Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Canela – San Francisco
Canela - San Francisco
Photo from Canela
Canela at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🥘 Spanish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#221 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Spanish Restaurant out of 3 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
476
Reviews
87.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Spanish Cuisine
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Noise Level
The restaurant, a delightful Spanish Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, offers you an unforgettable culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly special experience, especially if you appreciate a great dessert.
Step into Canela and let its unique charm envelop you, promising a memorable meal whether you’re seeking a casual bite or an upscale evening out.
Overview: Introducting Canela
Canela offers a dining experience where the attentive staff truly shines, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the food for its authentic Spanish flavors and variety, contributing to a generally positive impression.
However, some diners find the overall value to be a point of contention, with a few remarks about the price being higher than expected for the portions or quality received.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
476
Reviews
87.2%
Satisfaction
45
negative
16
neutral
415
positive
Canela earns a solid 8.5 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a commendable 87.2%, indicating that most guests leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is supported by 415 positive remarks out of 476 total customer comments. The Service (9.0) truly stands out, often described as exceptional, followed closely by the inviting Ambience (8.7) and the well-regarded Food (8.5).
However, the Value (5.1) receives a more mixed reception, with some finding it less compelling.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Delicious Spanish Food
- Inviting Ambiance
What people don't like
- Questionable Value
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Noisy Environment
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Canela is certainly worth considering for those seeking a vibrant Spanish dining experience. The attentive service and appealing atmosphere create a memorable visit.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as opinions on value are divided. If you prioritize excellent service and a lively setting over strict budget concerns, Canela could be a delightful choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Canela
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here really hits the mark, with a good score of 8.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 87.9%. Guests rave about the authentic Spanish tapas, excellent paella, and impressive wine selection, often praising the generous portion sizes. With 276 positive remarks out of 314 total, it's clear the culinary experience is a major draw.
However, a few diners noted concerns regarding allergy-friendly food, with one serious incident involving gluten-free bread. Some also found issues with food packaging, like oily gambas al ajillo, and felt the sangria portions were small for the price, contributing to the 28 negative comments.
Food
314
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
28
negative
10
neutral
276
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Spanish tapas
- Excellent paella
- Great wine selection
What people don't like
- Allergy safety concerns
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small sangria portions
Often praised
- foodAs a chef myself, I can confidently say that Canela offers an insanely good food experience. The service team is amazing, and the menu variety is fresh, innovative, and always on point.
- tapasMy experience was marked by authentic flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and exceptional service. All the tapas we tried were delicious and reminded us of our trip in Barcelona. A must try, will def be back.
- paellaThe food was fresh and delicious. The patatas bravas were perfectly crispy and saucy, the paella had a generous amount of seafood in it, the stuffed peppers had a fantastic warmth to it, and the croquetas were soft and fluffy. For dessert, the coffee cinnamon ice cream is a necessity.
- sangriasangria—both the rojo and blanco were refreshing, well-balanced, and dangerously delicious!
- wine selectionMy experience at Canela was fantastic! I enjoyed their excellent paella and tapas, complemented by an awesome wine selection. Canela has been a fan favorite for 5 years, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
- croquetasThe food was fresh and delicious. The patatas bravas were perfectly crispy and saucy, the paella had a generous amount of seafood in it, the stuffed peppers had a fantastic warmth to it, and the croquetas were soft and fluffy. For dessert, the coffee cinnamon ice cream is a necessity.
- patatas bravasThe food was fresh and delicious. The patatas bravas were perfectly crispy and saucy, the paella had a generous amount of seafood in it, the stuffed peppers had a fantastic warmth to it, and the croquetas were soft and fluffy. For dessert, the coffee cinnamon ice cream is a necessity.
- PaellaThe tapas was fantastic and the service was amazing. We are definitely going to get the Paella next time.
- scallopsMy husband had a Spanish red wine (Tempranillo) and enjoyed it, and I also tried a Spanish white wine (Albariño) which was lovely. The dishes we ordered were the boquerones (light and delicate with olive oil and orange segments), the scallops (my husband’s favorite, he devoured them all), the patas bravas (smoky and flavorful but could have been more crispy), the empanada (deeply flavorful, wow!), the chorizo flatbread (we took this home; it would have been better if it was fresh), the gambas ajillo (my favorite dish, yum!), and the star (according to my husband) was the meat croquets (they were delicious). The staff were phenomenal.
- wineI enjoyed the tasty tapas, and the service was good. The wine selection was also a highlight, and the location is excellent. We had a great time during our girls' night out, especially enjoying the outdoor porch with heat lamps, which created a lovely ambiance.
