The 10 Best Peruvian Restaurants in San Francisco
Looking for the absolute best Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco? From internationally known favorites to hot spots on the brink of blowing up, San Francisco is home to some of the most amazing Peruvian locations.
A cuisine based on the culture and ingredients of the indigenous people of Peru, including the Incas, and influenced by European, Asian and African flavors and techniques, Peruvian food in San Francisco is steeped in culture and bursting with color and flavor. We’ve rounded up the 10 best spots in San Francisco to try this unparalleled cuisine.
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Find the Best Peruvian Food in San Francisco
One of the easiest ways to discover the best Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco — or any type of cuisine — is with food tours in San Francisco. From North Beach gems to the Mission’s best bites, you’re sure to find a tour that will have you experiencing the food culture of The City like the locals do.
The 10 Best Peruvian Restaurants in San Francisco
1. La Mar Cebichería Peruana
Located along the Embarcadero just blocks away from San Francisco’s famous Ferry Building, La Mar is quite literally located on “la mar” (the sea) and boasts some of the freshest seafood of all the Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco.
The Vibe
With a heated patio and a gorgeous view of the water, La Mar is the perfect place for an elevated celebration or special date night.
What to Order
Diners love the pulpo here, a Spanish-style octopus dish with squash, crispy fava beans, purple potatoes and garlic chips.
La Mar | Pier 1 1/2 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 | $$$
2. Piqueo’s
A modern spin on traditional tapas, Piqueo’s is one of the contemporary Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco that shows you can have small plates with big, bold flavors. Located in Bernal Heights, Piqueos is a local favorite.
The Vibe
An intimate and cozy neighborhood spot, Piqueo's is a great place for gathering with old friends and catching up over delicious cocktails and shared dishes.
What to Order
For a hearty meal, try the seco de cordero, a hearty Peruvian stew with tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank, lima beans, spinach sauce and rice.
Piqueo's | 830 Cortland Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$$
3. Limón
With two locations in the Mission District of San Francisco — the district with the highest concentration of authentic, Latin-inspired culture and cuisine — Limón is beloved by locals looking for the authentic Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco and delicious sangria by the pitcher.
The Vibe
Easygoing and relaxed, Limón is great for enjoying Peruvian food in San Francisco and meeting with small- to medium-sized groups of friends in a bustling, full-of-life neighborhood.
What to Order
The star of Limón’s menu is their famous open-flame rotisserie chicken. Served with your choice of sides and a yellow chili pepper aji amarillo sauce, you’ll want to use it on every single mouthwatering bite.
Limón | Multiple Locations | $$
4. El Aji
Another one of the Mission-based Peruvian Restaurants in San Francisco, El Aji is the second establishment opened by Peruvian chef Yeral Caldas. His mission has been, and remains, to open as many Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco as he can!
The Vibe
With a simple setup and sparse décor, the real star of El Aji is the food. A true hidden gem, you should visit El Aji with out-of-town friends who want a taste of the real Mission District.
What to Order
Rated among the best ceviches at any Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco, the Ceviche Classico is their signature dish and one you simply must try: a bright, refreshing fish dish served with dried corn and sweet potatoes.
El Aji | 3015 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$
5. Lomo Libre Cantina
What started as a popular Peruvian-fusion food truck, Lomo Libre has since opened its first brick and mortar location in the sunset district of San Francisco. Known as Lomo Libre Cantina, this spot lets you enjoy their signature Peruvian food in San Francisco without having to find their truck.
The Vibe
With a perfectly Instagramable neon sign at the entrance and a long bar that opens up into a larger seated area, Loma Libre Cantina is one of the top Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco for happy hour with friends or a casual lunch date.
What to Order
Try Lomo Libre’s version of the lomo saltado: a popular Peruvian dish of marinated sirloin strips with onions, tomatoes, french fries and rice.
Lomo Libre Cantina | 1824 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122 | $$
6. Mariposas
Named after a town in Peru (and also the Spanish word for butterfly), Mariposas is a celebration of Peruvian life, culture and cuisine with a trendy twist.
The Vibe
Giant lighted butterflies, walls covered in greenery and a grass-like floor make Mariposa one of the most beautiful Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco, and perfect for a romantic date night or fun girls’ night.
What to Order
Even the faint of heart will enjoy Mariposa’s anticuchos de corazón: a Peruvian-style beef heart dish with fingerling potatoes, corn and chimichurri. No so adventurous? You can't go wrong with the ceviche clásico.
Mariposas | 825 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | $$$
7. Bocado
An underwater-themed Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco, Bocado aims to transport their diners to the streets (or the seas) of Peru through their food.
The Vibe
Surrounded by fish sculptures, underwater greenery and screens sharing gorgeous views from Peru, Bocado is a thrilling option for a romantic date night or celebration.
What to Order
Their ceviche gets rave reviews. For a drink, opt for the Chica Sour, Bocado’s trademark cocktail made with pisco (the national spirit of Peru) infused with purple corn, house syrup, egg whites and angostura bitters.
Bocado | 701 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA 94107 | $$$
8. La Fusión
A Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco’s Financial District, La Fusión strives to reimagine Peruvian-style comfort food using modern techniques and an infusion of unique styles and flavors. Like many establishments in the Financial District, La Fusión is only open Monday through Friday, so don’t miss out!
The Vibe
Brightly colored with a small bar in the middle surrounded by cozy tables, La Fusión is a great place to grab a mid-week lunch with friends or enjoy an after-work happy hour.
What to Order
La Fusión’s seafood empanada is a crowd favorite: a perfectly crispy pocket of tender fish, shrimp and fontina cheese.
La Fusión | 475 Pine St., San Francisco, CA 94104 | $$
9. Cholita Linda
Located inside the Ferry Building, Cholita Linda serves vibrant Peruvian plates made from scratch with love and a deep appreciation of Peruvian culture. Can’t make it to the Ferry Building? You can also catch Cholita Linda at local farmers markets around the Bay Area.
The Vibe
Bright and bustling, Cholita Linda is a great Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco for grabbing an authentic, delicious meal while playing tourist for the day. There’s even an outside patio right on the water where you can watch the ships (and the fog) roll in.
What to Order
Tender, crispy and smothered in a light, smooth baja crema, the baja fish tacos at Cholita Linda are not to be missed.
Cholita Linda | 1 Ferry Building Ste. 44, San Francisco, CA 94111 | $$
10. Mixto Latin Cuisine
Located in the Outer Sunset district of San Francisco, Mixto Latin Cuisine is slightly off the beaten path, but a worthy destination to visit. Serving authentic Peruvian and Latin American fusion food, Mixto Latin Cuisine serves brunch, lunch and dinner daily.
The Vibe
Family-owned and kid-friendly, Mixto Latin Cuisine is a wonderful Peruvian restaurant in San Francisco to enjoy with the whole family. Bring the kids for lunch or leave them at home and enjoy a Peruvian-style brunch with friends.
What to Order
A rice-based dish teeming with clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops and fish, the arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood) is a must-try at Mixto.
Mixto Latin Cuisine | 3914 Judah St., San Francisco, CA 94122 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
From cozy eateries to decked-out dining experiences, the top Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco all have one thing in common — delicious food and commitment to celebrating Peruvian culture and cuisine. No matter which of these Peruvian restaurants in San Francisco you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time and even more amazing food.
For even more ways to explore San Francisco, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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