Best Upscale Peruvian Restaurants in San Francisco | Upscale Peruvian Food

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Peruvian Restaurants in San Francisco | Upscale Peruvian Food

• The Salad Place — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant eatery where the morning begins with the comforting aroma of toasted bagels and sizzling chorizo, paired perfectly with colorful bowls of fresh fruit and creamy parfaits. The experience evolves into a celebration of coastal zest, offering crisp tostadas piled high with chilled ceviche and traditional Mexican bionicos that burst with seasonal sweetness. Every visit feels like a refreshing escape, blending hearty breakfast classics with the bright, clean flavors of a seaside market.
• El Aji — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant colors and the zesty aroma of lime-marinated seafood define this spirited escape, where the namesake golden pepper lends a sun-kissed warmth to every artfully plated dish. The kitchen masterfully balances bold Andean spices with fresh, coastal ingredients, creating a sensory journey that captures the lively essence and rich, soulful heritage of Peruvian tradition.
• Barrio — Mexican · rated 4/5: Barrio pulses with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the air is perfumed by the citrusy zing of fresh ceviche and the smoky char of grilled carne asada. Friends gather over the colorful "Barrio Trinity" of creamy guacamole and warm queso, sharing plates of sweet fried plantains and crisp pickled vegetables that celebrate bold, soulful flavors. It is a spirited destination that balances rustic Latin-inspired comfort with a lively, social atmosphere, inviting guests to linger long after the last chip has been dipped.
• Cantina Los Mayos — Mexican: Cantina Los Mayos transports diners to the sun-drenched Yucatan, where the vibrant energy of a traditional gathering spot meets the deep, ancestral flavors of Mayan heritage. The air carries the enticing aroma of bubbling queso fundido spiked with charred xcatic peppers, while colorful plates of crisp panuchos and lime-brightened ceviche showcase a masterful balance of crunch and citrus. It is a spirited sanctuary where every bite of a golden empanada or refreshing jicama taco feels like a soulful celebration of coastal Mexican artistry.
• Lomo Libre — Peruvian: Vibrant coastal energy meets culinary artistry at this lively destination, where the zesty tang of citrus and the briny snap of fresh seafood transport guests straight to the shores of Peru. Diners can explore a kaleidoscope of flavors through colorful ceviche flights and invigorating leche de tigre, while chilled oysters and piquant shooters provide a crisp, oceanic finish to an effortlessly spirited dining experience.
• Shizen — Japanese: Shizen invites diners into a serene, nature-inspired sanctuary where the earthy aromas of simmering miso and toasted garlic set a tranquil tone for a refined culinary journey. Artfully plated dishes celebrate the bounty of the land, from the delicate, silken textures of yuba and nameko mushrooms to the bright, citrusy zing of a vibrant plant-forward ceviche. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of traditional Japanese techniques and modern innovation, creating an atmosphere that feels both deeply soulful and elegantly contemporary.
• Colibri Mexican Bistro — Mexican: Step into a lively sanctuary where the vibrant colors of Mexico come alive through the sizzle of chorizo-topped queso fundido and the bright, citrusy notes of fresh fish ceviche. This spirited bistro celebrates the soul of Yucatecan tradition, serving up hand-pressed sopes and slow-roasted cochinita pibil that transport diners to a sun-drenched plaza with every flavorful bite.
• Waterfall Cevicheria — Seafood: Waterfall Cevicheria captures the vibrant spirit of the coast, where the air is bright with the scent of fresh lime and the rhythmic shake of salt-rimmed margaritas. Guests dive into crisp tostadas piled high with citrus-cured seafood and fiery bowls of aguachile rojo, often pairing their feast with a savory michelada crowned with a generous scoop of ceviche for the ultimate sun-drenched escape.
• Mission Rock Resort — Seafood: Perched along the water's edge, this sun-drenched destination invites guests to linger over shimmering shellfish plateaus and briny oysters while the bay breeze carries the scent of salt and toasted sourdough. The kitchen celebrates the ocean’s bounty through vibrant crudos and zesty ceviches, balanced by the comforting warmth of creamy New England clam chowder and golden, crisp frito misto.
