Bernal Heights Restaurants and Cafes
Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
Bernal Heights is a charming neighborhood in San Francisco known for its diverse community, lively atmosphere, and stunning views of the city. In recent years, the area has become a hub for food lovers, with fantastic restaurants and cafes that cater to all tastes and preferences. So Bernal Heights has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, a casual brunch, or a romantic dinner.
One thing that makes the restaurants and cafes in Bernal Heights special is their emphasis on fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Many establishments use only the freshest produce, meats, and seafood from nearby farms and markets. This commitment to quality ensures that every dish served in Bernal Heights is bursting with flavor and nutritional value.
Another aspect that makes the food scene in Bernal Heights unique is the variety of cuisines available. You’ll find everything from classic American comfort food to exotic international flavors in this neighborhood. So whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, tacos, or a juicy burger, you can find it here.
So, whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to try or a visitor hoping to experience the best of San Francisco’s food scene, Bernal Heights has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse cuisine, and commitment to quality ingredients, the restaurants and cafes in Bernal Heights are sure to impress even the most discerning foodies.
3rd Cousin – 3rd Cousin is a highly-regarded restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and inviting atmosphere. As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and welcoming ambiance and chic and modern decor that sets the mood for an intimate dining experience.
The menu at 3rd Cousin features a selection of creative dishes that showcase the chef’s expertise and creativity. Each plate is a work of art, beautifully presented and packed with layers of complex flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling. Some standout dishes include the poached lobster with yuzu and fennel, the octopus with paprika and chorizo, and the venison with figs and hazelnuts. The menu changes regularly, so you can always expect to try something new and exciting.
In addition to the exceptional food, the service at 3rd Cousin is top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, and they go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable experience. The wine list is also impressive, with a carefully curated selection of bottles that complement the menu perfectly.
Bare Bottle – Barebottle Brewing Company is a popular brewery at the far end of Cortland as you head toward Lowe’s. In addition to its excellent beer selection, the brewery hosts a rotating lineup of food trucks that offer a wide variety of delicious cuisine.
One of the great things about the food trucks at Barebottle is the diversity of offerings. You might find anything from authentic tacos and Korean barbecue to wood-fired pizza and vegan fare on any given day. The selection changes frequently, so there’s always something new and exciting to try.
The food quality at the food trucks is generally very good, with many of the vendors using locally sourced and organic ingredients. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great option for a casual meal or a quick snack while enjoying a beer.
The atmosphere at Barebottle is also very welcoming, with plenty of outdoor seating available. It is a perfect spot for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a laid-back, fun vibe.
Bernal Star – The menu at Bernal Star features classic American comfort food with a modern twist. From burgers and sandwiches to salads and entrees, there is something for everyone on the menu. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.
One of the standout dishes at Bernal Star is mac and cheese, which is made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs for added crunch. The burgers are also excellent, with thick, juicy patties and various toppings. Biscuits, gravy, and the breakfast burrito are both popular choices for brunch.
In addition to the food, Bernal Star has a great selection of beer and cocktails. The bar is well-stocked with local craft beers, and the bartenders are skilled at whipping up classic cocktails and creative new concoctions.
The service at Bernal Star is generally very good, with friendly and attentive staff who are happy to make recommendations and ensure that you have a great dining experience. The only downside is that the restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared to wait during peak hours.
Black Jet Baking Co. – The menu at Black Jet Baking Co. features a variety of baked goods, including cakes, pastries, and bread. The standout dishes include the chocolate croissants, the quiche, and the pies. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable snack or meal.
In addition to the food, Black Jet Baking Co. has a great selection of coffee and tea to complement your meal. The coffee is expertly brewed and roasted with various blends. The tea selection is also excellent, with various loose-leaf teas and specialty blends.
Little Bee Baking – Little Bee Baking is a charming and cozy bakery with a warm and inviting atmosphere that includes an open kitchen and a communal table.
The menu at Little Bee Baking features a variety of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes. Some of the standout items include the fruit galettes, the croissants, and the chocolate chunk cookies. All the baked goods are made with high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared, resulting in delicious and satisfying treats.
In addition to the baked goods, Little Bee Baking also serves coffee and tea, with various blends and brewing methods to choose from. The baristas are skilled and attentive, ensuring that each cup is perfectly brewed to your liking.
The service at Little Bee Baking is friendly and welcoming, with the staff taking the time to chat with customers and make recommendations based on their preferences. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with plenty of regulars who come in for their daily caffeine fix and to enjoy the delicious baked goods.
