14 Mar Discover San Francisco Through Food. My Favorite Findings!

Written By: Ieva Dekaminaviciute

I have always been passionate about food. As a foodie who has worked in several restaurants in Europe, I love to explore new cuisines and cultures through their dishes. Food is more than just nourishment. It is a way of connecting with people, creating memories, and experiencing emotions.

When I came initially to San Francisco, I had a very limited and stereotypical view of American food. I thought it was all about fast food chains, frozen meals, and processed ingredients. I was not impressed by the likes of McDonald’s, Panda Express, or Shake Shack. They tasted bland, greasy, and artificial. I could tell they were made with cheap and mass-produced ingredients. I knew there had to be more to the food scene than that. So I ventured out and look for local, authentic, and diverse places. And boy, was I in for a treat. San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and flavours, and I discovered two amazing restaurants that reflect that. In this post, I will share with you my experiences at these two hidden gems and why you should visit them too.

Lucho’s: Cozy Mexican Spot Near Uni

The first restaurant that caught my eye was Lucho’s, a cozy and colorful place that serves American-Californian dishes with a twist of Yucatán, a region in Mexico known for its rich and spicy cuisine. Lucho’s is a family-owned business that is located near the main campus, making it a convenient and affordable option for students. What is more, this place has a 4.8 start rating on Google reviews. Now where have you seen that for a restaurant at this price point? Spectacular.

They offer a variety of dishes, such as their signature chilaquiles, cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in citrus and spices, pancakes, eggs benedict, mimosas, and micheladas, a beer cocktail with lime juice and hot sauce.

What impressed me the most about Lucho’s was how efficient and friendly they were. The place is always packed, but they have a system that works like clockwork. You choose your table preference (indoor or outdoor), put your name on the list, get the menu outside, get called in, order and pay. The staff is very attentive and courteous, and the kitchen is open, so you can see the chefs working their magic. The food comes out fast and fresh, and the portions are huge.

The star of the show at Lucho’s is the chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that consists of fried or toasted corn tortillas simmered in a red sauce and topped with cheese, cilantro, onion and sunny side egg. You can also add extra protein, which I would highly recommend. Try their special beef birria. The chilaquiles were delicious, with the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and spicy. The tortillas were well-coated with the sauce, but not too soggy. The cheese adds a nice touch of creaminess and saltiness, and you can control the acidity levels with their amazing tableside salsas.

The chilaquiles are so filling that you might not be able to finish them in one sitting. But don’t worry, you can take the leftovers home and enjoy them later. Trust me, they are still good the next day.

Lucho’s is located at

2675 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132.
Chilaquiles – 9.25
Beef Birria – 7.25

Homemade lemonade – 4.95

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen: Venezuelan Corn Pockets

The second restaurant that blew me away was Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen, a Venezuelan restaurant that specializes in arepas, and other dishes made with corn, plantains, taro, and yuca. Arepas are round and flatbreads made from corn flour that are grilled, baked, or fried and stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese, meat, beans, or vegetables.

I ordered an arepa with blackened beef and sweet plantains, and it was one of the best things I ever tasted. The beef was tender, juicy, and falling off the bone, and the sauce was complex and smoky. It reminded me of a Mexican mole, a sauce made with chocolate and spices. The plantains were sweet and soft, and added a nice contrast to the savory beef. The arepa was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and held everything together. It was a symphony of flavors and textures in my mouth.

The portion size at Pica Pica was more reasonable than at Lucho’s, but still enough to fill me up. The arepa was generously stuffed with beef and plantains, and I could barely finish it. But I was very happy and satisfied. The arepa was also very unique and addictive, and I wanted to try more of their flavors. Luckily, they sell their house-made arepas separately, so you can take some home and make your own creations.

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen is located at

401 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Asada Negro – 12,50

Excelsior Coffee: A Cozy Ube Matcha Treat

The last place I visited was Excelsior Coffee, a hidden spot in Mission that has a very strong small neighborhood vibe and creates unique pastries and drinks, featuring ube. Ube is a purple yam that is popular in Filipino desserts and has a sweet and nutty flavor. It is similar to taro, but with a more distinct taste and a more tacky texture. I ordered an ube matcha latte, which was a beautiful blend of purple and green colors and a delicious combination of earthy and creamy flavors. The matcha was high quality and the ube was smooth and rich. The only downside of Excelsior Coffee was that it was that they did not have much seating inside. But if you want a refreshing and tasty drink on the go, it is worth every dollar.

Excelsior Coffee is located at

4495 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112.
Ube Iced Matcha Latte – 6.50

If you are a foodie like me, or just looking for a new and exciting place to eat, I highly recommend checking these places out. Food has always been the one incentive for me to travel and see new places, so pack your bags, explore the city, and enhance your experience with a delicious treat. You will not regret it. Bon appétit!