15 Best Argentinean Restaurants in San Francisco

Every Argentinian person that visits San Francisco goes there in search of a better life, a better income – and looking for the American Dream. However, if there is one thing that you might “cry” about while there, it’s the fact that you will no longer have access to your traditional Argentinian food – the type that you learned to love from the moment that you were little. The moment you step outside the borders, your local cuisine becomes out of reach.

Or does it, actually? Granted, it might be more difficult to get access to the home-cooked meals that your mother used to make – but there are still countless restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional meal. These restaurants generally have owners of Argentinian origins – which is why you can be sure that you will find a taste of home there. 

13 Best Argentinian Restaurants in SF

As mentioned, there are many points where you can find an Argentinian restaurant in San Francisco. However, how do you know which one is actually the best one that you can go to? Do you know for certain that you can find your traditional dish there? Well, while we cannot vouch that every restaurant will have your custom-made traditional Argentinian food, we can say for certain that they still have a large selection of good dishes. Here are some examples that might make your taste buds happy. 

Brazen Head

At the Brazen Head, you can see people of every type because they love the intimate atmosphere. But while all kinds of natives appreciate the place for its coziness, it still is particularly welcoming for those of Argentinean origin. It is slightly off the beaten track – but the moment you enter, you will feel like you are in a totally different world.

There are various kinds of dishes that you can enjoy there. Most people order the onion soup, but you may also go for several different dishes that include prime rib sliders, steak, Caesar salad – and for dessert, a variety of options including the very popular cheesecake. Aside from that, here are some other dishes that are popular:

• Meatballs Marinara
• Escargot
• Veal Picatta
• Filet Mignon
• Prawn Scampi

Many people leave good reviews upon leaving the restaurant. You may also check the menu for yourself here.

Chile Lindo Empanadas

If you’re looking for some old-fashioned European style café/restaurant, then you might want to give Chile Lindo Empanadas a try. This restaurant came to life due to the large wave of European immigrants that came to San Francisco – among which were also Argentinian folk. All these people were simply looking for some good restaurants that would bring the taste of Argentina back on the taste buds of those that have left their homes. Here are only some examples:

• Chilean Classic Empanada de Pino
• Empanada de Pollo
• Empanada Vegan
• Empanada de Jamon y Queso

This restaurant is advertised for using only top quality products. Indeed, they are bought locally, but they are cooked, spiced and seasoned in a way that brings Argentina all the way into San Francisco. Baked empanadas are their specialty, and while beef empanadas are the most popular option, they also have vegan choices with meat-like ingredients. You may read more about their menu here.

Destino

Destino is the place where you go meet your destiny – or at least eat some good food while doing so. This Latin bistro bar was established in 2000, and its purpose was to bring Latin cuisine to people – all while giving it a contemporary twist. The dishes are served family-style, and you may have a nice cocktail while enjoying a good dish. Here are some options that are popular:

• Anticuchos de Pollo
• Argentine Beef Empanadas
• Salmon Tiradito
• Sauteed Kake
• Pork Belly

These are only a few examples. For more, you may want to check out their full menu.

El Porteño Empanadas

If you are looking for a different kind of empanada but still want to get that classic taste, then you might want to give El Purteno Empanadas a try. Open from morning until evening, this restaurant not only has a good selection of foods but of drinks as well. Their most popular dishes include:

• Carne at El Porteno
• Jamon Y Queso
• Carne Empanada
• Chimichurri
• Mushroom Empanada

Many people leave good reviews upon leaving this place, and it is also quite popular for its coziness. If you are more interested in the menu, you may check it out here.

El Techo

Those that want dinner with a view will certainly like this restaurant. Found on a heated and covered up rooftop just above Lolinda, El Techno gives you a view of the San Francisco city, all while enjoying a nice Latin-American dish. Here are some popular options that you may enjoy:

• Chicharrones de Carne
• Chips and Guacamole
• Pollo Frito
• Fried Chicken
• Shrimp Chevice

There are a variety of options for you, including many vegan choices. For more information on the choices that you have, you may check their menu here.