Martha Brothers Coffee – Martha & Bros Coffee has a warm and rustic interior, with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and plenty of natural light, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
The coffee at Martha & Bros is exceptional, with a selection of high-quality blends that are expertly roasted to bring out their full flavor and aroma. So whether you prefer a bold and robust brew or a smooth and mellow cup of coffee, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. In addition to their coffee, Martha & Bros also serves a variety of teas, smoothies, and pastries.
The service at Martha & Bros is friendly and attentive, with the baristas taking the time to explain the different blends and brewing methods to customers interested in learning more about coffee. The cafe is also very community-oriented, with plenty of regulars who come in for their daily caffeine fix and to catch up with friends and neighbors.
One of the unique features of Martha & Bros is their use of a pour-over brewing method, which allows customers to enjoy a cup of coffee that is freshly brewed to order. This ensures that each cup is perfectly brewed to your taste, resulting in a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee that is truly top-notch.
Overall, Martha & Bros is a fantastic cafe for coffee lovers who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. So whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a cozy spot to spend a lazy afternoon, Martha & Bros is worth a visit.
Mixed Traditions – The restaurant features a fusion of Latin American and Indian cuisine, resulting in a creative and delicious menu, unlike anything you’ll find in the area. The menu at Mixed Traditions features a variety of small plates and entrees that combine flavors and ingredients from Latin American and Indian cuisine. The standout dishes include the chicken tandoori empanadas, the lamb vindaloo tacos, and the quinoa biryani. The fusion of flavors is creative and bold, resulting in both familiar and exciting dishes.
Moonlight Cafe and Crepe House – Moonlight Cafe is a cozy and casual spot that is a perfect brunch spot on Cortland. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch until 3 pm.
The menu at Moonlight Cafe features a variety of classic American and Mediterranean dishes, emphasizing breakfast items like omelets and scrambles. The standout dishes include the falafel wrap, the Mediterranean salad, and the spicy chicken sandwich. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill – Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill is known for its delicious and creative sushi and seafood dishes. The restaurant has a casual and inviting atmosphere, with a small dining room and a sushi bar where diners can watch the chefs at work.
The menu at Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill features a variety of classic sushi rolls and innovative and creative rolls that incorporate unique flavor combinations and ingredients. Some standout dishes include the dragon roll, the spicy tuna roll, and the special Moki’s roll. The sushi is always fresh and expertly prepared, with high-quality ingredients and a beautiful presentation.
In addition to sushi, Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill also features a variety of seafood dishes, such as pan-seared salmon and grilled shrimp skewers. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
The service at Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill is consistently excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are happy to make recommendations and ensure that you have a great dining experience. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a laid-back vibe that is perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.
One thing to note is that the restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. However, the atmosphere is lively and fun, with a festive and welcoming vibe that is perfect for a night out with friends or family.
If you’re looking for delicious and creative sushi and seafood dishes in Bernal Heights, Moki’s Sushi & Pacific Grill is worth checking out. The sushi is fresh and expertly prepared, the seafood dishes are flavorful and satisfying, and the service is excellent.
Nute’s – Nute’s is a Thai restaurant quickly becoming a local favorite. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the Pad Kee Mao, also known as “drunken noodles.” This dish features expertly stir-fried noodles in a delectable blend of oyster sauce and soy sauce, with a perfect amount of charring that indicates the dish was perfectly cooked. In addition, the accompanying gai lan vegetables are cooked to a bright, crisp perfection and add an extra layer of freshness to the dish.
The Khao Soi Ga is another crowd-pleaser and is often the most popular item on the menu. This dish features a rich, spicy, and tangy broth that will warm your soul on even the coldest days. The soup is garnished with pickled mustard greens, adding a perfect hint of acidity to the broth.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Nute’s is worth a visit for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Thai food in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Pinhole Coffee – The coffee at Pinhole Coffee is exceptional, with a selection of high-quality blends that are expertly roasted to bring out their full flavor and aroma. So whether you prefer a bold and robust brew or a smooth and mellow cup of coffee, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. In addition to its coffee, Pinhole Coffee also serves a variety of teas, pastries, and other light snacks.
The cafe is also very community-oriented, with various events and activities promoting local artists and musicians. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the local community and is happy to engage in thoughtful conversations with customers who share their interests.
The service at Pinhole Coffee is friendly and attentive, with the baristas taking the time to explain the different blends and brewing methods to customers interested in learning more about coffee. The cafe is a great spot for working or studying, with plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi.
One of the unique features of Pinhole Coffee is its commitment to sustainability, focusing on using organic, fair-trade, and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. This makes it a great spot for customers who care about ethical and sustainable food practices.
Piqueo’s – Piqueo’s is known for its delicious and authentic Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with colorful and vibrant decor reflecting Peru’s vibrant and diverse culture.
