San Lorenzo is known for many things: the Bay Trail, a lot of history involving a lot of different industries, the San Lorenzo Village, taquerias, and the Don Castro Regional Recreation Area. It’s also the East Bay’s most convenient suburb. And even though you might scoff at the strip malls, at some point most people will probably take advantage of a cousin or coworker who’s got a recommendation or a favorite spot or a connection at The Village Pub.
Beyond all that, San Lorenzo also has a lot of great eats and local haunts tucked away in its unassuming neighborhoods. So stop defaulting to those chain spots most commuters hit, and check out these restaurants instead.
TipTop Tavern
$$ | (510) 278-6585 | WEBSITE
TipTop Tavern began as a neighborhood hangout in San Leandro, and has grown into a lively spot with karaoke, club music, and a welcoming vibe that draws both regulars and newcomers. While you can enjoy tasty bar bites like lumpia and lemon pepper strips—paired with Sierra Nevada pints or Diet Coke—most people come for the friendly atmosphere and entertainment. Grab a seat at the bar where bartenders like Alex mix great cocktails, or relax in the outdoor area to watch the game.
The space feels cozy yet spacious, with warm lighting, TVs showing sports, and a pool table for fun. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes around $10–$15 and drinks starting at $6. Whether you’re here for the fresh, hot food or the quirky personalities of the owners, it’s a place where everyone feels at home.
Yin Ji Chang Fen – San Lorenzo
$ | (510) 244-0413 | WEBSITE
Yin Ji Chang Fen, a Cantonese breakfast spot in San Lorenzo, might be where the dim sum chefs go to source their rice noodle secrets. The casual eatery is filled with the comforting aroma of steaming porridges and serves a focused, authentic menu. You can order the marinated shrimp rice noodle roll, soft and silky with tender texture, or, you know, just get the pork and preserved egg porridge, served hot with ginger and cilantro.
Make sure to appreciate the efficient, friendly staff speaking Cantonese and grab a sesame ball or Shui Mai for the road.
Pho Seven
$ | (510) 398-8160 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something to chase away a chill or a hangover, Pho Seven in San Lorenzo is your spot. The small restaurant has all the essentials: only one type of pho that everyone orders (the chicken pho, which is probably the most comforting bowl in town), garlic noodles that are always topped with perfectly fried chicken, a Vietnamese iced coffee that somehow always hits the spot, and coconut smoothies that taste just like Mexican ice cream paletas.
This is the kind of place where you just order the pho and the fried chicken over noodles. Don’t get fancy, unless you’re dining in on a rainy day and want the large rare steak for a truly fulfilling meal.
PaPa Pancho’s Taqueria
$ | (510) 278-5305 | WEBSITE
A meal at PaPa Pancho’s Taqueria is the most satisfying Mexican food you will find in San Lorenzo. It starts with the cashier’s friendly welcome and spot-on recommendations, then continues with generous portions that arrive steaming hot from the kitchen. Like the wet burrito smothered in both red and green sauce that comes with a side of tasty red salsa, as well as other favorites like steak fries with nacho cheese, the super burrito, and crispy chicken tacos with beans and rice.
Plus, everything tastes freshly made and homemade, so feel free to settle in for a feast that leaves you happily full.
Teriyaki City Grill San Lorenzo
$ | (510) 274-5595 | WEBSITE
Chatting with the friendly staff at Teriyaki City Grill while ordering a Spicy Chicken Bowl makes lunch all the more enjoyable. The strip-center Asian grill just off the main thoroughfare has been a local go-to for years. Pull up for consistently satisfying daily options like beef short ribs and teriyaki chicken, or indulge in customizable bowls every day Teriyaki City Grill is open.
Each meal comes with generous portions, but we dare you to try and limit yourself when confronting choices like perfectly cooked rice, fresh vegetable medleys, and that signature spicy sauce that ties everything together.
Flavor Of India North & South Cuisine
$ | (510) 276-5000 | WEBSITE
Join the discerning food lovers of San Lorenzo (who also appreciate authentic flavors) at Flavor Of India North & South Cuisine, a combination North and South Indian restaurant in town. Elegantly inviting, the recently remodeled restaurant has a clean, sophisticated interior, white tablecloths, and a menu filled with excellent curries and fresh naan. A family might bring their visiting relatives, and no one would be surprised if they ordered seconds of the lamb curry.
