Puerto Rican food is in one word, comforting. Whether it's creamy mofongo, crisp tostones, or savory arroz y habichuelas, the cuisine of this gorgeous island is defined by its ingenious usage of the freshest vegetables and rich meats to create vibrant flavors that are complex, flavorful, and truly feel like a hug (especially the desserts!).
Here in the Bay Area, we fully celebrate and support our fellow Puerto Rican population, and so here is a list of the best restaurants around that showcase authentic cooking if you ever want a filling taste of home.
See also: Your Ultimate San Francisco Mezcal Guide
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1805 Haight St / (415) 750-1111 / Website
It doesn't get anymore homestyle than Parada 22. Immediately distinguishable in the Haight by its vivid exterior, this restaurant instantly transports you to the island through both their immersive decor, and the familial cooking. We naturally recommend the mofongo, or the Pernil Asado, though everything here is genuinely delicious.
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903 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael / (415) 451-4765 / Website
Though recently having gained popularity by one surprise charitable guest of honor by the name of Bad Bunny, Sol Food has always been a trusted San Rafael institution. Here the interior mimics the colorful aesthetics of Old San Juan, with the delicious food further contributing to this tropical oasis. Their kind service and Sunday special plate brimming with tostones, arroz con gandules, and more will truly make you feel welcomed and fed like a celebrity.
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3077 24th St / (415) 648-2958 / Website
This Puerto Rican and Cuban venue has been dedicatedly feeding their adoring Mission neighborhood since 1974, and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Stop by for their delightful weekly happy hours for casual tapas, or get the classics of their Cuban sandwiches and must-order alcapurrias, unctiously filled with crab or ground beef.
See also: Unwrapping The Stuffed History Of San Francisco's Distinctly Original Mission-Style Burrito
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3409 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland / (510) 479-3336 / Website
Head over to Oakland for La Perla, which is a lowkey, but powerful restaurant devoted to making sure you feel nourished with their large and perfectly seasoned portions. This is a cute no-frills stop that excels at their Mofongo De Pernil or Camarones a la Criolla.
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400 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa / (707) 542-8868 / Website
Over in Santa Rosa, El Coqui boasts ecclectic indoor decor and an even more playful menu that best utilizes the plaintain staple in endless ways. Their Bacalaíto, Trifongo, or Canoa con Carne Molida are a few of the most intriguingly unique options here, all of which delicately balance the right level of plaintain sweetness with garlicky umami.
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(408) 234-5077 / Website
Down in San Jose, this is a family catering company that handcrafts delightful Puerto Rican sweets and pastries. Treat your sweet tooth to classics of guava-filled Panatelas, coconutty Besito de Coco, flan, Arroz con Dulce, and so much more. Wash it all down with their Coquito and feel like a kid again with their endless desserts.
Whether you like sweet or savory, Puerto Rican cuisine covers a wide range of flavors, textures, and tropical ingredients, and we sure can't get enough of them in the Bay!
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
Photography by: TexPhoto/Getty Images
Puerto Rican food is in one word, comforting. Whether it's creamy mofongo, crisp tostones, or savory arroz y habichuelas, the cuisine of this gorgeous island is defined by its ingenious usage of the freshest vegetables and rich meats to create vibrant flavors that are complex, flavorful, and truly feel like a hug (especially the desserts!).
Here in the Bay Area, we fully celebrate and support our fellow Puerto Rican population, and so here is a list of the best restaurants around that showcase authentic cooking if you ever want a filling taste of home.
See also: Your Ultimate San Francisco Mezcal Guide
View this post on Instagram
1805 Haight St / (415) 750-1111 / Website
It doesn't get anymore homestyle than Parada 22. Immediately distinguishable in the Haight by its vivid exterior, this restaurant instantly transports you to the island through both their immersive decor, and the familial cooking. We naturally recommend the mofongo, or the Pernil Asado, though everything here is genuinely delicious.
View this post on Instagram
903 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael / (415) 451-4765 / Website
Though recently having gained popularity by one surprise charitable guest of honor by the name of Bad Bunny, Sol Food has always been a trusted San Rafael institution. Here the interior mimics the colorful aesthetics of Old San Juan, with the delicious food further contributing to this tropical oasis. Their kind service and Sunday special plate brimming with tostones, arroz con gandules, and more will truly make you feel welcomed and fed like a celebrity.
View this post on Instagram
3077 24th St / (415) 648-2958 / Website
This Puerto Rican and Cuban venue has been dedicatedly feeding their adoring Mission neighborhood since 1974, and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Stop by for their delightful weekly happy hours for casual tapas, or get the classics of their Cuban sandwiches and must-order alcapurrias, unctiously filled with crab or ground beef.
See also: Unwrapping The Stuffed History Of San Francisco's Distinctly Original Mission-Style Burrito
View this post on Instagram
3409 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland / (510) 479-3336 / Website
Head over to Oakland for La Perla, which is a lowkey, but powerful restaurant devoted to making sure you feel nourished with their large and perfectly seasoned portions. This is a cute no-frills stop that excels at their Mofongo De Pernil or Camarones a la Criolla.
View this post on Instagram
400 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa / (707) 542-8868 / Website
Over in Santa Rosa, El Coqui boasts ecclectic indoor decor and an even more playful menu that best utilizes the plaintain staple in endless ways. Their Bacalaíto, Trifongo, or Canoa con Carne Molida are a few of the most intriguingly unique options here, all of which delicately balance the right level of plaintain sweetness with garlicky umami.
View this post on Instagram
(408) 234-5077 / Website
Down in San Jose, this is a family catering company that handcrafts delightful Puerto Rican sweets and pastries. Treat your sweet tooth to classics of guava-filled Panatelas, coconutty Besito de Coco, flan, Arroz con Dulce, and so much more. Wash it all down with their Coquito and feel like a kid again with their endless desserts.
Whether you like sweet or savory, Puerto Rican cuisine covers a wide range of flavors, textures, and tropical ingredients, and we sure can't get enough of them in the Bay!
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
Photography by: TexPhoto/Getty Images
