I visited here about 2 months ago with my girlfriend. I love Filipino food and they had some dishes…read morethat you don't normally see because they're not something Americans usually eat. I am pretty adventurous when it comes to food so I'm all in! I got the Pancit and a bunch of skewers. The Pancit was pretty big so I ate that all the next day heheh. The place is a bit sparse in terms of decoration but they had a Karaoke setup which is probably fun for parties. The service was pretty friendly and speedy so I'll be back!

Great Filipino food! Food is fresh made to order. Staff was friendly. Place is a little bit all…read moreover, curb parking only but overall good place.

We came to celebrate a birthday with a Kamayan feast, the traditional Filipino style where…read moreeverything's piled high on banana leaves and you eat with your hands! No utensils, just straight-up digging in, and it was such a vibe. We arrived early for our reservation and the servers brought out shrimp chips for us to nom on while we waited for the main event. The spread was insane: heaps of garlic rice, crispy lumpia, grilled meats, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and a ton of veggie dishes that were super fresh, bold, and succulent, like a family party exploded on the table in the best way. We were laughing the whole time, getting messy, and connecting over the food. Perfect for groups (you need at least 4 and gotta reserve ahead). If you're in SoMa and want something festive and unforgettable in SF's Filipino food scene, hit up Mestiza for kamayan. Totally worth it, coming back soon!

I came here on a Tuesday evening with my two sisters, a party of three; we made a reservation for…read more8:15 pm through Resy which was easy. We were quite excited to try this place, but there was nothing redeeming about this place, and I would not recommend coming here. Food: 1.5/5 We shared a small Pamilya meal, which comes with 1 appetizer, 1 salad, 2 mains, and 2 sides. This is a good amount of food and good bang for buck to try many items on the many, but unfortunately most items were bare-minimum decent at best. Lechon bites (1 appetizer): 3.5/5 This dish came with a sour-ish sauce. This was a pretty standard dish with nothing special about this dish, and I'd be more impressed if they messed up pork belly. Sweet heat (1 salad): 2.5/5 Nothing special about this dish. Looking back at the menu, which lists the ingredients, I see that this dish was missing mangos and Asian vinagarette. It was just a dry salad with a bunch of veggies and lacked flavor. Pork adobo (Main #1): 1.5/5 90% of the pork pieces were overwhelmingly dry and 10% were tender and moist. The flavor was okay, but just thinking about the dry pieces makes me want to reach for a glass of water. Bistek silog steak: 1/5 Again the flavor was okay and texture was terrible. It was unexpected that the steak was sour, but the texture was so chewy it was unbearably uncomfortable to eat. They pre-cut the steak for you which is nice, but I tried biting into a piece, and it took me 4 minutes to chew on just that one piece, and I had to use my fingers to pull the food out of my mouth to slowly chew on that one piece multiple times. This was nearly impossible to eat without cutting with a knife which they didn't provide, more on that in the service section of my review. Pancit canton (Side #1): 3.5/5 I actually liked the flavor of this. It was quite sour but in a good way. I've never had pancit with egg noodles but upon looking it up I guess there are multiple variations of pancit; I've only ever had pancit bihon which uses the extremely thin vermicelli noodles. Mongoo stew (Side #2): 3.75/5 I think this was the best dish of the night. It had earthy flavors and a light comforting flavor/taste. Service: 1/5 So my party and I were ready to order pretty quickly. What was odd was that I had to look at my server multiple times before she finally gave our table attention. It almost seemed like she was avoiding our table. Moreover, when we started to order, our server mentioned that she was eavesdropping on us stating that she thought we needed more time because it seemed like we wanted to order more. That was so strange to my sisters and me. We ordered a steak that was excessively chewy (I've never had steak this chewy before, think of a word opposite to tender or melts in your mouth - this would describe this experience), yet no knife was provided. We also ordered the Mongoo stew, and no bowls were provided (only plates). We also noticed that the two other tables being served had watched pitchers / big glass bottles of water that they could readily pour into our cups whereas we were not given a pitcher or big glass bottle of water. Thought that was odd as well. There was a clear lack of attention and felt like we were getting the cold shoulder. I had to walk to the front and ask for all these things because the staff never checked in on how we were doing. I'm not sure what my party and I did wrong, but it felt like the staff had an unspoken animosity toward my party and me the entire time, was not a pleasant dining experience. They close at 9 and we had an 8:15 pm reservation but still left around the same time as the other groups - not sure if we came closer to closing that had anything to do with why the food was so mediocre and service terrible? If that's the case, they should not allow for people to make reservations close to closing time. We would've just chosen a different restaurant. Ambience: 3.75/5 It was pretty loud and lively with two big groups at the tables adjacent to us, which we were surprised because it was a random Tuesday evening. There is only outdoor seating, but the heaters kept us quite warm. The lighting was dim, which contributed to the lowkey ambience. The restaurant had a nice aesthetic overall and felt clean, and while the food was mediocre in taste, the presentation was aesthetic. I've been debating between giving this place 1 or 2 stars out of 5, but rereading my review, I think they're more deserving of a 1 star. We had high expectations for this place, but they completely missed the mark with my group and me. I would not recommend this place to others unless you prioritize ambience, but even then, there are plenty of SF restaurants that do it better.

