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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Leandro

Authentic food spots

A place that stays true to its roots instead of catering to whatever trend happens to be popular this month.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
AOI Teriyaki & Ramen image 1
AOI Teriyaki & Ramen image 2
AOI Teriyaki & Ramen image 3
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Small, cozy spot with intimate seating and a casual vibe. Real Japanese chef serves authentic ramen with generous portions and great prices. Fresh, flavorful dishes shine in a space filled with Japanese pop music.

Ramen here has an authentic Japanese taste made by a real Japanese chef. Portions are large and prices are great for the quality.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, creamy broth."

"The Chicken Katsu portions are so generous and the food is great."

"I thought the ramen here was authentic and reminded me of Japan."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred for a discount on orders over $50.

2

The restaurant has limited seating with only 4-5 tables inside.

3

Expect longer wait times as the owner operates the shop alone.

02
Taqueria El Cruzero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with generous portions. Handcrafted wooden chairs and lively music create a comfortable local vibe. Ample seating in a clean, decorative space makes it a true neighborhood spot.

Mexican food here is authentic and freshly prepared with generous portions. It consistently delivers a genuine taste true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I found this Mexican food to be authentic and full of true flavor."

"The carnitas burrito is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"I found the food to be authentic, with true flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but street spots are usually available nearby.

2

Prices are affordable, with meals for two under $40 excluding tip.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often leaving leftovers for later.

03
Taqueria Acatlan San Leandro image 1

Bright walls and papeles picados create a cozy, inviting spot with friendly chatter and nice music. Food tastes homemade with strong Mexican flavors, offering a genuine experience. Located behind a grocery store, it keeps an authentic vibe.

Food tastes homemade and authentic with strong Mexican flavors. Dishes deliver a delicious and genuine experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazingly flavorful and delicious."

"I thought the Mexican food here, especially the burrito, was the best I ever had."

"The food here is so flavorful and reminds me of home."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in the back of a Mexican store, which could be easy to miss.

2

Reservations are not required, but the dining area may be limited.

3

The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

04
Tasty Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, family-run spot offers authentic malatang flavors served very hot. Cozy, casual vibe suits quick meals with a custom sauce bar and fresh ingredients priced by weight. Free orange slices and tea add a nice touch to this unpretentious dining experience.

Dishes serve very hot with authentic malatang flavors. The food tastes pretty authentic and comes at a fair price.

People are saying

"The food here is really amazing and tasty."

"I loved building my own soup with all the ingredients I picked."

"I found the dishes to be authentic and served very hot."

Good to know

1

Tasty Kitchen offers a variety of soup bases, including spicy and mild options.

2

The price depends on the weight of the ingredients, so adding too many heavy items could increase the cost.

3

You must meet a minimum of 0.8 lbs of ingredients, charged by weight.

05
Red Pepper Pizza&Mediterranean Cuisine مطعم يمني image 1

Pizza spot blends Middle Eastern hospitality with a cozy vibe and clean seating. Enjoy authentic Yemeni flavors served hot and fresh. Music adds warmth while a special family area welcomes groups.

Dishes come with rich authentic flavors and are freshly prepared. Yemeni and Mediterranean foods maintain their authentic taste and are served hot.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and objectively excellent."

"The Yemeni food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"You have to try their amazing lamb soup, it's complimentary!"

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a unique Yemeni menu alongside Mediterranean dishes.

2

Expect a wait time of no more than 10 minutes during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards with a spotless kitchen.

06
Saigon House Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese spot offers authentic herbal broth and fresh ingredients. Cozy, vibrant space feels like home with tight seating. Crowds gather fast, creating a lively atmosphere full of energy.

Broth carries an authentic herbal fragrance matching traditional family recipes. Food uses fresh ingredients and stays true to Vietnamese flavors.

People are saying

"The pho broth here tastes like homemade, with an authentic herbal fragrance."

"The garlic noodles with beef ribs are the best."

