Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

San Francisco Best Value Restaurants


In the mood for some good food, but can't afford the high prices (let alone the valet parking fees!) at many of San Francisco's hippest spots? Our database of the best value restaurants in the Bay Area features excellent establishments that serve up delectable dishes at an affordable price. Whether you're planning an elegant evening out or are simply hankering for a hamburger, our list is filled with great inexpensive dining ideas.



View the Top 10 Value Restaurants in San Francisco



SAN FRANCISCO CITY

A la Turca Turkish
13/20
869 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-345-1011
This Turkish restaurant's appeal lies in its authentic food. More...

Ace Wasabi's Rock-n-Roll Sushi Japanese
12/20
3339 Steiner St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-567-4903
The menu offers classic nigiri sushi as well as a fun list of rolls. More...

Acme Burgerhaus Burgers
Quick Bite
559 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-346-3212
This casual neighborhood eatery offers a limited menu, but never skimps on quality ingredients or creativity. More...

Alamo Square Seafood Grill Seafood
13/20
803 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-440-2828
This small neighborhood spot is a good place for a reasonably priced seafood dinner with a French twist. More...

Andalu Eclectic
13/20
Dining Room at Andalu, San Francisco, CA 3198 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-621-2211
An affordable small plates-heavy nightspot with valet parking. More...

Bar Agricole California
15/20
Dining Room at Bar Agricole, San Francisco, CA 355 11th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-355-9400
With inventive food, creative cocktails and modern décor, Bar Agricole is a stylish hideaway. More...

Beretta Pizza
13/20
Dining Room at Beretta, San Francisco, CA 1199 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-695-1199
Sophisticated and open late, this Italian nightspot features pizza, seasonal small plates and first-rate cocktails. More...

Bill's Place Diner
Quick Bite
2315 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-221-5262
No swanky digs and small plates here. Devoted locals come for the straightforward, homemade diner fare and honest, small-town conviviality. More...

Blue Plate American
13/20
Dining Room at Blue Plate, San Francisco, CA 3218 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-282-6777
Quirky and funky restaurant serving American fare with a focus on seasonal and organic ingredients. More...

Bocadillos Tapas
14/20
Dining Room at Bocadillos, San Francisco, CA 710 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-982-2622
Chef Gerald Hirigoyen's Jackson Square charmer serving satisfying, inexpensive tapas. More...

The Brixton California
14/20
2140 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-409-1114
Lively, upscale neighborhood spot offering a good happy hour, late-night menus and creative cocktails. More...

BurgerMeister Burgers
Quick Bite
Dining Room at BurgerMeister, San Francisco, CA 759 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-296-9907
Neighborhood charmer serves a top-quality Niman Ranch beef patty grilled to juicy perfection for one of the best classic burgers in town. More...

Citizen's Band American
14/20
Dining Room at Citizen 1198 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-556-4901
Innovative "fine diner" cuisine in a hip setting makes for entertaining eating and people watching. More...

Club Waziema Ethiopian
12/20
543 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-346-6641
Quirky Ethiopian restaurant that doubles as a fun, lively neighborhood bar. More...

Contigo Spanish
14/20
Dining Room at Contigo, San Francisco, CA 1320 Castro St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-285-0250
Linger over cava and small plates inspired by Barcelona made California cool by the inclusion of local ingredients. More...

El Farolito Mexican
Quick Bite
2777 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-824-7877
El Farolito serves huge burritos, overstuffed quesadillas and tacos late into the night. More...

Eliza's Chinese
13/20
2877 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-621-4819
Eliza's updates Hunan and Mandarin cuisine with a California twist but manages not to lose any of the hot, sweet or pungent flavors. More...

Ella's American
13/20
500 Presidio Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-441-5669
Ella's promises neoclassical American cooking and delivers the goods---think meatloaf and chicken potpie---but the real draw is the popular weekend brunch. More...

Green Chile Kitchen New Mexican
Quick Bite
1801 McAllister St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-440-9411
Organic salads, rotisserie chicken and burritos are offered at this casual eatery. More...

Happy Garden Restaurant Chinese
12/20
815 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-831-3322
This unassuming eatery is a definite find---the large, inexpensive menu is filled with Chinese-American classics, fresh dim sum and delicious daily specials. More...

Iroha Japanese
13/20
1728 Buchanan St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-922-0321
Wondrously crisp garden-fresh vegetable tempura and steaming bowls of udon make this a perfect stop for dinner before catching a movie at the nearby Kabuki Theatre. More...

Jeanne d'Arc French
13/20
Dining Room at Jeanne d Cornell Hotel de France
715 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-421-3154
Romantic dining room transports guests to a charming 15th-century hideaway with an affordable prix-fixe dinner menu. More...

