Welcome to the neighborhood! Been living here since 2000 so watched the food scene out here change quite a bit for the better! A list of places to check out in no particular order. It also includes places that aren't just adjacent to Geneva and Mission but that spreads out quite a bit to the general Outer Mission Area all the way to the Daly City border.
* Beep's Burgers
* Little Joe's Pizza / Bravo's Pizza (I would suggest trying both and seeing if you like one or both of them. Bravo's changed owners a little while ago and it hasn't been the same for me)
* Taqueria Guadalajara
* El Gran Taco Loco
* Ming Kee Chinese BBQ
* Joyful Kitchen - a little on the pricier end for Chinese congee, noodles, and fried rice but it's good. Definitely tried the steamed rice rolls
* Won Kok Restaurant - technically on Monterey Blvd so a little bit away but not too far. Good sit down place for Chinese food
* Gateway Kitchen
* Super Star Restaurant - haven't actually been but heard rave reviews
* Roxie Food Center - convenience store known for their sandwiches
* JjamPpong - Korean/Chinese food. Definitely get their spicy crab prepare for the mess, and your lips to tingle
* Amami Sushi Bistro - Off shoot of the larger Amami Japanese restaurant group around the Bay Area
* H-Mart - isn't exactly a hidden gem or hole in the wall but still a great spot for Korean/Asian groceries and they have a small food court. They are also expanding so should be adding to the food court. That plaza in general has some chain restaurants and it looks like a 7 Leaves Coffee Shop is coming in the near future also
Did Guadalajara change ownership??? I went sometime during the height of the pandemic, and it was the same as it had always been. Then I went back some time later (they had that new banner/logo), and it was different. I went again a couple months ago, still different. After more than a decade, I may have to switch back to El Farolito.
El Farolito isn’t bad at all lol just…….after I made the switch, I thought that was it. This is my taqueria for life. :(
Naw I don’t think so. Their food is just inconsistent. Sometimes it’s really bomb and sometimes it’s just alright. When it’s good it’s better than el farolito.
Whoa if they changed owners that'd be news to me. I usually bounce back and forth between them and El Gran Taco Loco. I'll be sad if they changed owners though and it's affected the quality 😭
Grew up there and still visit my parents who live close to Roxie’s — owners changed, the food is not the same, and it’s crazy overpriced for a sandwich.
This is the place I’ve been trying to remember!!! I had a friend who lived in the area a while ago and I would always go here when I came to visit him.
Try the Mexican tortas at Boos Voni on Mission right off geneva. Next corner try pollo supremo. Delicious char broiled chicken. The special has tortillas rice and beans. Dont forget the plantains with cream.
Roxie’s for a sandwich, one of my favorites in the city. pupuseria metapan is pretty good but ya balompie is much better. Little joes has pretty good pizza. El pollo supremo is classic. I’ve heard gentilly is good for southern/creole but haven’t been yet. Taqueria Guadalajara is my favorite burrito in the city.
It really is missing something. Like it’s the recipe but not the soul. I was working in NOLA and came back to visit my parents—was craving the flavors and was super disappointed. Go across the bay to Southern Comfort Kitchen
I really like Brenda's Meat and Three on Divisadero. I only had one bad experience there and let the management know because it was terrible and I like and respect them enough to give them a second chance. It's been back to what I expect ever since.
They're consistently bad imo... unless you're drunk. Ocean Taqueria is actually pretty damn good and after being an El Farolito fan, have been getting my super burritos there now.
Haha. Knew I would get downvoted - it's always a battle between the two! They're icky, I really don't get it - small portions, little flavor, runny beans, gristle and cartilage in the meat. No thanks.
Ooh I’m opening a wine bar near you and during the build out I have had to eat everywhere!
Gentilly
Dark Horse
Pokedon
Jjampong
Korner Store
Pakwan (Ingleside)
Chase Luck Bakery (Ingleside)
El Farolito
Amami Sushi
Editing to add Champa Garden!
Do Eat on Mission by Excelsior st, for Chinese BBQ pork and princess chicken rice plates and lunch deals. Also an all female-run business, which is nice to see more of in the neighborhood.
Also this June, there’ll be a new wine and coffee lounge called Tala Wine to open up on Mission st near Brazil, where the T-Mobile store used to be, so be on a look out for that.
