Favorite Filipino Restaurants in the Bay Area

Last Updated: September 2024

Happy Filipino-American History Month! 

Food is a central part of Filipino culture and one of the main ways I connect with it. Filipinos take great pride in their food and hospitality, so I wanted to share that experience with you

I want to make it clear that I am not a “foodie”, so please don’t come for me - I just love Filipino food. As a Filipina, I feel like a credible source. 😝

Note: I am in the South Bay, so most of these are located in the South Bay area. 

Let’s get into it:

1. Tapsilog Cantina
(1998 Homestead Rd #113, Santa Clara, CA 95050)

@tapsilog_bistro_cantina

For Filipino comfort food, Tapsilog Cantina is the place to be. Every dish, from their classic silogs (served all day) to a traditional sinigang, feels like a warm hug. And let’s not forget their all-day bottomless mimosas, with flavors ranging from mango to calamansi! Uncle Ed’s hospitality and passion for making you feel at home is unmatched—you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy.

This is honestly one of my favorite spots for Filipino food, not just because of the dishes but because it feels so comfortable. It’s like going to your uncle’s house.

Once, my aunties and I unexpectedly stayed for about four hours; it felt no different than hanging out at my auntie’s place for that long. That may sound like a lot of time, but in Filipino culture, there’s no rush when it comes to spending time with family. (Feel free to check out my thoughts on how time relates to culture here!)

Also, don’t forget to check out Tapsilog Bistro! (The main difference? They don’t serve alcohol.)

2. Kalesa
1783 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035

@mykalesa

For a classic Filipino-style meal, Kalesa is the place to be. From the decor to the traditional uniforms, this restaurant captures the essence of the Philippines. It genuinely feels like you’re having a meal at your auntie’s house. Since they offer à la carte meals, it’s just like dining at home with your family—there’s nothing more comforting than that. With their warm hospitality and traditional Filipino vibes, you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy.

3. Alnico
1050 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

@alnico.sf

For a fusion moment, Alnico is the place to be. Alnico, by definition, refers to magnets that bring things together; since Filipino culture is centered around community, Alnico aims to showcase this through its hearty, home-cooked meals. This Filipino brunch spot perfectly encapsulates Filipino-American culture with its hearty Filipino dishes infused with American influences. Their blends of sweet and savory are unmatched—from their niloco mo ako to their ube hotcakes, everything is a hit. These photo-ready dishes are here to impress.

4. Lucky Chances - Cafe Colma
1700 Hillside Blvd, Colma, CA 94014

via Yelp Cafe Colma

For you lucky bitches, hit up Lucky Chances. You know what else is lucky? They’re open 24 hours! Lucky Chances is a casino with dining, Café Colma, that serves Filipino dishes. This is one of the best meals after a night out (IYKYK). The wait may be long, but honestly, it’s so worth it. At any time of day, this meal hits the spot. Personally, I love their kare-kare and any of their silogs—another comforting meal you won’t want to miss. 

5. Senor Sisig
990 Valencia St San Francisco, CA 94110

@senorsisig

CLASSIC—Senor Sisig never misses. I call it classic because if you’re from the Bay and Filipino, then you know. It’s a modern fusion restaurant with multiple locations, including food trucks, that serves hearty meals. This is one of my favorite fusion spots because it’s super quick and just so good. Plus, they’ve opened a couple of cantinas, which means they serve alcohol! Personally, I love their sisig fries and any of their burritos. Everything is bomb.

6. Barya Kitchen 
326 Commercial St San Jose, CA 95113

@baryakitchen

For some perfect Filipino-American cuisine, Barya Kitchen is the spot. Although this is a food truck, I still consider it one of my favorite Filipino restaurants because it’s just that good. This place hits differently. It perfectly blends Filipino-American culture, offering comforting food while pushing the boundaries of what Filipino cuisine can taste like. I’m always kept on my toes, and the dining experience is consistently phenomenal. From their fried adobo chicken wings to their pork sisig rice bowl and birria lumpia, everything is a hit. They also keep you on your toes with their revolving menu. Not only do they operate in various locations around the Bay, but they cater, too! Make sure to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their location—you never know when they’ll be near you!

7. Cafe 86
738 Villa St Mountain View, CA 94041

@cafe_86

I felt compelled to include this one because I love this place. With that said, let’s head into Cafe 86! Yes, it’s a café, but a Filipino café centered around ube! They originally started in Southern California but have recently opened locations in Union City and Mountain View. When I’m craving dessert, I love coming here for an ube truffle or a halo-halo. All of their treats are definitely worth your buck!

I hope you all get a chance to enjoy some Filipino food this month, whether you’re Filipino or not. It’s definitely a cuisine worth seeking out, as Filipino food isn’t as mainstream in American culture, but it is so worth it. If there are any Filipino restaurants, cafés, or food trucks that I should try this month—or just in general—please let me know! I love to eat, especially Filipino food.

Let’s support the Fil-Am community not just this month, but year-round, too! I’d love to hear about your favorite Filipino restaurant!

mahals,
kaels
too bad ain’t me<3

(mahals: our abbreviation for “mahal kita” translating to “i love you” in Tagalog)

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