Canela Bistro: An Elegant Tapas Spot Steps from Castro's Nightlife 🍤✨

Canela Bistro is a refined gem located just steps away from the vibrant Castro nightlife district. It’s an ideal spot for group dining—they effortlessly accommodated our party of 7! The staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was both romantic and upscale 💖🍷. We ordered 11 different tapas, and not a single one disappointed—each dish was high-quality and bursting with flavor. The standouts were the Gambas al Pimentón (spicy shrimp) and the Pulpo (octopus). In fact, our table loved the Pulpo so much, we ordered a second plate! The octopus was tender and melted in the mouth, served with thin scalloped potatoes that added a delightful touch 🐙🥔. Of course, everyone’s favorite was the seared scallops—each served on a mini slice of bread with saffron aioli and a hint of spicy pepper. The only downside was the price—$8.50 per scallop—but they were so memorable, we all agreed they were worth it 💸👌. Each tapa is available in small or large portions (the large is exactly double the price). Most small plates still offered enough for everyone in our group to have a taste, so I’d recommend ordering the large size only for the most popular items, like the Patatas Bravas 🥘. We celebrated a birthday with the tres leches strawberry bread pudding, and they made sure to bring it out with a candle. Our waitress also brought a "Book of Birthdays" for us to read from—a charming touch that made the evening even more special 🎂📖. Overall, we were thrilled with the entire experience—from the service and the food, down to the thoughtful mini mouthwash dispenser in the restroom (you’ll need it after all that garlic! 😂). We can’t wait to return for more Spanish delights! #CanelaBistro #TapasLovers #CastroEats #RomanticDinner #GroupDining #SpanishCuisine #SpecialOccasion