Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Downtown / Union Square
Squid Ink Paella  - bota tapas and paella bar, San Francisco, CA
Patatas Bravas  - bota tapas and paella bar, San Francisco, CA
Grilled Octopus - bota tapas and paella bar, San Francisco, CA
Creama Catalana - bota tapas and paella bar, San Francisco, CA
Shishito Pepper  - bota tapas and paella bar, San Francisco, CA

bota tapas and paella bar

4.2
4.2
828 Reviews
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, Vegetarian / Vegan
  • Hours of operation
    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
  • Phone number
    (415) 345-2303
  • 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: (415) 345-2303
  • 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

What 828 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

828 Reviews
  1. BarrySF

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My second time to bota tapas and for a great reason. Excellent food, service and convenient to theatres. Shared a few tapas and the meat paella. All excellent. Generous portions. Love the sangria too - both red & white are excellent. And friendly service. I'll be back again!

    Is this helpful?

  2. KimB

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I shared 6 appetizers and all were exceptional. I did not have paella, which seems to have garnered some of the negative reviews. I’ll be back before future shows at the Rembe (ACT) theater. This is my new go-to pre-theater restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  3. JeffD

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had never heard of Bota and was going to a show across the street. The items on the Tapas menu were great and we enjoyed all of our selections. The seafood paella was terrific. Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu. The bartender that made our drinks checked in several times to see if we needed anything else. Overall a great experience. Will be back.

    bota tapas and paella barResponded on September 12, 2023

    Hi Jeff D, Thank you for leaving us such an awesome review! It means the world to us, especially to Fernando and Lesly. Next time you come to BOTA Tapas & Paella Bar, don’t hesitate to ask for either of them, they will be happy to see you again. Please let us know about your future experiences with us. We look forward to serving you in the future. - BOTA Team

    Is this helpful?

  4. ReenieB

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The staff was very welcoming and ensured that we were familiar with the menu and the time required to make paella. The atmosphere was attractive with a mix of well-placed high tops and regular tables to maximize the feeling of space. The menu has a nice variety of dishes and drinks. We chose to share three tapas: the brussel sprouts, the Secreto Iberico, and the chicken cannelloni. All were beautifully served (especially the Secreto) and delicious! We finished our meal with the ganache balls -- a decadent end to a wonderful meal. I definitely recommend Bota for tapas. A great meal in a friendly environment at an excellent price and convenient for theater goers!

    bota tapas and paella barResponded on September 12, 2023

    Hi Reenie B On behalf of the Bota team, thank you for the awesome review! Our team works very hard to create good experiences for our customers and we’re happy to hear that we hit the mark. We will let Keith and Michael know about the awesome service they gave. It’s customers like you that make it all worth it. We’ll be happy to serve you again! - BOTA Team

    Is this helpful?

  5. DavidtheTulipInSF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Decided on Bota with 3 friends prior to a show at ACT nearby (same block!) Super-friendly waiter and outstanding tapas in a very relaxed atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience1
    Eh it was ok. Our meal was ruined by mice running across the floor.

    Is this helpful?

  7. NoahH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good food and service! I really enjoyed the shrimp and the iberico pork. The brussels sprouts are great as well!

    Is this helpful?

  8. TopChefNYC

    New York Area

    48 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Loved the menu but was disappointed in the food. Hoping it was an off night. Some of Tapas were not hot. The paella seemed to be prepared in a different pan but served in a clean paella pan, which is the opposite of what it should be. Meats were also too small and overdone.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Acornartist

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a wonderful experience! Great food and service! Will return!!!

    bota tapas and paella barResponded on July 10, 2023

    Hi Acornartist, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it's very appreciated! At BOTA Tapas & Paella Bar, we continuously work to create good experiences for our customers and your feedback makes it all worth it. We look forward to serving you in the future! - BOTA Team

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bartender was awesome! We had the bacon wrapped dates and the Brussel sprouts both so good we would love to order again. Cucumber delight cocktail very refreshing.

    bota tapas and paella barResponded on July 10, 2023

    Hi Guest, Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re glad you enjoyed your experience at BOTA Tapas & Paella Bar / European Lounge and hope to see you again soon. BOTA Team

    Is this helpful?