Espetus Brazilian Steak House

If what you are looking for is an authentic steak house, then you may find one in the bay area of San Francisco. Flavors are said to come alive at the Espetus Brazilian Steak house, and they only say to use high-quality meats. They also have “all you can eat” happy hour buffets, occurring for two hours at both lunch and dinner. Here are a few popular selections:

• Chicken Hearts
• Beef Ribs
• Filet Mignon
• Mango Salad
• Fried Bananas

The menu includes many other selections, which is why you may want to check it out for yourself.

Il Pollaio

If you are looking for some deliciously seasoned food and a menu that includes a variety of chicken choices, then you will certainly love Il Pollaio. Many people love it because there are no fancy dazzles, no heavy sauces to mask the imperfections – just the chicken cooked in the way that it should be. Some popular dishes include:

• Grilled Chicken
• Roast Chicken
• Combination Salad
• Marinated Eggplant
• Split Pea Soup

If you are looking for more information, you may also check out more on their website. They are working on an online menu, so you should be able to check it out shortly.

La Fusión

If you are a fan of seafood and pies, then you might want to give La Fusion a try. Specializing in Nuevo Latino food, this restaurant offers a great selection of foods for anyone wanting Argentinian cuisine. Some popular dishes include:

• Rotisserie Chicken
• Seafood Pot Pie
• Truffle Mac
• Lomo Saltado
• Arroz con Pollo

There are many choices that you may go for, which is why you may want to check out their full menu.

La Mar Cebichería Peruana

If you think there is nothing better than having lunch near the ocean, then you might want to go to La Mar Cebicheria Peruna. Popular for its Latin American food, this place attracts people with dishes such as:

• Lomo Saltado
• Leche de Tigre
• Pantain Chips
• Ahi Tuna
• Cebiche Tasting

Their menu is fairly generous and nicely priced – which is why you may want to check it out yourself.

Sofia Café

If you want to go to a quaint restaurant that serves good traditional Argentinian food, as well as the kind that you would normally find in the American restaurant, you may want to check out Sofia Café. Some popular dishes include:

• Chicken Caprese
• Salmon Plate
• Beef Empanada
• Broccoli Soup
• Sofia Pasta

There’s not a lot of online information about their menu, so you may check the place out yourself.

Tanguito

If you are in for a burger or a nice empanada, then you might want to give this restaurant a try as well. Budget-friendly and with a variety of dishes that you can take on-the-go, Tanguito attracts a lot of customers wanting to try their:

• Chicken Empanada
• Beef Empanada
• Skirt Steak
• Short Ribs
• Grilled and Rice Plate

Their menu includes a variety of delicacies, which is why you may want to check it out yourself.

Venga Empanadas

If you are in the mood for a good old-fashioned Argentinian empanada, then you might want to give Venga Empanadas a try. You have plenty of meat and vegan selections, and most of the staff members there also speak Spanish – so you can really feel like home. Some popular dishes include:

• Argentine Beef Empanada
• Gaucho Chicken Empanada
• Fresh Spinach Empanada
• Mushroom Empanada
• Sweet Corn Empanada

Their menu is generous, so you may want to check it out yourself.

Woods Cerveceria

If you wish to taste a good empanada while enjoying a nice craft beer, then you might want to give Woods Cerveceria a try. Cozy and with an old-school vibe, this is the kind of place where you go with your friends to relax. Some popular dishes include:

• Pollo Empanada
• Carne Empanada
• Jamon Y Queso Empanada
• Champinones Empanada
• Acelga Empanadas

Their menu mostly revolves around beer, but you may certainly find something to your liking in terms of food.

Wrap Up

There is no lack of Argentinian food when you go to San Francisco. While most places serve the traditional Empanada, you may certainly find some special dishes as well. Hopefully, you found our article on Argentinian restaurants in SF useful.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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