Went to get some food before a concert at the Chase Center and, on a whim, decided to try Senior…read moreSisig and got their quesadilla equivalent. Oh my gosh, it was so good. We got the chicken variant, and I will say it's a very good quesadilla on its own, but what really made it special for me and something I would want again is their cheese sauce and their unique Senior Sisig sauce that you can put over the quesadilla. Altogether, it was such a good flavor combination. This was my first time trying a Filipino version of a quesadilla, and it honestly had me hooked. I will definitely be back. It's also a very quick, convenient option for food right outside the Chase Center without having to do a full sit down experience and risk being late to your event. Overall, really great flavor and a super easy pre concert food spot.

There's a buzz in Thrive City, a community built in conjunction with the Chase Center. With more…read moreactivities ramping up in the neighborhood, the foot traffic has increased especially on days when there are events. Recently, I've been a regular in the area for the WNBA Golden State Valkyries games. After an okay experience inside the arena during Warriors season, we were disappointed to learn a few weeks later that the menu pivoted and we did not enjoy it. I suggested trying here and the line was relatively short with only four people ahead of us for the line to the order stations. There are two iPad screens and a gentleman on the counter would occasionally accept order from the waiting customers in line. We used the right iPad and ordered a burrito to share. After placing our order and my friend paying for it, we walked towards the left wall (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=0fy2Fh-Q2N9LVyvUK5PAUw) and saw two water stations under the Thrive City mural. We waited along the wall as the expediting station was just before the wall. There are cups provided at the water station so my friend and I each got a cup and I grabbed some napkins. After about 8 minutes, our order was called and my friend claimed it. We walked back to the outside dining area as all seats and tables inside were occupied. A kind gentleman at a 4-seat table kindly allowed us to share the table with him. Not wanting to eat too much before the game, we shared the California Sisig burrito, pork, requesting on our order that it be cut in half; our burrito was comprised of pork, French fries, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Here is a photo of my half (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=8-67jjaNjmA_nRVaWdrySw). I requested a complimentary tomatillo salsa (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=1gtm20H4kvvYMB_pEFNVOg) on the side which I poured onto my burrito intermittently as I ate. I enjoyed that it was tasty yet not messy or wet. That is one of my peeves, when burritos leave my hands dripping from the sauces from the burrito. My friend enjoyed hers and we agreed that we would dine here again. We arrived relatively early (5:30 pm for a 7 pm game) yet the restaurant was full. As we left a little before 6 pm, the line spanned to about 15-18 people. Since we used the iPad station, there was no interaction with staff other than picking up the burrito. I mentioned to one the expediters that one of the water station was running low. A few minutes later, he refilled it fully. This is a good option if you're craving Mexican items with a Filipino spin but I recommend coming early if you don't want to wait too long.

