50 Best Latin American Restaurants near South San Francisco

“Very impressed and Edgar was awesome and super friendly.“

“Villa del Sol specialty is the Argentine asado (Argentine BBQ), I highly recommend their grill asado for two. It comes with a variety of meat, chicken, pork, sausages & sweetbread.“

“AMAZING! LITERALLY the BEST california fries (w/steak) ive ever had. exploding with flavor in every bite. not just the top layer...the whole dish is filling and a mel in itself! We also got the surf and turf burrito...bomb! and fish tacos--comes with 4 tacos. also bomb! i will ask got extra sauce on the tacos next time.“

“Great food, great atmosphere and great service! Fair prices and snappy service!“

“Awesome experience and great food.“

“My girlfriend and I love their empanadas. We crave Chalos at least once a week! Hands down the best empanadas we’ve had. Our favorite is the baked sweet beef. We always get the baked options. The owners are super nice and great to talk too. Highly recommend a visit. Grab an empanada, coffee, and head to the beach for some views.“

“We had a wonderful time. The restaurant is beautiful, the music is lovely, and the food is excellent. We had a platter that was vegan (the vegetarian platter) — delicious if you’re vegan, the pork plate, and breakfast eggs. The server Walter Duran was a joy! Thank you!“

“Great experience!great food! family oriented.. takes you back to your roots. We had a huge group. we all tried something different, and we shared everything. it was all delicious. for dessert we had the churros with the Mexican melted chocolate ...delicious!!!!“

“El Dorado is an absolute gem! I stopped by after work and tried the Pollo Causa and Lomo Saltado, hands down the best I’ve had in a long time. It’s tough to find those dishes done right, but El Dorado absolutely nailed it. Every bite was packed with flavor and clearly made with care.

What really made the experience stand out was Manny, the owner. He’s incredibly warm, welcoming, and passionate about what he does, you can feel that energy from the moment you walk in. The entire staff was just as friendly and attentive, which made the service top-notch from start to finish.

The ambiance? Stunning. Super cozy, vibrant, and totally Instagram-worthy, the kind of spot you want to bring friends to or just treat yourself. And don’t sleep on the Pisco Sours, they’re dangerously good and crafted to perfection.

Can’t wait to come back. El Dorado has definitely earned a spot in my regular rotation!“

“First time here….Mexican sandwich with carnitas… OMG so delicious“

“I’ve been a fan of The Green Enchilada for many years. The owners and staff are phenomenally warm and will remember you. I’ve been here countless times since before the expansion into the neighboring unit and always bring out-of-town visitors for lunch or dinner. I’ve never had an issue ordering vegan options.“

“es algo bueno que hayan puesto este bakery, algo de nuestra tierra por que yo soy de ahi.❤️“

“This is a food truck so the atmosphere is what you'd expect it to be when it's on a neighborhood street near a highway entrance - LOL! Very much open as of the time of posting as I walk past it most days. On weekends, they serve the most amazing pupusas, the best I have ever had in San Mateo (I have surveyed quite a few over the years) and I dare say as good if not better than what I used to partake in when living in the Mission district of San Francisco. My kids love it too and getting pupusas to go and walking over to Persimmon Park (about 10 mins away on foot) or to the tables/benches near Whole Foods for a picnic is the way to go. Value for money is also incredible - $3.75 per pupusa and my two kids (ages 8 and 11) and I get four of 'em to split for lunch. Get the revueltas option and enjoy having the gooey goodness melt in your mouth! Speaking a bit of Spanish helps. I got by with gesturing a bit. Very nice staff and they pump out pupusas pretty quickly too given each one is prepared individually when ordered (as it should be). So delighted they are right in my neighborhood!!!“

“Their pupusas are pretty tasty, the salsa and curtido as well. The older gentleman working there was nice enough, but there was a girl that didn’t respond in the slightest when I told her thank you and to have a nice day. I mean, I don’t care if she had a nice day. I was just being polite. And she didn’t even look at me throughout our interaction. Just handed me my food, with a sort of “hurry up and leave” attitude. I mean, she doesn’t have to look at me either. I know I’m hideous. I dunno, I’m from the midwest. People make eye contact and exchange niceties out there. I guess I won’t bother being polite here. No one cares anyway. Hahaha“

“This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. The food here is absolutely delicious and flavorful. You must try the pupusas, empanadas, bunelos, and many other Latin dishes. The pupusas are a huge hit. The pupusas are tasty, the salsa is fresh and the curtido hits the spot. Best Latin restaurant in the Bay Area.“

