50 Best American Restaurants near Pacifica

“Here on vacation, saw the reviews of this place, and so glad we stopped by to try. It's take out only, owned and operated by a nice couple. Family of 4 was only $58. The food was hot, tasty, and enough of a portion size to fill you up. We will definately come back next time we are in town.“

“This restaurant deserves 10 stars! It is the best Chinese restaurant in the Bay area.“

“My son took me here for lunch - we’d been meaning to try it. We were very pleased - amazing view with tiered tables so other guests aren’t blocking the view. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious and nicely presented. As a nice addition, there was a pianist playing while we dined which added to the ambience. We will come back because it was such a nice treat. One of those places that makes me love living in California!“

“Cute place, friendly service, nice atmosphere, great white hot chocolate.“

“I've been dining at this restaurant for club events for several years. Our club receives a varied menu: prime rib, Chicken Cordon Bleu, salmon or surf and turf. The price of our meals include wine, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and gratuity. That's pretty reasonable given today's expensive eateries. The staff is friendly, personable and professional. Food is prepared quickly and efficiently. I recommend this restaurant for small parties/groups. 😊“

“Breaker’s is a great comfortable place to get a broad variety of “comfort food” at a reasonable price. Staff are very welcoming and attentive. Portions are definitely biased towards large. Our favorites are Crab Panini, Patty Melt, and Monte Christo. Definitely an affordable casual good quality restaurant close to picturesque scenery with numerous hiking trails.“

“Love this place. Great beer selection, basic menu that punches above its weight and a super friendly and helpful staff made this an easy review. Match all that with a fantastic indoor and outdoor atmosphere and you get one of the best breweries in the area. We will definitely be back!“

“Ok, I got there and thought the prices were high until I got my beautiful bussin plate o food!! Wow! I could have shared my plate with 2 other ppl. This is a family own business. I could tell. Momma served me, son was finishing up his plate o food next to ne at the bar and when he was finished he went to the back to clean up, and dad made all the food at the grill. Such a warm, cozy, family atmosphere! Everyone was taken care of! ✨️ ? I ate on that French toast all day! So tasty, too!! ?

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes.“

“A great way to experience a four course meal at an affordable price, with delicious food. We will definitely be back.“

“just lovely! vegan friendly but the fried chicken was tops!“

“Great entertainment and hosts!!!“

“Thank you chef Josh! Excellent experience!

Service: 10/10 we arrived early and were seated right away. The host was friendly and greeted us genuinely. Our server brought water, olives and almonds and extra olives for my wife with almond allergies so she can try the yummy olives. Amazing detail to my parties food allergies and checked to make sure the food was safe and had alternatives to accommodate.

Food: 10/10 the food was delicious. French influenced California cuisine. Fresh high quality ingredients. Sauces that enhanced the flavors and a balance of umami in all dishes. It was great that one person can have the prefix menu and others at the table can order al a cart. You can also order just one dish from prefix menu. The duck was perfect, the 3 cheeses with toast paired perfectly with the Bordeaux. The smoked trout was very well seasoned and balanced nicely with the pickled cauliflower. The hanger steak was super tender and flavorful with no dairy!!!
Wine paring is excellent. The selection of French wines is reasonable and great for food pairing.
I think the josey baker sourdough beats tartine country bread! The warm
Chocolate cookie with ice cream was delicious, the polenta cake with cream and rhubarb was shockingly good!

Ambience: 8/10 I love the simple open decor. Bar, dining and kitchen blend together. It wasn’t too noisy because the ceiling pads dampened it.

Price: $$ (great value)
Overall, an amazing neighborhood up leveled cuisine in a casual setting. We will be back with friends!“

“Linda was an amazing service personnel. The food was great. The atmosphere is comfortable and our family of 6 was able to eat a decent meal here for less than it would've cost to purchase a united lounge access pass for the 2 kids who didn't qualify. This pic is what was leftover. We only ordered 5 meals for 6 of us and we still couldn't eat everything.“

“BG is a gorgeous restaurant, with well prepared food, and live music/jazz, most days of the week. Owners are very personable and hands-on, which is rare, amongst restaurants. Great place for special occasions or just a night out with your favorite person/people. Share a great experience, without a shocking price tag!“

“This place is great!! Love the Lamb Chops or New York Steak, Bartender Christine top notch, Area Mgr. Samantha always treats me like gold. Mgr. Alexa Luv her so dedicated, Mgr Edgar always on top of things, Can't forget Bartender Alberto! Or Mgr. Gia“

“Eat here once and you’re coming back. Eat here twice and you’re family. Best atmosphere in SF, incredible interesting wine list, service that is knowledgeable AND fun/grounded/ entertaining and the food, my god the food! This place just celebrated 23 years in business, they deserve At least 23 more!!!!“