Have you ever experienced something that while it was happening, you already wish it could be for…read morethe first time again? Filipino-Japanese fusion has been a tried and true combination, including my boyfriend and I's relationship (ba dum tss). However, Ox and Tiger have MASTERED the fusion aspect. Ox and Tiger is an intimate dining experience, with 8 seats, and gorgeous plating, menu, and cute chopstick rests! Comes with 3 courses with an additional 4th add-on. They also have a drinking menu, and they noted that the menu changes every 2 months (every even month!) EJ is such a wonderful story teller, and Hitomi (who created the menu for the month of May) had a great twist on everyday classics in Japanese cuisine. As the dishes were prepared and presented, EJ would tell the backstory on the dish(es), a personal note about each, and Hitomi's take on it to sweeten the deal. As soon as the experience starts, EJ tells us that the doors will be locked to prevent any distractions from outside (aka if you're late, you're outta luck), but we were encouraged to go outside for air if necessary. (I tried taking these notes on the food while EJ was talking about each dish so bear with me). ESL lunch The backstory was that Hitomi loved caesar salad while going to school in America, so she created a "perfect bite" with a Japanese twist to it. The word "gomoku" literally translates to "5 ingredients," to which I was only able to remember 2 of 5 of the vegetables, which were snappeas and roasted beets, with quinoa and tinapa (smoked fish). The fish that was used wae a cured Spanish makerel. T.A.M.M.Y I wish I remembered the words for this, but this is actually Hitomi's English name when she moved to the states. The acronym aspect was for the class at the time to think of ways to learn to like their name (each letter was a positive attribute and I can't remember what EJ said). The backstory to this was that Hitomi, being born and raised in Japan, was actually the biggest fan of California roll - did not like traditional sushi (or raw fish for that matter). - T.A.M.M.Y. is Hitomi's take on that. This was monk fish, with the fish scraps dipped into dashi sauce and kyuri (Japanese cucumber). In other words, no part of the fish was wasted in the making of this dish (in true Japanese AND Filipino fashion). This also had pinipig (granola-like topping glazed in shoyu) [Shoyu = soy sauce] Omiotsuke Now this is where I was blown away. First of all, I did not know what the hell this word was in English, but I watched every part of this dish being prepared and was even more confused when it was presented as dessert. When EJ started explaining, it made all the sense in the world. There is a tofu skin roll, vanilla ice cream, a mushroom topping, cherry miso compote concoction (this is where I butchered the exact creation - this is where the flavor was distracting me from what it actually was). Did you notice the ingredients? What is one thing one will eat at any Japanese restaurant, almost as a courtesy/complimentary item? Omiotsuke is, as polite as one could possibly say, is miso soup. This is Hitomi's take on miso soup, the flavor was spot on. I never thought to pair dashi-like flavors with ice cream (there is already shoyu with vanilla ice cream, but this was a flavor sensation). EJ was so kind when my boyfriend and I admitted we came for an anniversary, and we even got to see his reaction when we said we were also Japanese/Filipino (I'm also an Ox, but no Tigers here). They took this lovely photo of us to commemorate the evening, which sits on our fridge to this day. Again, gochiso-salamat :) to EJ and staff! We hope to come back soon.

