OUR STORY
Coqueta: A Spanish-Inspired Culinary Journey by Michael Chiarello
Nestled on Pier 5 along the vibrant San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is a celebration of Spanish cuisine and culture brought to life by award-winning Chef Michael Chiarello. Inspired by Spain’s renowned small plates, or tapas, and the lively social energy of its dining traditions, Coqueta offers a dining experience that feels perfectly at home in San Francisco—a city with its own rich ties to Spanish heritage.
The menu, crafted with care and creativity, showcases regional specialties from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and beyond. True to Chiarello’s philosophy, each dish features the freshest local ingredients from land and sea, blending California’s bounty with the flavors of Spain.
Michael Chiarello
Founder,
Learn About Michael’s Legacy
Chef Chiarello’s inspiration for Coqueta:
“Throughout my career, I’ve explored various restaurant concepts—from organic pizzerias like Tomatina to taverns such as Ajax in Aspen—but the heart of my cooking has always been Italian, a tribute to my family and the recipes they passed down to me. Recently, I found myself craving a new challenge. During several trips to Spain to visit my daughter, Margaux, I discovered the vibrancy of Spanish cuisine and culture, which reignited my passion for exploration.”
Spain’s culinary traditions felt like a natural evolution for Chiarello, who describes Spanish and Italian cuisines as “kissing cousins.” His daughter Margaux and her husband, Andrés—a seventh-generation Catalan—joined him on research trips to Spain, diving into the country’s rich culinary scene. Together, with Chef Ryan McIlwraith and his team, they embarked on an immersive journey, from tapas bars and chocolate shops to fine dining establishments.
“In Barcelona, even the street pavers are drop-dead gorgeous!” Chiarello says, reflecting the joy and inspiration these trips brought. “One unforgettable trip included 16 meals in just 6 days—tough work, but someone’s got to do it!”
photos from Michael’s travels in Spain
Coqueta is not just a restaurant; it’s a labor of love, a story of discovery, and a heartfelt tribute to the flavors and culture of Spain. Stay tuned for more insights into this culinary adventure in Chef Chiarello’s next blog, where he’ll share the highlights of their flavorful research journey.