“This is a very special place on Mission Street where the flavors of Nicaragua and Honduras come together beautifully.
As a vegetarian, I truly appreciate how the team always goes out of their way to surprise me with creative and delicious new recipes.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is always kind and attentive.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy Central American cuisine with a personal touch!“

“Muy buen ambiente y riquísima comida“

“The best Bang Bang Wings and the food it out of this world! 👌🏼“

“Why do I always give five stars to my posts? Because I won't diss a place because it doesn't appeal to me. I enjoyed an early morning breakfast at La Chapina. This restaurant/ bakery is a working person's early morning fuel stop. No frills, but decent coffee, great central American pastries, hot breakfast and lunch menu, like traveling in Guatemala in the middle of the peninsula megalopolis. For me, La Chapina was a totally cool experience. It's open air, enclosed patio and warehouse style seating, be forewarned.“

“La Guatemalteca offers box delivery to Central America. A few friends report their delivery services as reliable. The retail store is very small but whimsical. There are many household food items that are used in Guatemala such as salsa, ketchup, and hygiene products. I enjoy visiting“

“Great food and service ! Love the ambience and variety offerings“

“todo muy rico , las pupusas están muy ricas , y la botana es todo un manjar 100% recomendado y garantizado , tienen un excelente servicio y muy buena atención al cliente 👌💯“

“We were seated as requested in the window seats. The service was excellent - we were given a crash course in Peruvian food. We had the ceviche which was flavorful and I love the crispy calamari on top. The Lomo Saltado, served on fries, was so tender and the sauce was delicious for dipping the fries. And of course, the very dangerous Pisco Sour! Must try!“

“Absolutely fantastic if you can handle the heat.
Had a wonderful Mango Habanero Aquachile.
The best I ever had…
But the heat is real.
This place is a real deal. You’ll see them prepare food and it’s as freas as it gets.“

“First night in San Francisco and utterly exhausted after lack of sleep getting here we staggered out to an early dinner ( early here- 2am where we just came from). We must have looked like halfwits, probably confirmed by us choosing what we realised after was the one unset and not yet cleaned table in the whole place! The waitress was patient and didn’t make us feel any more idiotic than we already felt. The food was really fab too. I had my favourite sort of thing - lots of little bits to try as many dishes as possible - while my partner had arepas. We only have a few nights staying near here but I very much hope i can persuade M to have a repeat dinner here!“

“Mi primera vez ahí fue muy bueno nunca había ido me lo recomendaron y fui muy bien ambiente me encanto probé 5 platos y estaban deliciosos Muy buen ambiente y muy recomendable Bayan“

“Do you love going to Flavortown? How about dreaming with your eyes open? Then try these birria tacos. The first time I had it was from leftovers that my daughter brought home for lunch. Then I drove from Oakley to San Mateo to have them fresh. It was AMAZING! They provide extra stuff to add to the tacos, but it honestly didn’t need them. The meat was so tender & flavorful that I had to close my eyes so I could fully appreciate the taste. Then I added the extras one by one & it tasted like a new taco each time. I know it seems like I’m exaggerating, but it’s really that good! My only wish is that they had seating nearby & a second location closer to Oakley.“

“Nina's is the perfect little community café. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is quaint and welcoming. I have only experienced the utmost professionalism and friendly energy. Nina and her staff are not here just to serve, but share their heart and culture through food. I'm proud to have them and their establishment as a part of our community!“

“Muy buena atención Y muy delicioso 😋“

“Delicious authentic Brazilian food with amazing service . Fun experience too!“

“Wonderful food, great service and we enjoyed it very much.“

“The food is sooooo good and delicious with a very nice ambiance and atmosphere in their patio dining ..“

“El Paisa offers a taste of authentic Honduran cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu boasts a variety of traditional dishes, each one packed with flavor. Don't miss the pork chops with coconut flavor beans was something I would recommend.
The service is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home.“

“One of the best Mexican meals I’ve had in SF—100% better than Chipotle, with all fresh ingredients. I highly recommend the noodle bowl and quinoa bowl. They’re only open from 11 AM to 2 PM, and I just wish they were open longer and on more days. A true hidden gem!“

“The food was delicious! Good service we had a great time!“

“Excellent service and the staff is so friendly and kind! Paula’s Cafe has such a warm, welcoming vibe, and everything from the food to the atmosphere is top-notch. A perfect spot for a relaxing meal or coffee break. The breakfast burrito is my favorite. You must try this place, it’s become a new regular spot for me!“