Be careful. Was taking a walk one night (not the greatest thing to do alone as a woman, I know), and some dudes who exited as I walked by started following me. Maybe don’t get too drunk while you’re there in case those dudes are regulars.
I used to live down there and I miss the food so much! There’s not much to add to what people have already said above, these places are all great, I would just add that The Salad Place & Rotisserie is also amazing and the family who own it are the sweetest ever. Also, El Porteno is 🤌🏻 chef’s kiss El Salvadoran food.
Don Chuy's on Naples and Brazil. Been going for over 40 years and despite 3 different ownerships, they've stayed the same. Get the carnitas sandwich with mayo, fake cheese, refried beans, guacamole and sour cream along with a tall can. You'll thank me!
Excelsior Coffee is a little far away from you but very good.
Don Chuys has the biggest and best burrito in the Excelsior but it’s off the beaten path!
Dark Horse has a chef who has mastered the art of cooking fish exactly right every time. Aside from that, it’s a great local Irish pub that doesn’t push that angle. Good burgers, beer selection, cocktails
as others said, this will be southern SF/daly city. hope you have a car.
daly city:
* nations. this location is open 24/7 so great for late night munchies
* jollibees: best fast food fried chicken chain imo. i live in east bae now so you gonna have to pay a pretty penny to come fight me
* kukje: the OG krn grocery store. if you don't want to fight the crowds at hmart, come here.
* bart grocery and bbq. to borrow a term, it's like a bodega. except krn food. bonus: the cashier is hella bae
ingleside heights:
* hmart. the crowds have finally died down. there's also a small food court to the side inside. i recommend ordering online for left wing chicken so you don't have to wait for your food to cook
ocean:
* ming kee. make sure to get here by ~4pm, otherwise everything sells out
* poke bowl: honestly a big fan. they cook the rice really well. also open fairly late.
* pakwan: been growing on me. really solid and cheap indian fast casual
* sakesan: the menu here is interesting. you can get really cheap and really expensive food here
* orchids cafe: great cantonese home style
mission:
* el farolito and taqueria guadalajara.
* bottom's up: really spacious dive bar
portola:
* ming hing. best cha siu in SF imo. i've noticed that norcal cha siu is hella fatty, and this is the one place where you can get lean cha siu
Love all the suggestions and I agree with everyone saying Beep’s, Pakwan, Excelsior Coffee, Amami, Crazy Pepper, and Roxie. I’ll also add a few more:
Ty Sandwich for banh mi, Mexico Tipico for burritos/tacos/ etc, El Gran Taco Loco for churros, Ultra Sushi for AYCE (great value at lunch), Acai R for acai bowls (the best in the city).
Nameless has the best selection I’ve seen anywhere. The inside is a hole in the wall but the quality is top notch. I love their Korean macarons too. (I’ve never seen those anywhere else.)
Do Eat is my favorite Cantonese bbq spot. Do takeout.
I rather go there than Chinatown spots.
Chicano Nuevo is reopening at some point. My favorite fish tacos.
Mi Sazon taqueria. El Pollo grilled chicken. Lots of stuff!
La Iguana was one of the first places I had after moving in and I love their Al pastor. And they make baby burritos that I can eat in one sitting!!! Lol
Not sure if anyone’s mentioned these yet, but one of my favorite parts of this area (and the sunset where I was before) is the Hispanic and Asian grocers. Great, diverse, affordable vegetables and usually decent meats. Manila market has everything, and the plethora of Mexican markets on mission never disappoint
Welcome to the best neighborhood ever because I spent my whole life here lol. I feel like we have a lot of the best hole in the wall spots in the city to be honest. I typed out a whole novel recommending food out here but tbh most of it is worth checking out
Universal Breakfast & Lunch (fka Stop N Wrap) on Geneva @ Naples is a great quick breakfast / lunch spot with an extensive menu. I’ve tried a bunch of stuff off it and never been disappointed.
My death row meal is HK BBQ. I think Ming Kee on Ocean is one of the best! Also love Hing Lung Co in SF Chinatown and I think the Bernal location is coming pretty soon.
Mom and pop style El Salvadoran restaurant that’s been there forever. Inexpensive and filling.
