Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in South San Francisco

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

PeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

Bernal HeightsBurlingameChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCole ValleyDaly City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

145 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Buon Gusto

3.4

Very Good(952)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • South San Francisco

Booked 4 times today

Good News! We will be open Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and New Years Day. More Good News! Buon Gusto has also reduced its menu prices in the spirit of being a good neighbor of the community.We are an authentic Old School Italian restaurant serving the Bay Area for the past 35+ years. We offer an excellent Wine list, a Full Bar, Background Music and a professional but relaxed and Friendly Atmosphere to create an Enjoyable Dining Experience.We cater to travelers, families, romantic couples, and our many loyal local patrons. Ask about our special banquet menu. Let us work with you to plan a memorable event featuring great food and wine hosted in one of our private rooms—ideal for business or family gatherings of any kind.

2. Amoura Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(494)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • South San Francisco

Booked 5 times today

Amoura is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the owners’ Palestinian heritage, and shaped by its location in Northern California. The cuisine incorporates dishes and ingredients from across the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey showcasing the many complementary flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques used throughout this vibrant culinary region. Everything is prepared fresh from scratch daily using the highest quality produce, meats, and seafood available, including local and organic products whenever possible. With the Shihadeh family’s warm hospitality, a visit to Amoura is like being welcomed into their home for a family feast centered around good food and company.

A photo of Benihana - Burlingame, CA restaurant

3. Benihana - Burlingame, CA

4.2

Awesome(5201)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Burlingame

Booked 59 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

4. Gintei

4.9

Exceptional(529)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • San Bruno

Booked 6 times today

GINTEI is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant waiting to delight you with fresh fish from Japan's esteemed Tsukiji market, elegant ambiance, and attentive service.

5. La Collina

4.7

Exceptional(342)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Millbrae

Booked 4 times today

La Collina serves delicious, authentic regional Italian cuisine, in a casually elegant and comfortable setting. At La Collina’s, we strive to give each of our guests an outstanding dining experience, whether you’re here on a romantic date, or family and friends gathering. La Collina Restaurant serves delicious, authentic regional Italian cuisine, in a casually elegant and comfortable setting. La Collina Italian restaurant is a family run restaurant since 1996. It`s is an upscale Italian restaurant with a full bar specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. At La Collina Restaurant, you will enjoy Authentic Northern Italian food, including exquisite seafood dishes, pasta, veal, organic salads.

A photo of Sugandh Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant

6. Sugandh Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.0

Excellent(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Millbrae

Booked 1 time today

There is a new face for a modern Indian cuisine and full bar experience in Millbrae. We offer fine dining option as well as a full bar experience to cater both families for elegant quiet dining and a fun, happening bar with good music and sports on TVs.

A photo of Original Joe's Westlake restaurant

7. Original Joe's Westlake

4.8

Exceptional(5273)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Daly City

Booked 114 times today

After a two-year closure, Original Joe's, San Francisco’s quintessential Italian-American dining destination, revitalized iconic Daly City institution Joe’s of Westlake, and reintroduced it into the community as Original Joe’s Westlake. An anchor of Daly City from 1956 to 2014, Original Joe’s Westlake underwent an extensive two-year renovation, complete with a front-to-back interior remodel, including the kitchen and all dining spaces, and an exterior and landscaping overhaul. Following the Original Joe’s tradition, Westlake continues to prepare unpretentious, old-school Italian-American fare in an open kitchen for all to see. The menu is carefully crafted to reflect a past-meets-present hybrid of what Joe’s of Westlake used to be and what Original Joe’s Westlake is today.

8. Stella Burlingame

4.7

Exceptional(61)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Burlingame

Booked 57 times today

Stella Burlingame is a culinary gem in the heart of Burlingame, bringing the flavors of the Alps to California. Under Chef Matteo Ferrari's guidance, the menu offers a rich gastronomic journey featuring braised meats, velvety risottos, tantalizing pastas, and comforting ragus. Highlights include Chef Matteo's signature Veal Osso Buco over Mascarpone Polenta and Nonna's Housemade Potato Gnocchi. Stella Burlingame is committed to authenticity, honoring the pasta traditions of Northern Italy while incorporating rustic flavors from mountainous regions. Each dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation. To enhance your dining experience, Stella offers an extensive Full Bar with expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of Italian and California wines. The attentive staff is ready to guide you through this unforgettable culinary adventure.

9. Wayfare Tavern

4.5

Awesome(8022)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 149 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for quality and timeless style to the heart of San Francisco with Wayfare Tavern, now located at 201 Pine Street. Designed by Jon De La Cruz, the space blends the charm of a classic SF tavern with elevated details while honoring the city’s rich culinary history. Wayfare Tavern features authentic American fare inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, offering dishes that range from rustic delicacies to classic comforts. The beverage list showcases local wines, quality draft beers, and timeless cocktails. Spanning two floors, the new location features a spacious main dining room, a large central bar, an intimate Chef’s Alcove, and a hidden Cellar Dining Room. The second floor includes four distinct private dining rooms, ideal for celebrations, meetings, and special events. Wayfare Tavern continues to offer a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and entirely new—a timeless San Francisco classic.

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

10. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2063)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 67 times today

Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” We also offer a tasty Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends, family or a date night and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tonja
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was easy to overlook this address in San Bruno. If you do, it is so worth a trip around the block! This was a wonderful sushi experience in San Bruno and and we look forward to returning.
More info
GinteiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• San Bruno
•
4.9
Y
YvonneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
In the small bar area, the table next to us were talking very loud. Food was just ok.
More info
Benihana - Burlingame, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Burlingame
•
4.2
N
Nicole
New York City •14 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Quality food. Large portions. The wait staff seemed a bit overwhelmed but they were very kind and friendly.
More info
La CollinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Millbrae
•
4.7
C
CaitlinVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I needed a reservation relatively close to a customer office location for a business dinner. Amoura had great ratings and reviews, and looked yummy. The entire dinner, people in our party repeatedly told me what a great choice I had made and how incredible the menu looked and food was. We had a separate room that ended up getting quite warm and when we mentioned it, the staff immediately got the air going and checked in a bit after to make sure we were comfortable. The staff was gracious and knowledgeable about the menu and offerings. I highly recommend this place!
More info
Amoura RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• South San Francisco
•
4.7
K
Kristi
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Fantastic food. Will go again. The only thing is you need time as service is slow.
More info
Buon GustoPrice: Expensive• Italian• South San Francisco
•
3.4

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