bota tapas and paella bar

Name: bota tapas and paella bar
Address: 490 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94102
Telephone: (415) 345-2303
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

723 Reviews

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

Bota is an authentic Spanish style tapas and paella bar located in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. A place to go to share food, savor rustic flavors and enjoy Spanish wine in a casual, yet chic, environment. Inspired by the concept behind our name “BOTA”, a vessel to share wine with the people around you.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 11, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(415) 345-2303

Other options

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Sun 11:30 am–8:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 345-2303
Website
http://botasf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Roberto
Private party facilities
Bota is an authentic Spanish style tapas and paella bar located in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. A place to go to share food, savor rustic flavors and enjoy Spanish wine in a casual, yet chic, environment.
Private party contact
Chef Roberto Medina: (855) 978-2590

Location
490 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood
Downtown / Union Square
Cross street
Taylor
Parking details
Street parking and paid public garages.
Public transit
Geary muni, Bart exit Powell Station
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in San Francisco

Popular dishes

Shishito Pepper$11.00
Charred pepper
Patatas Bravas*$12.00
Fried potatoes, brava and aioli sauce
Brussels Sprouts*$14.00
Spicy evoo, san simone cheese
Iberico Meatball$15.00
Organic beef and ham, San Simone cheese
Garlic Prawns$15.00
Shrimp, garlic, sherry wine, nora peppers, bread
Fresh Oysters$19.00
Oysters, horseradish, cocktail sauce, mignonette
Chicken Cannelloni$13.00
Spanish cannelloni, bechamel, parmesan cheese
Ox-Tail$19.00
Tempranillo braised, prawns
Bacon Wrapped Dates$14.00
Manchego cheese, sherry truffle honey
Steamed Mussels$15.00
Mussels, white wine, thyme, lemon air, toast
Smoked Oysters$14.00
Fresh oysters, chorizo, PX vinagre, lemon air
Secreto Iberico$23.00
Organic black pork, tomatoes, marbled potatoes, garlic, thyme
Chicken Strips$12.00
Fried chicken strips, soy sauce, mojo sauce, citrus zests

Paella

Seafood
prawns, squid, mussels, fish
- Rg$45.00
- Lg$55.00
Meat
Chicken, spicy chorizo, pork, piquillo peppers
- Rg$45.00
- Lg$55.00
Valenciana
Chicken, english peas, mushrooms
- Rg$45.00
- Lg$55.00
Squid Ink
Rice, squid, ink, saffron aioli
- Rg$50.00
- Lg$60.00
Vegetarian
Rice, zucchini, padron, piquillo, mushrooms
- Rg$40.00
- Lg$50.00
Fiduea Surf & Turf
Noodles or rice, mussels, fish, chicken, spicy chorizo
- Rg$55.00
- Lg$65.00

Desserts

Chocolate Ganache$9.00
Chocolate ganache balls, olive oil, sea salt and sugar baguette tuile
Caramel Churros$10.00
Dusted cinnamon churros, vanilla ice cream, pistachios and chocolate sauce

Vino Tinto

Red Wines

Carlos Serres Reserva Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$50.00
Artesa Pinor Noir, Carneros, CA
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$65.00
Carlos Serres Gran Reserva, Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
- Bottle$68.00
Oberon Merlot, Napa, CA
- Bottle$56.00
Wente Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore, CA
- Bottle$56.00

Vino Blanco

White Wines

Paco & Lola Albariano, Rias Baixas, Spain
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$46.00
La Crema Chardonnay, Sonoma, CA
- Glass$14.00
- Bottle$56.00
Wente Sauvignon Blanc, Livermore, CA
- Bottle$46.00
Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Grigio, Alto Italy
- Bottle$46.00

Sangria

Honoro Red Wine, Brandy, Assorted Fruit and Cinnamon
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$42.00
Honoro White Wine, Brandy, Assorted Fruit and Cinnamon
- Glass$12.00
- Bottle$42.00

Cocktails

House Margarita$15.00
Well tequila, lime juice, agave, and salt
Gin & Tonic$14.00
Spanish Old Fashion$14.00
Templeton rye, licor 43, cherry, orange
Cucumber Delight$15.00
Vodka, fresh cucumber, simple syrup, ginger beer, lemon juice
Mojito$14.00
Lime juice, mint, agave rum