  11. RobertP

    Sacramento

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really delicious food. Attentive service. Would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Foodiesf

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience1
    We enjoyed the food a lot. They were terribly understaffed, though the server was really trying his best; he was great. The real issue is that it’s so noisy, it’s hard to hear the person sitting across from you. So, it’s not enjoyable dining. Too bad.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. Linda

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A perfect place for a pre-theatre cocktail and dinner

    Is this helpful?

  14. WilliamC

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    First time at this tapas place, but really not impressed. Sangria was too acidic and could not finish it. Tapas were lees than tasty, oxtail was bland. Meat paella was better in taste than tapas.

    bota tapas and paella barResponded on June 20, 2023

    Dear William, We are sorry for the poor food quality you experienced at our restaurant. We take great pride in the quality of our food. And our goal is to always provide our customers with the best possible dining experience. Rest assured, we will work hard to correct the issue and ensure that it does not happen again. We hope you will give us another chance to show you the quality of our food and service. Sincerely, Bota Staff and Management

    Is this helpful?

  15. Ginger

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Great location for theatre goers, and interesting menu. Quiet table provided behind the bar. Pear salad was good but small, as were the Brussel sprouts. Skip the oxtail tapa. The paella is a good option for 4 people (even the regular size) with an appetizer or tapa in addition. The regular was too big for two people and most importantly, was a rip off. Both the vegetarian and the squid ink paella were mostly rice. Very little of the main attraction (seafood or vegetables) were provided. While eating out in SF is always pricey, this seemed not a good value. I'll be looking for somewhere else to dine before going to the Curran or Toni Rembe theatre next time.

    2 people found this helpful

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    It was okay. “Good” was the word of the evening. Everything was good but not great. Won’t go back as there are other places we like better in the city. It was not a stand out. We ordered the meat balls, potato’s brava, surf and turf paella and a side of bread. Our favorite was the bread dipped in the tomato sauce from the meatballs which is kinda disappointing when we were hoping for wonderful paella but the mussels were under seasoned, the shrimp was overly salty, and the only turf was thin sliced chorizo.

    1 person found this helpful

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    This is a request for the kitchen. Please change your frier oil. The entire restaurant smells of old, dirty fried food. The food itself also tastes of this old, dirty oil.

    1 person found this helpful

  18. KristenL

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Really disappointed. The server was short with us (not rude, but just not warm or welcoming) even though the actual service was fine. The food was bland- which was not what I was expecting. We ordered steamed mussels, that tasted like they were not seasoned at all. And the seafood was served with a lemon foam, I didn’t think it looked very appetizing. The paella was not nearly as flavorful as other paellas I have had in the past. I did like some of the other tapas we ordered, but my group was not particularly raving over any of it. Overall ambience was ok, but the restaurant wasn’t busy at all. a welcoming staff could have made the difference. The bill was quite high for a meal that my group was not happy with, especially for a special occasion.

    1 person found this helpful

  19. Kelbel1115

    St. Louis

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Greats tapas and paella place. Probably at least 15+ tapas items, 6 paellla options, many desserts drinks and more.

    Is this helpful?

  20. SarahS

    Portland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Food was over cooked (shrimp and meatballs) little care in preparation. We got the charcuterie and cheese plates - looked and tasted like packages from Trader Joe’s and no explaination of what they were. Bill was huge- crazy.

    1 person found this helpful

  21. LawrenceJ

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived for an early dinner due to having tickets for a show at a theater nearby, and even when we left there were only a few parties dining, so the noise rating may not reflect a full house. This is a full service restaurant (yeah!). Our server was very personable and attentive. We went with a tapas menu and the items arrived one at a time, but not too far apart in time, so that was ideal. We could take a few bites of each newly arrived dish while it was still piping hot. This was top notch quality tapas - great ingredients expertly prepared. Special kudos for the garlic prawns and the brussel sprouts! No issue with reaching our curtain on time. The prices were in line for a full service restaurant. I'd go back happily.

    Is this helpful?

  22. DLH1

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The group felt it was some of the best tapas and sangria, as well as paella, that we had. The brussell sprouts, dates with bacon, meatballs, shrimp in garlic and peppers were all enjoyed as was the Valenciana paella.

    Is this helpful?

  23. BillM

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and the staff attentive. Had the octopus appetizer and seafood paella.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Larry

    Los Angeles

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    First of all, this restaurant is pricey, both drinks and food. Food was average. I ordered patatas brava and shishito peppers for appetizers - nothing to rave about or any distinctive or remarkable taste. For entree', I ordered meat paella, it was okay then again nothing to rave about. Note that they serve water without ice. The sangria was okay but I could've made a better sangria on my own. Not so busy restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Peter

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    We were looking forward to eating at Bota but the food was cold and pleasant to taste. The sangria was good.