La Taqueria Mexican
Quick Bite
2889 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-285-7117
Some would argue these are the best tacos in town, and the burritos are famously made without rice. More...

LaLola Bar de Tapas Spanish
13/20
1358 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-981-5652
Charming neighborhood restaurant serving Spanish tapas. More...

Le Charm French
13/20
Dining Room at Le Charm, San Francisco, CA 315 Fifth St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-546-6128
Casual French place with a lunchtime crowd that packs the patio, and dinnertime regulars who return for the prix-fixe offering. More...

Limon Peruvian Rotisserie Peruvian
13/20
1001 S. Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-821-2134
Affordable and addictive Peruvian-style roast chicken served with all the fixings. More...

The Little Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant Mexican
Quick Bite
292 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-255-8225
Divisadero taqueria’s devotion to organic, sustainable ingredients means upgraded quality and farm-fresh flavor with plenty of heat. More...

Little Star Pizza Pizza
14/20
846 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-441-1118
Gourmet pizzeria packs in a hip neighborhood crowd with decadent deep dish and thin crust pies. More...

Local Kitchen California
13/20
330 First St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-777-4200
Thanks to generous happy hour specials, good cooking, attentive service and a crowd-pleasing menu, locals help keep Local packed. More...

Lolo Latin American
14/20
Dining Room at Lolo, San Francisco, CA 3230 22nd St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-643-5656
Go, go, go to Loló for Latin American and Mediterranean fare offered amid an eclectic décor. More...

Luna Park American
13/20
Dining Room at Luna Park, San Francisco, CA 694 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-553-8584
Fun, flavorful comfort food in a hip, cocktail-driven restaurant on Valencia. More...

Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery Brewpub
13/20
1398 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-864-7468
After a renovation, this Haight Street classic has a different look and an updated gastropub menu. More...

Mandalay Burmese
13/20
4348 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-386-3895
Our favorite dishes include the Mandalay prawns and the chicken in garlic sauce. More...

Manivanh Thai Thai
12/20
2732 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-824-6059
Hidden gem deep in the Mission serving up tasty Thai in a homey environment. More...

Massawa Eritrean
13/20
1538 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-621-4129
The traditional East African cuisine includes a wide array of vegetarian options as well as meat dishes. More...

Mission Chinese Food Chinese
13/20
2234 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-863-2800
Be prepared to stand in line at this hip Mission restaurant-within-a-restaurant offering Sichuan-inspired Chinese fare. More...

Mo's Gourmet Burgers American
Quick Bite
1322 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-788-3779
Diner serves a great burger prepared over a revolving coal-fired grill for a slightly smoky flavor, caramelized exterior and a juicy interior. More...

The Monk's Kettle American
13/20
Dining Room at The Monk 3141 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-865-9523
A Mission tavern with sophisticated pub fare --- and one of the best beer selections in the city. More...

Mums Home of Shabu-Shabu Japanese
12/20
Hotel Tomo
1800 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-931-6986
All-you-can-eat (and drink) shabu-shabu dining in Japantown attracts a mostly young crowd out for a good time. More...

Nob Hill Grille California
13/20
Dining Room at Nob Hill Grille, San Francisco, CA 969 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-474-5985
Relaxed and affordable sophistication---a good spot for a date. More...

Nopalito Mexican
14/20
Dining Room at Nopalito, San Francisco, CA 306 Broderick St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-437-0303
This colorful Mexican kitchenette serves elegant and exciting south-of-the-border fare. More...

Osha Thai Noodle Cafe Thai
12/20
819 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-826-7738
Trendy and hip Thai restaurant with Westernized touches on the menu. More...

Pacific Catch California
13/20
2027 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-440-1950
Pacific Catch finds its niche with sparkling fresh seafood served up in casual, healthy dishes that span the Pacific Rim from Mexico to Asia. More...

Pakwan Indian
Quick Bite
3182 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-255-2440
Inexpensive and rather tasty Pakistani food draws serious crowds to this no-frills restaurant. More...

Pancho Villa Taqueria Mexican
Quick Bite
3071 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-864-8840
A local favorite for tacos and burritos, which also means a long line but it moves quickly. More...

Papalote Mexican Grill Mexican
13/20
3409 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-970-8815
At Papalote the meat is grilled to order, vegetarian options abound, and the smoky red salsa is addictive. More...

Park Chow American
12/20
1240 Ninth Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-665-9912
American comfort food rules at this homey Inner Sunset restaurant that's an easy walk from the de Young Museum. More...

Pizzetta 211 Pizza
Quick Bite
211 23rd Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-379-9880
Thin-crust pizza devotees from around the city make a special trip to this 23rd Ave. eatery. More...

