Top Yelp-Rated Restaurants in San Leandro

Hungry San Leandrans have been gratified in the past few years, as a significant number of new restaurants have popped up throughout town.  With several more restaurants in the works, one could argue that San Leandro’s dining scene is experiencing a renaissance.  Therefore, we celebrate this uptick by highlighting San Leandro eateries that have earned the highest ratings on Yelp.  Many of these restaurants are seasoned staples, but impressively, many are new.

Bluebird Pizzeria – 496 E. 14th Street.  This New York-style pizzeria has taken San Leandrans by storm since opening in 2014.  An impressive 4.5 stars and 294 reviews is a clear indication that this restaurant delivers (no pun intended)!

Cinco TacoBar – 15100 Hesperian Boulevard. One of San Leandro’s more recent additions, this Mexican restaurant has already earned 340 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, as well as a favorable East Bay Express review by Luke Tsai.

Hawaiian Poke Bowl – 579 Floresta Boulevard. Having only just opened in February, 2017, it is remarkable that this poke-style eatery has already earned 4.5 stars between 130 reviews.

Noodles Pho Me – 377 Bancroft Avenue. Laotian pho is a rare treat, and this San Leandro hot spot has taken the neighborhood by storm, as well as a great East Bay Express review by Luke Tsai.  Yelp rates it at 4.5 stars with 196 reviews.

Super 5 Chinese Kitchen – 555 Lewelling Boulevard. This no frills restaurant serves up bountiful portions and flavors that have earned it 4.5 stars and 72 reviews.

Zocalo Coffeehouse – 645 Bancroft Avenue. San Leandrans love to buy coffee and hangout in this spacious coffeehouse for years, with its locally roasted coffee, artisan sandwiches, and a children’s play area, it is easy to see why.  505 reviews rate Zocalo at 4 stars.

Hoagy Steak – 691 E. 14th Street. Hoagies and cheese steaks are East Coast staples, and Hoagy Steak is unique in that it offers both–a delight for East Coast ex-pats.  Its 4-star rating comes via 243 reviews.

Sons of Liberty Alehouse – 150 W Juana Avenue.  Another newcomer, SOLA opened its doors just before Thanksgiving in 2016, and has done well to earn 4 stars and 159 reviews.  A stellar review in Mercury News adds another accolade to this establishment, whose elevated pub grub, fancy cocktails, and impressive craft beer selection has quickly garnered a strong customer base.

Los Cantaros Taqueria – 550 San Leandro Boulevard. With 4.5 stars derived from 61 reviews, this recent arrival has done well to establish itself in the old Cherry Pit location next to Siempre Verde Park.

8-Twelve Oriental Market – 596 E. 14th Street.  Primarily a juice and boba tea bar, 8-Twelve offers lots of seating and a children’s nook, making it a neighborhood favorite.  Its 4 stars result from 201 reviews.

Rubiano’s Pizzeria – 600 Dutton Avenue. This rustic pizza joint keeps getting busier and busier.  From hearty pasta dishes to stick-to-your-ribs pizza, Rubiano’s has earned its 4 stars and 313 reviews from its devoted customers.

Paradiso Restaurant – 685 Bancroft Avenue. Paradiso is another neighborhood staple that has offered fine Mediterranean dining since 1996. With 1,022 review, it has the longest track record on Yelp, and its 4 stars are quite a testament to quality and service.

Taqueria Los Pericos – 1389 E. 14th Street/101 Pelton Center Way. Two of the five Los Pericos locations in San Leandro have each earned 4-stars, with 302 and 439 reviews. Belly-busting burritos, refreshing aguas frescas, and heaping plates of traditional Mexican-American dishes, has made Los Pericos a go-to destination.

Roccab’s Cafe & Deli – 1070 E. 14th Street. This cafe and sandwich spot on the creek serves breakfast and lunch. If you choose to eat in, you can grab a terrace table with a view of the creek while enjoying your lunch.  Roccab’s has earned 116 reviews and 4 stars.

Pho T&T – 2050 Lewelling Boulevard. San Leandro has its fair share of Vietnamese pho establishments, but Pho T&T in the Washington Manor area shines with its 128 reviews and 4 stars.

Rocky’s Charcoal Grill – 300 W Estudillo Avenue. Made to order char-grilled natural beef burgers and fries lands this Downtown destination 234 reviews and 4 stars.

Rock & Roll – 579 Floresta Boulevard. Elegant sushi, bento boxes, and even poke bowls are served at this popular eatery, which has earned 621 reviews and 4 stars.

Kendejah Restaurant – 197 Pelton Center Way.  The newest kid on the block, Kendejah offers home-style Liberian cuisine in Downtown San Leandro. Despite having been open only three months, this restaurant has amassed a whopping 5 stars and 46 reviews.

From this diverse and impressive list of highly rated food destinations, it is evident that San Leandro is enjoying a healthy expansion of its culinary network.  Stay tuned for new restaurants arriving in the coming year.