Frequently criticized
- Chef's tasting menuThe amount of food for 2 people was overwhelming
- FoodFood:1
- allergy friendly foodThe server's offer to only deduct $10 from the bill was bare minimum and did not reflect the severity of the situation. If you cannot confidently serve allergy-friendly food, you should not offer it. I will not be returning.
- authentic Spanish foodThe food was not authentic Spanish food.
- croquettescroquettes were deep fried mush
- disheswasn't impressed by any of our numerous dishes
- drinks2 courses had been served before we got our drinks
- egg tortillaegg tortilla was 2 slices for 15$
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing due to the overpriced and uninteresting food. While the sangria was tasty, the stuffed peppers, mushrooms, tortilla espanola, and patatas bravas were all mediocre.
- fried chickenFried chicken was terrible
If you're looking for delicious Spanish tapas, paella, and a great wine selection, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be sure to double-check any allergy requests and manage expectations for sangria portion sizes.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an impressive score of 9, reflecting an excellent experience for most diners. A whopping 92.6% customer satisfaction rate, based on 94 total remarks, shows that guests consistently praise the attentive staff and exceptional service. Many appreciate the helpful recommendations and how accommodating the team is, making for a wonderful dining experience.
However, out of 94 comments, a mere 4 point to areas for improvement. A few guests felt the dining experience was rushed, with food arriving too quickly. There were also isolated mentions of slow service at times and a concerning incident involving a negligent server regarding dietary needs, though these seem to be rare exceptions.
Service
94
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Exceptional service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Rushed dining pace
- Server errors
Often praised
- serviceLovely lighting, atmosphere and service too. Everyone was so nice.
- staffThe dishes we ordered were the boquerones (light and delicate with olive oil and orange segments), the scallops (my husband’s favorite, he devoured them all), the patas bravas (smoky and flavorful but could have been more crispy), the empanada (deeply flavorful, wow!), the chorizo flatbread (we took this home; it would have been better if it was fresh), the gambas ajillo (my favorite dish, yum!), and the star (according to my husband) was the meat croquets (they were delicious). The staff were phenomenal. They were friendly and focused on providing us with a wonderful dining experience.
- ServiceService by Jessica was extraordinary.
- serverI highly recommend their regular tapas, especially the seitas (mushrooms), pulpo (octopus), short rib (served with delicious cornbread), anchovies (nicely vinegary and boneless), and the flatbread with harissa. Our server was amazing, and the entire team was incredibly nice and accommodating. I will definitely be back – I love this place.
- peopleOur experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We were incredibly impressed with the best food and the best people. We absolutely LOVE it here and wish we lived closer so we could visit all the time.
- serversMy experience at Canela was thoroughly enjoyable. The food was awesome, and the servers were very friendly. The atmosphere was fun, and it offered an incredible value, especially for San Francisco.
- waitressMercedes was our waitress and was so kind
- Owner/chef MattOwner/chef Matt does a wonderful job
- Paulas Paul
- accommodatingThey were very accommodating
Frequently criticized
- experienceThe whole experience felt very rushed
- food arrivalfood started arriving literally every 2 minutes
- serverWithin an hour, I became horribly sick. Upon questioning the server, he admitted the gluten-free bread was supposed to be in a different bowl. This negligence led to me throwing up and being sick since leaving.
- serviceThe wait times were long between some of the initial dishes, but then got quicker over time, which was good. The service was slow to come outside to help. The shishito peppers were way too spicy!
If youre looking for a place where the staff goes above and beyond, youll likely be delighted by the attentive and friendly service here. While a few isolated incidents suggest occasional pacing issues or server errors, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a truly exceptional and accommodating team.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place truly shines! With an impressive 8.7 score and an excellent 93.8% customer satisfaction, it's clear most guests adore the atmosphere. Many of the 45 positive remarks out of 48 highlight the lovely lighting, beautiful decor, and overall cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for a date night or special occasion, especially with its inviting outdoor seating.
However, the few negative comments, totaling 3, do point out some areas for improvement. A couple of guests found the atmosphere could be very noisy at times, potentially impacting a quiet dining experience. One opinion also mentioned the ambiance feeling a bit out-dated, though this was a less common sentiment.
Ambience
48
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Elegant decor
- Inviting outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was super fun! They have a great wine selection and a relaxing atmosphere. The staff were outgoing and friendly.
- ambianceThe ambient is classy but comfortable with very good vibe
- ambienceambience and everything else 💯
- decorwas the decor
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- CanelaCanela is cozy yet classy
- Covid and vaccine precautionsCovid and vaccine precautions are in place to help everyone feel comfortable
- bar seatingthere is bar seating
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere, and exceptional service.
