Top 12 lunch restaurants in Yerba Buena
In the vibrant neighborhood of Yerba Buena, there lies a variety of lunch restaurants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a gourmet sandwich, a bowl of hearty soup, or a plate of international cuisine, these lunch restaurants in Yerba Buena have got you covered. Come and explore the culinary delights that this San Francisco district has to offer.
1. The Grove - Yerba Buena
Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, and comfortable atmosphere.

The food at the establishment was enjoyable, but it did not offer a remarkable dining experience. One of the dishes, Egg Benedict, arrived cold, which affected the overall satisfaction of the meal. The Greek salad was found to be less authentic, as it contained minimal feta cheese and a limited selection of vegetables, mainly spinach and a few slices of orange. Despite these issues, the dining experience was generally pleasant, but the establishment may not be the first choice for a future visit.
The Grove takes pride in providing fresh ingredients and offering scratch cooking to their customers. They offer breakfast until 3 pm and a variety of lunch options, striving for great customer service and tasty food. It's unclear if the aforementioned issues were isolated incidents or a reflection of the establishment's overall quality. Nonetheless, The Grove remains dedicated to serving their customers and ensuring their satisfaction.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Delarosa Downtown
Wood-fired pizzas, Fresh pasta, Local ingredients

The restaurant is well-suited for large group lunches, offering a cozy heated patio and a menu that features Roman-style pizzas. These pizzas are a highlight of the restaurant, known for their delicious taste and solid quality.
For pizza lovers, the Margherita Pizza is a must-try option for lunch. This pizza boasts a thin and perfectly cooked crust, although it can become slightly soggy in the middle. Despite this minor issue, the pizza's taste and quality make it a standout choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
3. IPPUDO SAN FRANCISCO
Authentic Hakata-style ramen from Fukuoka, Japan

Ippudo is known for its excellent Ramen, with a wide variety of choices and prompt service from gracious staff. The broths are flavored beautifully and the pork or shrimp are high-quality. Noodles can be cooked to your desired texture, making for a very satisfying meal. Delicious appetizers and great value contribute to the overall positive experience.
One specific dish that stands out at Ippudo is the Chicken Karaage. The crispy exterior, tender meat, and hint of skin create a perfect bite. It is cooked to perfection and its consistent taste makes it a must-try dish. Any changes to the recipe could potentially ruin the experience, as it is already an exceptional example of Chicken Karaage.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
4. Buena Vida Cantina
Colorful decor, lively atmosphere, and outdoor seating.

Mexican cuisine is known for its delicious and fantastic flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers. The variety of options in Mexican food is one of the reasons for its popularity. It offers a range of dishes from tacos, enchiladas, to mole, each with its unique blend of spices and ingredients.
The staff in Mexican restaurants and eateries is another reason for their popularity. They are friendly, fabulous, and provide excellent service to their customers. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide great recommendations based on customers' preferences. Their friendly demeanor and commitment to providing great service contribute to a wonderful dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
5. Super Duper Burgers

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
6. Amber India Restaurant
Elegant ambience with traditional Indian decor

Amber India is a restaurant known for elevating modern Indian cuisine, combining traditional and contemporary influences to create unique and delicious dishes. The inviting atmosphere sets it apart from more traditional Indian restaurants, offering a fresh and updated dining experience.
We ordered a selection of dishes, including Butter chicken, Paneer kadhai, Garlic Naan, Saffron rice, and Mango lassi. The Butter chicken was a standout, with its rich and creamy sauce. The Paneer kadhai was also a hit, with well-spiced paneer and bell peppers. The Garlic Naan was perfectly cooked and the Saffron rice was fragrant and flavorful. Overall, the food was delicious and well-prepared.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
7. Joyride Pizza - Yerba Buena Gardens
Located in the heart of San Francisco with outdoor seating

Yerba Buena Gardens is the location for delicious Detroit-style pizza, fresh salads, tater tots, garlic knots, and decadent desserts. Accompany your meal with a selection of ice-cold beer and wine from local California breweries and vineyards, while taking in the scenic view from the spacious glass windows or outdoor patio.
The pizza has fluffy dough and generously topped ingredients, and the service is efficient. Ordering is made easy. However, be cautious when ordering their local Cola soda as it is very sweet.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
8. Mel's Drive-In
Retro 1950s-themed drive-in with carhop service

Burgers are known for their juicy and fresh composition, featuring a distinctive bun sprinkled with a mix of regular and black sesame seeds. Opinions on the burgers are mixed, with some customers raving about their excellence and others considering them overpriced for the quality.
The food at this establishment is generally regarded as mediocre to good, although some reviewers have criticized it for being dry and overpriced. On the positive side, service is typically friendly, although there may be occasional lapses in attentiveness.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Late Night
9. Tropisueno in Yerba Buena
Features a lively atmosphere and a popular happy hour

If you're searching for a solid lunch option near the Moscone center, this place is a great choice. Upon arrival, walk up to the counter to order from a wide variety of items and combinations. After paying, grab your drinks and find a seat. The establishment offers both indoor and outdoor seating for your comfort.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
10. La Société Bar & Café in Yerba Buena
French-inspired menu, extensive wine list, elegant interior

The reader is reporting on a positive dining experience, highlighting the excellent service and delicious cocktails. The deviled eggs with trout roe were a particular standout from the menu. Overall, the lunch menu offered a wide variety of delicious options.
Other menu items that impressed the reader included the duck liver mousse and the tuna carpaccio. These dishes were exceptional and showcased the restaurant's culinary expertise. It is clear that the reader enjoyed their meal and appreciated the quality of the food.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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11. MIXT
Sustainable ingredients, customizable options, and grab-and-go availability.

For lunch today, I visited a restaurant near the convention center that specializes in salads. The salad ingredients are fresh and prepared in front of the customer. I opted for the beetnik salad, which was decent but not exceptional. The lettuce leaves were large, causing them to touch my face while I ate.
The food at the restaurant was of high quality and affordably priced. The location was convenient, and the establishment was clean and not overly crowded during my visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. MKT Restaurant and Bar

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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