I love me my Filipino food, and ABACÁ is hands down one of my favorite places in San Francisco for elevated Filipino cuisine with a modern twist! Conveniently located inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel near Fisherman's Wharf, ABACÁ takes familiar Filipino flavors and dishes and gets really creative with them. As a Filipino, I love seeing the food I grew up with presented in such a unique, gourmet way while still keeping the flavors that make Filipino food so damn good in the first place. When we last went, my absolute favorite was their housemade noodles with squid ink and adobo. SO GOOD. The noodles were rich, savory, packed with flavor, and had pieces of squid throughout. Easily the standout dish of the night for me, and I would come back for that alone! I'm not sure if it's still on the menu since their offerings change, but if you ever see it, GET IT. They also have some secret menu items, including BALUT! If you know, you know. Definitely only for the brave if you've never had it before! I thought it was such a fun touch, especially for anyone who wants to get a little more adventurous with Filipino food. Overall, ABACÁ is such a great representation of how diverse Filipino cuisine can be. It still feels familiar and authentic, but they aren't afraid to play around with the flavors and presentation. Whether you already love Filipino food or you're trying it for the first time, this is absolutely a spot worth checking out. Masarap! read more

See all

I was delighted to find a Michelin Recommended Filipino restaurant within easy walking distance of my hotel, so I decided to try several different things: the Ube-Colada, Sisig Fried Rice because everyone seemed to say "get it," a pork lumpia spring roll, and the Wagyu dumplings. I ordered the virgin Ube-Colada. It was a beautiful purple color, refreshing, and lighter on the coconut flavor than I expected. The Sisig Fried Rice definitely isn't Chinese-style fried rice, which was fine with me because I wanted to try something different. Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of the flavor or the crispy bits of pork. I guess I fail as an honorary Filipino. The pork lumpia spring roll, however, was very good. And then came the standout star of my meal: the Wagyu dumplings. The waiter used a mini blow torch to heat the Wagyu - that certainly got my attention. These were unlike any dumplings I had eaten before. Two large, very thin slices of Wagyu beef were served in a flavorful tomato-based broth with wonderfully soft, pillowy potato dumplings containing a rich, almost creamy center. I would order these again without hesitation. My waitress was very sweet and welcoming, which I especially appreciated since I was dining by myself. I had an early reservation when the restaurant was still fairly quiet, but the tables filled up after I arrived, so I recommend making a reservation. One useful tip for finding the restaurant: look for the entrance down the stairs marked Kimpton. Enter through that door, and the restaurant is on your right. Not everything I tried was for me, but that's part of the fun of trying a cuisine you're less familiar with. I came away with a new favorite--the Wagyu dumplings--and appreciated the warm hospitality. read more

See all

I highly recommend if you're in the area! The service is top notch and the flavors are spot on. The ambiance is welcoming and it's the best take on modern Filipino cuisine I've had! We opted for the tasting menu and the portions were generous.l and we were satisfied by the end of our meal. I plan to visit again and try their other seasonal dishes! read more

See all

First time I discovered Abacá was from SF Restaurant Week in 2024 - absolutely AMAZING $75 deal for their tasting menu. As a fellow Southeast Asian, I thought the food was so creative yet nostalgic-tasting. From the tasting menu, I loved the chilled broccolini with coconut seaweed espuma. I enjoyed how large, funky, & crispy the bamboo lumpia was. The chocolate muron dessert made me especially nostalgic of childhood with its banana leaf smells. Since then, I've gone back mainly for balut duck eggs (their vinegar & chili sauce are so yummy.) I definitely think their menu is on the more expensive side, but I honestly respect it. Let our Southeast Asian food be expensive & elevated. I can't believe this yummy place is just attached to a hotel in Fisherman's Wharf. I personally don't drive, but I feel like this area is not too far from the other Wharf parking lots. I do feel like this place gives off a more like girl-brunch style atmosphere with the white marble, gold lamps, flower, & woven decor. read more

ABACÁ - Restaurant Week Tasting Menu - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

My Wife and I had a nice breakfast while staying at the Kimpton. The service was excellent, they checked on us throughout the meal and made sure we enjoyed everything. We ordered a mimosa and a latte for drinks and both were good. For breakfast we ordered the blueberry pancake and Vegetable Omelet. The pancakes were delicious, not too sweet but very good. The omelet has a lot of flavor and was interesting. It was a lot overall but also unique so I'm glad I tried it. Pleasant meal all around, glad we came here and I would come back for the pastries, everything looks delicious! read more

