15 Best Filipino Restaurants in San Francisco, CA for 2024
If you are searching for the top-rated Filipino restaurants San Francisco has to offer, we've got you covered. From small, casual spots to more elegant fine-dining experiences, you can find a wide range of highly recommended places that serve sweet, salty, sour, tangy and umami delights.
Has this piqued your curiosity about the hype surrounding Filipino food in San Francisco? If so, there is a wealth of Filipino restaurants in San Francisco waiting to welcome you and your loved ones in for mouth-watering meals and atmospheres that will make you want to stay forever. This list covers it all. Keep reading to discover where to dine when you are ready to try the exotic and wonderful dishes of the Philippines.
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Find the Best Filipino Food in San Francisco
San Francisco is a foodie’s paradise, meaning there are many amazing restaurants worth trying. However, we understand that knowing which ones to sample and narrowing down your list can sometimes feel complicated or a little overwhelming.
Simplify the process of finding the best Filipino restaurants by joining food tours in San Francisco. A knowledgeable guide will be your host as you seek out the most renowned Filipino restaurants in San Francisco, amongst other hidden gems. You'll explore the streets of the Golden Gate City, learn some interesting facts and tempt your tastebuds with delicious Filipino foods.
15 Top Filipino Restaurants in San Francisco
1. ABACÁ
Tucked away in a quaint corner, ABACÁ offers a unique culinary experience to be cherished. Here, you'll be treated to some of the best San Francisco food centered around the versatile abacá plant. The décor in this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco reflects a fusion of modern and rustic elements, with earthy tones and botanical accents creating an inviting atmosphere.
The Vibe
The vibe at ABACÁ is one of conviviality and warmth, where guests feel immediately at home. Whether it's a casual gathering with friends or an intimate dinner for two, the ambiance at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco encourages relaxation and enjoyment. Soft lighting casts a gentle glow over the space, while the lively chatter of diners adds to the welcoming ambiance.
What to Order
Start your journey exploring Filipino food in San Francisco with the abaca fritters — crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a tangy dipping sauce. For the main course, savor the abacá-crusted salmon, perfectly seared and accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
ABACÁ | 2700 Jones St., San Francisco, CA 94133 | $$$
2. Alnico
If finding the perfect brunch destination is on your list of things to do in San Francisco, we've got just the spot for you. Pay a visit to Alnico — an establishment that stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering patrons a farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of locally sourced ingredients melded into one of the finest menus to be found in any Filipino restaurant in San Francisco.
The Vibe
The welcoming ambiance at this unique Filipino restaurant in San Francisco offers understated luxury. The soft ambient lighting and comfortable furnishings create a family-friendly setting that is perfect for an intimate dinner or larger gathering. Whether seated near the open and airy windows or at a comfortable table in the center of the dining room, diners are treated to friendly service and attention to detail.
What to Order
Begin with the seared scallops, delicately caramelized and served with a citrus-infused sauce. For the main course, indulge in the braised short ribs, succulent and tender, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Finish on a sweet note with the chocolate hazelnut tart.
Alnico | 1050 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$
3. JT Restaurant
Great food, a casual atmosphere and a reputation of excellence that many locals have known about for decades — you'll find all of this and more at JT Restaurant. This culinary gem is renowned for its fusion of flavors from the Philippines with innovative twists.
The Vibe
This quaint Filipino restaurant in San Francisco makes you feel like you are at grandma’s house. It can get slightly loud and crowded at times, but plants and greenery liven the mood. It's the perfect place to bring the family for an amazing and affordable night out.
What to Order
Try the chicken adobo or the tender beef stew. The fried bangus is also amazing and cooked to perfection. Servings are generous and ideal for sharing.
JT Restaurant | 953 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | $
4. Irma’s Pampanga Restaurant
The Filipino restaurant in San Francisco to head to for comfort food, next on our list is Irma’s Pampanga Restaurant. Established in 1990 in the heart of the Mission District, this establishment serves traditional food from the Pampanga region at affordable prices.
The Vibe
This is a basic restaurant with simple booths and bright lighting. The red accents keep everything colorful, and it's a spotless establishment that's ideal for casual weekend lunches or dinner with the family.
What to Order
This Filipino restaurant in San Francisco has some of the best lumpia in the city — meaty with a welcome crunch. The caramelized and sugared turon is also amazing, and a bargain at only one dollar.