Beers

Estrella Damm, Barcelona, Spain$5.00
Scrimshaw Pilsner, Fort Bragg, CA$6.00
Lagunitas IPA Petaluma, CA$6.00
Racer 5 IPA Rohnert Park, CA$6.00
Bud Light, St. Louis, MO$4.00

What 723 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic.
E
Eric
San Francisco
216 reviews
vip
5.0
216 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
We always enjoy dining at Bota. The food is wonderful and the location is perfect when we go to the theater. It isn't an inexpensive night out though, which is par for the course downtown, and for tapas. It's worth it though. It's consistent every single time; this is probably our 4th or 5th time going there.
DM
DebraM
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this place. Great for before/after a play at the Curren theater....great food and excellent service.
NJ
NJJd
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very convenient to Curran Theater. Good selection of tapas.
RO
RebeccaO
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience2
Everything was ok until Our order was wrong ..2 dishes we did not order - I actually touched one thinking it was - when the waiter realized it was wrong he came back to pick them up - I told him I had touched a plate and the food - he said ok - he took it back and within a minute another waiter delivered the same dishes to the table next to us. Our shisito peppers were not very good- it was more like just a charred skin- no substance to the peppers(taken off the tab). Our sangria was mostly fruit and inedible after we finished the drink, which probably had a factor in the sangria not tasting fresh.
HC
HappyCustomer
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The vibe, food, and drinks were very good. We will be back.
AK
AmandaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing and fresh. Bota has a nice variety for everyone. Our large group definitely indulged and it was so worth it. We will be back soon!
K
Kewlju
Austin
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great service and food was very good. Had tapas, charcuterie and seafood paella. A few favs were the paella as well as patatas bravos and octopus. A nice neighborhood experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience4
Did not give accurate projection of time needed for paella. We specifically asked. We had to leave without eating our main dish as we had the theatre to get to across the street THE PAELLA TAKES ALMOST AN HOUR!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Servers need to smile. Not real welcoming. But….food was excellent.
ML
MaggieL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came here before seeing a show at The Curran. We did let our server know of our plans and he took great care of us - the food came out quickly and was delicious. Would love to see gambas al ajillo and spanish tortilla on the menu. Did not try the paella but everything we ordered was fantastic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Delicious food !!!
MK
MarkK
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Across the street fro the Curran Theater. Great selection of tapas and appitizers. The paellas were equal or better than any I had in Spain. Michael was very attentive and helpful. Food can quickly and hot.
EE
ElisaE
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was fantastic and service was great!
AM
AdrianM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall2food2service4ambience4
This place is quite expensive for a large group, especially with the group minimum tip and SF service charges. The food comes out quickly which is nice, but a lot of the food is underseasoned and not worth the price. Shishito peppers for $16 is ridiculous, and they weren't even well cooked. The paella was super bland, definitely needed salt. The only good dish was the octopus, Overall I would not recommend this place.
JS
JohnS
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were looking for a place to get dinner near the Curran theater so we booked this restaurant. It is across the street from the Curran. The food was very good and was very reminiscent of tapas in Spain, fresh foods with simple ingredients cooked deliciously in a way you could taste all of the ingredients. We got a pitcher of sangria to go with it. Perfect meal for a summer day. The portions are very large. Pace yourself and enjoy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great drinks & fantastic service, was a little disappointed in the paella.
a
allergymom
Sacramento
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
Picked this place for the menu and proximity to the Curran theater. The staff was prompt in taking our order, but our drinks never arrived and they missed one of our veggie orders which was really disappointing for the vegetarian in the group. The tapas came out quickly and was tasty. The patatas bravas were a big hit. Loved the meatballs and the octopus. The pork was over cooked and tough. Timing was good to make it to the theater.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Comfortable and uncrowded. Food quality very good. Closing time during the week it’s 930, a little early.
A
Angie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience4
Food was good but server was not accomodating, forgot part of our order, and was not willing to ask the chef for alternative vegetarian options.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quite possibly the best Spanish restaurant in the Bay Area.
H
Hwilko
London
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice food, slow service but good overall and a nice experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Just nice really. Didn’t realise that the taps came out staggered, we were sat like numpties waiting for all of our courses till they explained 😂
