01
Best overall pick
Original Joe's Westlake
Westlake District • Classic Italian-American Institution • Iconic Local Favorite
A renovated mid-century landmark serving generous plates of Italian-American comfort and steakhouse classics in a lively, clubby dining room.
Original Joe’s Westlake is the spot Daly City residents book when they want something that feels both special and familiar. Expect old-school portions of pasta, chops, and parmigiana, strong cocktails, and a buzz that runs from early dinners through late-night desserts at the counter. It’s equally suited to family celebrations and lingering date nights in a setting that still nods to its 1950s roots.
02
Best for dim sum
Koi Palace
Serramonte • Bustling Cantonese Seafood And Dim Sum Palace • Best For Group Feasts
A destination-level Cantonese restaurant known for top-tier dim sum, fresh seafood tanks, and banquet-style dinners that draw crowds from across the Bay.
Koi Palace is the place you plan ahead for: put your name in, grab a boba, and settle in for some of the best dim sum within driving distance of San Francisco. Rolling carts and an encyclopedic menu cover everything from delicate shrimp dumplings to crisp roast meats and live seafood. Go with a group so you can justify ordering one more basket, one more noodle dish, and that showpiece seafood entrée you’ll talk about on the ride home.
03
Filipino comfort standout
Chibog
Gellert Corridor • Contemporary Filipino Restaurant • Filipino Comfort Go-To
A lively Filipino spot where sizzling plates, hearty stews, and shareable platters make it easy to feed a crew without spending a fortune.
Set in a busy plaza along Gellert, Chibog packs a lot of personality into a casual dining room that’s usually humming with families and groups. The menu leans into classics like crispy pata, sisig, and kare-kare, alongside rice platters and noodle dishes that are built for sharing. It’s a smart move for anyone curious about Filipino food and a dependable standby for locals craving flavors from home.
04
Cozy noodle fix
Tom San Ramen
Southgate • Casual Japanese Ramen Shop • Casual Noodle Fix
A compact, no-fuss ramen house turning out rich broths, springy noodles, and quick comfort meals steps from neighborhood streets.
Tom San Ramen is the sort of spot you duck into on a foggy Daly City evening and walk out of warmed through. The menu keeps things focused—tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu broths with your choice of toppings, plus a few sides like gyoza and karaage. Service is brisk, counter seating moves quickly, and it’s easy to fit in a satisfying bowl before or after errands in the Southgate area.
05
Soul food favorite
Keith's Chicken & Waffles
Mission Street Corridor • Laid-Back Soul Food And Brunch Spot • Hearty Brunch Favorite
A relaxed neighborhood joint famous for crisp fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and satisfying plates that hit hardest at brunch and late lunch.
Perched along the busy Mission Street corridor, Keith’s is where locals go when only serious comfort food will do. The star is the namesake combo: well-seasoned fried chicken with a waffle that somehow stays light under syrup and butter. With friendly service, big portions, and a steady stream of takeout orders, it’s an easy call for a weekend meetup or a casual, indulgent meal any day of the week.