Two guests posing on a decorative vintage-style bicycle display inside an upscale tropical-inspired restaurant with playful modern ambiance

Vision

Our Concept pays homage to the Southernmost part of India and the neighboring island of Srilanka. Two countries are separated by the Park Strait, a narrow strait that separates the state of Tamil Nadu in India from the Jaffna district of the island nation of Srilanka. There are huge political and socio-cultural ties between the Southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamilnadu and Sri Lanka. Similarities and differences are to be celebrated and that is what Copra aims to do through its cuisine and design.

Creamy Indian rice pudding dessert garnished with edible flowers in a minimalist presentation

Name

The single most important link in the cuisine of these two seaside nations is the underlying ingredient of Coconut, which is deeply valued in all regions and forms the base of many dishes. COPRA is the dried coconut kernel used to extract coconut oil. Coconut is the cornerstone of Indian and Srilankan coastal cuisine. COPRA encapsulates this union perfectly.

Lush tropical restaurant interior with hanging greenery and elegant modern dining design

Decor

The brainchild of founder Ayesha Thapar and designed by nationally acclaimed Interior Designer Thomas Schoos and Studio Mood's Lisa Gill (Morimoto, Tao, Herringbone, Seasucker), have worked closely to create a visual language that strongly defines the Copra Experience. The idea is to create a tropical feel, a journey into another world, a visual extravaganza of elements that will create a dramatic, sexy, eclectic, and fun vibe. The Decor will be dramatic to match the spectacle of the double height volume, which will feature a wooden greenhouse with macrame, floor-to-ceiling shelves with local artisanal, hand-woven chandeliers, vintage tropical wallpaper, and a host of unique design elements creating a textural paradise. We have created many special moments and areas of visual drama to keep our customers transported through their meals.

Ayesha Thapar

Founder

Ayesha is the founder and creator of Ettan and Copra Restaurant along with Chef/Partner Srijith Gopinathan. Raised in Delhi, Thapar is a Wellesley College graduate in economics ( with a minor in studio art), a scion of the prominent KCT Group (one of India's leading business conglomerates). A consummate project innovator with a successful track record across various industries. Thapar ran Tel3.com, a telecom voice-over IP company based in Miami. She founded Sansaar Fashion, a retail line of semi-precious jewelry, handbags, and scarves which merged the richness of the East with the avant-garde glamour of the West. Later her perseverance resulted in the family company (Indian City Properties) transitioning from passive landowners to developers with a diverse portfolio of high-quality real estate assets.

Despite a focus on business, Thapar has a deep passion for design and the arts, which have become hallmarks of all the restaurant concepts. Ettan, Copra, Little Blue Door, and Eylan are an expression of the diversity, beauty, artistic expression, and depth that is India. Her desire for the world to experience all that India is from her lens was the motivation behind this journey.

Chef Sri

Chef/Owner

Innovator of the Cal-Indian culinary genre and the most decorated Indian chef cooking in the United States today. COPRA is a tribute to Chef Sri's heritage and making. A native of Kerala, he learned to cook in his Grandmother's kitchen which solidified his natural affinity towards spices. COPRA will allow you to experience the flavors from his world, never quite been showcased before, allowing you to have an authentic experience through a unique visual language creating a truly one-of-kind story and restaurant journey. A Progressive take on traditional coastal cuisine, that speaks to both the similarities and distinctions. The highest quality fresh stone ground spices straight from the subcontinent, combined with locally sourced produce and Californian seasonal ingredients, presented with an artistic flair that personifies the Chef Sri food language.

Our Location

Copra

1700 Fillmore StSan Francisco, CA 94115

Get Directions

(415) 873-0795

Monday - Friday:

Saturday - Sunday:

Our Story