Here's where Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke and Cory Booker were spotted eating in SF

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts stepped into the kitchen at Ayala restaurant in San Francisco during the 2019 California Democrat Convention. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts stepped into the kitchen at Ayala restaurant in San Francisco during the 2019 California Democrat Convention. Photo: Courtesy Ayala Photo: Courtesy Ayala Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Here's where Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke and Cory Booker were spotted eating in SF 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

Fifteen of the seemingly infinite established Democratic candidates were in town for the 2019 California Democrat Convention this past weekend, and three of the most prominent — Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Congressman Beto O'Rourke or Sen. Cory Booker — were spotted at local dining spots in San Francisco.

Warren, the U.S. senator from Massachusetts, made a statement eating at woman-led Ayala in Union Square's Hotel G.

Executive chef Melissa Perfit, who made a name for herself as a "cheftestant" on "Top Chef," oversees the menu with a seafood focus.

Ayala General Manager Alexandra Loulias says Warren's assistant showed up first and said a VIP was coming to dinner and needed a table for three people for an hour.

"We gave her our private dining room table and they ended up staying for more than two hours," Loulias says. "She was absolutely wonderful and came into our kitchen. So complimentary of our staff. She took individual photos with everyone. Just the nicest lady."

The group started with oysters, and Sen. Warren had the English pea ravioli for her entree paired with a Stirm Riesling. They all shared the asparagus, crispy fingerling potatoes, and baby artichokes

Loulias said the meal ended with ice cream sandwiches that come wrapped in paper with a star marked on each.

"We gave her one with a big blue sticker and she loved that," she said.

ALSO: 15 presidential candidates are descending on San Francisco this weekend: Here's what we know

Texas presidential hopeful O'Rourke also conveyed a message with his choice and dined out in the Mission District at Manny's, a restaurant, political book shop and civic events space rolled into one. Ever since opening in 2018 on election night, the 16th Street spot known for its fresh salads has become a hot spot for political conversation.

"I love Manny's," O'Rourke said in a plug for the restaurant at the dinner event. "This is all about making sure our democracy works. That people are civically engaged. That we're united despite any differences there are between us. The energy, the fun, the love that was in this room right now inspires me and drives me in this campaign we're running for the country. Manny's is an example that the rest of the country should follow."

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey also appeared to be in the Mission District as a Twitter user took a photo of him at the popular Mexican vegan eatery Gracias Madre. (The restaurant said they couldn't comment on Booker's visit.)

"Had to post this super exciting moment when we met @CoryBooker in the Mission!" New Yorker Joy Karley tweeted.

Amy Graff is a producer for SF Gate. Email: amy.graff@sfgate.com