The menu at Piqueo’s features various classic Peruvian dishes, including ceviche, lomo saltado, and chufa. The standout dishes include seafood paella, grilled octopus, and traditional Peruvian rotisserie chicken. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
The service at Piqueo’s is consistently excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are happy to make recommendations and ensure that you have a great dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a festive and welcoming vibe that is perfect for a night out with friends or family.
Pizza Express – Pizza Express is known for its delicious and affordable New York-style pizza. There is limited seating, but it is primarily intended as takeout.
The menu at Pizza Express features a variety of classic pizza toppings and some more unique and creative options. Some standout pizzas include the pepperoni, the Margherita, and the mushroom and truffle oil pizza. The pizza is always hot, fresh, and generously topped, with a thin and crispy crust that is just the right balance of chewy and crispy.
In addition to pizza, Pizza Express also serves a variety of salads, appetizers, and sandwiches. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
Progressive Grounds – Progressive Grounds has a warm and rustic interior, with wooden floors and plenty of natural light, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. In addition, there is an outdoor patio for those who prefer fresh air.
The coffee at Progressive Grounds is exceptional, with a selection of high-quality blends that are expertly roasted to bring out their full flavor and aroma. So whether you prefer a bold and robust brew or a smooth and mellow cup of coffee, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. In addition to its coffee, Progressive Grounds also serves a variety of teas, smoothies, and pastries. They also feature Mitchell’s ice cream.
The cafe is also very community-oriented, with various events and activities that promote social justice and community involvement. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about social justice issues and is happy to engage in thoughtful conversations with customers who share their values.
The cafe is a great spot for working or studying, with plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi.
One of the unique features of Progressive Grounds is its commitment to sustainability, focusing on using organic, fair-trade, and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. This makes it a great spot for customers who care about ethical and sustainable food practices.
Seafood Station – Seafood Station is known for its delicious fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant has a casual and inviting atmosphere, with a small dining room and a counter where diners can order and watch the chefs at work.
The menu at Seafood Station features a variety of classic seafood dishes, including clam chowder, fish and chips, and shrimp po’boys. The standout dishes include grilled salmon, fried calamari, and lobster roll. The seafood is always fresh and expertly prepared, with high-quality ingredients and a beautiful presentation. In addition, they offer non-seafood items like burgers and Philly Cheesesteaks.
Shokudou – Shokudou offers Japanese cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, with an open kitchen and a small dining room that creates an intimate and cozy ambiance.
The menu at Shokudou features a variety of classic Japanese dishes with an emphasis on fresh and high-quality ingredients. Some standout dishes include ramen, sushi rolls, and donburi bowls. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
In addition to the food, Shokudou also has a great selection of sake, beer, and wine to complement your meal.
Tacos Los Altos – Tacos Los Altos is known for its delicious and authentic Mexican street food. The taqueria has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, with a small dining room and a counter where diners can order their food.
The menu at Tacos Los Altos features a variety of classic Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The standout dishes include the al pastor tacos, the carne asada burrito, and the vegetarian tacos. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
In addition to the food, Tacos Los Altos also has a variety of fresh salsas and toppings available, allowing customers to customize their dishes to their liking. The salsa bar is well-stocked with various options, including spicy and mild salsas, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
United Dumplings – The menu at United Dumplings features a variety of classic Chinese dumplings and other Chinese dishes. The standout dishes include pork and chive dumplings, beef noodle soup, and dan noodles. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.
In addition to the food, United Dumplings has a variety of Chinese teas and other beverages to complement your meal. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations to help you select the perfect beverage to accompany your meal.
Vega Pizzeria – The menu at Vega Pizza features a variety of classic pizza toppings and some more unique and creative options. Some standout pizzas include the Margherita, the pepperoni, and the vegan mushroom pizza. The pizza is always hot, fresh, and generously topped, with a thin and crispy crust that is just the right balance of chewy and crispy.
Vega Pizza also offers a selection of traditional Italian dishes such as Rigatoni, Spaghetti, and Gnocchi, as well as salads and sides. To complement your meal, the restaurant also serves beer and wine. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a satisfying and affordable meal.
VinoRosso – The menu at VinoRosso features a variety of classic Italian dishes, emphasizing fresh and high-quality ingredients. Some standout dishes include homemade pasta, pizza, and braised beef short ribs. The portions are generous, and the prices are on the higher side but are still reasonable considering the food quality and the atmosphere.
In addition to the food, VinoRosso also has an extensive wine list featuring a variety of Italian and other wines from around the world. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations to help you select the perfect wine to accompany your meal.