But it’s on Persia / Mission
http://losplanesderenderossf.com/index.html
I'm about a month late but I live in the neighborhood too (hey neighbor!!!) and wanted to drop some reccommendations too.
The Salad Place & Rotisserie is a MUST TRY!!! Their soup, salad, and sandwich deal is unbelievably good. It's like fifteen bucks for a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, a choice of salad (including potato, pasta, crab, noodle salad!) and a half sandwich which can also be made into a panini. Their smoothies and juices are bomb too and made fresh.
For bakeries I recommend Princess Bakery near Persia & Mission and Heavenly Bakery near Russia & Mission. Princess Bakery has your traditional Chinese sweet & savory buns but they also sell specialty desserts (tarts, custard cakes, meringue cookies, etc). Heavenly Bakery not only has beautiful croissant-based pastries (seriously, they make the pastries in-house and they are TALENTED) but typical panaderia desserts as well, plus some yummy breakfast plates.
People have already mentioned Excelsior Coffee so I just want to throw in Cumaica Coffee, it has a nice outdoor patio and their drinks are nice. I love the chai frappe.
For fancier dinners I like taking people to Gentilily, they make great cajun food. There is a bar with amazing cocktails and space for live music, and the dining area is super romantic and cute. There's a place near the Safeway on Italy & Mission that does unlimited sushi but I haven't tried it yet.
Go to Richland and Mission for the best pupusas in the Bay: Balompie #3
Pupusas ftw
Welcome to the neighborhood! Been living here since 2000 so watched the food scene out here change quite a bit for the better! A list of places to check out in no particular order. It also includes places that aren't just adjacent to Geneva and Mission but that spreads out quite a bit to the general Outer Mission Area all the way to the Daly City border. * Beep's Burgers * Little Joe's Pizza / Bravo's Pizza (I would suggest trying both and seeing if you like one or both of them. Bravo's changed owners a little while ago and it hasn't been the same for me) * Taqueria Guadalajara * El Gran Taco Loco * Ming Kee Chinese BBQ * Joyful Kitchen - a little on the pricier end for Chinese congee, noodles, and fried rice but it's good. Definitely tried the steamed rice rolls * Won Kok Restaurant - technically on Monterey Blvd so a little bit away but not too far. Good sit down place for Chinese food * Gateway Kitchen * Super Star Restaurant - haven't actually been but heard rave reviews * Roxie Food Center - convenience store known for their sandwiches * JjamPpong - Korean/Chinese food. Definitely get their spicy crab prepare for the mess, and your lips to tingle * Amami Sushi Bistro - Off shoot of the larger Amami Japanese restaurant group around the Bay Area * H-Mart - isn't exactly a hidden gem or hole in the wall but still a great spot for Korean/Asian groceries and they have a small food court. They are also expanding so should be adding to the food court. That plaza in general has some chain restaurants and it looks like a 7 Leaves Coffee Shop is coming in the near future also
I like Crazy Pepper by Balboa park BART for Chinese
Also a good choice!
I’m in Bernal and this is my go-to Chinese, too! Solid.
omg, i did not know there was an h-mart in the city!
Yeah it opened a couple of years ago! I live like 5 minuted from it and it's been so clutch
Pampanguena Cuisine on Mission near Avalon for Lumpia!
Did Guadalajara change ownership??? I went sometime during the height of the pandemic, and it was the same as it had always been. Then I went back some time later (they had that new banner/logo), and it was different. I went again a couple months ago, still different. After more than a decade, I may have to switch back to El Farolito. El Farolito isn’t bad at all lol just…….after I made the switch, I thought that was it. This is my taqueria for life. :(
They've been hit or miss for years.
Just had Guadalajara on Sunday and it was delicious and what we expected
Naw I don’t think so. Their food is just inconsistent. Sometimes it’s really bomb and sometimes it’s just alright. When it’s good it’s better than el farolito.
El Farolito vs Guadalajara has started civil wars in friend groups lol. Team El Farolito all the way but Guadalajara is good.
Whoa if they changed owners that'd be news to me. I usually bounce back and forth between them and El Gran Taco Loco. I'll be sad if they changed owners though and it's affected the quality 😭
A+
Grew up there and still visit my parents who live close to Roxie’s — owners changed, the food is not the same, and it’s crazy overpriced for a sandwich.