• Mochica — Spanish: Mochica transports diners to the heart of Peru with a vibrant atmosphere where the bright, citrusy scent of fresh ceviche mingles with the smoky aroma of grilled anticuchos. The kitchen celebrates the bold, diverse flavors of the Andes and the coast, crafting plates that balance the zesty heat of aji peppers with the cool refreshment of a perfectly shaken pisco sour. This spirited destination invites guests to linger over colorful dishes that beautifully bridge the gap between ancient culinary traditions and modern coastal flair.
• Hazie's — American: Hazie’s pulses with a convivial energy, drawing guests into a stylish space where the aroma of warm pretzel knots and bubbling Oaxacan cheese fundido sets the stage for a spirited, communal gathering. The kitchen crafts a playful tapestry of flavors, balancing the zesty brightness of shrimp ceviche and pickled garden vegetables against the indulgent, honey-glazed crunch of crispy chicken sliders. It is a destination where sophisticated small plates and rustic comforts collide, creating an atmosphere that feels both effortlessly chic and warmly welcoming.
• Loló — Mexican: A kaleidoscope of color and kinetic energy, this lively destination invites guests into a whimsical space where the spirit of a modern cantina comes alive. Zesty citrus notes from bright ceviches dance alongside the smoky richness of bubbling mushroom queso fundido and golden, hand-pressed empanadas designed for communal sharing. Every plate, from the crispy charred Brussels sprouts to the tender pork carnitas nachos, celebrates bold, playful flavors that turn a casual gathering into a spirited feast.
• La Fusión — Mexican: At La Fusión, the air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of spice-rubbed rotisserie chicken spinning to a perfect golden crisp, creating a warm contrast to the bright, zesty chill of citrus-marinated ceviches. This lively destination brings together the comforting crunch of hand-folded empanadas and vibrant, garden-fresh greens, offering a soulful dining experience where traditional Latin warmth meets modern coastal flair.
• Papito — Mexican (often used for Latin American: Papito invites diners into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the scent of toasted corn and zesty citrus, setting the stage for a spirited celebration of coastal and street-side flavors. Crispy tostadas topped with silken ahi tuna and bowls of rich, ruby-hued pozole anchor a table filled with bubbling queso fundido and bright, lime-kissed ceviche. Every dish captures a sense of sun-drenched warmth, offering a lively culinary escape that balances comforting tradition with fresh, modern artistry.
• Nopalito — Mexican: Nopalito pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched Mexican kitchen, where the air is fragrant with the scent of toasted chiles and freshly pressed masa. Crisp totopos and zesty ceviche tostadas offer a bright, coastal crunch, while soulful offerings like steaming Veracruz tamales and golden beef empanadas provide a comforting, deep-rooted warmth. From the jewel-toned pomegranate seeds atop achiote-roasted sprouts to the restorative depth of a traditional caldo, every dish celebrates the bold, colorful spirit of authentic regional flavors.
• Mendocino Farms — American: This vibrant, sun-drenched eatery reimagines the neighborhood sandwich shop as a culinary playground where farm-fresh ingredients and creative flair take center stage. Diners can savor the satisfying crunch of the "Not So Fried" Chicken or explore bold, global inspirations like the Spicy Calabrian Turkey Focaccia and the zesty Peruvian Steak. With its bright, communal atmosphere and a menu that dances between seasonal sweetness and savory depth, it offers a refreshing escape for those seeking a modern, flavor-forward lunch.
• Andina — Peruvian: Andina pulses with the vibrant energy of a contemporary Peruvian hacienda, where the rhythmic sounds of live Latin music mingle with the clinking of pisco sour glasses at the bustling bar. The kitchen celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Andes through zesty, citrus-bright ceviches and soul-warming stews infused with the smoky heat of ají peppers. It is a spirited destination where ancient culinary traditions are reimagined with modern flair, offering a sensory journey from the rugged highlands to the coastal shores of Lima.
• El Buen Comer — Mexican: El Buen Comer invites guests into a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted masa and slow-simmered chilies. Diners delight in a parade of artisanal small bites, from crisp tostaditas topped with zesty ceviche to tender, steam-kissed tamales that reveal rich, savory fillings. Each plate captures the soulful essence of a bustling marketplace, offering a communal dining experience that honors deep-rooted flavors with every colorful, hand-crafted morsel.