ABACÁ - Empty latte - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

Having stayed at the previous night at the nearby Marriott Pulse Hotel, my wife, her mom, and I took a mid-morning walk to Fisherman's Wharf to find a breakfast place. The name Abaca caught her eye while walking past, and she found that it had a Filipino inspired menu. We found the breakfast service and food to be just OK, even taking into account the location. Abaca is award winning for their dinner service, and I'm sure it's well earned. But by stretching the hours to accommodate hotel guests (Abaca is located in the Alton Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf), one can't always apply this skill to breakfast. It becomes a hotel restaurant and I actually thought the service was actually quite a bit worse than most, with the food being what you would expect from a hotel breakfast: OK but overpriced. One is expected to wait in line (just like a coffee shop). The cashier taking the order was borderline rude, expecting me to know what to do instead of directing. Once I finished placing my order, he told me to tap my card...I asked him to give me the total..he just pointed to the machine, which hadn't yet given a total. Most people want to know the total of the order before tapping the card, in case there was a mistake. It continued... once I tapped my card, from his perspective, it was done. Not for me, I asked for a receipt. As I walked away, I realized he hadn't told me what comes next: do I need to wait for my order and take it back to the table? would they deliver it to me? Do I need to remember a number for my order? I also saw they had charged a mandatory 20% tip on the total....for counter service? So we sat down and waited...and waited. I got up thinking I needed to pick up my food, but a different person told me it would be coming to us. Then the food started to come out in pieces, and in no case were the servers telling us to expect more...so we never knew if they had forgotten something. When we asked, the answer was 'It's coming'. In fact, it was a different server each time, and it was clear they didn't really know what the others were doing. The cold brew ($4) came first and my wife said it was delicious. Then the tea ($4), which was just some hot water with a tea bag. Then the Alton Breakfast ($26): two eggs, potatoes, toast, fruit, and choice of meat. The scrambled eggs were fine, loved the potatoes (basically wedges but cooked well), good sour dough toast, a good fruit medley, and three thick slices of bacon (good quality but way overcooked in the oven, causing it to crumble).. I did like that they had self serve water bottles at the table, but then what is the 20% tip for? I then asked about my haberno calamansi hot sauce ($5), thinking it would be great with the eggs (it was OK). Had to wait another 2 minutes for that (beauty of taking pictures is that you get a timestamp). All this way, my wife's mom was waiting for her Ensaymada croissant ($7)...which really should have come first. When we asked about the final time, the server said that it was still baking (this was probably now 15 minutes after we had sit down). Nobody had told us this. Now, when it did come (last thing), it was absolutely delicious and was absolutely worth it. The baker has some serious skills. As soon as mom finished, we left. I really wanted to like this place. But impossible to do with such sorry (and in one case rude) service. Retraining and better breakfast management needed. read more

See all

My face must be on the wall somewhere because service was subpar and respect was not given. Shared a table again with fake plants separating parties. The three of us were not attended to unless we called employees with a hand lifted up. For example, I ordered the ube drink TWICE...to be told "I'm sorry I forgot to place the order in". WHAT THE Fu*K?! At least we got water. Maybe just come for the aesthetic for social media? Food is egh at most...pricey for tapa-esque portions. Apparently third time is NOT the charm. read more

See all

Small, but excellent restaurant. Lots of new things to try! I had a delicious latte and a brioche with delicious cheese. It was quite rich, so only ate half. My husband and friend had the The Alton breakfast and everything was well-prepared! We tried a couple deserts that were very rich and a taste would do! Great service! read more

See all

This is probably the best elevated/upscale Filipino food in the Bay Area. All the dishes we tried were all good. The restaurant is located inside a hotel and the decor has a jungle-y feel. The dish I enjoyed the most was the longganisa which had chunks of mango inside (first time trying it like that). We went on a Saturday at 10:30am and there was lots of metered parking available on the street although we went on a day that wasn't busy. We choose to park across the street at one of the parking garage. If you love Filipino food and live in the bay, this has to be on your list of places to try! read more

See all

Phenomenal experience at ABACÁ. My mother was visiting town so we wanted to go somewhere on the fancier side. ABACÁ delivered on complex, bold flavors, professional service and distinguishable, Filipino flavor profiles. Every course delivered on flavor, but the star of the show was the beef wellington. The beef was encrusted with a Lumpia breading- which made each bite delicious. The meat was tender, perfectly salty and hearty. The mushroom paste was earthy and complimented the bread/meat combo. When we went it was a pretty relaxed vibe- not many people, but we also had a reservation right when they opened! I cannot recommend ABACÁ enough- absolutely delicious! read more

