SFO is surrounded by great bites that will make you excited for a layover or early arrival. Whether you’re looking to sit down for a meal or grab a quick bite on the go, here’s our ultimate guide to the food around SFO we think is worth a detour. Planning a visit to SF? Check out our breakfast, burger, and taco guides.
1. Taqueria San Bruno
Distance: 8 minute drive from SFO
This taqueria serves up massive Mission-style burritos that landed on the Michelin Guide in 2018. Aside from the typical options of carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, they offer a solid breakfast lineup of chorizo, potatoes, and bacon. If you’re not feeling a burrito, their seafood options of ceviche tostadas or coctel de camaron can’t be beat.
2. New England Lobster Market & Eatery
Distance: 7 minute drive from SFO
We think this is one of the Bay’s best Maine-style lobster rolls — purists can enjoy it with just a side of butter, but we recommend loading it up with avocado and bacon. Seafood lovers can also feast on a local delicacy in the form of Dungeness crab sandwiches or nachos. If anybody at your table is opposed to seafood, there’s options like BLTs and hot dogs.
3. Millbrae Pancake House
Distance: 10 minute drive from SFO
This classic breakfast spot is a time capsule of the late 1950s and has been serving their famous thin Swedish pancakes with lingonberry butter for over 60 years. If you need to fuel up for an early flight, this is the place to do so with pigs in a blanket, an apple waffle, and a cup of coffee.
4. Little Lucca Sandwich Shop
Distance: 10 minute drive from SFO
If you need a footlong sandwich, there’s no better stop than this old-school sandwich shack. For a Bay Area favorite, get your sandwich on Dutch crunch with extra garlic sauce. Pro tip — their cold seafood salad is an under-the-radar hit.
5. The Night Market
Distance: 9 minute drive from SFO
This buzzy food hall brings popular Hong Kong-style street food to the Bay. We recommend the deep-fried giant squid and crispy skin roast duck. Our favorite meal here is an active activity of creating your own open-fire congee with over a dozen topping options including youtiao, duck egg, pork belly, pickled cucumber, and roasted peanuts.
