San Leandro might surprise you as a dining destination. Wander its streets and you’ll discover a Filipino joint with flavors that transport you to Manila, a Mexican cantina serving the most authentic carnitas, and a cozy bistro with a wine list that rivals Napa’s best.
Loard’s Ice Cream
$ | (510) 633-1330 | WEBSITE
Planning an ice cream outing for the family can be tricky if you’re worried about finding a spot that feels safe and welcoming—especially when you want to support local businesses but hear mixed things about the neighborhood. Choose a classic, family-owned destination with genuine heart and good frozen treats, like Loard’s Ice Cream.
The cozy, homey parlor has a nostalgic charm that makes it feel like stepping back in time, a friendly owner in Nehemiah who clearly loves serving the community, and great milkshakes. Fill your order with everything from simply delicious scoops of fresh, high-quality ice cream to indulgent, shareable specialties like the praised Banana Special or the favorite Banana Oreo flavor.
Tito’s
$$ | (510) 276-1793 | WEBSITE
In case the maze-like layout and old-style decor don’t immediately tip you off, Tito’s serves authentic Mexican cuisine. And there should be nothing stopping you from settling into a cozy corner with a perfectly stuffed chile relleno or cheese enchiladas smothered in rich sauce. But just let it be known that you can enjoy the same festive atmosphere and friendly service without breaking the bank during Tito’s 5-7pm early dinner specials, otherwise known as the smartest time to visit.
Authenticity, we’re not compromising on you.
Dao Artisan Noodle
$$ | (510) 407-9019 | WEBSITE
This small, popular restaurant is now permanently stationed in San Leandro. There you can order Dao Artisan Noodle’s handmade, generously portioned dishes that are simultaneously well seasoned and flavorful —a true achievement in noodle-making. And while we could fill a high school yearbook entry with sentimental things to say about pork soup dumplings or crab pork, there’s power in Dao Artisan Noodle’s Clear Broth Beef Noodle Soup.
Between the broth’s simplicity, the fusing of tender beef and chewy noodles, and hints of scallion and aromatic spices, no takeout bowl can beat it.
Roll & Bowl
$ | (510) 671-7866 | WEBSITE
Roll & Bowl is a San Leandro spot known for its fresh fruit and cream ice cream made right before your eyes. And while this sweet treat is nice to watch, it’s the other stuff we like better. Like their piping hot homemade wonton soup with added shrimp, the pretty decent curry rice, and the generous portions of Thai curry.
(More hand-simmered broth and hand-filled wontons in this world, please.) Be sure to arrive early for this place, because when the music starts playing—summer or not—the cute, cozy dining room just off Park Street fills up fast.
Monkey Thai Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (510) 263-8505 | WEBSITE
Everything at this Thai institution is stellar (especially the garlic noodles and chicken wings), but make sure you order at least one Kao Soy Gai and one fried tilapia. The Kao Soy version has a hearty curry broth with tender chicken, and its tilapia counterpart is similar, only everything on the plate (crispy skin, flaky flesh, and fresh herbs) is perfectly balanced.
You should experience the happy hour drinks at the bar at some point, but even if you’re sitting at a table the server will come over and check on your curry or Taro samosa, which makes it all feel a bit special.
Sultan’s Grill Turkish Cuisine
$ | (510) 963-3141 | WEBSITE
With a beautifully clean space and friendly staff who explain the menu well, dining at Sultan’s Grill is like stepping into a welcoming family home, only with way more delicious sustenance. We’re talking about things like perfectly seasoned lamb beef shawarma, generously portioned gyro and kebab dishes, and most importantly, some standout sauces and candies made even better when paired with authentic Turkish coffee.
Come here to try Turkish foods for the first time, enjoy the affordable quality, and be satisfied in the ample parking.
Sabino’s Coffee Shop
$ | (510) 357-5282 | WEBSITE
On paper, nothing at this $5 coffee shop seems particularly groundbreaking—take a simple cup of Vietnamese coffee, a basic matcha tea latte, or a plain Mexi Mocha for example. But Sabino’s strips down drinks to spotlight their quality in a way you could never replicate at home. Like a straightforward pastry that somehow tastes fresher than anything from a chain. Visiting here is like pressing a reset button, and it’s pretty outstanding.
And chances are, you’ll be thinking about some of the simplest things you had here—like the aroma of coffee beans and the back patio vibe—for days after the fact.
Metro Taquero
$ | (510) 756-6836 | WEBSITE
Metro Taquero is named after the vibrant taqueria scene you’d find in Mexico City, and half of the appeal here is scanning the colorful menu boards, rustic wooden tables, and little baskets of fresh limes and cilantro set out as garnish.
The Mexican street food options are practically endless, but make sure to order the steak-loaded nacho fries, hearty metro bowl with carne asada and chorizo, and super burritos packed with rice and beans that’s more satisfying than finding a parking spot right out front. While the service can be a bit slow during peak hours, the fresh ingredients and tasty horchata make it worth the wait, especially if you snag a spot at the outdoor seating.
Tapioca Express
$ | (510) 357-3781 | WEBSITE
It can be challenging to find a reliable boba spot in San Leandro when you’re constantly surrounded by chain coffee shops and fast-food joints competing for attention. But Tapioca Express is one of the most consistent places in the area, especially for it being tucked away behind Sons of Liberty and further down past the frozen yogurt place.
This friendly shop specializes in tapioca drinks—from the creamy taro milk tea that’s been a favorite since 2015 to fruit teas with boba that can be under $4.50—and that’s what you should prioritize for best results. Though, it’s hard to pass up their crispy popcorn chicken with that satisfying kick.
Makiyaki
$ | (510) 895-0488 | WEBSITE
You may not have enough time to fly to Tokyo for authentic Japanese cuisine this year, but Makiyaki is the next best thing—there’s enough clean lines, warm lighting, and attentive service in this small restaurant to prove it. But if you’re looking for a casual meal, try to grab a bento box with their delicious beef teriyaki, or share some gyoza and tempura with friends as the pleasant staff keeps your water glass filled.
While the sushi selection might not be the most diverse, the avocado rolls and other vegetarian options are solid, and everything comes at reasonable prices that make it easy to return. Just be prepared for limited parking in Pelton Plaza—it’s a small price to pay for such an enjoyable, affordable spot downtown.
Golden Bay Banquet
$$ | (510) 667-9238 | WEBSITE
If there’s one Chinese restaurant in San Leandro that delivers on every promise, it’s Golden Bay Banquet. This dim sum destination has been a local favorite for years, and it’s still the perfect place for any weekend craving—be it a quick family lunch or a celebratory gathering over steaming baskets of siu mai and lo mai gai. Don’t miss the made-to-order shrimp noodles.
Red Pepper Pizza
$ | (510) 564-4555 | WEBSITE
Initially, this spot with its impressive new decor, clean environment, and designated family area screams “generic pizza joint.” But the authentic Middle Eastern flavors and phenomenal Al-Mandi #1 dish quickly prove otherwise. The chicken and lamb mandi that fly out of this place are San Leandro’s best, with perfect fluffy pizza crust and tasty hummus—make sure the Al-Mandi #1 and hummus hit the table. And, make sure to do some friendly staff interaction while you’re at it.
(Red Pepper Pizza is a disappointment-free zone.)
Crabby Crabby
$$ | (510) 398-8344 | WEBSITE
Sure, you can have a fun time in San Leandro by hitting up a trendy gastropub. But if you require a full seafood feast (and don’t mind getting your hands dirty), there’s Crabby Crabby. This popular seafood spot feels as lively as a beachside crab shack. Plastic aprons and upbeat chatter are abundant. Crystal-clear Crabby Crabby sauce looks like liquid gold and tastes like the ocean’s best secret.
And lest we forget the phenomenal food—like the signature Combo #3 with King Crab Legs flakier than a perfect croissant, Dungeness Crab swimming in that addictive sauce, and crackly crawfish with corn and sausage. Go to this place for an exciting group dinner or casual date where it’s not imperative that you keep your clothes clean.