Plow American
13/20
1299 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-821-7569
Lovely neighborhood spot with soaring ceilings and striking views of the city serves up breakfast and lunch. More...

Pluto's Hofbrau
Quick Bite
627 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-753-8867
Casual neighborhood joint known for its made-to-order salads and hofbrau hot plates. More...

Poc-Chuc Mexican
13/20
2886 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-558-1583
Soulful Mayan food on a quiet stretch of 16th Street. More...

Pomelo International
12/20
1793 Church St.
San Francisco, CA 94131
415-285-2257
Friendly neighborhood eatery serving globe-hopping noodle dishes. More...

Q Barbecue
13/20
Dining Room at Q, San Francisco, CA 225 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-752-2298
Southern-inspired fare served amid a brightly colored décor. More...

Rosamunde Sausage Grill American
12/20
545 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-437-6851
Some of the tastiest sausages in the city, and how convenient: a bar serving notable beers is right next door. More...

Rotee Indian
13/20
400 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-552-8309
Casual neighborhood Indian restaurant that's high on style and flavor but not on price. More...

Saigon Sandwiches Sandwiches
Quick Bite
560 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-474-5698
This popular, simple sandwich shop in the heart of the 'Loin offers bargain-priced, freshly-made Vietnamese sandwiches. More...

Shalimar Indian
11/20
532 Jones St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-928-0333
A smoky, linoleum-lined room with weathered travel posters may seem incongruous with soul satisfying Indian food, but hey, love is where you find it. More...

Show Dogs Sausages
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Show Dogs, San Francisco, CA 1020 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-558-9560
From the Foreign Cinema team, Show Dogs wins with house-made sausages, sandwiches, burgers and a handful of more elaborate entrées. More...

Straw American
14/20
Dining Room at Straw, San Francisco, CA 203 Octavia St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-431-3663
Comfort food served with a touch of class and a carnival theme. More...

Tony's Pizza Napoletana Pizza
14/20
Dining Room at Tony 1570 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-835-9888
Expect a wait---but it's worth it for Tony Gemignani's four styles of pizza. More...

Truly Mediterranean Middle Eastern
Quick Bite
3109 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-252-7482
This no-frills Middle Eastern-Mediterranean take-out spot is known for its shwarmas and filling falafels. More...

Tuba Turkish
13/20
Dining Room at Tuba, San Francisco, CA 1007 Guerrero St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-826-8822
Tasty, affordable Turkish fare in charming Guerrero Street digs. More...

Utopia Cafe Chinese
13/20
139 Waverly Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-956-2902
This spot tucked away in an alley and catering mostly to Chinatown residents remains one of the city's best kept secrets. More...

Zarzuela Spanish
14/20
2000 Hyde St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-346-0800
Festive, consistent Zarzuela could be a bustling tapas bar in the heart of Madrid's Old Quarter. More...

MARIN COUNTY

Boca Pizzeria Pizza
13/20
Pacheco Shopping Center
454 Ignacio Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949
415-883-2302
Authentically Neapolitan-style pizzas and Italian dishes in a sleekly modern space with a large, adjacent outdoor dining patio. More...

Fish. Seafood
Quick Bite
350 Harbor Dr.
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-3474
This dockside Sausalito restaurant serves sustainable seafood in all its forms, from fish ‘n’ chips to pristine raw oysters. More...

Gira Polli Italian
12/20
590 E. Blithedale Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-6040
Herb- and citrus-perfumed chickens turn on 18 spits resulting in a perfect bird with golden, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. More...

Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria Mexican
Quick Bite
382 Miller Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-8164
Joe’s combines basic taqueria dishes with zany California style for cheap, fun and not-too-caloric dining. More...

Le Garage Bistro French
13/20
85 Liberty Ship Way, Ste. 109
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-332-5625
Le Garage’s setting on the Sausalito waterfront, with palm trees and dozens of boats, makes it feel like a hangout in the South of France. More...

Pizzeria Picco Pizza
Quick Bite
316 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-945-8900
One of Marin’s hottest “Neapolitan-inspired” pizza spots, Pizzeria Picco specializes in extra-thin crusts topped with often organic ingredients. More...

Small Shed Flatbreads Pizza
13/20
17 Madrona St.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-4200
This Mill Valley pizzeria serves up ultra-thin crust pizza topped with fresh, local ingredients. More...

Table Cafe California
Quick Bite
1167 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-461-6787
Table Café is a charming little place that offers imaginative dishes fusing California, Asian and Indian flavors. More...

Toast American
13/20
Hamilton Marketplace
5800 Nave Dr.
Novato, CA 94949
415-382-1144
Simply from a design standpoint, Toast Novato (there's a smaller, funkier Toast in Mill Valley) may be one of Marin’s most whimsical restaurants. More...

