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10 Best Restaurants in South San Francisco You Need to Try

10 Best Restaurants in South San Francisco You Need to Try
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A vibrant city that boasts a diverse community and rich culture, South San Francisco offers a wide range of culinary delights that cater to every palate. 

Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure, South San Francisco restaurants have something for everyone, from local favorites to international cuisines.

This article enumerates the top dining destinations that make South San Francisco a true food lover’s paradise.

Why South San Francisco is a Food Lover's Paradise

South San Francisco is a great place for food enthusiasts, home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that serve everything from fresh seafood to authentic international flavors. 

The city’s culinary scene reflects influences from various ethnic groups contributing to its unique food offerings. Many of the best restaurants in South San Francisco are family-owned restaurants and hidden gems.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in South San Francisco You Need to Try

1. Ristorante Buon Gusto

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in South San Francisco, Ristorante Buon Gusto serves traditional Southern Italian cuisine and boasts an excellent wine menu and a full bar.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Tortellini Buon Gusto – Beef tortellini with sweet peas, pancetta topped with a cream sauce. Sourdough bread and butter included.
  2. Prawns Carmelo – 8 prawns in piccata sauce. Entree includes creamy polenta or spaghetti and the vegetable(s) of the day. Sourdough bread and butter included.
  3. Cannelloni – Cylindrical egg-based stuffed pasta served baked with filling of beef and ricotta covered with sauce Bolognese and cheese. Sourdough bread and butter included.

📝Reviews:

“This place has been here for over 30 years! And now I understand why! I love the atmosphere and the owner comes out and greets everyone. He even did a magic trick. The food is in a restaurant but it feels like a home cooked meal:) Had the seafood platter with polenta. It was amazing! The grilled calamari steak was the best part of it. Seafood pasta was so light and very delicious! But you have to try the clams! The sauce is soooo good!! Dip some bread in it too! I would highly recommend this Italian restaurant.”

– Obas Media

Restaurant Information:

a white plate topped with pasta and vegetables
Photo by Stefan Schauberger on Unsplash | Source

2. Amoura Restaurant

Amoura is one of the best restaurants South San Francisco serving Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, with influences from across the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Lamb Bolognese – Slow-cooked in tomato sauce, parmesan, olives, and oregano.
  2. Rosemary Chicken – Free range chicken, Swiss chard, preserved lemon, and harissa.
  3. Prawn Kebab – Garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and lemon herb vinaigrette.

📝Reviews:

“This is a tiny gem of the bay area. The food is of the highest quality. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very romantic, so bring a date! I ordered the roasted fish. It honestly exceeded my expectations for what a salmon should taste like. I’d recommend just ordering anything. It will always be good.”

– Alyssa

Restaurant Information:

3. Ben Tre Restaurant

This family-owned and operated restaurant is the best spot to relish on traditional Vietnamese comfort food.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Five Spice Chicken with Garlic Noodle – 5 Spice Chicken marinaded for 48 hours then grilled. Served with garlic noodles.
  2. Pho Ben Tre Dac Biet – A medley of beef brisket, filet, flank cut, tripe, gelatinous tendons,  and meat balls with fresh rice noodle in a 24 hour beef bone broth. 
  3. Bun Rieu – Tomato, pork paste, crab-based broth with Vietnamese ham, light pork meatballs, fried tofu, and crab meat. Served with vermicelli.

📝Reviews:

“If I could give them 10 stars I would! The food was absolutely phenomenal. We started off with Thai iced tea and hot jasmine green tea. The Thai tea was perfectly sweet and balanced. I ordered the rare beef and brisket and the broth was so rich, the meat perfectly tender. All the spices on point. Absolutely hit the spot. The flavors, blew my mind. We also ordered the five spice chicken with white rice. And the flavor pallet on the chicken was perfection. Can’t recommend Ben Tre enough. Go try it! So glad we stumbled across it and they just gained repeat customers.”

– Yekaterina Vronskiy

Restaurant Information:

a plate with hamburger and a cup of chips
Photo by Stu Moffat on Unsplash | Source

4. Flavas Jamaican Grill

Flavas Jamaican Grill offers authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by Chef Leroy with only the freshest ingredients and traditional spices.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Jerk Cheeseburger – Flame broiled 6oz burger topped with spicy jerk sauce and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun.
  2. Jerk New York Steak (8oz) – Grilled choice marinated New York steak served with rice, beans, and plantain.
  3. Braised Oxtail – Slow-cooked with carrots, thyme, and scallions, served with rice and beans, and plantain.

📝Reviews:

“Flavas Jamaican Grill is a true hidden gem in South San Francisco, conveniently located near the airport and hotels. While the restaurant is small, and parking can be a challenge (you might need to park down the street), the food more than makes up for any inconvenience. I highly recommend ordering ahead, especially during the evening, as the space can get crowded with customers and delivery drivers. If you’re dining with a family, the limited seating may not be the most comfortable, but the incredible food makes it worth it.”

– Moath Ibrahim

Restaurant Information:

5. Hula Hoops

Hula Hoops is a tiki-themed restaurant that supports Bay Area sports. Come here for island-inspired dishes from various islands in the Pacific and have a taste of exotic cocktails made with fresh juices and house-made syrups.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Impossible Sisig Tater Tots – Sisig on deep-fried, bite-sized tater tots, served with sriracha mayo and/or garlic aioli sauce.
  2. Ube Chicken Waffle – Ube mochi waffle served with mochiko fried chicken, 2 sunny side eggs, butter, and sides of ube sauce and house-made white gravy.
  3. Sweet Fiesta Spaghetti – Sweet and salty house-made red sauce cooked with tomatoes and hotdogs. Topped with cheese.