“Banana Foster French toast and their freshly squeezed orange juice.“

“JC Bruno is more than a restaurant, it’s a relationship. It’s now my #1 spot, and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone looking for great food, genuine people, and unforgettable service! If you’re looking for a go-to restaurant that feels like your favorite local spot and your second home, JC Bruno is it. I truly mean when I say that Marcela, the owner, is the soul of this place, and she has completely redefined what true hospitality means in today’s world. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted not just by a friendly staff, but by people who genuinely care. Marcela herself is always around, and what makes her so special is that she doesn’t act like a distant owner, but rather you feel like you’re planning something with a longtime friend. She’ll chat with you, laugh with you, and most importantly, she stands by you to help plan your perfect experience, whether you’re organizing a small dinner or a full-blown celebration. What blew me away most was how flexible she is. JC Bruno’s menu is already this amazing fusion of European, Mediterranean, and other international flavors, but if there’s something special you want that’s not listed? Just ask. Marcela will go out of her way to make it happen. That kind of flexibility is almost unheard of these days. I’ve worked with many restaurants for events and special dinners, but working with Marcela is different because she treats you like a partner, not a transaction. She’ll talk through your vision, offer smart suggestions, and help you figure out the best possible setup for your group. The way she collaborates with you makes it fun and stress-free. It’s rare to find a place where the owner is this involved and down-to-earth.“

“posole crispy tacos tres leches guacamole chips“

“Excellent food and cocktails, friendly vibe and superior service. The blended boozy slushies were so refreshing and well balanced. Great selection of top shelf liquor for the classics. The chicken liver pate is outstanding. Wish I lived closer.“

“A cozy but stylish place for dinner! We ordered a la cart but did get the uni Creme Brulee (which is worth) and the crispy rice with tuna; both were excellent, next time I’d love to try the crab flavor as well. The burrata is also really refreshing and the peaches works quite well. We saved room for dessert and the hojicha panne cotta was very different, but I enjoyed the mixing of all the different flavors. Servers were very friendly and attentive. I really enjoyed our meal here.“

“I'm a sucker for old-fashioned diners, the ones that seem stuck in time, stubbornly holding on to nostalgia when it was king in its glory days, back before chain restaurants and cookie-cutter decor and brands.

They hold a special allure when you're traveling down the byways where they still thrive, but they're especially precious when you find them in urban areas where they compete with fast-food conglomerates.

So I don't take places like Gunter's for granted, an old establishment (South San Francisco) in the midst of urban blandness of homogeneity. They're still places where old men gather swapping tall tales and spar politics over Farmer Brothers coffee brand to while their time away.

This genre seems to be a fleeting gem of Americana as I see many of them boarded up and closed down even along the blue highways. So in your travels, take a moment to patronize these places before too many of them disappear as victims of people's preference for national brands and indifference.“

“Miramar Beach Restaurant delivers a memorable coastal dining experience with its unbeatable oceanfront location and relaxed outdoor seating. The atmosphere is casual yet charming, with views of the Pacific that elevate even a simple lunch into something special. Service is attentive and friendly, with staff who are happy to offer recommendations and accommodate shared plates.

For starters, the Cajun pot is a standout—spicy, aromatic, and perfect for sharing. It sets the tone for a flavorful meal. On the lunch menu, the grilled chicken sandwich is a popular choice, featuring a juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast on a soft bun with crisp lettuce. It’s often served with golden onion rings and a tangy barbecue sauce, as shown in the attached image. The portion sizes are generous, making it easy to split dishes among friends or family.

Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch or a scenic dinner, Miramar Beach Restaurant offers a satisfying mix of comfort food, coastal ambiance, and warm service. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the view.“

“good eats 😎..............“

“A fantastic brunch spot offering a fresh house salad, tasty omelet, and a delightful garden crepe. The Bloody Mary is perfectly crafted, and the staff is welcoming. Indoor ambiance and the outdoor seating with great views make it a must-visit.“

“Healthy options, great service. Joe is the real deal. �“

“Made to order deli sandwiches. I really enjoyed my Embarcadero chicken sandwich and chips combo. There was a huge line so I scanned the QR code and ordered online. My food was ready well before the time it would have taken for me to get to the front of the line.

Generous amount of cheese in the sandwich.“

“An intimate place to love ❤️ live music.“

“It my cousin’s favorite restaurant, so after services we enjoyed a great meal.“

“Customer Service is good and delicious foods.“

“Awesome shakes and heavenly garlic fries 👍“

“Excellent food, excellent service, excellent ambiance!“

“Specialty's is back! Had to drive down and get their Milk Choc Chip cookies. So good! This location is very clean and has several tables for dining or just having a coffee (from Peets) and getting work done. The employees were very friendly too. Will be back!“

“The food here is absolutely delicious and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I can't recommend this little gem in the Lakeside neighborhood enough. Reasonable prices as well as many menu choices. Do yourself a favor and go there and sample everything, you will be very glad you did.“

“Finally ate here for the first time a couple of days ago. Pancakes are on the thinner side, which actually gives it some crisp, and it's tasty. Ben's Special was good also, especially with their homemade hot sauce. Extra bonus points for the amazing bobblehead collection display.