    Is this helpful?

  26. js29

    Los Angeles

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Accidentally stumbled across this place going to the theater about a year ago and sought it out this year. Delicious food, great variety of tapas, the sangria is still phenomenal. Ambiance is great - everything is fabulous about this place.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Jongo

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The food was ok not great. Server was also the bartender. Understaffed.

    Is this helpful?

  28. TobyG

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I very much enjoy this restaurant, but I think it important for the waiter to tell you before and when presenting the check that tip has been included. Last time we were there we did not know and ultimately double tipped. I'm not sure I saw on the menu that tip is included.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    We went here after a show at 3pm, so it was quiet. We got some tapas and drinks and they had the perfect menu for that. No cocktails were available at that time, so we had wine. Loved the ambiance and the waiter was friendly but disappeared for long stretches, which was baffling with only a few other tables filled at the restaurant. Overall great food. Wood go back!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal waiter and experience! 10/10 would definitely recommend and come back!

    Is this helpful?

  31. HarveyClan

    San Francisco

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for tapas and a glass of wine before a show, and were delighted by the service, our waitperson's recommendations and the quality of the food. We will definitely go there againg.

    Is this helpful?

  32. JohnP

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    The grilled bread served with the olives was very tasty. The shared paella was generous, more than we could finish, but I would have liked more fish (very small pieces), more shell fish and peas and bell peppers that are often in paellas. The wines were delicious and well priced. Our waiter was OK but he never checked in with us after the paella was served, and I needed to ask for water, which he had given to a single woman at an adjoining table right away.

    Is this helpful?

  33. DivaDiner

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Servers were nice, but a little inattentive due to us being in the front room, with fewer diners. Tapas were good and would recommend sticking to those. We had the seafood paella which was disappointing. No crisp bottom, and bland flavor. The prawns were cooked well, the other seafood was dry and rubbery.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Louis

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Tasty dishes , nice atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  35. rpezutto

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great appetizers! We had steamed mussels, garlic prawns and octopus. The Seafood paella could be better seasoned. It was missing some soul. Good churros as desert. Good value for money.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Paul

    San Francisco

    68 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Friendly but service was hit and miss. Waiter spilled salad dressing when taking it away and never came back to wipe it up. Wife asked for extra ice 3 times before she got it. Pear confit was excellent, iberico meatballs were good, paella was pretty bland thought the prawns ini it were perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Ellen

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious and the service was attentive. Would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Mixed experience. Maybe me, because I searched for Tapas and Spanish and these guys appeared. Apparently, more of a Latin:Caribbean fusion thing, definitely not Spanish. Highlights: - shellfish. Great octopus appetizer with a Peruvian-style potato side. Shrimp also very solid, along with the oyster app, although not Spanish or Latin/Caribbean by any measure Lowlights - cheese app: straight out of Safeway. Nothing memorable - paella: shellfish aside, saffron in the rice was lost to safrito, again a victim to the unclear concept - wines: only 1 red and white Spanish option, inexcusable in the sea of great Spanish wines out there - service: inattentive and slow, poor given that the place was not that busy. Had to resort to pouring my own water refill Many better options if you are looking for Spanish tapas

    Is this helpful?

  39. MarianneH

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Grabbed a dinner of tapas before the show at the Geary. Such good flavors! Probably the best Brussels sprouts I have ever had. The ox tail was also exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Gnowhb

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had tickets to a show at the ACT theater down the street so looking for a place for dinner. Bota had good reviews and we wanted to have Spanish food so it fit the bill. We went on a Saturday night around 5:30pm so it was relatively quiet and our server was very attentive. We had the seafood paella, Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped dates, and flank steak special. Then for dessert we had the churros. All the dishes were very good. Admittedly was a little pricey but being in downtown SF it was somewhat expected. We would probably consider coming here again if in the area.

    Is this helpful?

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 4.2 stars by 828 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for bota tapas and paella bar

490 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Taylor
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / Union Square
  • Hours of operation
    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
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, Vegetarian / Vegan
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street parking and paid public garages.
  • Public transit
    Geary muni, Bart exit Powell Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Roberto
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (415) 345-2303
  • 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: (415) 345-2303
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo