Best Latin American Restaurants in SOMA

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Mariposas

4.8

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • SOMA

Booked 8 times today

Step into the vibrant world of Mariposas, a gem nestled in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco renowned for its exceptional Contemporary Latin cuisine, particularly its Peruvian roots. This culinary haven stands out for its "authentic Peruvian flavors" and a festive atmosphere that echoes the lively streets of Lima. Diners rave about the "juicy and full of flavor" rotisserie chicken and the traditional 'Lomo Saltado,' which they proclaim as a "must-try." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with guests frequently highlighting the "delicious and perfectly seasoned" dishes. Mariposas isn’t just a meal; it’s a "culinary journey where every bite tells a story," making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Peru in the heart of San Francisco.

2. ¡Chao Pescao!

4.4

Awesome(625)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 14 times today

At ¡Chao Pescao! in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, the essence of Cuban cuisine is brought to life through a menu infused with the rich flavors and traditions of restaurateur Rene Denis's childhood. Known for its exceptional Cuban dishes, patrons rave about the authenticity and depth of flavor. Reviews highlight the "best Cuban food we have had outside of Miami" and praise the "delicious and fresh" Cuban sandwiches and empanadas, which are said to be "crispy and tasty." The ambiance, described as "eclectic and colorful," complements the culinary experience, making ¡Chao Pescao! a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Cuba complemented by excellent service and a fun atmosphere.

3. El Techo

4.6

Exceptional(398)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Mission District

Booked 25 times today

El Techo, perched atop the bustling streets of San Francisco's Mission District, is a vibrant haven for Tapas and small plates enthusiasts. Renowned for its "fantastic rooftop experience" and "sweeping city views," this gem offers a delightful array of pan-Latin American cuisine that keeps patrons coming back. Diners rave about the "surprisingly delicious food" and the "perfect amount of full" feeling after indulging in their culinary delights. From the "mouth-watering" Yuca fries with a hint of pepper to the perfectly cooked Pulpo, each dish is a testament to El Techo's commitment to quality and authenticity. The atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and inviting," making it an ideal spot for both lively gatherings and intimate evenings. El Techo is truly a top destination for anyone seeking an authentic Tapas experience in San Francisco.

A photo of Lomo Libre Cantina restaurant

4. Lomo Libre Cantina

new

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Outer Sunset

Booked 1 time today

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru at Lomo Libre Cantina, where traditional Peruvian cuisine meets California cool. Located just minutes from Golden Gate Park, our restaurant offers a lively yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for everything from intimate dinners to group celebrations.Helmed by Chef Jose Calvo-Perez, our menu is a celebration of authentic Peruvian dishes prepared with bold flavors and time-honored techniques. Signature dishes include our sizzling Lomo Saltado, a tender stir-fry of steak, onions, and tomatoes, and our fresh, citrusy ceviches, bursting with the flavors of the sea. For a hearty option, don’t miss our traditional Aji de Gallina, a creamy chicken stew with a kick. Pair your meal with a handcrafted Pisco Sour, or explore our curated cocktail list and selection wines and beers.Whether you're dining with family, catching up with friends, or seeking an adventurous date night, we’re here to make your experience unforgettable!

5. Bocanova

4.7

Exceptional(55)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Oakland

Booked 11 times today

Bocanova in Oakland stands out as a beacon of Latin American cuisine, weaving a tapestry of flavors that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of South, Central, and North America. Patrons rave about the "amazing food, service, and ambiance," with special mentions of standout dishes like the chicken tamales, and the warm croissant bread pudding. The restaurant provides a vibrant atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration of the New World's bounty. The innovative menu features dishes like the flank steak with chifa sauce and the beloved matcha tres leches, capturing the essence of Latin American flavors while incorporating a local Californian flair. The glowing reviews consistently highlight the creative food presentations and exceptional service, making Bocanova a must-visit for an authentic and delightful dining experience.

6. Popoca

4.7

Exceptional(18)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Oakland

Booked 16 times today

Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland. Popoca means “to emit smoke” in Nawat, the language of native people of El Salvador who stoked wood fires to prepare food over a comal for their families. Revered as more than just a means of cooking, smoke represents a prayer or offering to the spirits.Popoca is a mix of heritage and play. Our food is driven by preserving past, creating something new and uniquely Oakland. After years of pop-ups, Popoca has its own digs in the Old Oakland neighborhood, where the pupusas, chicken with fermented pineapple sauce, and other Cali-Salvadoran specialties are happily devoured.

A photo of alaMar Dominican Kitchen restaurant

7. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(195)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Oakland

Booked 3 times today

At alaMar Dominican Kitchen in Uptown Oakland, Chef Nelson German brings a slice of the Caribbean to the West Coast with his contemporary twist on traditional Dominican flavors. Praised for its authenticity, alaMar has been described as an "Oakland treasure," where each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Patrons rave about the braised oxtail and the vibrant Mamajuana cocktail, highlighting their flavorful and generous portions. The ambiance is laid-back, complemented by Afro beats and an urban vibe, making it not just a meal, but an experience. As one reviewer puts it, the food is "excellent and authentic...very very tasty," ensuring that alaMar is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Caribbean cuisine in the Bay Area.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston •1 review
4.0
Dined today
Probably the best empanada I’ve ever had, absolutely delicious. The Caesar salad was a bit sad though. Wilted lettuce and only came with three tiny shrimp. Flavor was decent though
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¡Chao Pescao!Price: Moderate• Latin American• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.4
D
Diane
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
We had dinner prior to attending an event at the Yerba Buena Gardens. The food was delicious and restaurant not crowded. Our server was attentive and had everything we needed. We would definitely go here again.
More info
MariposasPrice: Moderate• Peruvian• SOMA
•
4.8
K
Kalief
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 4, 2024
Great—as always! The food is consistently good, the ambiance was lively and warm and the server was incredibly attentive.
More info
El TechoPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission District
•
4.6

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Mariposas

2. ¡Chao Pescao!

3. El Techo

4. Lomo Libre Cantina

5. Bocanova

6. Popoca

7. alaMar Dominican Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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