and Spanish wines in a cozy yet stylish setting.

Why Concert-goers love it

Concert-goers appreciate Bota's prime location—just blocks from the city's busiest music halls. The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming, making it ideal for a pre-show meal or post-concert wind down. The quick, attentive service and shareable small plates make it easy to dine efficiently before heading to your event. Plus, the lively but not-too-loud setting allows for conversation without shouting over the music.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to share small plates and a pitcher of sangria
  • Solo travelers grabbing a quick bite before a bucket-list show
  • Couples enjoying a romantic evening with wine and tapas
  • Fans who want a vibrant, music-friendly atmosphere pre-show
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want quality food and ambiance

What People Say

Guests rave about the authentic Spanish food, especially the seafood paella and patatas bravas. The sangrias and Spanish wine selection are frequently praised, as is the warm, welcoming staff. Many reviewers note that it's a great place to start your night in the city, with a menu that encourages sharing and a vibe that feels both festive and relaxed.

Areas for Improvement

Some diners mention that the space can feel a bit tight during peak hours, and a few found the noise level slightly high for intimate conversations. The paella takes a little longer to prepare, so if you're in a hurry before a show, consider ordering a few tapas instead.

The Bottom Line

Bota Tapas & Paella Bar is a flavorful, convenient, and sociable dining option for concert-goers looking to elevate their night out in San Francisco.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
Tapas / Small Plates
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Opening Hours
Tue-Thu, Sun 11:30 am-8:30 pm
Fri, Sat 11:30 am-9:30 pm
Dinner
Mon 4:00 pm-8:30 pm

bota tapas and paella bar Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Bota Tapas & Paella Bar is #710 of 5751 things to do in San Francisco

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: swb_muir_beach, Muir Beach, California
Mon 28 Oct, 2024
l Booked an early dinner before a show across the street at the Curran theatre. Was so empty at first we were worried about it. But, no reason to worry. The drinks and dishes were all very good...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: EvaT1574, United Kingdom
Sat 24 Aug, 2024
l We arrived to our hotel in San Francisco after 5pm and we found this restaurant not far from it and there were only a few people. As usually we got glass of water straight after taking seats. We...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: corilisa, San Francisco, California
Tue 23 Apr, 2024
l Great food, good variety and excellent service from Nicolas! The paella was delicious and the various tapas were very good. I especially enjoyed the dates and meatballs.

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bota tapas and paella bar 490 Geary Street, San Francisco