See all

Filipino hospitality! Excellent service. Omg. They even replace your plate before the main entrees and wipe down the table. Wow! Recommend Lola's Pork Lumpia- loved the lumpia and it was definitely elevated with the apple and lettuce wrap. Thin Cut Pork BBQ stick- traditional favorite. Delta Asparagus Ensalada- doesn't look like the traditional filipino dish but gave major nostolgic flavors. Eh. American Wagyu Tartar- nothing special. The milk bread was good. American Wagyu Wellington Lobster noodle- the tiniest pieces of meat in here. You don't even get any. I tasted no meat. Sisig fried rice- where was the meat in here? There were a few big chunks of straight fat. Ube colada- the pineapple does give it a little tart flavor and you couldn't taste the ube. You saw the purple but the tartness of the pineapple was strong 7000 island ice tea- apparently the sarsi makes it minty. read more

Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Portion to Price: 2/5 Overall: A nice Filipino spot but definitely on the pricier side. The extended review... Food: 3/5 - Food was pretty standard fare. We did things family style. Unfortunately the portion sizes are very small so you might need to double up. Service: 3/5 - Standard service. Ambiance: 4/5 - A very nice setting and ambiance. Portion to Price: 2/5 - A bit expensive for what it is. read more

See all

Headline: Elevated Filipino Fusion food never tasted so good! There is a distinct lack of upscale and gourmet food Filipino food in NorCal. I can easily find more traditional food made by my grandma/mom, I do wish they highlighted the flavor profiles more in Filipino culture. Thankfully I stumbled upon this restaurant in the more touristy parts of the city! Location: Located around Fisherman's wharf, it can be easy to miss this location nestled a couple blocks back between Beach and Jones Street. The restaurant is also a part of the Kimpton Alton which can make it harder to find. But once you get on that street the sign is the first thing that pops out. The area seems to be generally quiet and is just outside of the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd. While it looks small first walking into the hotel. It opens up into a nice wide interior with plenty of seating options as well as an outside patio. The lower ceiling and more tight enclosure makes it so it doesn't sound like a loud restaurant and it's easy to hold a conversation in this well appointed spot. Service: The staff was extremely friendly and the host was very welcoming to me and my wife. We didn't really come in dressed but that didn't seem to be a problem and they did not dismiss us. I really enjoyed the friendly Filipino family vibe they gave off and really made this quite an enjoyable experience. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and we weren't really left waiting on them at all. Food: The true stand out. I was convinced by our server and to try their Paubaya, family style dinner. This was a multicourse preparation where they brought us various plates to try out. Our meal included the following Kampachi "Kinilaw" Tostada - The tostada was quite tasty and was a great introduction to let me know what was coming next Tsar Nicoulai Caviar - I didn't expect to like this as much as aI did Lola's Pork Lumpia - Wow, not your average lumpia and real elevation of the concept Delta Asaparagus Ensalada - Probably my least favorite dish but it was still a refreshing salad Crispy Lamb Ribs - Another interest side. I really enjoyed the lamb rib and wonder how it would have tasted with a crostini Stuffed Quail - My wife's favorite but compared to everything else I found myself liking the other items better Hokkaido Scallops & Pork Jowl - I really thought the Scallops were going to be my favorite part of this dish but the Pork Jowl really made this a 10/10 Sugar Snap Peas - Nice refreshing bowl! Banana Fritter "Marlys" - I could have a whole plate of this along with the green tea ice cream. Really enjoyed all these dishes and looking forward to trying this place again! read more

See all

We had the best experience and dinner last night! We stumbled upon Abaca. We did not have a reservation but they found space for us at a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. We enjoyed out seating and the overall ambiance of the dining room. They had a nice size menu. We settled on the Lobster Noodles, the Caviar Crackers and the Pork Lumpia. Every dish was such a treat with distinct flavoring and delicious flavors. I especially enjoyed the Lobster Noodles! The wait staff was knowledgeable and helped guide us through the menu. The restaurant was very busy for a Monday night. I would be sure to make reservations next time. And we want to be sure to try the Paubaya Family Style dish the nest time we dine. It looks like a great way to try various dishes on the menu at a very reasonable price! read more

