Copra — Restaurant in San Francisco

Where do I even begin? I really wanted to like this place but alas!

TLDR: I'm so ashamed of this restaurant - its experience and overall food. It doesn't do justice to the Indian food (e.g. the only thing nice about the whole dinner were Papadums and the flan dessert) and I'm immensely sad that this place replaced a much better restaurant like Dosa.

Your reservation system sucks. It took me almost a week to get a reservation. There are no clear instructions and it seems like it is designed to be difficult. Retrospectively, your restaurant's food and experience is not even remotely worthy of going through such a painful process. Let me elaborate on them in the following pointes.

We arrived to your place 15 mins prior to the reservation time (which is normal) and were not seated on our table till the exact time of the reservation. This is again, stupid because you are not a Michelin star restaurant and these antics won't make you one either. The host (a guy) never looked at us - which is again bad as a service provider. It seems like he had 2 girl helpers - one of whom was absolutely clueless and just walking around. I also noticed the host being quite indifferent or rather arrogant to multiple parties - one who had walked in and was trying to get a table and another that was a rather large party of pretty old people. Lest to say, I've seen way better hosts who are way more polite.

Your decoration is an absolute mess. There is a whole section of the restaurant that contains outdoor furniture inside! The chairs look cheap, the wallpapers are garish and there is another partition at the entrance that makes the huge room look small. The restaurant before you (Dosa) made much better use of the space.

The cocktails - garbage. E.g. Kokum and Smoke and Jaggery Sour were so sweet that they were like sugar water. The next set of cocktail - Makrut Whisper was just straight up alchohol and Lemon Chili was just sour and basic. Dosa, again, was waaaayy better with its drinks.

Some of the food fusion didn't quite make sense. E.g. I just don't think serving egg inside Appam is a very good idea. Plus one could barely taste any truffle in it. And as someone who eats less salt, I found it to be much less. So I was like - what was the point of this??

The entrees we ordered - Black Cod and Rabbit - were okay at best. I'm not a great cook but I can and have made much better curry similar to Black code and Rabbit at home. So like what was the point of me even going through all this trouble to come to your place.

I saw people nearby order biryani and it looked pretty sad too. Like the biryani from dosa was so legit that I can't...

Copra is a new restaurant in the heart of San Francisco that is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in the world. It has undoubtedly raised the bar for South Indian cuisine and left an indelible mark on our taste buds and hearts.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were enthralled by the stunning décor. The ambiance was a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional charm, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The attention to detail was clear in every aspect, from the artful lighting to the tasteful use of colors, making it an incredible dining experience.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - the food. Under the culinary genius of Chef Srijith Gopinathan, the menu is an authentic celebration of South Indian flavors and culinary artistry.

The Gunpowder Goli Vadai was a true revelation, with its crispy exterior and the explosion of flavors from the gunpowder seasoning. Equally impressive was the Rasam Poori, a mouthwatering fusion of tangy passion fruit rasam and perfectly cirspy poori that left us craving more.

The Chargrilled Bone Marrow was a revelation! The marrow was tender and succulent, beautifully complemented by the tantalizing blend of spices. The Shrimp Vennai Roast was a burst of flavors in your mouth, and the 90-day marinated pickle was a thrilling accompaniment to the meal, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to preserving traditional tastes.

The highlight of our dining experience was undoubtedly the Masala Dosa. Perfectly crispy on the outside, with a delectable potato filling and an array of chutneys, it was a symphony of tastes that transported us back to the streets of South India.

Our culinary journey was thoughtfully rounded off with the signature South Indian Filter Coffee. Its robust flavor and aromatic richness were the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal.

But our exceptional experience did not end with the food; the service at Copra was top-notch. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine they served. They made sure every aspect of the dining experience was seamless and enjoyable.

Overall, Copra is a true gem in San Francisco's culinary scene. The outstanding decor, the incredible food, and the impeccable service combined to create an extraordinary dining experience. Chef Sri's culinary mastery shines through in every dish, and the restaurant's dedication to preserving South Indian flavors is truly commendable.

Whether you are a die-hard food enthusiast or just looking to savor a remarkable meal, Copra is a must-visit destination. We can't wait to return and relive this culinary adventure...

It's a 4/5 for me with some reservations.

Copra offers a unique dining experience in San Francisco. The stunning decor transports you to a tropical paradise, with dramatic elements like a wooden greenhouse and vintage tropical wallpaper. It's a feast for the eyes, and for a special occasion, the private dining options in the mezzanine are perfect, accommodating intimate gatherings of up to 45 people.

The menu is a love letter to Chef Sri's homeland, Kerala, featuring dishes inspired by street carts, weddings, and even beach shacks. It's a journey through the flavors of Southern India and Sri Lanka, and for the adventurous eater, it's a real treat.

We started with a selection of appetizers. The Mamu Cutlet with lemon raita was a solid choice, offering a comforting familiarity. However, the Gunpowder Goli Vadai was a letdown. The fritters themselves were bland, and unfortunately, the coconut chutney didn't add much needed zip.

Thankfully, things picked up with the mains. The Rasam Poori was a revelation – bursting with flavor and light as air. The passion fruit and mint added a refreshing touch, and I highly recommend trying it. The Thattukada Fried Chicken was another winner. The masala crumbs offered a delightful textural contrast, and the overall spice level was just right.

Our server suggested three appetizers and three entrees for our party of three, but it's worth noting that the portion sizes are on the smaller side. While perfectly adequate, they weren't quite as substantial as we were led to believe.

The Black Cod Polllichathu had potential. The fish itself was cooked beautifully, but the dish lacked flavor even after incorporating the accompanying broth. The Lamb Shoulder Chettinad, however, was a star. The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the Chettinad spices added a depth of flavor that was truly satisfying. It came with kal-dosai, making it a complete and delicious experience.

For dessert, we opted for the Mango + Coastal Halwa. This dish was a bit of a disappointment. The description promised halwa, but the reality was more like shaved ice with some fresh mango chunks. While the mango was undeniably sweet and delicious, the price tag felt excessive for what was essentially an expensive bowl of ice.

Overall, Copra offers a vibrant atmosphere and a unique take on South Indian cuisine. Some dishes hit the mark perfectly, like the Rasam Poori and Lamb Shoulder Chettinad, while others fall a bit short. With a little more consistency in the execution, Copra could be a truly...