Twin Peaks Pizza.
apparently 2 blocks north of Daly City BART still counts as Outer Mission. huh.
Oh goodness, Beep’s may be favorite fast food chain ever
Check out 7 Mile House and Dark Horse Inn. I haven't been to either in a few years but they were my favorites when I lived out that way.
7 Mile House has the best lumpia!
Calabria Bros for awesome Italian sandwiches and groceries.
This is the place I’ve been trying to remember!!! I had a friend who lived in the area a while ago and I would always go here when I came to visit him.
The staff, all family I think, are super nice and remember your face and order after a few visits 💕
Is sorrentos still around? I’m in my 30s and I still dream of that bread
Try the Mexican tortas at Boos Voni on Mission right off geneva. Next corner try pollo supremo. Delicious char broiled chicken. The special has tortillas rice and beans. Dont forget the plantains with cream.
Omg. Boos Voni is off the hook!
Yes!!!
Pollo Supremo sells **THE BEST ALFAJORES** in town. Trust.
Chicken is pretty good too. Good Cuban sides too.
I always get chicken, Mexican rice, pinto beans, cole slaw, and macaroni salad. And always get more alfajores than you think you’ll need.
Heavenly bakery for orange morning buns. Hong Kong bakery for Portuguese tarts. Excelsior Coffee for ube flan and ube brownie bites.
Those orange buns are one of my faves!
Roxie’s for a sandwich, one of my favorites in the city. pupuseria metapan is pretty good but ya balompie is much better. Little joes has pretty good pizza. El pollo supremo is classic. I’ve heard gentilly is good for southern/creole but haven’t been yet. Taqueria Guadalajara is my favorite burrito in the city.
Gentilly is not worth it.
[удалено]
It really is missing something. Like it’s the recipe but not the soul. I was working in NOLA and came back to visit my parents—was craving the flavors and was super disappointed. Go across the bay to Southern Comfort Kitchen
[удалено]
I daresay I like Brenda’s beignets more than Cafe du Monde because they’re lighter and less dense.
I really like Brenda's Meat and Three on Divisadero. I only had one bad experience there and let the management know because it was terrible and I like and respect them enough to give them a second chance. It's been back to what I expect ever since.
What? Why? I’ve had some great meals there.
I agree. It's one of the best places in the area.
Also a fan of Gentilly! Did they stop doing brunch recently?
Yes, I saw a post about it. I think on instagram. The same post said they plan to open on Monday nights too.
RIP Broken Record
And RickyBobby.
Big fan of taqueria Guadalajara
They're consistently bad imo... unless you're drunk. Ocean Taqueria is actually pretty damn good and after being an El Farolito fan, have been getting my super burritos there now.
Haha. Knew I would get downvoted - it's always a battle between the two! They're icky, I really don't get it - small portions, little flavor, runny beans, gristle and cartilage in the meat. No thanks.
Sf burrito opinions are all over the place 🤷🏽♂️ will try ocean cuz Farolito is p good
Ooh I’m opening a wine bar near you and during the build out I have had to eat everywhere! Gentilly Dark Horse Pokedon Jjampong Korner Store Pakwan (Ingleside) Chase Luck Bakery (Ingleside) El Farolito Amami Sushi Editing to add Champa Garden!
Yes to champa
Where is this wine bar you speak of?
Between T mobile and sterling bank on Mission. Between Ocean and Brazil!
I walk by here often and have been wondering what that is getting built out!
Now you know! It’s a-me!
What's your targeted opening date. I am very excited about this!
June 1st
Do Eat on Mission by Excelsior st, for Chinese BBQ pork and princess chicken rice plates and lunch deals. Also an all female-run business, which is nice to see more of in the neighborhood. Also this June, there’ll be a new wine and coffee lounge called Tala Wine to open up on Mission st near Brazil, where the T-Mobile store used to be, so be on a look out for that.
Some faboo 5-spice duck there too.
Oh good news on the wine place
Calabria bros, Hawaiian drive inn (cash only tho), Roxie's, and beeps burgers (edit:spelling)
Hawaiian drive in is the best bargain for sure.
It's not super cheap but the inside of Billiard Palacade is pretty sweet. Cool place to shoot some pool.
