César opened in May of 1998, the first restaurant/bar in the San Francisco Bay Area to offer the great tapas traditions of Spain. Located in the heart of what is affectionately known as the "Gourmet Ghetto," a community known worldwide for its high regard of good food and authentic flavors, César has been a favorite watering hole since its inception and has routinely appeared in the SF Chronicle's
annual "Top 100 Restaurants." Although the three founding partners – Chez Panisse alumni Richard Mazzera, Dennis Lapuyade, and Stephen Singer - are all Americans they have traveled extensively throughout the Spanish peninsula to eat, drink and imbue themselves in the rich pageant of tapas and Spanish hospitality. Using authentic ingredients from Spain and the unparalleled local produce, meat and fish, César offers a varied and continually changing menu of tapas (we have offered over 1,000 different tapas from our repertoire since opening). The unique small-plate dishes include Salt Cod & Potato Cazuela, Pimientos de Padron (green chiles that are quickly fried and dusted with salt), Croque Señor, Spanish Tortilla, Fried Potatoes with Herbs and Sea Salt (a delicious cross between a potato chip and a French fry), Paella, and a rotating selection of salads, meats and seafood, Spanish cheeses and house-cured meats, and bocadillos (sandwiches). Save room for dessert such as our singular Bread Pudding with Orange Caramel Sauce or the decadently rich Crema de Chocolate. César's tapas are complemented by an ever-changing, eclectic list of wines and spirits, as well as classic and house cocktails, always made from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients by our team of highly skilled bartenders, most of whom are familiar faces behind the bar. In keeping with Spanish tradition, we take no reservations at César. Guests are served on a first-come-first-serve basis, with the bar always open for drinks and food. Travelers to Spain – you have traveled to Spain, haven't you? – will appreciate the authenticity and conviviality of César, combining the best of authentic contemporary Spanish tapas with the uniquely American art of the cocktail.
