About
Welcome to Zare Flytrap—a digital homage to one of San Francisco’s most storied culinary landmarks. Our blog is inspired by the historic Fly Trap restaurant, which began in 1883 as Louis’ Fashion Restaurant.
The establishment earned its unique name when patrons noticed flypaper hanging to combat insects from nearby horse-drawn carriages.
In 2008, Chef Hoss Zaré, an immigrant who started at the Fly Trap as a dishwasher in 1988, purchased the restaurant.
He infused the menu with Persian flavors, introducing dishes like Koofteh Tabrizi and Ghelieh Mahi, blending tradition with innovation . After eight years, Zaré passed the torch to bar manager Valen West, ensuring the legacy continued.
Today, Zare Flytrap is a culinary blog celebrating this rich heritage. From timeless recipes to modern twists, we aim to capture the spirit of a place where history and flavor converge.
We share recipes from every corner of the culinary map—from comfort food classics and quick weeknight meals to bold international flavors and fresh takes on timeless dishes.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration, tips, and step-by-step guides to make cooking something you genuinely enjoy.
Zare Flytrap is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a tribute to tradition, creativity, and the idea that good food brings people together, no matter where you are.
The trap may have caught flies in the past… but now, it catches cravings.
About Author
Born in Tabriz, Persia, Chef Hoss Zaré brought his heritage and passion for hospitality to San Francisco in 1986. What began as a way to support his pre-med studies soon became a lifelong culinary journey.
By 1989, he had taken over the kitchen at The Fly Trap—one of San Francisco’s most storied restaurants—earning acclaim for his bold, heartfelt approach to food.
A self-taught chef with a deep respect for French, American, and Mediterranean cuisines, Zaré infused every dish with his Persian roots and an unmatched sense of warmth.
From leading kitchens like Ristorante Ecco and Aromi to opening his own successful ventures—including Zaré and Bistro Zaré—his name became synonymous with soulful, globally inspired cooking.
Today, ZareFlyTrap.com honors his creative spirit and legacy by sharing recipes that reflect the same fusion of tradition, innovation, and heart that made Chef Zaré a beloved figure in the culinary world.