Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish and represents celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's entry into Spanish cuisine as well as his first San Francisco restaurant, set in an old Lafitte space on the Embarcadero.
Chef Chiarello made his name with Bottega Napa Valley, where he pioneered what was called "Cal-Ital" food in the 90s. His venture from his Napa base with this intimate, 50-seat gem has been a smash success. Chiarello was named Esquire magazine's Chef of the Year in 2013, and Coqueta remains one of the hardest tables to snag a reservation in town. Keep in mind, there are 25 bar seats where you can order quick tapas dishes with drinks.
The main dinning area is a soaring space with high, 18-foot ceilings and a rustic vibe with sketches of pigs chalked on the walls. Seating is in chairs covered in authentic bullfighting hides complete with branding numbers. The silvery bar with Spanish tiles is smartly glassed off from the main room.