Outer Richmond Restaurants – Delicious Eats in the Fog
The Richmond District is sometimes overshadowed by tourist hotspots such as Pier 39, where visitors munch on lobster rolls and board boats to Alcatraz. But on the other side of the city is this under-the-radar neighborhood overflowing with family-owned cafes, authentic Asian cuisine, Russian bakeries, and oh, so much more. Starbucks has yet to spawn on every corner – mom and pop shops still run this side of town! To top it off, it’s all just a short(ish) walk from Golden Gate Park, the beaches, Sutro Baths, or a hike to Land’s End, where you can get a killer view of Golden Gate Bridge. Here are our favorite spots in this foggy but foodie-friendly part of town
Outer Richmond Restaurant #1
Chomp N Swig
Highlight: Born N’ Raised in Cali Sandwich
5203 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
A breakfast burrito with hash browns might not be for the health nuts, but neither is this first recommendation. Chomp N’ Swig is a homely Outer Richmond restaurant and bar (yes a bar for breakfast!) that serves all American sandwiches and fried food as well as a variety of beers on tap. While you could really come here any time of day to chow down on some chili fries, the grilled cheese, or the Chomp dog, the breakfast burrito is worth calling out. After all, hash browns, sausage, eggs, and guacamole (or bacon gravy if you so choose) is a great way to bite into the day. Browse the menu.
Outer Richmond Restaurant #2
Hong Kong Lounge
Highlights: Shrimp-Chive Dumplings
5322 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
Here’s another Outer Richmond restaurant recommendation for a place where lines are part of the experience. But of course, it’s totally worth it. With its shrimp and chive dumplings, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, taro cakes, and pork buns, you can smell this spot a block away. Hong Kong Lounge is always bustling, and if you come for lunchtime dim-sum, you’ll most likely be seated at a large round table with strangers, as carts roll by offering you appetizers, entrées, and desserts. While you wait to be seated, you can always run across the street and grab a bubble tea at E tea SF. Note: dim-sum is only served at lunch, though you can still find many of the dim-sum items on the menu during dinner. Browse the menu: https://www.lhklounge.com
Outer Richmond Restaurant #3
Lou’s Cafe
Highlight: Southwestern Omelette Sammie
5017 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches. Lou’s sandwiches are all about the sandwiches – although they do serve salads and beverages too. If you’re on the hunt for a classic sandwich with plenty of toppings, this Outer Richmond restaurant is for you. Lines can get long, and tables fill up fast, but if that doesn’t intimidate you, you’ve got a whole menu of delicious options. There are Lou’s originals, or you can opt to build your own. From the Veggie-Licious to the Crab Melt, to the Hot Pastrami, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a section of breakfast sandwiches, which you can get any time of the day. Lou’s is a casual little shop tucked away on Geary Blvd that knows how to satisfy. Around 11 am on weekends, the line starts to go out the door, so come early because this is a popular Outer Richmond restaurant! Browse the menu: http://www.louscafesf.com/
Outer Richmond Restaurant #4
Keeva
Highlights: Kadhai Chicken
908 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Keeva’s is a family-owned Outer Richmond restaurant, just across from the popping Trad’r Sam’s Tiki Bar. Warm and fluffy samosas make way for rich main dishes cooked with authentic Indian spices and flavors. After one mouthful, it truly feels as though you’ve traveled far and wide to get here. If you have a high tolerance for setting your tongue on fire, one notable item is the very creamy tikka masala (though they do serve a mild version as well), or the dipping sauce that comes with the pakora appetizer. Keeva is still a bit under the radar, a place where mostly only locals wander in– so at last, here’s a tasty spot where a wait to be seated is rare! If you live in the neighborhood, it’s hard not to become a regular here. Note: closed on Mondays. Browse the menu: https://www.keevasf.com
Outer Richmond Restaurant #5
Pizzetta 211
Highlights: Rosemary Pizza
211 23rd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
This cozy pizza place is located on a quiet, residential street in the Outer Richmond. Eat here for an intimate first date or a classy yet relaxing night out. Order some wine and enjoy artisanal pizzas with toppings such as figs, goat cheese, and sunny side up eggs. After the main course, you can indulge in Pizzetta’s ever-evolving seasonal dessert menu – from summer fruit pies to fall crumbles. Since there are only a few tables and reservations can’t be made in advance, we recommend showing up to this Outer Richmond restaurant when you’re not in too much of a rush. If you come by in the later afternoon, you can grab an early dinner before heading over to Baker’s Beach for a cloudy, yet colorful San Francisco sunset. Note: closed on Tuesdays. Browse the menu: https://pizzetta211.com
Image via TripAdvisor
Outer Richmond Restaurant #6
Tia Margarita
Highlight: Large Combo Platter (and the Margarita Obviously)
300 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
This old school Mexican Outer Richmond restaurant is the quintessential hangout bar and restaurant. Founded in the ‘60s, this place attracts locals from all around the neighborhood looking for a hefty margarita and a football game. Imagine a Mexican Abuela making you a hearty lunch and a Tia Margarita. To try it all, go for the large combo platter – you get a choice of three from the enchilada, tamale, taco, flauta or burrito. But be warned: these portions are enormous, just the way your tia intended! Browse the menu: http://tiamargarita-sf.com
Outer Richmond Restaurant #7
WenChang Dumpling Restaurant
Highlight: Hong Kong crispy noodles
1650 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121
The humble appearance of this traditional Chinese spot belies its status as one of the top-rated dumpling restaurants in the city. We recommend dim sum such as the Char Siu Bao pork buns and the Hong Kong crispy noodles, perfect for any meal from brunch onward. While other menu highlights such as the crispy honey sesame chicken (pictured) may resemble your typical American-Chinese fare, this place actually makes authentic Chinese recipes. Prepare for a myriad of tasty dishes and, quite possibly, a line – the word is out on this neighborhood gem.
Feeling our dumpling recommendations? You don’t have to go all the way to the Richmond for authentic Chinese cuisine! Check out our Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum tour where we take you to our favorite eateries in the neighborhood where it all began…
Image via DoorDash
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