Irma’s Pampanga Restaurant | 2901 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | $
5. Chibog
For homemade-style food, just like mama makes it, visit Chibog. This Filipino restaurant in San Francisco serves modern food that is freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The reputation is well-established as this restaurant has been featured as one of the top restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Chronicle.
The Vibe
The restaurant is on the smaller side with about eight mix-and-match tables. Towards the back is a long counter with a register for takeout. Everything about this place feels casual and family friendly.
What to Order
The sizzling sisig is a memorable pork dish with a beautiful fried egg on top. This Filipino restaurant in San Francisco’s chicken adobo has an amazing sauce and is also worth trying. Finish with the halo-halo, a tropical melody of shaved ice that will definitely tempt your tastebuds!
Chibog | 2055 Gellert Blvd. #5, Daly City, CA 94015 | $$
6. Kuboba Spot
Established in 2022, Kuboba Spot has quickly earned a reputation as a fun spot to visit for boba tea and Filipino-inspired empanadas. Its menu offerings are affordable and baked fresh daily, making this the ideal Filipino restaurant in San Francisco to visit for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends.
The Vibe
This is a fun spot to visit with tiki-inspired decorations and a lively atmosphere. The service at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco is quick and friendly, and simple table seating can be found throughout the restaurant.
What to Order
Try the chicken adobo empanadas with spicy chili oil for that extra kick and a flaky outer dough. It is the perfect option for dining in or on the go. Pair it with the blended taro swirled milk and end your meal at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco with a sweet and creamy mango cheesecake empanada.
Kuboba Spot | 2618 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 | $
7. Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine
When it's time to head to the airport and leave town, be it for business or pleasure, Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine is the place to try. Located in the San Francisco International Airport, this is the first Filipino restaurant in San Francisco, or indeed anywhere in the United States, to be located inside an airport. It is vegan-friendly, casual and fast.
The Vibe
Clean, friendly and well-situated as a fast food Filipino restaurant in San Francisco for busy travelers. This restaurant offers counter and table service, so it's ideal whether you're rushing to catch your plane or waiting through a delay.
What to Order
The vegan tocino and spam are tasty and have a good balance of flavors. Pair this dish with the fragrant garlic rice.
Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine | San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1, Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Gate B18, San Francisco, CA 94128 | $$
8. Turo Café and Grill
Specializing in home-style food, Turo Café and Grill is a Filipino restaurant in San Francisco where you can enjoy quick service and an affordable meal. The menu rotates daily depending on the availability of local ingredients, but certain staple dishes remain steady.
The Vibe
Food is served buffet style at this casual Filipino restaurant in San Francisco. Sit at simple wooden tables adorned with white tablecloths and enjoy the lively atmosphere enhanced by the brightly painted walls and large windows.
What to Order
Try the tender chicken adobo or the fall-off-the-bone barbeque chicken. Vegetarians will love the fresh lain or eggplant-based pinakbet at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco. The caramelized turon made with fresh bananas is exceptional for dessert.
Turo Café and Grill | 2275 San Jose Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112 | $$
9. Ox & Tiger
Chef Hitomi, Chef EJ and official taste tester pup Bennett bring you Ox & Tiger, a fusion Japanese and Filipino restaurant in San Francisco. This establishment is known for serving incredible food with stories behind every dish.
The Vibe
The vibe at Ox & Tiger is vibrant and eclectic, reflecting the dynamic energy of San Francisco's bustling dining scene. The sleek and stylish interior, adorned with chic furnishings, sets the stage for a memorable, intimate and upscale culinary journey. Plan to interact with the other guests and your chefs at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco. The eight-seat counter space means seating is limited, so reservations are required.
What to Order
This Japanese and Filipino restaurant in San Francisco offers a four-course tasting menu with an option to add alcohol. Its selection each night is limited, but the dishes are ever-changing, and everything served is divine.
Ox & Tiger | 552 Jones St., San Francisco, CA 94102 | $$$$
10. 7 Mile House
Established in 1858, 7 Mile House is a historic American and Filipino restaurant in San Francisco with an inviting outdoor seating area. It offers a unique blend of homestyle food and international flavor, and the building has an interesting history as a stagecoach stop and infamous sports gambling site that dates back to the 1800s.
The Vibe
This is a relaxed sports bar. While there is seating at the bar itself and limited seating inside, the majority of the seating can be found outside on the covered patio. You will find plenty of televisions for watching sports. Plus, this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco allowsy you to bring your pup. There's even a separate dog menu.