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for dinner before seeing a play at the Curran (right across the street). The Pear Gorgonzola salad, Vegetable Paella, and drinks (I had the Cucumber Delight) were amazing! Great service for a relaxed dinner. I would definitely go back! (Sorry I didn’t get a full pic of the salad before we ate all but a couple of bites)
BZ
BeeZee
Los Angeles
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience2
They don't make you feel welcomed, so the service and friendliness is lacking. Food is good, but not great.
BL
BonnieL
San Francisco
239 reviews
vip
4.0
239 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Ate here before going to the Harry Potter show at the Curran. Service is friendly, professional and prompt. Drinks are great and we decided to focus on the tapas which were very good! Enjoyed bacon wrapped dates, the polpette, steamed mussels (not sure the chorizo we added was necessary) but my favorite was the grilled octopus. It was a large very meaty tentacle that was delicious and incredibly tender. Last time I was there every table was full so the place was pretty loud, but last night only about half the tables were full so the noise level was very low and it was easy to have a conversation.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
The ox tail was cooked to perfection, it easily coming off the bone and was perfectly seasoned. The gravy/ sauce from the ox tail soaked into the lightly toasted bread had me salivating for more! The aged jamon is a must try, can’t go wrong with it. Lately, the personal size paella is good enough for two, no more no less. You must ask for it as it’s on their menu.
SF
SFTurtleMom
San Francisco
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The grilled octopus, chicken cannoloni, bacon wrapped dates, and lamb chops were all seasoned well. The oxtail and paella could have used a bit more salt, but all was tasty.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
These Tapas servings were bigger than most. The food was great, the cucumber delight cocktail was excellent! Easy walk in union square area.
DH
DavidH
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were seeing Harry Potter at 7 pm on a Saturday. Wanted an early dinner before the show. Our first time here and we really enjoyed it. Had all small plates and everything was delicious. Bartender did not come on shift till about 5:30 that day so only beer and wine available but they had a nice selection. Would eat here again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Happened upon this restaurant when in town for a conference. Having just been to Barcelona in the fall, I was a bit skeptical. The food was amazing!! Staff was super busy. The restaurant was short-staffed but the waiters were amazing. They worked together to make sure everything was covered.
XS
XavierS
San Diego
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good ambience. Fantastic personal. Good pretty good. Good informal choice.
BL
BonnieL
San Francisco
239 reviews
vip
5.0
239 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server (Kevin) was great. He had helpful suggestions and also made sure to get our paella order in early so we didn’t r have to rush to the theater. The tapas were really good, especially the bacon wrapped dates. Our seafood paella was just ok - although a generous size, the mussels were over cooked and the rice lacked the crunchy saccarat that is the mark of an outstanding paella. Drinks came out promptly and when we were finished we got the check quickly too. All in all a great pre-dinner spot.
MC
MelindaC
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, wine and service was excellent. Brussel sprouts were excellent, we also had the grilled octopus and seafood paella was also delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant!
JP
JenniferP
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful meal and great group at Bota! So good to us and when I thought I lost my glasses there, the manager was really helpful- and the food is fabulous! Don’t miss this place.
AC
AndreCPA
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Paella was amazing! Great experience and service was excellent!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
I think it’s way overpriced for the portion and the taste maybe because It’s adjacent to a local hotel.The ox-tail sounded good and had good reviews but the one we tried had no flavor, meat was good but the sauce had no flavor. The Paella was slightly disappointing, the mussels and squid was tiny and needs some flavor. We had desserts too and it was ok. Unfortunately it wasn’t a satisfying.
CT
CTal
Los Angeles
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Ate here for a pre theater dinner as a group of 7. Staff was very good and the food was quick and tasty. Because we had 7 people we were able to try a large variety of dishes. Seafood paella was very good. The rice was not mushy and the seafood was perfectly cooked, not overcooked. We got many tapas and a small paella and it didn’t weigh us down.
g
gbertolozzi
San Francisco
49 reviews
vip
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
SF pricey....but... very close to the theater and the food is very good and the staff was friendly. Would recommend asking to be seated away from the front door as many tables are in the breezeway and last night was pretty chilly and windy. Also paella takes 40 min to make so give yourself time if your go to a show.
WD
WendyD
Salt Lake City
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Casual dining with many good choices. We loved the chicken strips.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

bota tapas and paella bar does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. bota tapas and paella bar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 345-2303.

bota tapas and paella bar is rated 4.4 stars by 723 OpenTable diners.