Besharam / બેશરમ
1 An insult, wielded in Gujarati culture to shame women into silence.
2 Shameless. Vulgar. Immodest.
At Besharam, there is no other way to be but bold, vibrant, unapologetic, hungry. We turn shame into flavor, survival into joy, and contradiction into a feast. Feast with us if you are Besharam enough.
About Besharam
Besharam is a regional Gujarati restaurant in San Francisco’s Dogpatch district, co-owned and helmed by Chef Heena Patel. Opened in 2018 within the Minnesota Street Project, Besharam reclaims the word “Besharam” — Gujarati for “shameless” — as a celebration of boldness, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.
The restaurant showcases Heena’s innovative approach to Indian dining, blending the rich traditions of Gujarati vegetarian cuisine with seasonal California ingredients and a fine-dining lens that challenges expectations. Its ever-evolving menus and spice-driven beverage program create an experience that is playful, layered, and deeply personal.
Since its debut, Besharam has been named among the Top 100 Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle, included on Eater SF’s list of the 38 Best Restaurants in San Francisco, and awarded a 9.0 rating by Infatuation SF. More than a restaurant, Besharam is a statement — turning a word of shame into one of joy, survival, and celebration.
Heena Patel
Heena Patel is the Chef and Co-Owner of Besharam, a Gujarati restaurant in San Francisco’s Dogpatch district. A self-taught chef who never attended culinary school, Heena forged an unconventional path into the industry, channeling her heritage and creativity into a cooking style that is fearless, personal, and distinctly Californian.
Since opening Besharam in 2018, she has worked to redefine what Indian dining can look like in the United States — marrying bold Gujarati flavors with seasonal California ingredients, and building menus that are as playful as they are rooted in tradition. Her work has earned acclaim from Eater San Francisco (Restaurant of the Year, 2019), The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the James Beard Foundation.
Beyond the kitchen, Heena serves as a Board Member of La Cocina, the culinary incubator where she first launched her career. In that role, she mentors and uplifts the next generation of women, immigrant, and BIPOC entrepreneurs, furthering her commitment to building an inclusive and innovative food community.
Paresh Patel
Paresh Patel is the Co-Owner, Sommelier, and General Manager of Besharam, where he leads the wine program, bar, and overall operations. Before Besharam, Paresh built three decades of expertise running a fine wine and liquor store in San Rafael, where he cultivated a deep knowledge of wines, spirits, and hospitality. With more than 20 years of experience in wine, he is adept at pairing bold Gujarati flavors with thoughtful selections from around the world. At Besharam, Paresh’s leadership behind the bar and in the dining room creates a welcoming and energizing atmosphere.
HOURS
Monday - Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday - Sunday: 5PM - 9PM
FIND US
1275 Minnesota St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 580-7662
info@besharamsf.com