Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Abrazo – San Francisco
Abrazo - San Francisco
Photo from Abrazo
Abrazo at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🥘 Spanish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#395 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Spanish Restaurant out of 3 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
656
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive staff
- Flavorful tapas
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Tricky parking
The restaurant Abrazo, a Spanish restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood, invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a culinary journey where every dish is crafted with passion, culminating in a great dessert that will leave you wanting more.
This cozy and romantic spot is perfect for an intimate dinner, offering a trendy atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Abrazo
Abrazo offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the attentive staff and the overall food quality. The tapas in particular receive frequent commendation for their flavor and variety, contributing to a satisfying meal for many.
However, some experiences at Abrazo suggest inconsistencies, particularly with service where guests occasionally felt ignored or faced long wait times. While the ambiance is often described as cozy, the perception of value can be a point of contention for some diners.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
656
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
73
negative
20
neutral
563
positive
Abrazo generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.3. This positive sentiment is further supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 85.8%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 656 customer observations, with 563 positive remarks outweighing 73 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these assessments. Diving deeper, the Food (8.5) and Service (8.4) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high marks from diners.
The Ambience (8.2) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as sophisticated and cozy. However, the perception of Value (4.2) stands out as a notable area for improvement, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, the pricing can be a point of concern for some.
What people like
- Attentive, helpful staff
- Flavorful tapas selection
- Cozy, sophisticated atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Small portions, high cost
- Tricky parking situation
Abrazo presents a compelling option for those prioritizing quality food and a pleasant setting, backed by a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6. If you appreciate well-prepared tapas and attentive interactions, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some variability in service speed. While the culinary experience is generally well-received, managing expectations regarding portion sizes and overall cost will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Abrazo
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With an excellent score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.7%, diners are consistently raving. Out of 422 comments, a whopping 370 were positive, highlighting delicious flavors, quality ingredients, and beautiful presentation.
Many loved the well-executed dishes, especially the charred octopus, croquetas, and Spanish paella. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A smaller number of 38 negative comments pointed to some concerns, primarily around portion sizes being too small for the price.
A few found certain paella dishes to be dry or some items, like potatoes or carrots, to be bland or lacking flavor.
Food
422
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
38
negative
14
neutral
370
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh flavors
- Well-executed dishes
- Charred octopus, croquetas
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Dry paella
- Bland side dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this new Russian Hill restaurant was truly wonderful. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed with the amazing service and the wonderful food. The atmosphere, with its classy old-world wood tables and ceiling beams, created a lovely Spanish ambiance.
- octopusI discovered this place on my last night in SF and wished we had more days to return. We savored the burrata, las gambas, meatballs, octopus, and NY steak. For dessert, the strawberry empanada was a perfect finish.
- paellaThey also offer a good wine selection. The paella was good, and the service was quick. While the portions are small, requiring an appetizer and main per person, the overall experience was well executed, despite being pricey.
- croquetasI'm eager to return soon to try more dishes, especially the paella and their cocktails. Standout items included the butter lettuce/little gem salad with citrus and avocado, the carrots with a creamy base, croquetas, patatas bravas, and gambas with creamy garbanzo beans topped with chili oil and toasted bread. The portions were generous, and the warm tomato bread was absolutely incredible.
- meatballsI discovered this place on my last night in SF and wished we had more days to return. We savored the burrata, las gambas, meatballs, octopus, and NY steak. For dessert, the strawberry empanada was a perfect finish.
- tapasThe food was incredibly flavorful and delicious. By far some of the best tapas we have ever had. We were sat in the back room which was absolutely beautiful, transporting us all the way to Spain with a quiet and cozy ambiance.
- chickenIt's a great ambient dinner spot located right in the heart of the neighborhood. The croquetas, salad, potatoes, and chicken were absolutely incredible. The staff was very helpful with recommendations and suggestions, making the dining experience even better.
- lamb shankI had the individual paella and he had the lamb shank. Both fantastic.
- presentationMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering we were a large group for dinner. We tried a significant portion of the menu, and everything was delicious with beautiful presentation. A standout favorite was the bone marrow, and impressively, every plate was returned clean.
- appetizersWhile it is on the pricy side, it's totally worth it. We always go and load up on the appetizers because they are so good. The atmosphere and the ambience are also very cozy, and it's a family-owned restaurant.
Frequently criticized
- foodwe waited well over an hour for the food
- paelladisappointed with my paella since it was dry and little seafood
- octopusI do wish the octopus was a bit better, it let a lot left to be desired
- portionssmall portions that are pretty expensive
- potatoesI had to re-order the same dishes twice. However, when I specifically asked if they could include more octopus and less potatoes, they were very generous after that, which was appreciated.
- California optionsthere are few California options
- PortionsPortions are small
- Spanish wineThe Spanish wine was second rate for the price
- appetizersI understand that restaurants can be understaffed, but everything moved at a glacial pace. Appetizers were literally served 30 minutes apart, then the mains took another 45 minutes after ordering. We were also ignored for long stretches with nary a server in sight.
- appetizers and mainsswallow a mediocre selection of appetizers and mains.
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering a fantastic culinary journey. While some portions might be on the smaller side, the overwhelming consensus is that the quality, flavor, and presentation make it well worth trying. Just be mindful of what you order if you're looking for larger plates.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.6%. Out of 119 remarks, a strong 103 positive comments celebrate the attentive and friendly service, with many praising the great service from the staff who are often described as welcoming and knowledgeable. Still, there are 14 negative comments to consider.
Some guests experienced slow service, feeling less than attentive or even ignored for long stretches, leading to frustrating wait times for orders or even basic requests like water.
Service
119
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Less attentive
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this new Russian Hill restaurant was truly wonderful. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed with the amazing service and the wonderful food. The atmosphere, with its classy old-world wood tables and ceiling beams, created a lovely Spanish ambiance.
- staffA group of us recently sat at the bar and had an awesome time. The food was fantastic, and we felt really taken care of by the staff. I highly recommend Abrazo!
- ownerThe atmosphere and the ambience are also very cozy, and it's a family-owned restaurant. The owner always goes to the guests and makes sure they are enjoying their food/wine. Parking is a bit tricky since there are many restaurants around, but overall, it was a great experience.
- recommendationsMy husband and I went to celebrate and we had the best meal and experience. Maggie was superb at offering recommendations. We ended up getting the oysters, octopus, bone marrow and the paella.
- ServiceService was outstanding
- reservationGlad that we made a reservation since they were very busy
- peoplethoughtfully run by articulate and attentive people
- waiterasked the waiter for a recommendation, and after a few questions on our tastes we got a great bottle
- Chef Micheal PawlikChef Micheal Pawlik paid our table a visit and could not have been a more gracious host
- Chef MikeChef Mike is super nice
Frequently criticized
- servicewe were ignored for long stretches with nary a server in sight
- captainWhere I come from, there's a simple concept called hospitality – the small attitudes and details that make a place special. I don't know about the food at this restaurant, but the fact that when two of my children asked to use the restroom, the captain of the place told them it was closed (which wasn't true, as there were other customers) demonstrates a basic lack of focus on hospitality and the customer. I went to speak with the captain, and his response was the same: 'We are closed.
- customerWhere I come from, there's a simple concept called hospitality – the small attitudes and details that make a place special. I don't know about the food at this restaurant, but the fact that when two of my children asked to use the restroom, the captain of the place told them it was closed (which wasn't true, as there were other customers) demonstrates a basic lack of focus on hospitality and the customer. I went to speak with the captain, and his response was the same: 'We are closed.
- hospitalityWhere I come from, there's a simple concept called hospitality – the small attitudes and details that make a place special. I don't know about the food at this restaurant, but the fact that when two of my children asked to use the restroom, the captain of the place told them it was closed (which wasn't true, as there were other customers) demonstrates a basic lack of focus on hospitality and the customer. I went to speak with the captain, and his response was the same: 'We are closed.