See all

Go. Sigh. Yelp wants me to add more content. I had the lumpia, pork skewers, and lobster noodles. Don't let my simplistic, Oxford comma-separated list fool you. There is deep flavor here. Each item had a reason for me to smile and let loose an inner "mmmmmm" of satisfaction. I drank the Ongpin street, an egg-foamed, vodka lychee cocktail and the Botan-ist, a pea-foamed, grapefruit and bergamot cocktail (that I had made with vodka instead of gin). Go. read more

See all

Finally had the opportunity to dine here with some friends on someone else's expense... (the best part). I have to admit I was wrong all this time thinking this was going to suck. I did keep an open mind and to my surprise, the dishes delivered! Im Filipino ( Ilicano) and so naturally Im going to be a critic. While it's not traditional style, the chef delivers on maintaining the dishes intended flavor. The dishes were well executed. Chef and staff are very well trained. One dish in particular I haven't seen since childhood... so that was a surprised.. took a mere taste and instantly recognized the dish. It was called different but after looking it up, the name was just from a different region but practically the same thing. read more

Yummiest Filipino fusion!! The best dishes of the night were the wagyu Wellington and lobster noodles, highly recommend getting these. When ordering lumpia or skewers, you're able to order more than the menu lists (4 for lumpia and 2 for skewers) without ordering a full second order which makes it great for an odd number of people. The service was great, quick and they provided table bag hooks. They also had a live DJ in the lobby that was playing great remixes the whole night. read more

See all

My friend and I went for restaurant week! We had the sarap sampler, sausage silog, and beef pares. The presentation of each dish was beautiful, but my favorite was the sampler because of the tiered dishes! I think my favorite dish was the sausage, since it reminded me of what I used to eat at family parties. Service was attentive and quick, and the restaurant was clean and modern. I think the one downside of our visit is that my friend and I both had a tummyache after. We're not sure exactly what it was, but this was our only meal of the day so far, so must've been something we hear. Regardless, it's really cool to see a high-end Filipino place in the Bay Area. Will try to take my family in the future! read more

See all

Was planning a trip to San Francisco for a show and stumbled upon this place. Its attached to a nice hotel with an extremely friendly staff. As a Filipino I have obviously been around Filipino food my entire life and was very excited to try out this modern take on Filipino classics! I was not disappointed, the food was amazing! We decided to do the Paubaya which was the Chef's tasting menu. Every single dish we were served was amazing! Lola's Pork Lumpia was delicious. It was lumpia with a lettuce wrap that conveniently kept your fingers clean! We also had an uni flan served with a chive cracker, both delicious. However my absolute favorite dish as the stuffed Quail! It was the first time I have ever eaten quail and I must say I don't know if I'll find a better quail than that! To top it all off they also have amazing drinks to go with your meal. I recommend the Ube Colada! If you're looking for a unique meal and love Filipino food you have to try Abaca! read more

