10 Legendary Family-Owned Restaurants In San Francisco You Have To Try

Believe it or not, there are still mom and pop owned restaurants in San Francisco. If you want a more intimate experience then this is the perfect post to make you happy. Here are some of our favorites in San Francisco, serving up homemade specialties from Italy, Mexico, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern and beyond.

1. Grubstake - 1525 Pine Street, San Francisco, 94109

This is a spot that has outlasted many in an ever changing economy. This late-night favorite helps the Polk Street crowd for late food/drinks as late as 4am—no matter the day or night. Get All-American (and Portuguese!) eats here, with towering burgers and gut-busting breakfast platters.

2. La Ciccia - 291 30th St, San Francisco, 94131

This intimate restaurant on the outskirts of Noe Valley is owned by husband-and-wife team Massimiliano Conti and Lorella Degan. The seafood dishes do well here like Squid ink pasta with octopus. Expect delicately crafted authentic Sardinian dishes with a specialized focus on fresh seafood.

3. Tu Lan - 8 6th St, San Francisco, 94103

One of San Francisco's oldest, most beloved spots for cheap eats, and it is still run by the original owners. The menu here is mainly Vietnamese rice plates. A word of warning, Tu Lan is located along the gritty corner of 6th and Market once got the seal of approval from Julia Child herself.

4. Franchino - 347 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, 94133

Family-owned restaurants in North Beach are the most popular in San Francisco. This is a real deal mom-and-pop gem created by Franchino Nozzolino and his wife Giuseppina, originally from a small town near the Amalfi Coast. The Seafood cioppino is a hit!

5. Marcella’s Lasagneria - 1099 Tennessee St, San Francisco, 94107

Marcella’s Lasagneria is in the Dogpatch. This is another family-owned Italian restaurant but instead outside North Beach. Beyond lasagna, this place offers flatbread pizzas, panini, salads, soups, and vegan options.

6. Palmyra - 700 Haight St, San Francisco, 94117

This is a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant with a Syrian focus. Palmyra is a friendly, family run business. Expect some wonderful Middle Easter delights like Lamb Kebab Plate with hummus and cucumber salad.

7. Tommaso’s Ristorante Italiano - 1042 Kearny St San Francisco, 94133

A real deal landmark in North Beach. Tommaso's has been serving San Franciscans for over 75 years. Expect traditional brick-oven pizza that can be loaded with thick toppings upon request. Yum!

8. Halu - 312 8th Ave, San Francisco, 94118

The owners of Halu are Mieko and Shig Komiyama. Halu has Japanese Izakaya style food that is quite rare in the city and the Bay area.The popular item on the menu here is the Karaage ramen with Chasu pork.

9. San Jalisco - 901 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, 94110

One of the few remaining family owned restaurants in the Mission. This spot offers excellent Micheladas and burritos. And of course guacamole and salsa. Yum!

10. Rue Lepic - 900 Pine St, San Francisco, 94108

Authentic French cuisine nearly at the top of Nob Hill. The owner and chef Michiko Boccara is actually Japanese, but has perfected the finicky art of French favorites like escargots, sweetbreads, and filet mignon over the several years she's owned this charming, romantic neighborhood restaurant.

Have you been to any of these places? Let us know. Share this story too. If you're curious about great food downtown then check out These 10 Mouthwatering Restaurants In The Heart Of Downtown San Francisco.