- kitchensmall hiccup with the kitchen bringing is the wrong dish
- leftoversshe didn't bring back the leftovers. I asked for a box
- serverit took some time for our server to get our orders
- waitwait 25 minutes to be served water
- waiterthe waiter would only stop by every 5-10 minutes
- waitressThe waitress took my octopus to take some Instagram photos first
If youre looking for a place with generally excellent and friendly service, this restaurant is a solid bet. While a few guests have noted occasional slowness or feeling overlooked, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great experience with attentive staff.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive 88.9% customer satisfaction, it's clear most guests adore the atmosphere. Out of 99 remarks, 88 rave about the cozy and romantic setting, often calling it a charming neighborhood gem with great vibes and an intimate feel.
However, a small number of guests, 10 to be exact, did note some drawbacks. Concerns included the space feeling cold inside due to an open door, a general sense of being uninviting for some, and occasional issues with restroom access or seating. These are minor points, but worth noting.
Ambience
99
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, romantic atmosphere
- Charming neighborhood gem
- Great vibes
What people don't like
- Can be cold inside
- Uninviting for some
- Restroom access issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThough this restaurant is taking over the space of a beloved Spanish restaurant, Abrazo is really California/Mediterranean and should not be compared to Zarzuela. Where Zarzuela was homey and familiar, this is surprising and sophisticated. We will certainly be back and we are happy about this wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
- ambianceBy far some of the best tapas we have ever had. We were sat in the back room which was absolutely beautiful, transporting us all the way to Spain with a quiet and cozy ambiance. We would highly recommend the chicken and potato soup, oysters, and gambas.
- ambienceThe atmosphere and the ambience is also very cozy
- experienceOverall great experience
- placeGrateful for finding this place
- spotThe food was amazing, and the service was great. It's a great cozy intimate spot. However, due to it being Valentine's Day, we didn't get a great seat, which was the only downside.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- COVID friendly outdoor seatingvery COVID friendly outdoor seating with ample space
- Euro feelwith a Euro feel to it
- addition to the neighborhoodThe textures and presentation were masterful. All in all, it's a wonderful addition to the neighborhood!
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe owner always goes to the guests and makes sure they are enjoying their food/wine. Parking is a bit tricky since there are many restaurants around, but overall, it was a great experience.
- ambianceNothing about the ambiance was Spanish
- atmosphereit is cold and uninviting
- cold insideso it was cold inside.
- doorthey did have the door completely open for some reason
- restroomWhere I come from, there's a simple concept called hospitality – the small attitudes and details that make a place special. I don't know about the food at this restaurant, but the fact that when two of my children asked to use the restroom, the captain of the place told them it was closed (which wasn't true, as there were other customers) demonstrates a basic lack of focus on hospitality and the customer. I went to speak with the captain, and his response was the same: 'We are closed.
- restroom seatingsit in front of the restroom
- seatdidn't great seat
- sneezesLots of sneezes.
Overall, if you're seeking a warm, intimate, and charming spot for a romantic evening or a cozy gathering, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few minor comfort issues, like temperature or restroom access, have occasionally popped up for some guests.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots, though they are quite limited with only 2 positive remarks out of 16 total. Some guests appreciated finding an affordable bottle of cava, and a few felt the high quality made it worth a visit. However, with a score of 4.2, it generally falls into the average range, and customer satisfaction is quite low at just 12.5%, indicating significant room for improvement.
On the flip side, the overwhelming sentiment, with 11 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many found the overall experience to be quite expensive, with terms like pricey and overpriced frequently appearing. Guests were particularly put off by the cost of bread, often feeling the price to quality ratios were not justified, especially with tiny portions and bland food.