EAST BAY

Au Coquelet Café
Quick Bite
2000 University Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-0433
A prime all-day hangout and late-night spot with a diverse crowd of students and business folk. More...

Bakesale Betty Bakery
Quick Bite
5098 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
510-985-1213
This neighborhood bakery offers Australian desserts as well as cookies, brownies and scones made from the best ingredients. More...

Bowl'd Korean
14/20
1479 Solano Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
510-526-6223
Authentic Korean food made and served with Westerners in mind. More...

Breads of India Indian
13/20
2448 Sacramento St.
Berkeley, CA 94702
510-848-7684
Patience is required (but well-rewarded) to sample the authentically heartfelt daily selection of unique, savory Indian breads and dishes. More...

Burma Superstar Burmese
13/20
4721 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
510-652-2900
Enjoy shorter wait times than those in San Francisco for Burmese favorites such as rich samusa soup. More...

Cheese Board Pizza Pizza
Quick Bite
1512 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-549-3055
Its chewy-crunchy sourdough crust topped with gourmet cheese, this pizza is an East Bay favorite. More...

Dopo Italian
15/20
4293 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
510-652-3676
Arrive with an appetite for clean and simple Italian flavors---pizza is the star. More...

Everett & Jones Barbeque #2 Barbecue
Quick Bite
1955 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
510-548-8261
This local barbecue institution dishes up some of the best ribs, chicken, barbecued beef and links this side of Memphis. More...

MUA California
13/20
2442A Webster St.
Oakland, CA 94612
510-238-1100
A stark industrial ambience offers a fascinating counterpoint to engagingly rich comfort food. More...

Oliveto Cafe Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Oliveto Cafe, Oakland, CA Rockridge Market Hall
5655 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510-547-5356
A neighborhood café inspired by the home kitchens, bakeries and farms of Italy. More...

Origen California
14/20
Dining Room at Origen, Berkeley, CA 2826 Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-848-9200
Brave new cuisine created from quality ingredients. More...

Pyung Chang Soft Tofu House Korean
13/20
4701 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
510-658-9040
Come here on a rainy winter night to enjoy piping hot bowls of Korean soft tofu soup and bibimbap. More...

Raphael's Shutter Cafe American
12/20
10064 San Pablo Ave.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
510-525-4227
El Cerrito institution brimming with old-fashioned goodness, owned and operated by one man since 1979. More...

The Sunny Side Cafe American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Sunny Side Cafe, Albany, CA 1499 Solano Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
510-527-5383
Hefty portions of hearty breakfast and lunch fare, crafted with eco-sensibilities in mind. More...

Tacubaya Mexican
Quick Bite
1788 Fourth St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-525-5160
This Mexican spot on Berkeley's bustling Fourth Street serves outstanding tacos, tamales and churros in a bright, busy space. More...

Uzen Japanese
14/20
5415 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510-654-7753
One of the best sushi venues in the East Bay. More...

Wally's Cafe Lebanese
Quick Bite
3900 San Pablo Ave.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-597-1303
Tucked away Mediterranean diner frequented by Pixar workers on Emeryville's brief stretch of San Pablo. More...

Zachary's Chicago Pizza Pizza
13/20
1853 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94706
510-525-5950
Excellent Chicago-style pizza. More...

Zachary's Chicago Pizza Pizza
13/20
5801 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94601
510-655-6385
Zachary's serves up quality pizza and fresh salads. More...

PENINSULA

Pasta? Italian
Quick Bite
326 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-328-4585
Many people refer to this spot as "that pasta question-mark place on University." If its name presents a challenge, its cuisine does not. More...

Pluto's Hofbrau
Quick Bite
482 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-853-1556
This new-age cafeteria with made-to-order salads is popular with students living on the cheap. More...

Rangoon Burmese
12/20
565 Bryant St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-325-8146
A great spot to try Burmese-Chinese specialty dishes. The soups are particularly notable. More...

Straits Singaporean
14/20
Dining Room at Straits, Burlingame, CA 1100 Burlingame Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-373-7883
Straits delivers a blend of Thai, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines and one of the best mojitos on the Peninsula. More...

Straits Cafe Singaporean
13/20
3295 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-494-7168
An artful blend of Thai, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines and one of the best mojitos in the South Bay. More...

ZAO Noodle Bar Noodles
Quick Bite
261 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-328-1988
Popular noodle house offers affordable bowls of noodles, soups and starters from nearly every corner of Asia. More...

Back to Best Value Restaurants

RESTAURANT AWARDS
RESTAURANT AWARDS

Subscribe to receive the 2012 edition of our annual restaurant issue, and check out our current Top 40 U.S. Restaurant selections, and more!

DINING ON A BUDGET

Best Cheap EatsSplurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.