“The Lomo saltado sándwich and papaya smoothie is soo… Good! I highly recommended 👍🏼“

“Have taken both grandchildren over last 5 years—-they always leave happy 😃“

“buena comida las pupusas una delicia“

“$$$ Best place in the city for Brazilian style grilled meats. Lovely salad bar side dishes. Do not miss the grilled pineapple. Not inexpensive. Special occasion restaurant“

“Are you looking for a quick bite that is different in flavor, fulfilling in taste, easy to share with friends, I think Pica Pica could be just that place. I have come here plenty of times after playing sports and feeling hungry for something to tie me over. I love their Arepas , there are plenty to choose from. Their yuca fries are always yummy . Staff is moving orders and the atmosphere is alright for a quick bite. Give it a try if you haven't already.“

“Small place, felt very hole in the wall. But the food was so good and the owner who was working was so friendly and seemed very excited to serve us and share his food. Really enjoyed the place, some of the best tortillas I’ve had around here“

“TLDR: huge pupusas and friendly serviceWe ordered the best burger in the mission and a zucchini pupusa. The burger seasoning was distinctly Central American with the spices but it was a little overcooked for me. The pupusa was pretty big and very flavorful and packed with ingredients. They also gave us free chips and salsa… the salsa was fuego! Service was very nice, quick and efficient“

“Regularly ride by the truck and always see at least one customer. Decided to stop by. Ordered the Chile Relleno plate over rice, frijoles and macaroni salad. Added a hot chocolate drink. If your Spanish isn't up to par, the clerk also speaks English. The meal was excellent, the beans didn't taste like they contained lard, the rice was fluffy and flavored with a stock, the macaroni salad cooked just right and the stuffed ground meat chile relleno was greaseless and tasted homemade.Well return to try the rellenitos, and hilochas.GREAT job guys“

“I rarely post reviews but had to chime in as this was such an outstanding experience with Lima Peruvian! I catered an event in my home and the food arrived on time, piping hot, carefully marked for ingredients and allergens and was just so delicious. I received countless compliments and requests from guests to find out where the food came from. The order included a mix of meat, meatless and vegan offerings that really hit the spot. In particular, the Loma Saltado, Aji de Gallina (Creamy Yellow Chicken), Seco de Pollo (Green Herb Chicken), Vegan Split Pea Amarillo and rice were outstanding. Thank you Lima Peruvian!“

“I visited SF and I couldn't have eaten better than at Truly Food. The food is delicious and has very good presentation. The menu is varied and there are also desserts ?? without a doubt an excellent option if you also want to support Latin entrepreneurship. I would definitely visit again

Kid-friendliness: The asada and chicken tacos are excellent
Option! I have two small children who enjoyed them very much.“

“Great food. Special requests accepted. Friendly Staff. Enough said.“

“Olivio’s is an underrated hidden gem in SF.

This is an authentic Salvadoran/Mexican spot tasty, affordable food and some beverages. It’s bare bones & and in the Tendernob area of the SF, which is a sketchy area but has some of the best food in the city. It seems most people order takeover or delivery. It doesn’t appear they offer dine-in options anymore as there’s always a sign outside saying “para llevar” aka to-go, but I’ll double check on this for accuracy .

I’m a fan of their bean & rice pupusas and complementary fermented cabbage salad called curtido. They have also yummy fried plantains. I also recommend their Salvadoran style Horchata. I look forward to try to their beef soup next time.

Their owner seems pleasant, humble, hard working and appreciative of business. If you don’t want to venture in the Tenderloin area, don’t let that stop you from trying Olivio’s, they are available for delivery on DoorDash! Highly recommended.“

“This small cafe is a local family owned and operated business. During busy days, you can tell they keep providing the best service possible. Nancy is kind and friendly, usually the only waittress. It's a nice small place and they do rearrange a couple of tables for bigger parties. We've tried various plates from here, but the following 2 are top favorites (there was a 3rd but forgot to take a picture). The following is the Maya Burger ( added bacon and egg) highly recommended and is available after 11 AM. The other is a banana French toast that was superior in taste compared to many other places in the Bay Area. Lastly, the Dollar size pancakes are ones that you should try. During all of our visits, here have always been a 5 out of 5 for the food and service, even during busy hours, and we understand that is extremely difficult for a small business to do every day. Yes, they open every day, and the shopping center has various places to check out after a nice meal.“