If you want to experience this culinary journey (because we do), then go to Flavor Of India. There is limited seating during peak hours, and the professional servers seem to relish the opportunity to accommodate special requests, so reservations are recommended.
Taqueria El Cohete 2
$ | (510) 901-7135 | WEBSITE
If you fall into the Venn diagram of folks looking for authentic lengua and even spicier salsas surrounded by shared tables, then you need to visit Taqueria El Cohete 2. This San Lorenzo taqueria, which is not fancy of any kind, combines the energy of a bustling Mexican market with a cozy neighborhood joint. We could sit at Taqueria El Cohete 2’s counter all night long.
Black Angus Steakhouse
$$ | (510) 276-1400 | WEBSITE
Black Angus Steakhouse serves some of the best steaks in San Lorenzo. Situated in a classic American setting, the restaurant features spacious booths, polished wood accents, and a warm, inviting glow from the lighting. Beyond that, the menu showcases expertly prepared cuts like the ribeye and prime rib, with generous portions that often provide enough for two meals. The prime rib is a standout, perfectly seasoned and served with delicious au jus.
Cocktails are excellent, pairing wonderfully with the dishes. Service is friendly and efficient, with waitstaff eager to accommodate requests, ensuring a positive dining experience every time.
Hong Kong Cafe
$ | (510) 278-2568 | WEBSITE
Hong Kong Cafe is primarily a strip-mall spot that takes Cantonese comfort food seriously. You won’t find greasy takeout containers here, but rather a fully fleshed-out menu offering not only salt and pepper calamari and black bean clams, but also a house special chicken and pork dish, like the texture of homestyle cooking made into a feast.
Plus, you can enjoy everything inside in the clean, bright atmosphere with modern, well-designed interiors, surprising those who might have hesitated due to the cluttered exterior. For food with as much flavor as generous portions in a family-friendly neighborhood joint, hit up Hong Kong Cafe in San Lorenzo.
Dim Sum House
$ | (510) 394-8158 | WEBSITE
As straightforward as other takeout spots in San Lorenzo can be, there are still places like Dim Sum House, a hidden gem for dim sum lovers with authentic Hong Kong-style flavors. With its small, quiet mom and pop shop atmosphere and fast service, Dim Sum House can be the ideal takeaway destination if you’ve been craving freshly made dim sum.
Menu items like crispy fried taro puff, shrimp dumplings, shumai, har gow, and shrimp and pea shoot dumpling, along with favorites like fried glutinous pillows and steamed char siu bao, help make up a classic dim sum experience at Dim Sum House.
Tao’s Fresh
$ | (510) 278-7838 | WEBSITE
Tao’s Fresh serves flavorful, traditional Chinese dishes. The restaurant is conveniently located with its own parking lot, so you don’t have to circle endlessly to find a spot before ordering via QR code. Tao’s Fresh has all the popular items, like salt crispy chicken and Mongolian beef, as well as specialty drinks including boba tea and something called, “Sea Salt Cheese Milk Green,” which is a creamy beverage with a savory twist.
The cozy interior features traditional lanterns and wooden accents, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for enjoying dishes like curry cheese beef udon or sizzling beef plate. While the location might be slightly out of the way, the excellent service and tasty food make it worth the trip.
Oh Fish Sushi & Kitchen
$$ | (510) 363-8603 | WEBSITE
Oh Fish Sushi & Kitchen has what you need, sushi-wise, like thickly sliced sashimi or the popular Oh Fish Roll, for the Japanese food cravings you need to satisfy after work or for a full meal with friends. Hang out inside the small family-run restaurant and watch the fresh ingredients come together right in front of you, chill with the complimentary edamame and green tea ice cream, or just take some Black Garlic Ramen to go before navigating the weekend crowds.
The tonkatsu broth is flavorful without being overly salty, the ramen noodles are al dente, and the bento boxes come with generous portions that keep customers coming back through the loyalty program stamps.