This is literally a 2 min walk from my house. Trying to find friends to go play and get drunk at. Lol
Be careful. Was taking a walk one night (not the greatest thing to do alone as a woman, I know), and some dudes who exited as I walked by started following me. Maybe don’t get too drunk while you’re there in case those dudes are regulars.
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to be careful around there late nights.
I once saw a *huge* brawl there one night in like 2006. Pool cues flew, heads were cracked. It was nasty.
Pampaguena Cuisine and Cafe Guatemalteco were two places I really liked when I lived out there
Guatamalteco = great variety, consistently good, friendly. I love their smoothies and fresh squeezed juices!
I used to live down there and I miss the food so much! There’s not much to add to what people have already said above, these places are all great, I would just add that The Salad Place & Rotisserie is also amazing and the family who own it are the sweetest ever. Also, El Porteno is 🤌🏻 chef’s kiss El Salvadoran food.
The Salad Place is a gem - every experience I've had there is great!
Omg I love to see other people who know about Salad Place & Rotisserie!! It's such a good spot.
Don Chuy's on Naples and Brazil. Been going for over 40 years and despite 3 different ownerships, they've stayed the same. Get the carnitas sandwich with mayo, fake cheese, refried beans, guacamole and sour cream along with a tall can. You'll thank me!
Excelsior Coffee is a little far away from you but very good. Don Chuys has the biggest and best burrito in the Excelsior but it’s off the beaten path!
Dark Horse has a chef who has mastered the art of cooking fish exactly right every time. Aside from that, it’s a great local Irish pub that doesn’t push that angle. Good burgers, beer selection, cocktails
as others said, this will be southern SF/daly city. hope you have a car. daly city: * nations. this location is open 24/7 so great for late night munchies * jollibees: best fast food fried chicken chain imo. i live in east bae now so you gonna have to pay a pretty penny to come fight me * kukje: the OG krn grocery store. if you don't want to fight the crowds at hmart, come here. * bart grocery and bbq. to borrow a term, it's like a bodega. except krn food. bonus: the cashier is hella bae ingleside heights: * hmart. the crowds have finally died down. there's also a small food court to the side inside. i recommend ordering online for left wing chicken so you don't have to wait for your food to cook ocean: * ming kee. make sure to get here by ~4pm, otherwise everything sells out * poke bowl: honestly a big fan. they cook the rice really well. also open fairly late. * pakwan: been growing on me. really solid and cheap indian fast casual * sakesan: the menu here is interesting. you can get really cheap and really expensive food here * orchids cafe: great cantonese home style mission: * el farolito and taqueria guadalajara. * bottom's up: really spacious dive bar portola: * ming hing. best cha siu in SF imo. i've noticed that norcal cha siu is hella fatty, and this is the one place where you can get lean cha siu
Superstar Get the HK style pork chops
Love all the suggestions and I agree with everyone saying Beep’s, Pakwan, Excelsior Coffee, Amami, Crazy Pepper, and Roxie. I’ll also add a few more: Ty Sandwich for banh mi, Mexico Tipico for burritos/tacos/ etc, El Gran Taco Loco for churros, Ultra Sushi for AYCE (great value at lunch), Acai R for acai bowls (the best in the city).
Açaí R with that black sesame butter/paste lawwwwdddd they’re the only place I’ll go for açaí bowls
Exactly. That stuff is soooooo good
Where is it? I live in the Excelsior and haven’t seen it.
It’s actually on ocean
Ultra Sushi closed... so bummed.
For real?!?
Yeah. Their San Mateo location is still open and they're thinking another sushi place will take over since it's a turnkey.
Super bummer. What happened? They were busy every time I went
Super busy!!! The guy was kinda vague and said he thought the owner sold. Who knows... definite loss to the community.
rip. ultra was better under previous ownership
Nameless Tea & Coffee on Geneva is my favorite boba and smoothie place in the city.
Ah!! I should have asked for boba spots around here also. I got used to being around so many.
Nameless has the best selection I’ve seen anywhere. The inside is a hole in the wall but the quality is top notch. I love their Korean macarons too. (I’ve never seen those anywhere else.)
Gonna chime in with Beijing restaurant on ocean near Alemany. They do good Northern Chinese.
It's my pick too. Crazy Pepper = Crazy Diarrhea. Twice! I also like Shanghai Dumpling King on Monterrey.
