Best Californian Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

------ they even have an absinthe list for all the different kinds of absinthe that they sell to diners ! the one i picked had a slight licorice taste . our waiter knew that i would like a slightly less sweet riesling, so he brought a sample for me to try. super service . . .

We were happy with the service, and family members liked the sole and the pork chop and were less impressed with fried oysters and White Sea bass dishes.

Fantastic food and value! And a great way to celebrate my mom’s 60th birthday!

Joyous experience. Our third or fourth time here, fabulous food and service each time. Maz and Jordan are extremely attentive and friendly. The dishes are exquisite and delicious. The Taste of the ocean dish is a must. So good. The menu changes seasonally, with some staples on there year round.

Nopa is a really special place. It does everything SO well. I will start with the food. Their menu stays interesting over time with new dishes regularly introduced with the seasons and what’s seasonally available. The ingredient quality and preparation are really next level and I don’t think there is a single thing on the menu that anyone would not enjoy. The flavor of every dish is always surprising in a wonderful way with interesting combinations and textures. And plating is, of course, just beautiful. And my god, don’t just order one dish per person; share! You will be wowed. Their mainstay burger should not be missed either. If you’re into mixed drinks or wine, again, Nopa is standout. And even if you don’t drink, there are mocktails that I’m confident you’ll enjoy. Next let’s talk about the staff. Nopa has such a special and wonderful culture. Their entire staff is very well versed in the ingredients and preparation of their food. They’re also extremely kind and accommodating. There seems to be a genuine enthusiasm and shared belief that they make great food, and I would agree. They have opinions and can definitely suggest wine and beverage pairings to what you order. They know where ingredients were sourced from. And their attention to detail is also remarkable. I made a note on our reservation that we’d love a table instead of the high table if one came available and true to form, they came through. Someone took time to read the comment I had left! If you have a chance to dine here, take it. Even if you don’t have a reservation, there is a high table and bar area that may be able to accommodate a drop in. It’s a lovely atmosphere and always a joy to be a patron here. Thank you Nopa staff for the unique place you’ve created here.