We had an outstanding, unique meal here, in a bustling but friendly setting, with warm & personal service and truly special food. Our waiter was impressively knowledgable about every drink and dish, and helpful in putting together a wide-ranging and special combination of dishes which we shared amongst 4 of us. The chef's family is intimately involved and present, which adds a real "at home" sense, and also makes clear how much they care about our experience. We will definitely return! read more

Super accomodating, Ally is so nice to us and all the servers. Food is amazing. We'll come back next time.

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

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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

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My husband and I went to Abaca for our anniversary dinner! We love Filipino food so was excited to try a high end concept. The ambiance was lovely--loved the plush seating, the stable table, and the skylight and greenery. We were also greeted with a lovely card from the staff congratulating us. We opted to not go with the tasting menu because we really wanted the lobster noodles. We ended up ordering: PICA (snacks): Crispy lamb ribs BBQ STICKS: The intestine one from the secret menu PLATITOS: Delta asparagus ensalada PLATOS: Scallops and pork jowl, Stuffed quail RICE AND NOODLE: Lobster noodles COCKTAILS/MOCKTAILS: The Breakroom Kid, Virgin ube colada DESSERT: Faux calamansi We loved the lobster noodles. I also loved the asparagus salad dish. The crispy lamb ribs were just okay; they told us to sip the tamarind broth as we bit into them, which was a bit strange, and we were left with a lot of leftover broth. I enjoyed the bbq stick from the secret menu, but it was flavored very strongly and didn't let the intestine's natural taste come through. The stuffed quail was nothing to write home about. The scallops were way too salty, and the pork jowl was just okay. My fave dish was the faux calamansi. I thought it was so cute how it looked like an actual calamansi fruit, and the jasmine tea mousse paired perfectly with the calamansi jam and ice cream. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more ice cream on the side. The breakroom kid drink was STRONG. I had a sip of the virgin ube colada and thought that the pineapple was a bit too overpowering. They were both tasty though. Also, they gave us a complimentary dessert too because it was our anniversary, and they took a polaroid of us! It was a very nice touch. However, we both felt that the servers were overly pushy and kept upselling us (like asking us if we're sure we don't want the family-style dinner, and asking if we wanted drinks along with our dessert). It was just a bit... :| read more

Again...is my face on blast at Abaca bc we went tonight and service was still lackluster. Food good. read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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Really enjoyed our meal at Abaca - I would describe it as Filipino-inspired flavors but elevated. Service was excellent - very attentive with keeping our wine glasses full and fast with cocktails made-to-order: the ube colada was a popular option -- did not skimp on the rum!! The location is a bit odd inside of a hotel lobby, almost missed the place if I didn't ask the valet person out front. The Wagyu Wellington and the puff rice quinoa were our favorites - so flavorful, so tender, much better than a regular Wellington The only miss was the cauliflower steak - the stalk was a bit tough and cuts were uneven. The presentation was nice though. Would definitely recommend if you're in town and have the budget for it read more

ABACÁ - Wagyu Wellington - 5/5 - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great food and excellent service! The dishes were unique and delicious, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Definitely a spot worth visiting! read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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I've come to Abaca a few years ago for a work dinner, but we decided to check it out again recently since we were craving some gourmet Filipino food. Great thing about this place is that you cannot go wrong with any of the drinks on the menu. As for the food, we loved the chicken adobo skewers and the crab noodles were also a fun entree to watch them prepare at the table. The sisig fried rice wasn't as good as the last time I came here, but the pork and egg were still delicious! read more

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

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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

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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

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Came here for dinner. I had a chicken skewer, yu choi, and pork belly adobo. The skewer was delicious. Perfectly cooked and I really enjoyed how it was seasoned. The adobo was good, but very, very sweet. I'm definitely glad I had the yu choi to balance it out. A side of rice probably would have been good with it too. And speaking of rice, my wife had the fried rice. She loved it. Overall, I'd give the food 4 or 5 stars. So why am I giving the restaurant just 3? Honestly, I felt like the service was rushed and the waiter wanted to turn the table quickly, which honestly did not make sense to me since the restaurant wasn't especially busy. I usually don't bitch about the service, but this is the type of establishment where I would expect them to not have that kind of attitude. It was quite off-putting honestly. read more

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

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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

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The food was good, but the service could have been better. We were here for brunch. The chicken tocino silog was smoky and delicious, and the sauce was incredible. The stuffed French toast had unique flavors and a fun texture combo. Mouth feel was on point. Only issue with the food was that the hot chocolate was only lukewarm. As far as service goes, water and drinks arrived late--it was clear they forgot. The server also seemed new and unsure about anything about when we asked questions about the menu. read more