See all

This one is long overdue... This was my first time trying "Upscaled" Filipino cuisine. Da Wahine took me here for my Birthday last year. I had no idea what I was off to or what was going on... The tasting menu was chosen for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was in for a treat. The restaurant is in Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel. I'm not sure if the hotel owns Abacá or partners up with them. We parked a few blocks away and walked over, as we wanted to walk around the city a bit after we were done eating. The ambiance was very relaxing, definitely some chill island vibes. Upscale, yer relaxed, but not pretentious. I dig. We were greeted immediately and promptly seated. All the staff were friendly and the service was wonderful as well. COCKTAILS: ~ Ube Colada - 4/5 Exactly what it sounds like; basically a Filipino Piña Colada. Bacardi Ocho, Ube Coconut Cream and Pineapple. Very tasty. NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: ~ Jack en Poy - 4/5 This was tasty as well. I wish they had an alcoholic version of this. Chili, Jackfruit, Pineapple, Vanilla and Salt. "PAUBAYA" CHEF'S TASTING MENU: PICA - PICA (Snacks): ~ Tsar Nicouli Caviar - 3.5/5 This had a bit too much going on. Unique, but not my cup of tea. Smoked Fish, Sunchoke Ice Cream. ~ Duck Tinola - 5/5 Tinola is traditionally a comforting Filipino Chicken Soup. This is Abacá's take with duck. Absolutely brilliant! Fatty, hearty, rich and tasty. I loved it. ~ Lola's Pork Lumpia - 3.5/5 Could have been better. I had better Lumpia. This was just OK for me. K& J Orchards Shinko Pear, Lettuce Wrap. BBQ STICKS: ~ Chicken Adobo - 4/5 Possibly the fanciest BBQ sticks I had... lol. Chicken Skin, Green Garlic. PLATITOS (Small Plates): ~ Chilled Delta Asparagus - 4/5 Tasty greens. ~ Trout Belly Toast (2pcs) - 4/5 Some delish Toast, not Avocado...lol. Salted Egg Aioli, Trout Roe, Black Garlic. ~ Wagyu Beef Kilowin - 4/5 A filipino take on Beef Carpaccio with Black Truffles, Strawbery, Beer. ~ Balut Three Ways (Deconstructed Balut) - 5/5 (Secret Menu) If you are scared to try Balut, I highly suggest giving this a go. A very creative and artful way to consume Balut; includes duck broth, duck egg yolk mousse over chicken skin, and a beer-battered 17-day duckling. Although I'd argue you are not eating Balut in the traditional sense... the presentation was brilliant and the everything was very tasty. This is a secret item and not on the menu. You will need to request this... PLATOS (Plates): ~ American Wagyu Beef Pares - 4/5 Delish Beef with Parsnip, Soy Beef Jus. RICE AND NOODLE: ~ Sisig Fried Rice - 3/5 This was OK. I had better Sisig, I expected more from here. The flavors were a bit muted for me. Savory, and tangy with a Poached Egg and Pickled Onion. MATAMIS (Sweets): ~ Almond Sansrival - 3.5/5 This was OK for me, well slightly better than OK. Not too sweet, I wouldn't crave this. I eat it if it were offered to me. ~ Panyalam Rice Pancake - 3.5/5 Strawberries, Soy Bean, Thai Basil Ice Cream. This didn't quite hit the mark. I think it tired a bit too hard, very contrasting flavors; pleasant to consume, but not something to rave about. As I stated earlier, I wasn't sure what to expect... Overall a very good experience. We had a good amount of food without being overly stuffed. I got a little birthday bonus at the end and the entire kitchen signed a Birthday card for me. ~ Birthday bonus: Casava Cake - 4/5 A good Casava Cake, not too sweet, with a chewy yet firm texture. The tasting menu is a grat value, especially in the city. I'd come back again... read more

I went to ABACÁ to celebrate my birthday, and I was excited to experience a Filipino fusion restaurant; however, the experience felt inconsistent from start to finish. The service was good, and our server explained that chef shops at local farmer's markets around the Bay Area so their menu frequently changes. Very cool! We ordered drinks and caviar on taro puffs as starters. I wasn't a huge fan of the Ube Colada, and the caviar was fine (but created more issues for us at the end). The highlight for me was the chicken adobo skewer. We received a complimentary appetizer, as guests at the Kimpton, but found it odd that we had no choice on the app; however, we were both satisfied with this bite! I ordered the A5 Wagyu dumplings for dinner, which was served table side. I enjoyed the curry sauce it came with and the root vegetables, but it felt far off the mark from Filipino cuisine. It tasted more like gnocchi with an Asian twist. As noted, the caviar created problems for us, as we were overcharged. The menu advertised this as $12 each, but we were charged double. We had to follow up via email to get payment back, and there was no acknowledgment of the mistake. This left a sour feeling for me, as you're automatically charged 20% gratuity and our bill was not accurate at the end of the night. read more

See all

I wanted to love this place, as I love Filipino food but we were disappointed coming for brunch. We ordered pandesal which were 4 teeny tiny expensive rolls (only 2 bites each roll). We had high expectations of the longanisa dish, but longanisa was just so so. They do give you 3 sausages, which was surprising. There was one sunny side up egg...not enough to wet the rice. And we couldn't believe it wasn't garlic rice. That is so unFilipino! We tried some sweet pastries: the ube roll (which was soft and tasty) and the bibingka (a tad dry). Sweets run from $8 up to over $11, and were small. Overall, we thought this was not representative of good Filipino food and prices were high for what you get. The restaurant is nice if you sit underneath 2 glass Sky lights. read more