Overall, this side of the peninsula has some really good diner spots.“

“Dinner at El Jacal after a Little League game with my son, his teammate, and his dad was a total win. The food was fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Everyone at the table left full and happy.

What really stood out, though, was the hospitality. When the staff heard we were celebrating a game, they brought out a complimentary dessert without us even asking. It was a thoughtful gesture that made the evening feel special.

El Jacal is more than just a great local restaurant—it’s the kind of place that reminds you why supporting family-owned spots matters.“

“Always a great burger after a day at the beach.“

“My fiancé and I found your restaurant Saturday afternoon while sightseeing the city. We were so impressed with the atmosphere and hospitality. This place is the best for nice afternoon seafood lunch! Thank you so much for the delicious meal.“

“One of my favorite Sunday brunch places in the city. The food is always amazing, often with an unique flair. The service is always on point with very friendly staff making it even that much better of an experience.“

“Small latin eatery between 23rd and 24th Mission street. Metered parking or hourly parking in nearby neighborhood. Very casual and friendly environment and staff. Freshly made food and freshly squeezed orange juice! I ordered the "Central American Special". It had fried plantains(sweet tasting flavor), fried cheese, eggs, toast, rice and beans and Bacon. The dish itself tasted great all around, would recommend. I also ordered a side of Garlic bread (did not have any taste of garlic this time though).“

“Cypress Grill is tucked inside Harding Park’s golf course, overlooking the serene Lake Merced. The views are stunning—majestic cypress trees and the calm shimmer of the lake make for a peaceful dining experience.

Breakfast portions are generous, pricing is fair, and the staff? Exceptionally friendly and efficient. It’s rare to find a quiet spot like this where you can truly unwind while enjoying good food and great service.

Afterward, I took a leisurely stroll along the nearby path, passing vibrant yellow night primrose, lush gardens, and spotting plenty of birds along the way. It was truly relaxing—magical, even. This place has quickly become one of my new favorite hidden gems.“

“Stopped by The Anecdote at Oyster Point for some drinks and bites after work—great spot! The bar has a cool vibe with awesome bay views. I had the mushroom empanadas, sliders, and a local beer—they all hit the spot. Chill atmosphere, friendly staff, and solid bar food. Definitely a gem if you’re in the area.“

“Best fresh food you can find on campus. So excited that they’re open again. Various options to choose from the salad bar, grill and the hot food options. They change every day! Some of my favorites are the Philly cheesesteak, the spicy chicken fritter sandwich, the baked chicken legs, lasagna and chicken florentine. This is definitely the only place I eat. Restaurant is clean, the cook gives generous portions and the staff are so kind.“

“Both eating here and working here were one of the highlights of my time in the Culinary Program.“

“i recommend the Scorpion Burger & the Burnin' Love burgers. I've had both recently. they're both Very Yummy. I got mine with a Veggie patty as I don't eat Meat. I love both, but the Scorpion burger is My Favorite. 😁😁“

“Good food. Good service good size portions.“

“The food was delicious 😋 my first time eating there. I always pass it up but this time. I had to have it....“

“Both eating here and working here were one of the highlights of my time in the Culinary Program.“

“Classic Diner / Cafeteria old school feel. New owners are very nice and engaging with the customers. Complete opposite of the old owners who were indeed grumpy and three times in a row got my orders wrong so I had stopped going there. Plus all the food had a similar flavor that was off-putting. The noodle soups have always been pretty good, but that one time the old owner gave Beef Udon instead of the Veggie I ordered was the last straw. (The beef was awful) Speaking with the new owner I can tell that they want to elevate the food and are indeed doing so. I'm back to being a regular.

Some recent favorites:
BLT - Nice crispy thin bacon. Mmm.. (they laugh when I ask for it on white but I'm traditional)
French Fries - The've been really good recently.
Steak & Arugula salad was killer! (it was a Daily Special)
Pesto Chicken sandwich was excellent.“

“I've been staying and working in South San Francisco this week without a car. Have dined there for lunch 2 days in a row now, and both days I also brought back dinner to my hotel for the evening. Everything has been delicious with fresh ingredients. Really creative and elevated offerings for a quick service restaurant. The salmon was especially amazing! I had 2 really dismal experiences earlier in the week with Doordash and only wish I had tried Foundry & Lux sooner. I'll be back tomorrow before heading back home on Saturday 😀“