ABACÁ - Filipino Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Delicious Filipino food served with finesse. Filipino food for me is either homey, casual, or comfort food, but I've always been wondering when will I ever try the cuisine in a more delicate approach. I'm so glad that longing was answered by Abaca. They served popular Filipino staples and dishes with more refined taste and presentation. We tried the Prix Fixe Brunch Menu with two courses ($55+ per person) plus mimosa. I love the first course of appetizer sampler that includes buttery soft mini pandesal bread with lobster & crab curry dip, pork lumpia, empanadas, mini tempuras, and kinilaw (ceviche). They are served on two layers of bilao tray that gives me tea service vibes. The pandesal is my favorite. I like how they turned the Filipino breakfast bread into this delicate version that's soft to chew and tasty. The dip was a plus. But the pandesal alone is already tasty, it can stand alone without the dip. (So good, we had to order bread to-go on the side.) The lumpia has right balance of flavors and spices used on the meat filling. The wrapper they use is thin and crunchy, and won't poke your mouth in each bite. The light sauce on the plate has the right blend of sweet and tangy. For the second course, we tried the Chickensilog Plate and the Seafood Noodle Soup (Lomi Style). The Lomi Style Noodle Soup is comforting and tasty. The seafood is cooked nicely. The lomi style in general makes the soup thicker, and yet with their version, it still feels light even with the thick texture. They used soba for the noodles. The Chicken Tocino Silog plate raised the Filipino breakfast staple to a higher level. Everything on the plate is flavorful and worked together. The chicken is cured nicely and the tocino style caramelization is not too overpowering. The pickled cucumber on the side is a nice alternative to 'achara'. We tried the bibingka for dessert and they raised the level of this simple rice cake to a more flavorful and finer version. The service is good. They are on top of things and kept our table neat in between courses. They gave us new plates and utensils in each course. Definitely enjoyed the experience. While the price is slightly higher than the average, the quality and taste justified it. If I would ask friends to try Filipino dishes, I would certainly recommend them here (already did!). read more

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Abacá continues to impress me every single time I visit. It truly never disappoints! I've been here a few times now, and what keeps me coming back is their creative, seasonal menu that brings a modern twist to beloved Filipino flavors. It's exciting to see how they reinvent classics while still honoring their roots. This time, we were seated outdoors, and even though it was a chilly SF evening, the staff made sure we were cozy with heat lamps and blankets--such a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the warm hospitality throughout our meal. We started with Lola's Pork Lumpia, which was beautifully crisp and packed with flavor, followed by Thin Cut Pork Skewers with banana BBQ sauce and atchara, and Chicken Adobo Skewers topped with chicken skin and green garlic--each one packed a flavorful punch. The Chicken Liver Mousse with warm pandesal and cherry marmalade was both nostalgic and indulgent. That pandesal took me straight back to childhood--soft, warm, and comforting. For mains, we had the Black Cod with mung bean, lobster mushroom, and kalabasa, and the Sakura Farms Pork Chop. Both dishes were stunning--savory, sweet, and unmistakably Filipino, but with a refined twist. We also shared the Sisig Pork Fried Rice, which was hearty, rich, and had perfectly fluffy rice. Dessert was a showstopper...the Faux Calamansi! It looked like an actual calamansi, tasted just like it too, and came with a delicate jasmine tea mousse and a touch of extra virgin olive oil. Light, creative, and such a refreshing end to an already stellar meal. I love that their ingredients are sourced locally from farms around the Bay Area, which makes the whole experience feel even more thoughtful and grounded. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, offering excellent recommendations and genuinely kind service that made us feel right at home. The space itself is modern, clean, and relaxing, adding to the overall beautiful experience. Abacá is a perfect blend of heritage and innovation, and I can't recommend it enough. I'll definitely be back again (and again) to explore their ever-changing seasonal menus! read more

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I went on a double date here, and wow, this place was amazing! I'm not a huge Filipino food fan, but I really enjoyed how they mixed modern touches with traditional dishes. Our server initially suggested the Paubaya, which is a family-style dish (around $85 per person), but we decided to pick and choose our own. We kicked things off with Chicken Liver Mousse, served with Pandesal bread that was super hot (but wait a few minutes before you touch it!). It was a fantastic combination! Next, we had Lola's pork lumpia, which was perfectly salted with a hint of sweetness, wrapped in a lettuce wrap. Then, we had chicken adobo and BBQ pork. The chicken adobo with the chicken skin and green onions was so flavorful that I wanted more! Honestly, eating this and BBQ pork was the best combo ever--the sweetness balanced the savory taste perfectly. We then shared two entrees: Black Cod and Sakura Farms Pork Chop with Sisiq Fried Rice. The black cod was tasty with wild mushrooms and mung beans. It wasn't mind-blowing, but I still recommend trying it--I'd give it an 8/10. The pork chop was the real star of the meal for me. It was so tender and packed with sweetness from the quince. Filipino cuisine really knows how to do their sweet pork! My only complaint is that we didn't order another plate! The Sisiq fried rice was our last entree, and it didn't disappoint either! The rice had a tangy calamansi flavor, sweetness from green onions and other veggies, and a little bit of spice. Lastly, we had the Faux Calamansi, which was an explosion of citrus (it was very tangy) but paired with jasmine tea mousse. The olive oil gave it that extra kick. I didn't leave with a huge belly (more like 85% full), but that was just fine with us since we didn't want to be too stuffed at the end. Overall, including a couple of drinks, the total came to about $360 (gratuity already included). If you're really hungry, like the server suggested, you might want to try the Paubaya. But if you're just looking for 5-7 dishes, going à la carte would be a great option. Just a heads-up: the service here was absolutely perfect! Every staff member was so kind and attentive to our needs. So, if you're looking to treat yourself and want to try some modern Filipino cuisine, this is definitely the place for you. I'd give it a 4-4.5 out of 5. I just wish the appetizers were a bit bigger, but the entrees were just right for the four of us. Plus, the server mentioned they change their menu seasonally, so it could be completely different when you visit! read more

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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

A+ service, they gave a free birthday dessert, card, and Polaroid! Tony the server will patiently explain the entire menu to you! They seem to be more genuinely friendly and hospitable. Salad was good. Also the sticky rice dessert, and Ube Colada read more