ABACÁ - Menu - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is only for the bar area. That's all we experienced. We came back to the hotel and peeked into Abaca as we were not sure if it was still serving since is was 9:30pm. There were many people inside, finishing their meals and drinks. Someone told us to come in as we said we just wanted a drink at the bar. Cool. We sat at the bar and the two bartenders seemed immediately annoyed we were there. They were loudly putting things away as we looked at the drink menu. In hindsight we should've left at that point. As I spoke to The Wife about the possibility of having a glass of Pinot Noir, one of the bartenders poured it and put it in front of me. Wow, I hadn't even ordered anything. Guess we were in a rush. The Wife ordered her standard Ketel One Dirty Martini. The bartender went off to do that. If your manager is keeping you late to host customers, don't take it out on us. We were invited in and we did not know the hours of operation. Get another job if the manager's decisions are not in line with your interests. As we enjoyed our drinks, the bartenders continued to loudly put things away. It was again, annoying. We finished our drinks and got the bill. In San Francisco socialist style, the 18% gratuity was included with a bunch of other misc, stupid SF city fees and charges. What used to be a great city is just a bunch of money hungry pols putting in fees for anything you do in the city. Not the bar's fault, but the 18% mandatory "gratuity" is just crap. I paid for sucky service even though TIPS are an award for good service. The location of the hotel is great if you want to see Fisherman's Wharf and the surrounding area, so I'd stay there again, but I will never go in the bar or restaurant again. Don't Go. Drink Somewhere Else. HAVE FUN! read more

ABACÁ - Wine and Drink Menu - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had a really enjoyable meal at Abacá in San Francisco and tried their prix fixe menu, including the Wagyu Steak Silog and Chicken & Mango Longganisa Silog. The Wagyu Steak Silog was definitely the highlight for me. The steak was rich and flavorful, paired with garlic rice, sunny-side-up eggs, caramelized onions, and pickled vegetables. The combination of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors worked really well together. The runny egg yolks mixed with the rice and sauce made every bite even better. The Chicken & Mango Longganisa Silog was also a great choice. The longganisa had a nice sweet-and-savory flavor, and the mango added an interesting fruity touch that balanced the dish nicely. The prix fixe menu also came with dessert, which was beautifully presented and a great way to finish the meal. Everything was thoughtfully plated, and the food felt like a creative take on traditional Filipino flavors rather than simply being a standard silog meal. read more

See all

After a long workday, my colleague and I were starving, and we were lucky enough to get a table at this restaurant located in our hotel. We quickly learned it serves Filipino cuisine and is part of the Michelin Guide, which made us even more excited. Our server, Sony, was incredible and truly made the night. He took the time to explain each dish and the ingredients behind every plate, which added so much to the experience. We ordered Lola's Pork Lumpia, Chicken Adobo, Blue Fin Tuna, Sisig Fried Rice, a margarita, and a side of flatbread. I loved how the restaurant plays with fresh ingredients and how each dish has a story behind it. The lumpia, blue fin tuna, and mezcal drink were standouts for me absolutely delicious. While I wasn't a big fan of the grilled pig's ear, I appreciated trying something new. I would definitely come back when I'm craving creative cuisine, Filipino food, and amazing service. The ambiance was beautiful as well and tied the whole experience together. read more

ABACÁ - Lola's Pork Lumpia, Chicken Adobo, Blue Fin Tuna, Sisig Fried Rice, and bread. - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've had dinner here twice & both experiences were great. Abaca is an elevated Filipino menu with unique creations. I sat at the bar both times as we enjoy talking to the bartenders for their insights. Thank you Lance! The food was delicious! Familiar flavors were presented in a different format & some of our favorite items were the adobo, pork & liver mousse. The ube colada is light & refreshing. The main dining room is warm & inviting but features clean lines & modern design. Outdoor seating is available if you'd like to bring your dog too. Parking can be challenging, but there were some lots nearby and some street parking. I usually take an Uber. read more

See all

Upscale and modern Filipino restaurant that isn't exactly my cup of tea. - Virgin Ube Colada: Tasted more pineapple than ube. It was also mostly ice. Was not worth $15. - Sarap Sampler: Came with pandesal, spreads, lumpia, blue fin tuna, and shrimp tempura. Everything was pretty good and great to try a little bit of everything. However, the pandesal were tiny and my friend and I had to order extra pandesal to finish our spreads. - Vegetable Omelet: An interesting take on the traditional tortang talong. I liked how there were lots of veggies, but there was too much going on with all the different flavors and textures with something that's supposed to be a simple dish. I liked the interior which blended traditional Filipino items and plants. The service was mixed. The servers didn't seem very friendly which made me not feel welcomed. One server even spilled my water on my menu, but didn't even apologize, clean the mess, or even offered me another menu?! Whereas another server asked if I had allergies and made sure I was accommodated which I appreciated. While the food here was decent, it was pricey given the small portions. I would opt for more traditional Filipino food. read more