"The broth's authentic herbal fragrance tastes just like home."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant gets crowded on weekends, so arrive early.

3

Expect long wait times during dinner hours.

07
Yuri's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like birria and menudo. The place buzzes with a lively crowd on weekends. An attached bar adds a casual vibe to the warm, affordable setting.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with a real and tasty profile. Dishes stay true to traditional recipes and ingredients.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"The handmade tacos here are so authentic and flavorful."

"The food here is pretty authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu has a pricing error; the large no meat pozole is $17.50.

2

Expect the restaurant to get busy and chaotic on weekends.

3

The restaurant is open until 9pm daily.

08
Pho Thin Hanoi Vietnamese Restaurant image 1

Northern style pho shines with gingery broth and tender meat, offering an authentic Vietnamese taste without MSG. Spacious dining room keeps a 24-hour diner vibe with cozy booths and soft Vietnamese blues music, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Northern style Vietnamese pho features a gingery flavor without MSG, avoiding the usual star anise taste. Dishes like bun cha Ha Noi and authentic pho deliver a delicious, traditional experience.

People are saying

"I found the Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the chicken salad tasty with fresh veggies."

"I found the pho to be fragrant, flavorful, and authentically Hanoi style."

Good to know

1

A special menu is available on weekends, likely on Sundays.

2

The restaurant has a large parking lot available.

3

The portion sizes are huge, allowing for leftovers.

09
Tsuru Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small space with soft lighting and modern cozy decor creates a peaceful vibe. Classic sushi bar offers an authentic Japanese experience with friendly staff. Quiet, relaxed energy suits casual meals or special celebrations.

Food and atmosphere feel like a tiny 'hole in the wall' eatery from 60s Kobe, Japan. Staff is friendly and authentic Japanese, delivering a genuine sushi experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is friendly and attentive."

"The sushi here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I hadn't had such authentic tasting sushi in a long time."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot right next to the restaurant.

2

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak dining hours.

10
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant by the water offers beautiful ocean views and a lively atmosphere with live mariachi bands. Dishes like chilaquiles and birria deliver detailed, authentic flavors. Outdoor seating and televised sports create a casual, family-friendly vibe.

Food shows detailed and authentic flavors, especially in dishes like chilaquiles and birria. The ambiance and view add to the authentic experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The Mexican food, especially the enchiladas and fajitas, was delicious."

"I found the food here to be authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Tuesdays with discounted tacos and drinks.

2

The Sunday brunch buffet includes mimosas and live mariachi music.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

11
Jin Gege image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, bright space with robot servers offers a modern, cozy vibe despite some noise. Authentic Cantonese BBQ shines with roast pork and duck that rivals top spots in China. Wontons and noodles deliver true Chinese flavor, drawing steady weekend crowds.

Barbecue flavor stands out with authentic Chinese taste. Wontons and noodles match those from top-tier spots in China, offering a variety of authentic dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, especially the dumplings."

"I found the Cantonese BBQ and noodles here to be truly authentic."

"The wonton noodle soup here is amazing, with flavorful broth and meats."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with plenty of spaces available outside the restaurant.

2

Expect long wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

A 15% mandatory tip is added to all bills.

12
Ana Rosa's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy dining room creates a family atmosphere with authentic Mexican dishes full of traditional flavor. Generous portions and reasonable prices make it a hidden gem. Clean and welcoming space adds to the relaxing vibe.

Mexican food here offers authentic flavor and traditional taste. Dishes come across as genuine and flavorful.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and its amazing flavor."

"The shrimp enchiladas here have a fantastic pop of fresh seafood flavor."

"I came here specifically for their soup of 7 seas and pozole."

Good to know

1

The breakfast burrito costs $17.

2

Parking is limited; expect to park down the street.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food.

13
Nick The Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Open kitchen design creates a cold indoor space with modern decor. Greek dishes serve authentic flavors using fresh ingredients. Seating offers accessible tables for a relaxed, family-style vibe.