What to Order
Try the juicy and fresh chicken arroz caldo or the deep-fried pork chops at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco. The mango margarita is generously sized and probably the restaurant's most famous cocktail. There are plenty of fun Filipino items on the menu too, including sisig, New York steak salpicao and ube cheesecake for dessert.
7 Mile House | 2800 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, CA 94005 | $$
11. Kusina Ni Tess
For those craving authentic Filipino comfort food served straight from the heart of San Francisco, Kusina Ni Tess is the ultimate destination. Renowned for its warm and welcoming service, this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco ensures every diner feels like family from the moment they step through the door.
The Vibe
The space is simple, comfortable and family-friendly. Expect counter service as you view your food through a glass case while the friendly staff at this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco serves you. Nothing on the menu is too expensive, making this the perfect spot for a casual lunch.
What to Order
This casual Filipino restaurant in San Francisco is known for serving traditional food with a homey touch. It specializes in all-day breakfast silogs which feature a delightful combination of meat, egg and garlic rice — definitely a dish worth trying.
Kusina Ni Tess | 237 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94102 | $
12. Señor Sisig
Señor Sisig has made a significant mark in the Mexican-Filipino-American food landscape. Chiefly recognized for its fleet of immensely popular food trucks, with the more recent addition of its brick-and-mortar establishment, this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco has become synonymous with innovation.
The Vibe
Well-covered patio seating creates a friendly and casual vibe that is perfect for those warm summer evenings. Inside, you'll find this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco is clean, colorful and casual.
What to Order
The California sisig burrito is generously portioned and filled with perfectly seasoned meat. There are several options to choose from, but the pork is tender and juicy. The house-made hot sauces, such as the smoked chipotle lemon aioli and the cilantro mayo sauce, pair well with every burrito.
Señor Sisig | 990 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$
13. Super Star
Super Star, a humble Chinese-Filipino restaurant in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood, has gained renown for its unbeatable affordability. Offering generously portioned garlic rice plates complete with a fried egg and your preferred protein, the prices are budget-friendly, often ringing up to just over the five-dollar mark.
The Vibe
This popular Filipino restaurant in San Francisco offers counter service, a takeout menu and simple dining room tables for eating in. It is a no-frills establishment, well worth visiting for its low prices, quick service and family-friendly atmosphere. Come with your pocketbook, though, as it is cash only.
What to Order
Try the pork chop plate with a crunchy coating atop fresh pork paired with garlic rice and tomato. The fried chicken is also delicious but get there early to order it, as it often runs out.
Super Star | 4919 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94112 | $
14. Tselogs
For a Filipino restaurant in San Francisco with a robust menu and an awesome atmosphere, try Tselogs. The portions are generous, and the friendly staff is always pleased to welcome guests in introduce them to the flavors of the Phillippines.
The Vibe
The interior is colorful and beautiful, making this Filipino restaurant in San Francisco an enjoyable place to dine. There is ample lighting to keep the space bright and plenty of greenery throughout.
What to Order
Start with the crunchy sisig fries topped with fried garlic. For your main course, enjoy the creamy kare kare with peanut essence. The pies are baked fresh daily and are always delicious.
Tselogs | 6860 Mission St., Daly City, CA 94014 | $$
15. Uncle Tito
Meet Tito — everyone's favorite uncle. Those who have been to the charismatic Uncle Tito will know that this proudly Filipino restaurant embraces the culture wholly through its delicious cuisine, décor and values, truly making it one of the best Filipino restaurants In San Francisco.
The Vibe
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere paying homage to the owners' family heritage, you'll instantly feel right at home. A large, open space decorated with a wooden ceiling, chairs and tables adds to the inviting charm, ensuring that any occasion or celebration can be thoroughly enjoyed.
What to Order
If you're in the mood for something spicy, go for the calamansi pepper wings. There's also a vast selection of burgers, rice bowls and sweet treats to choose from, among many other must-try Filipino dishes.
Uncle Tito | 90 Charter Oak Ave., San Francisco, CA 94124 | $$
From sit-down restaurants to fixed-menu gourmet delights, there are so many fantastic choices for Filipino restaurants in San Francisco. Whether you're already an expert on Filipino food or are new to its international culinary delights, add a few of these stops to your restaurant routine; they just might become your new favorites.
For even more ways to explore San Francisco and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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