First started as a pop-up in 2018, Ox+Tiger offers Filipino/Japanese fusion cuisine inspired by the…read morelives of the two chefs behind the kitchen. Situated in a small, 8 seat counter, dinner is intimate with dishes being prepared right in front of you. The menu features three courses, an appetizer, main, and a dessert - with the option for an additional add-on. Our meal featured a focus on fish, in particular mackerel and monkfish. Each of the dishes were deconstructions of familiar concepts such as Caesar salad and a California roll, but enhanced with new flavors. The mackerel was sublime, perfectly charred exterior with a still raw interior. The monkfish was tender, coated in a ginger, wasabi sauce next to crispy sweet rice and avocado. The dessert was by far the most unique, being a miso dashi, mushroom cherry coated coconut ice cream with a tupig-like mochi on the side. The savory, sweet, sour combination completely catches you off guard but becomes increasingly addictive the more you eat. So bold and absolutely memorable. Ox&Tiger takes familiar concepts, breaks them apart, then fuses them back together with a flair of Filipino and Japanese flavors. This results in dishes that are utterly unique and innovative. Additionally, with menus and playlists designed by family, this truly feels like the epitome of a family-run business and a meal cooked with so much care in front of you. This is absolutely worth a visit and an opportunity to try new flavors you've never experienced before.

Senor Sisig is always a classic! I absolutely love fusion cuisine, and Mexican & Filipino is a…read morematch made in heaven I got the California Sisig Burrito with tocino, and it really hit the spot. The super sweet and savory tocino went so well with the guac, and it all felt like one really cohesive bite after another. I also thought it was reasonable portions (albeit on the heavier, more oily side) and filled me right up. Will be alternating between this and El Farolito to hit my burrito craving Enjoy this photo of this half-eaten burrito lol

Before hitting the Mission District, I watched Best in Chow (S1E6) and saw the Barnyard Burrito--a…read moremassive collaboration with SF artist Jeremy Fish packing five different proteins, French fries, and a fried egg, with cheese, sour cream, pico, and guac. I ordered mine without tofu (strictly because tofus aren't alive). It was kinda expensive, but also tasty and huge--I ate half for lunch and half for dinner. I really got my fill-apino. Notes: Next time, I'd stick to just the pork tocino; with five meats, the individual flavors get a bit lost. The lime salsa is great. My wife ordered hers "spicy" (on a scale of mild to hella spicy) but couldn't detect any heat at all. Though they have seating in the front on the street and inside the shop, I enjoyed the back patio with bold, festive murals, including one showing their food truck origins and an Anthony Boardain quote. It's cool knowing this is as place where a culinary legend like that would hang out.

Spot on Filipino comfort food…read more In all the years I've lived in the City, Kusina Ni Tess was a restaurant I had yet to try until recently. I think I may have evaded it out of homage to my Mom's own cooking, but Kusina provides the perfect opportunity to satisfy a craving for comfort food away from home. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. This restaurant is no-frills; the stars of the show are the fresh and tasty entrees you can see and choose from at the counter. They allow you to choose combination plates or ala carte depending on what you're craving. I had the Dinuguan with garlic rice, while my friend had the Lumpia Shanghai and Palabok noodles. Nothing disappointed--every dish hit the spot. For a moment, I felt like I was at a Filipino party with a few tables for parties of 2 or 4. The staff members were friendly and pleasant while taking my order. Bravo to Tess! I'll definitely be back now that I know where this hidden Sampiguita of a restaurant is, right around the corner from my downtown apartment.

This was my first time eating at Kusina Ni Tess. There aren't a lot of Filipino restaurants in San…read moreFrancisco, so it was a treat to try one of their silog breakfasts. There were plenty of menus posted throughout the restaurant, but I noticed that none of them listed prices. You order at the counter and wait for your receipt number to be called, then pick up your food on a tray and bring it to your table. Water is self-service. I ordered the Pork Adobosilog ($15.50) -- savory pork adobo served with garlic fried rice and a fried egg. The adobosilog was good, and the portion size was just right, although the price felt a little high for a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The garlic fried rice was disappointing because I couldn't really taste any garlic and it tasted more like plain fried rice. The pork adobo was tender and easy to eat. If I'm in the neighborhood and craving Filipino food, I may revisit the restaurant and try another silog from the menu.