Food offers authentic Greek flavors with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The cuisine delivers a Mediterranean taste that feels genuine and traditional.

People are saying

"The Greek food here is delicious and packed with authentic flavor."

"I found the Greek cuisine here to be authentic and flavorful."

"The gyros at this Lunch Spot are huge and tasty."

Good to know

1

Ordering ahead allows you to avoid waiting during busy hours.

2

The restaurant temperature is often set too cold for comfort.

3

To-go orders frequently lack utensils like forks and napkins.

14
Mama Lupe's Cocina image 1

Bright, colorful décor and vibrant atmosphere set a lively tone. Tender carnitas and flavorful fish tacos showcase authentic Mexican flavors. Spacious booths offer comfortable seating for groups, while complimentary chips and salsa add an old-school touch.

Food offers outstanding flavor with perfect seasoning. Dishes like tender carnitas and flavorful fish tacos stand out.

People are saying

"The food's authentic flavor is outstanding and perfectly seasoned."

"The free chips and salsa here are probably the best I ever had."

"The handmade tortillas here are a good example of their dedication."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, so plan to arrive early.

2

Complimentary chips and salsa are provided with free refills.

3

Prices are reasonable, especially for the generous portions.

15
Pearl Bay Tea House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum here bursts with authentic Cantonese flavors in a lively, family-filled space. Generous portions come at reasonable prices, making it a favorite despite an aging interior and hidden entrance. Easy parking adds to the weekend crowd.

Offers authentic Cantonese dim sum with flavors true to tradition. Known as a go-to spot for those seeking genuine taste.

People are saying

"I found the dim sum here to be traditional and good."

"The tea here is delicious."

"I found the dim sum here to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak weekend hours.

2

Parking is easy with plenty of available spaces.

3

Dim sum dishes are priced between $17 and $22.

16
Oriental Tea House 碧贵园/碧桂园 image 1

Roomy interior with 60s style decor sets a unique scene. Enjoy authentic Cantonese dishes with generous dim sum portions. Gongfu tea sets offer a true taste of Guangzhou, making it a great alternative to crowded spots.

Authentic Chinese and Cantonese dishes showcase Guangzhou cuisine with high quality ingredients. The tea stands out as authentic and highly regarded in the area.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is pretty good, especially the steamed items."

"I found the food here surprisingly tasty and delicious."

"The Authentic food here is delicious, fresh, and hot."

Good to know

1

A 15% service charge is automatically added to your bill.

2

Parking is available in a free lot out front.

3

Expect to select dishes from a hard-to-read paper menu.

17
La Piñata image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, remodeled interior creates an authentic Latino vibe with captivating bar area and lively energy. Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors that match the atmosphere. Outdoor seating and sports on TV offer a casual option while large parties fit in a dedicated room.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with a Latino restaurant vibe in the atmosphere. The dining experience reflects traditional Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and came in large portions."

"I loved sitting in the bar area; it was cool."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and Latino vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant gets busy during dinner hours.

2

Happy hour is available at the bar, but check for specific times.

3

Parking is ample and available for guests.

18
Baby Cafe San Leandro image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Spacious cafe features modern fairytale decor and two large indoor trees for a cozy feel. Serves authentic Hong Kong style cuisine like baked spaghetti and wonton soup. Staff keep service timely and pleasant even when busy.

Offers authentic Hong Kong style cuisine with dishes like baked spaghetti, rice plates, wonton soup, and butter melon. Serves authentic HK milk tea alongside savory options.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's beef brisket and Hainanese chicken are flavorful and delicious."

"The milk tea here is excellent and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong style cuisine and milk tea."

Good to know

1

Arrive before 11:45 AM on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Be prepared to stand in line on weekends as it gets busy.

3

The baked dishes take an additional 15-30 minutes to prepare.

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San Leandro, California

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