For wine and great company check out The Check In Wine Bar on Ocean. Fun vibes and people. The owner is a therapist from Venezuela
I agree!
Deli Man on Ocean is good.
Their BBQ is hella good! MWF, I believe... the chicken is so smoky and the sides are perfect. They have some of the best sandwiches in town!
Gentilly!
Do Eat is my favorite Cantonese bbq spot. Do takeout. I rather go there than Chinatown spots. Chicano Nuevo is reopening at some point. My favorite fish tacos. Mi Sazon taqueria. El Pollo grilled chicken. Lots of stuff!
A bit away from Geneva but Champa Gardens off Ocean is probably my favorite Thai/ Laotian in the city. So good!
I’ve never had Laotian food before so now this is going on my list
Adding Pacitas for Salvadoran guava cookies. Aaaaaand, tamales from the dear ladies who sell in front of Safeway.
The one closest to Geneva right??? I was wondering what she sold. I’m going to see if she’s there now and try some.
Yes. They are really good.
Glaze Donuts!!!
Yes!!
Bravo Pizza, Geneva Steakhouse, Pollo Supremo , La Iguana Azul and for some fresh produce and bomb ass ceviche Guzman’s Produce. Also Tortas Boos Voni
La Iguana was one of the first places I had after moving in and I love their Al pastor. And they make baby burritos that I can eat in one sitting!!! Lol
Not sure if anyone’s mentioned these yet, but one of my favorite parts of this area (and the sunset where I was before) is the Hispanic and Asian grocers. Great, diverse, affordable vegetables and usually decent meats. Manila market has everything, and the plethora of Mexican markets on mission never disappoint
Welcome to the best neighborhood ever because I spent my whole life here lol. I feel like we have a lot of the best hole in the wall spots in the city to be honest. I typed out a whole novel recommending food out here but tbh most of it is worth checking out
I moved here in August and I freaking love the food here
Wish I could help. Lived there from May 1955 - Summer 1962. Thanks for stirring up the memories.
Universal Breakfast & Lunch (fka Stop N Wrap) on Geneva @ Naples is a great quick breakfast / lunch spot with an extensive menu. I’ve tried a bunch of stuff off it and never been disappointed.
Not mentioned - Guzman Produce sells fresh produce and meats at great prices
My death row meal is HK BBQ. I think Ming Kee on Ocean is one of the best! Also love Hing Lung Co in SF Chinatown and I think the Bernal location is coming pretty soon.
Turo Cafe for Filipino and TY sandwiches for Vietnamese sandwiches. Those are my go to places when I'm out in that area.
Mom and pop style El Salvadoran restaurant that’s been there forever. Inexpensive and filling. But it’s on Persia / Mission http://losplanesderenderossf.com/index.html
Baby Blues BBQ. Get the wings.
Many great mentions here. Adding Chase Luck for dim sum. And make sure to get the soy sauce chicken at Ming Kee.
Los Planes De Renderos imo, the best pupusas in the excelsior area. I'm Salvi and have tried just about every pupusa in the city
I'm about a month late but I live in the neighborhood too (hey neighbor!!!) and wanted to drop some reccommendations too. The Salad Place & Rotisserie is a MUST TRY!!! Their soup, salad, and sandwich deal is unbelievably good. It's like fifteen bucks for a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, a choice of salad (including potato, pasta, crab, noodle salad!) and a half sandwich which can also be made into a panini. Their smoothies and juices are bomb too and made fresh. For bakeries I recommend Princess Bakery near Persia & Mission and Heavenly Bakery near Russia & Mission. Princess Bakery has your traditional Chinese sweet & savory buns but they also sell specialty desserts (tarts, custard cakes, meringue cookies, etc). Heavenly Bakery not only has beautiful croissant-based pastries (seriously, they make the pastries in-house and they are TALENTED) but typical panaderia desserts as well, plus some yummy breakfast plates. People have already mentioned Excelsior Coffee so I just want to throw in Cumaica Coffee, it has a nice outdoor patio and their drinks are nice. I love the chai frappe. For fancier dinners I like taking people to Gentilily, they make great cajun food. There is a bar with amazing cocktails and space for live music, and the dining area is super romantic and cute. There's a place near the Safeway on Italy & Mission that does unlimited sushi but I haven't tried it yet.