Tried and tested. Never fails to impress the first timers we bring here…read more This was another fun dining experience for us with our friends. We got a table of eight one hour before closing time. Our server told us last order was at 6:45 since the cook had to leave early for another gig. They used to close later at night years ago. We had our usual chick-boy combo sisig, grilled liempo, tapa and garlic rice. Our friends embellished our spread with ginataang sitaw at calabasa (beans & squash in coconut milk), bam-i pancit, chicharon bulaklak (ruffle fat) and lechon kawali. Vinegar based sawsawan and Mang Tomas made this feast even better. We all had water because we were binge eating that weekend. Another large party satisfied at Chibogs. Can't wait for our next get-together here.

First time here for a party of two during a Sunday afternoon. We got there at 12:30ish so best to…read morewait because once we got our food there was a little wait. I got their Lechon Kawaii, pork adobo and garlic rice. All silog's comes with garlic rice or white rice and an over easy egg. You can add tomato for $2 extra (two sides combo upgrade is $3 more) I loved their Lechon sooooo tender and crispy paired well with the side of white vinegar or the brown sauce! We shared their sizzling sisig which was great per my cousin but I think it was a little dried without the egg? We got the combo of pork and chicken. Shared a Poncit Bihon, I always said more lemon the better but it was ok? I will try other other noodles dishes next time.

Not to be mistaken Superstar Restaurant for Burma Superstar , when I asked the hubby to take me…read morehere, he thought it was Burma Superstar and my cousin's husband as well- when he asked where we stop by for lunch. hehe. There is also another spot, Gateway that has similar food, I think they are related from reading the social media post. Yep. seen all the IG reels on Superstar Restaurant with the Hong Kong style porkchops, garlic rice & longanisa lunch plate for super cheap, of course I had to bookmark to give Superstar a try. We stopped by first time during January 2026 but they were closed for vacation-? then so happy got to try Superstar during this recent March 2026 visit. Superstar Restaurant is located in Excelsior district, street parking only but we had no luck so parked at Safeway, which I also had to make a stop there after visiting SS. Superstar is a hidden gem for sure, serving up affordable Filipino comfort foods with a touch of Chinese influence. This local-owned eatery has been in business since 1990. Don't judge the place by its looks, doesn't look so nice from the shop, they still have the original menu/prices from the business previously up. Just place your order with the friendly staff and your belly will thank you. I really wanted to grab more than 2 plates but didn't want the food to go to waste if we can't finish, ended up with the famous pork chop, bangus, and side of popcorn chicken. For the plate you get a choice of pineapple or tomatoes, fried egg and garlic rice. & the verdict: Wow. that pork chop was super good, juicy, crispy, tender, and super flavorful, the best ever had with garlic rice and how they cook the egg ( Filipino style like how you see on the Instagram reels) The bangus was boneless and has a nice smoke flavor. The popcorn chicken so fun to eat, love the batter on the chicken. So authentic. I wanted to get the breakfast plates ( tocino, longanisa) but def. will make a stop next time we visit. We wanted to stop by the next day before we leave SF but location/time didn't work out, sad face! All in all, such a great value for the money, everyone who makes a stop here will know what I mean, OMG wow., where can you get a full size plate lunch & like Superstar yummy for under $10.00?!, Thank you Superstar for keeping it low in this economy, if I lived here ya know Id be stopping by for my pork chop, longanisa, bangus, garlic rice and everything else fix! & Cash Only, don't forget to byo garlic chili oil sauce/spices!

CASH ONLY. The prices cannot be beat, that's for sure. It's a to-go place only. I got the popular…read morefried pork chop. It needed some vinegar or something. It was so dry. And it was all batter. The actual pork chop was so thin, I was mainly eating the fried batter. It was overrated IMO. The portions are generous for the cheap price, but the quality isn't there. You're better off ordering better quality food with the same portions, if not more, from Lucky Chances. Maybe it was just the pork chops they had that day? I don't understand the hype.