See all

My partner and I got the chance to try Abacá. Note that they do have a rotating menu and some of the main dishes do swap out. The service was great and attentive and you really do get the fine dining service. We ordered: - Lumpia 4/5 - nice refreshing crunch with the wrapped lettuce. - Ukoy 3/5: all the pickled toppings replaced the need to dip it in vinegar so that was pretty innovative. - Sisig Fried Rice 5/5: this was the most flavorful in my opinion. Mixed poached egg gave it a softer texture so don't expect the crunch that you would get from other sisig plates. - Pork chop 3/5: had a sweet glaze that I didn't really like. But the pork chops were cooked perfectly. - Balut 3 ways 4/5: worth it for the experience. Probably would not order it again though. - Suman 5/5: nice desert paired with a super chocolatey tablea sauce. Drinks: Ube colada 5/5: such a good drink without being overly sweet. Pangahas 5/5 great for Smokey bourbon lovers. read more

See all

I took my mom to ABACÁ for her 55th birthday, and I must say, please warn your filipino parents that this is not your typical filipino restaurant because they're just gonna keep on comparing it to what they already know lol. Now starting with ambiance, the decor was so beautiful, so many pieces reminded me of my grandmother, from the tapestry on the walls to the basket weaved items. It definitely brought me back and gave me ideas on how I can also decorate my very own home. The restaurant seems like it'd be a great spot for a date night or a family dinner -- Probably wouldn't do a big party but we did see some large groups 8+. As for our meal, we ordered to share.. here are words that come to mind when experiencing initial bites: - black cod: melt-in-your mouth & simple flavor - sakura farms pork chop: juicy & tender - braised beef curry: flavorful & flatbread was fire - sisig rice: probably the tables favorite dish, we were just so impressed how much it tasted like sisig. But if i were to choose one to eat all by myself, it would definitely be the braised beef curry. I honestly feel like I coulda tore that meal up on my own. Now for their service, it was great, it's good to note that gratuity is already included - at least that was the case for us as a party of three. I'd love to come back again to try new items on their menu! All I remember is truly enjoying my menu and actually not feeling bloated at all, even though I stuffed my face with that flatbread. read more

See all

Tony and the rest of the staff were amazing. The food was great. I'm usually kind of critical when it comes to Filipino food because I always believed traditional recipes are the best. But they truly did an amazing job elevating classic Filipino flavors. Our highlights were the lobster noodles, lumpia, faux calamansi and all of their cocktails. Tony did an amazing job serving us, he was attentive without being too intrusive during our anniversary dinner. He was warm and knowledgeable about the menu, and took my allergies very seriously. I couldn't have asked for a better meal and service. to top it all off, the staff each signed a card for our anniversary and the host took a Polaroid for us. We really felt like we were taken care of. We can't wait to come back and try their new seasonal dishes. read more

Wow! Unique experience trying some of my favorite comfort Filipinos foods growing up elevated in such a flavorful and creative way! Friendly staff, efficient service, delicious meal, with an organic modern decor and lighting providing a great ambiance. read more

See all

Came for a friends birthday and we ended up doing the tasting / family style menu. It was definitely one of the more creative and fun tasting experience I've had. Each dish was very unique and unlike other Filipino dishes I've had. Some of the plates were definitely better than others but overall, it was a super enjoyable experience and all the dishes had great presentation and looked impressive. They were also great about accommodating our various dietary restrictions and had alternatives ready for each person. read more

See all

What an experience with great tasting and creative dishes. Alongside a great meal and drinks, the service was just awesome. Tony and the rest of the team were super friendly, welcoming, and great to talk to. My favorite dish was the beef curry kulma. It paired very well with the flatbread and the meat was super tender. Another favorite amongst our group was the black cod. I tried the Ongpin Street cocktail. It reminded me a litchi martini. Loved it! They have a nice cocktail menu and a long list of drinks. Thank you to the gentleman that helped us choose our wine bottle choices. Being Filipino, it was definitely interesting to taste flavors we are familiar with but elevated to a fun and appealing dish that packs on the same, and if not more, unique flavors. Thank you, Abaca. read more

See all

We had our Lunar celebration here.... everything is on point... food & service is exceptional. Lve their presentation! The place is a little bit confusing though bec its inside the hotel building, read more

