Richmond, California, often lives in the shadow of its more famous Bay Area neighbors like Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco. Known for its industrial history and beautiful shoreline parks, its culinary scene is one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
This is a city of incredible diversity, and its restaurants reflect that, offering a global passport of authentic flavors without the pretense or price tags of other Bay Area cities.
The best food in Richmond isn’t found in a centralized downtown district, but is scattered throughout its neighborhoods in unassuming storefronts and family-run businesses.
Here are five underrated restaurants in Richmond that are well worth seeking out.
1. Anaviv’s Table
Anaviv’s Table is a true unicorn in the Bay Area food scene. Part culinary school, part private event space, and part public eatery, it operates out of a beautifully converted industrial space in an unexpected part of Richmond.
Their primary offering is a prix-fixe “Open Market” lunch, where guests walk through the open kitchen and have their plates composed by chefs using ingredients harvested that morning from the on-site gardens.
It’s a hyper-local, farm-to-table experience of a quality you’d expect in Napa, but with a uniquely Richmond community spirit.
2. El Garage
What started as a pop-up in their family’s garage has blossomed into one of the Bay Area’s most talked-about birria spots.
Now in a permanent brick-and-mortar location, El Garage still serves the dish that made them famous: quesabirria tacos.
These are not your average tacos. They feature slow-braised beef, melted cheese, and a tortilla crisped to perfection on the griddle, served with a side of rich, flavorful consommé for dipping.
The line can be long, but the reward is one of the most satisfying and delicious taco experiences you’ll ever have.
3. Anh Restaurant & Bar
While the Bay Area has no shortage of pho, Anh Restaurant & Bar stands out for its modern aesthetic and meticulously prepared Vietnamese dishes. Located in the Pacific East Mall, Anh offers a clean, contemporary space that feels more upscale than a typical pho joint.
Their pho broth is fragrant and complex, but the menu shines with a variety of other regional Vietnamese specialties that are harder to find. It’s a great spot for exploring beyond pho and trying dishes like Bún Chả Hà Nội (grilled pork patties with vermicelli) in a comfortable, stylish setting.
4. Portumex
A Richmond institution for decades, Portumex is a beloved local legend that perfectly encapsulates the city’s diverse character.
The name is a portmanteau of “Portuguese” and “Mexican,” and the menu reflects this unique fusion. You can order a classic plate of carnitas or enchiladas, or you can opt for traditional Portuguese dishes like sopa de nabiças (kale and potato soup).
It’s a homey, no-frills diner where factory workers, city officials, and local families all gather.
The most famous order is the “fusion” itself: a chorizo and egg breakfast burrito, which beautifully marries the two culinary traditions.
5. Little Louie’s Cafe & Deli
Located in the historic Point Richmond neighborhood, Little Louie’s is a classic, old-school deli and cafe that feels like a step back in time.
It’s a tiny, bustling spot that has been serving the community for over 30 years. They are known for their massive, overstuffed sandwiches, hearty breakfast plates, and a variety of daily specials scrawled on a whiteboard.
It’s the perfect place to grab a “Point Special” sandwich before heading out to explore the nearby Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. It’s an unpretentious, high-quality community hub that runs on charm and delicious food.
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