- date nightgreat place for a date night
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambianceThe ambiance is a bit out-dated
- noisyit can be very noisy
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere for a special evening, this spot is definitely worth trying. Its cozy, elegant vibe and great outdoor seating make it a strong contender, though be mindful it can get a bit lively.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found some real gems, noting good prices and even an incredible value that wont "break the bank. " With 7 positive opinions out of 20 total, many felt they truly got their moneys worth, especially considering the portions. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.1.
On the flip side, a significant number of guests, with 10 negative opinions, felt the price was too high, describing it as overpriced and even a tourist trap. There was some major sticker shock for many, leading to feelings of it being a waste of money. Customer satisfaction for value is quite low at just 35%, indicating a clear split in perceptions.
Value
20
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Incredible value
- Get your money's worth
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Overpriced
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- valueincredible value for the service you receive
- Total priceTotal price, including a bottle of a lovely Spanish dry white wine, tax, and tip came to about $90 per person
- experienceI believe you get your money’s worth, considering the amount of food you get
- good priceswonderful choices at surprisingly good prices
- great dealIt was a great deal
- priceYou won't break the bank
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was comically bad. You essentially have to pay $70 per person for an appetizer's worth of low quality diner food. It's a great place to come before wherever you are actually going to eat dinner.
- billoffer to only deduct $10 from the bill was bare minimum
- moneyeven bigger waste of money
- pricesFor dessert, the bread pudding was amazing. The service was good, though the prices are on the high side. My only complaint is that it can be very noisy.
- quality and authenticityToo expensive for the quality and authenticity of the food.
- tourist trapDon't be lured into this tourist trap
If youre looking for a great deal and generous portions, you might find some pleasant surprises here. However, be prepared for the possibility of sticker shock, as many feel the prices dont always align with the quality or experience. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel you got your money's worth.
How are the prices at Canela?
You’re looking at roughly 69 $ per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Spanish Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 69 $, its interesting to see a good number of diners spending quite a bit more, with a notable group going over 101 $. So, while you *can* dine mid-range, theres definitely a premium experience available too.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 71 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Spanish Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair for a quality experience. It offers options for a mid-range meal, but also caters to those looking to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Canela
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Our waitress, Mercedes, was amazing. We enjoyed a selection of cheese, hamon, artichokes, and pulpo (octopus).
Although the homemade desserts looked amazing, we didn't have space for them. We will definitely be back!
- waitress10
- cheese8
- hamon8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
9
Consistently Good Food
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive. Almost every time, the food is the real thing. I recommend trying it; you will probably like what you get.
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Outstanding Tapas and Paella Experience
My dining experience at Canela was outstanding. The atmosphere was reminiscent of an intimate tapas spot I used to love in NYC. The staff was attentive, constantly checking on us and serving food at a quick pace.
Every dish we tried, including the tapas, paella, gazpacho, and croquettes, was exceptional. We even ordered a paella to go for the next day, and it was well worth it. I can't wait to go back.
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Incredible Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at the restaurant was incredible! We received extra champagne to celebrate our reunion. Our server, Matthew, was kind and attentive, providing great recommendations for tapas to share.
The desserts were also fire!
- service10
- extra champagne9
- server Matthew10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Delicious Spanish Delights and Wonderful Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The people were lovely, making the entire dining experience fun and relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish artichoke flowers, which were delicious.
The Gambas al ajillo were also incredibly tasty. As someone who is gluten-free, I was delighted to find that the gluten-free bread was quite enjoyable – a true miracle! I definitely recommend going here to eat.
- people10
- Spanish artichoke flowers9
- Gambas al ajillo9
What Canela 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
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Canela Bistro Bar?
At Canela Bistro Bar, you can anticipate a versatile atmosphere that is casual, upscale, cozy, trendy, and romantic all at once. You can enjoy table service for dinner and dessert, making it perfect for various occasions. The setting is designed to make you feel comfortable and welcome.
Does Canela Bistro Bar accommodate dietary preferences and offer late-night dining?
Absolutely! Canela Bistro Bar provides excellent options for various dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside organic selections. Plus, if you’re looking for a bite after hours, you’ll be pleased to find late-night food available to satisfy your cravings.
How does Canela generally score with diners?
Canela earns a strong overall score of 8.5, with particularly high marks for Service (9.0), Ambience (8.7), and Food (8.5). Value (5.1) is where opinions are more divided.
What do customers enjoy most about Canela's food?
Diners frequently praise Canela’s tapas and paella for their authentic flavors and delicious preparation, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and variety.
Are there any common complaints about dining at Canela?
Some guests find the price to be on the higher side for the perceived quality, and the atmosphere can occasionally be described as noisy.