Value
16
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable cava
What people don't like
- Overpriced bread
- Expensive small portions
- Poor price-quality ratio
Often praised
- bottle of cava for $40A great bottle of cava for $40
- visitThe service was good, and the atmosphere felt very homey and comfortable. While it's not inexpensive, the high quality makes it worth a visit. I'll definitely be back.
Frequently criticized
- breadthey brought it out and charged us another $5!
- priceportions that are pretty expensive
- PriceyPricey but well executed
- bread priceThey only serve a small seasoned bread loaf for bread choice for $8.00
- expensiveexpensive dinner and drinks for 4 people
- overpricedThere was nothing about the food or the ambiance that felt Spanish. The food quality was bland, and it was also overpriced.
- price to quality ratiosthe price to quality ratios are not one of them.
- pricesThe service was terrible, and the portions were tiny. To add to the disappointment, the food was very, very mediocre, and the prices were expensive. We had to wait an unacceptable 25 minutes just to be served water.
- priceyA bit pricey
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill, especially for what some perceive as small portions and average quality. While a few found value in specific items, the general consensus suggests that the overall cost might outweigh the experience for many. Its a place where you might need to weigh your expectations against your wallet.
How are the prices at Abrazo?
On average, you’ll spend around 69 per person – from 69 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Spanish Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average is 69, many guests actually spend a bit more, with a good number falling into the $81–$90 range, indicating a mix of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Spanish Restaurant, especially considering the range of experiences diners are having. It seems like a good spot if you’re looking for quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Abrazo
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food and Fast Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The service was fast and high quality, and the food was both fresh and authentic. We typically order a few starters to share, followed by a main course each, which is the perfect amount of food.
They also offer corkage for $25. I highly recommend this place.
- service10
- food10
- amount of food9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I received a tres bon accueil (very good welcome). The plats (dishes) were excellents (excellent), particularly the "braised rabbit".
The glaces (ice creams) were exceptionnelles (exceptional), especially the vanilla with olive oil, rosemary, and fleur de sel 😋.
- accueil9
- plats10
- braised rabbit10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the service was even better. It's a super cute spot located in a great neighborhood.
I'm so glad we stumbled in.
- food10
- service10
- spot9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
A Truly Wonderful Meal at Abrazo
Our lunch spot recommended Abrazo as the best restaurant in town, and they were right! We were able to get in before evening reservations, which was a real treat. We enjoyed a variety of small plates, and each one was absolutely delicious.
The cocktails were also a hit, and the basil ice cream with the dessert empanada was "to die for. " Overall, it was a truly wonderful meal.
- small plates10
- cocktails9
- basil ice cream10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Tapas, Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's one of the best Spanish tapas places in town. While it is on the pricy side, it's totally worth it.
We always go and load up on the appetizers because they are so good. The atmosphere and the ambience are also very cozy, and it's a family-owned restaurant. The owner always goes to the guests and makes sure they are enjoying their food/wine.
Parking is a bit tricky since there are many restaurants around, but overall, it was a great experience.
- appetizers10
- atmosphere10
- ambience10
- parking4
- price6
What Abrazo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Abrazo?
At Abrazo, you’ll find a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for an intimate dinner. With table service and comfortable seating, it’s recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you’re planning a special evening out. You can enjoy dinner and dessert in a welcoming setting.
Does Abrazo cater to specific dietary needs and offer accessibility options?
Yes, Abrazo thoughtfully provides both vegan and vegetarian options on its menu, ensuring a delightful meal for various preferences. Furthermore, the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience, making it welcoming for all guests.
How does Abrazo generally perform?
Abrazo holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.3. Its Food (8.5), Service (8.4), and Ambience (8.2) are highly rated, though Value (4.2) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Abrazo?
Many customers frequently praise the flavorful tapas selection, with items like croquetas and lamb shank often highlighted for their taste and presentation .
Are there any common concerns about dining at Abrazo?
Some diners have noted inconsistent service with occasional long waits , and the portions can be perceived as small for the price , impacting the overall value experience.