📝Reviews:

“Good food options – Filipino and Hawaiian style. Reasonable amount of options for someone who does not eat beef/pork and also has a nut allergy. You can order via QR code or with the waiters. Would recommend getting reservations since the wait can be long.”

– Monica de la Rosa

Restaurant Information:

Wooden plate topped with three tacos and a lime
Photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash | Source

6. Taqueria La Morena

Taqueria La Morena offers an authentic Mexican dining experience with flavorful and mouth-watering food, generous portions, and great service.

Must-Try:

  1. Chile Rellenos – Rice, beans, salsa, and lettuce.
  2. Tamales – Rice, beans, salsa, and lettuce.
  3. Enchiladas – Rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, and cheese.

⭐Must-Try:

“Taqueria La Morena has some of the best Mexican cuisine that I have ever tasted. They had a large vegetarian offering, and the food was fresh and authentic. The prices were cheap, and the service was very quick. Extremely good food that I recommend to everyone!”

– Viyan Patel

📝Reviews:

7. Curry Corner

Curry Corner is a hidden gem for those seeking a delightful gastronomic experience, offering a unique fusion of Indian cuisine and pizza.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Goat Biryani – Stir-fried rice with goat in a blend of biryani spices.
  2. Chicken Tikka Kabab – Boneless marinated chicken cubes cooked in a clay oven.
  3. Coconut Lamb Curry – Lamb cooked in a blend of spices and rich coconut cream.

📝Reviews:

“Been wanting to try this Curry joint in South San Francisco. They are open a little bit later than those places and I wanted to initially try one of their pizzas but we ended up trying their Curry’s and Indian dishes which are absolutely delicious. I was happy to see a Achari Chicken on their menu and it was super flavorful. Their medium heat is not too hot so don’t be afraid to go spicy.”

– Desert Angie

Restaurant Information:

8. Andiamo In Banca

Situated in Downtown South San Francisco, Andiamo In Banca is known for serving authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine menu and a full bar.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Octopus “Pulpo” – Grilled Spanish octopus salad with arugula, red onions, and cannellini beans.
  2. Carpaccio di Manzo – Thinly sliced beef filet marinated with olive oil and lemon. Topped with capers and shaved parmesan cheese.
  3. Pappardelle Pomodoro & Burrata – Flat pasta topped with a tomato, basil, and pomodoro sauce then garnished with burrata.

📝Reviews:

“Every aspect of our dining experience was wonderful. The service was excellent – the staff was friendly, attentive, and quick to offer suggestions. The food was fresh and flavorful; I had the seafood risotto, and it was packed with tender shrimp and scallops. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with a lovely blend of modern and rustic Italian charm. From the candlelit tables to the beautiful artwork on the walls, this restaurant has the perfect setting for a memorable meal. I’ll be back for sure!”

– Cary Lee

Restaurant Information:

9. Hidden Spot - South San Francisco

Popular for its mouth-watering Wagyu burgers and hot sandwiches, Hidden Spot – South San Francisco, is a must-visit for anyone looking for a satisfying culinary experience in a casual setting.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. The Hidden – Wagyu burger with Swiss cheese, grilled pineapples, shredded cabbage, dried chili blend, mayonnaise, and teriyaki glaze.
  2. Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Wings – Topped with sesame seeds.
  3. South – Hot sandwich with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, hidden sauce, and sriracha.

📝Reviews:

“Definitely a hidden gem of South San Francisco.  Tough to find but glad we did. Tried some wings which were pretty good but they’re known for their sandwiches. We tried the Other Guys and The City and were blown away.  Great combination of flavors on each.”

– Jeremy Alfano

Restaurant Information:

bread with red sauce on white ceramic plate
Photo by Ruyan Ayten on Unsplash | Source

10. Taqueria El Farolito

Taqueria El Farolito is the go-to spot for locals craving authentic Mexican fare, serving generous portions of delectable tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

⭐Must-Try:

  1. Super Burrito – Soft flour tortilla prepared with rice, beans, fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, salsa, cheese sour cream, and avocado. Served with any choice of meat or vegetarian.
  2. Tortas – Mexican sandwich on a roll prepared with refried beans, tomato cheese, sour cream, and avocado. Served with any choice of meat or vegetarian.
  3. Quesadilla Suiza – Two soft tortillas, melted cheese, and grilled steak.

📝Reviews:

“Hadn’t been back in years because it’s a long way to travel for me now. I was across town but it’s worth driving past 50 other taco shops. Still the best in SF and serves the enormous Mission District burritos you can’t get anywhere else. Chili Verde is always amazing and their salsa is the best anywhere, both the red and the green.”

– James C

Restaurant Information:

10 Best Restaurants in South San Francisco You Need to Try
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Conclusion

South San Francisco is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of culinary delights. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure, this food lover’s paradise promises to give you an amazing experience.

If you’d like to know more about the area, specifically the real estate properties for sale in South San Francisco, please give us a call today at (650) 629-9898 or send us an email at teamtapper@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitely! Ristorante Buon Gusto and Andiamo In Banca are some of the best restaurants known for serving authentic Italian cuisine in South San Francisco.

Taqueria El Farolito and Taqueria La Morena are some must-try Mexican restaurants in South San Francisco.

Yes, Hula Hoops serves delightful dishes from various islands in Asia.

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