See all

We've been to Abacá a good number of times and we came here this time to celebrate our anniversary. They gave us a lovely card and a Polaroid photo of ourselves which to me was such a nice touch. On to the food (lol!) - highlight of our visit was the Ukoy, Sisig fried rice and Wagyu Wellington. Yuuuum! Our server was awesome! He made us laugh and he was attentive :) read more

See all

Flavorful, punchy and textured. Abaca serves impressive and inventive Filipino food. I had the vegetarian tasting menu, a course chef has prepared for vegetarians (present also is a secret menu). Service was very thoughtful and helpful. The ambience is earthy and elegant. The tasting menu was solid, featuring most of the dishes on the menu and many not. The first 3 out of 4 courses were excellent. The dessert course consisting of ube ice cream, shaved ice, sweet potato, bits of flan, coconut jelly, fresh strawberries, had too much going on. The coconut cream in particular had a jarring taste compared to the rest of the dish. From the menu: 1. Oyster mushroom stick and kabocha fritters were a 5/5. 2. Cauliflower steak - 4.5/5 I haven't enjoyed other preparations of this dish in the past, but I really enjoyed the different cauliflower preparations and the sauce. 3. Salad - 5/5 The mainline through the dishes for me is the elements of texture, sort of pulling you to pay attention because something really cool is happening here. read more

See all

First Course Service started a bit slow, and the food came out late, but they made up for it by giving us a second pour of the mezcal cocktail so we could enjoy it properly with the course. Amuse bouche: Just okay. Chowder: Our favorite dish of the night. Bibingka with caviar: Delicious. Second Course Paired with sake. Lumpia: Served hot. Felt very Vietnamese with the lettuce wrap. Well seasoned. BBQ stick: Cold but still tasty. Loved the crispy chicken skin and the shishito on top. Sinuglaw: Grapes and grape tomatoes were a nice touch. Slight smoke from the grilled pig ears. Good coconut balance and great texture from the grilled ears. Third Course Paired with a red Cabernet from Chile by a Filipino winemaker. Curry: Super tender, though the temperature was lukewarm. Turmeric rice: Great pairing. Fresno chilis and lemongrass added a lot of flavor. Yu choi: Cooked perfectly with a touch of sweetness and umami. Nori added nice texture. Cod: Cooked perfectly--crispy skin, flaky tender fish. Halo-halo: Paired with moscato. Not too sweet. Smoked coconut was interesting; the leche flan was denser than usual. The citrus preserve made it unique, though not your typical halo-halo. Overall: A good deal for SF Restaurant Week at $75 per person for the food and $45 for the drink pairing. I've been to their kamayan pop-up meals before Abaca opened, and the food here was just as good! read more

See all

If you're here, ask for Tony as your server. He is so conversational and thoughtful, and he absolutely made our experience. The food here was EXCELLENT. Flavorful but not too rich. I highly recommend coming here, and I'll be back again and again. read more

See all

Our expectations were high for elevated Filipino food. Yesterday we came for brunch and were sorely disappointed. See pics and captions for opinions. The only good things we ate were the Calamansi Arnold Palmer drink and the longanisa silog. My chicken and waffle and the bibingka waffle also included lavender butter which was not stated on the menu. Personal preference but I can't stand lavender in my food and would have asked to exclude it had I known. What also wasn't clear was that they'd add an automatic 20% tip AND the 5% healthy SF tax. I don't mind the healthy SF at this point but the fact that tip was forced left a bad taste in my mouth, pun intended. We were only a party of 4 so 20% is unreasonable and typically only for large parties. Unfortunately we won't be coming back. This did not do justice to Filipino food and culture at all and I'm not even Filipino! (I married one) read more

ABACÁ - Truffle ensaymada - nice truffle flavor but tasted a day old - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

As a Filipina american I really wanted to love this place. We were a party of two and we ordered the lumpia, sisig, and Wellington. The Wellington came our first, and at a close to room temperature. We did not receive our other dishes until after we finished the Wellington. The Wellington did underwhelm, though the bisteak flavors were there in the sauce and onions. The lumpia flavors were great but the crispy texture paired with the stone fruit texture was odd. The sisig flavors were great but don't expect sizzling. In short the steps of service were off and the food did not seem to come out fresh. Maybe the pubaya is the move! If I go back I will try that option. read more

ABACÁ - Lumpia - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California