Favorite Filipino Restaurants in the Bay Area
Happy Filipino-American History Month!
What better way to celebrate FAHM than with food!
Before I continue, let me make it clear that I am not a foodie, so don’t come for me. Meaning, I didn’t really go out of my way to eat at these places, I just love Filipino food and end up eating at these places. ANYWHO, I am still Filipina so you can trust me on this. Another note, I am in the South Bay, so most of these are probably going to be in the South Bay.
Let’s get into it before I continue talking about things that are irrelevant:
1. Tapsilog Cantina
(1998 Homestead Rd #113, Santa Clara, CA 95050)
@tapsilog_bistro_cantina
For Filipino comfort food, Tapsilog Cantina is the spot. Uncle Ed provides the best service, all while making you feel at home. Every dish, from their classic silogs (served all day) to a classic sinigang, is guaranteed to feel like a hug. Not to mention, they serve bottomless mimosas all day, with flavors from mango to calamansi! Uncle Ed’s hospitality and passion to make you feel at home is unmatched; you are guaranteed to leave full and happy.
This is honestly one of my favorite places to go for Filipino food, not just because of the food, but it’s such a comfortable place, like you literally just feel like you’re at home or at your uncle’s house. To give perspective, me and my aunties unexpectedly ended up dining for about four hours; it felt no different than just hanging out at my auntie’s place for that long. That seems like a long time, but in Filipino culture, we don’t really limit the time spent with family.
Don’t forget to also check out Tapsilog Bistro! (What’s different? Nothing, they just don’t serve alcohol.)
2. Kalesa
1783 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035
@mykalesa
For a classic, Filipino-style meal, Kalesa is the spot. From the decor to the traditional uniforms, this restaurant has the essence of the Philippines, and it’s so cute and it’s deadass like you’re having a meal at an auntie’s house. Since they do a-la carte styled meals, it’s like having a meal at home with your family. There’s nothing more comforting than that. From their hospitality to traditional Filipino vibes, you are guaranteed to leave full and happy.
3. Alnico
1050 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
@alnico.sf
For a fusion and twist moment, Alnico is the spot. Alnico, by definition, are magnets that bring together; since Filipino culture has always been about family, friends, and enjoying company, Alnico wants to bring that together with its hearty, home-cooked meals. This Filipino brunch spot perfectly showcases Filipino-American culture through its Filipino hearty meal, but with an American influence. 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 serve.
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 are open 24 hours. Lucky Chances is a casino, with their dining, Cafe Colma, who serves you Filipino dishes. This is one of the best meals after going out. The wait may be long, but honestly, it is so worth it. Personally, I love their kare kare and any of their silogs. Another comforting meal you don’t want to miss.
5. Senor Sisig
990 Valencia St San Francisco, CA 94110
@senorsisig
For a classic, Senor Sisig never misses. I say classic because if you’re from the Bay and you’re Filipino, but you don’t know Senor Sisig, where have you been? It’s a modern, fusion restaurant that serves you hearty meals. Not only are they a food truck, but a restaurant, too! This is one of my favorite fusion spots, honestly, because it’s super quick and just so good. Plus, they opened a couple of cantinas, meaning, they serve alcohol! Personally, I love their sisig fries or 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. Though this is a food truck, I still consider this one my favorite Filipino restaurants because it’s just that good. This place hits different. It is a perfect blend of Filipino-American culture; it is still comforting food, while pushing the boundaries of what Filipino food can taste like. I’m always kept on my toes and the eating experience is always phenomenal. From their fried adobo chicken wings to their pork sisig rice bowl to their birria lumpia, everything is a hit. Not only are they in different places around the bay, but they cater, too! Make sure to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their location; you’ll never know when they’ll be near you!
7. Cafe 86
738 Villa St Mountain View, CA 94041
@cafe_86
I felt like adding this one because I love this place. With that said, let’s head into Cafe 86! Yes, it’s a cafe, but a Filipino cafe, centered around ube! They originally started in Southern California, but have recently opened a location in Union City and Mountain View! When I’m craving some dessert, I love to come here for an ube truffle or a halo halo. All of their treats are definitely worth your buck!
I hope you all have a chance to eat some Filipino food this month, whether you’re Filipino or not. It’s definitely a cuisine that you have to seek out, as Filipino food isn’t as mainstream in American culture, but it is so worth it. If there are some Filipino restaurants/cafes/food trucks that I should give a try during 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!
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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