World CupSC

What to eat

Restaurants by cuisine, by team, by neighborhood.

Bay Area food is some of the best in North America. Here's where to eat based on which team you're cheering for — or which city you're exploring.

For Paraguay and Australia fans

Latin American & Pacific.

South American empanadas, chimichurri steakhouses, and a few Aussie-run spots that welcome the Socceroos.

For Qatar, Jordan, and Algeria fans

Middle Eastern & North African.

Halal options, Levantine mezze, and Maghrebi tagines across SF, Fremont, and San Jose.

For Switzerland and Austria fans

European comfort food.

Schnitzel, fondue, rösti, and the Bavarian-Austrian crossover scene in SF.

Near Levi's Stadium

Pregame and postgame in Santa Clara.

Walking-distance and short-rideshare options so you're not eating $20 stadium hot dogs.

Downtown San José institutions

Where the South Bay actually eats.

Closest big-city dining to Levi’s Stadium — old-school institutions locals have packed for decades, a short VTA ride or 15-minute drive away.

Falafel's Drive-In

San Jose

Middle Eastern

Cult-favorite falafel & banana shakes since 1966. Cash-friendly, always a line — worth it.

Map · hours · reviews

La Victoria Taqueria

Downtown San Jose

Mexican

The legendary orange sauce. Open late — the post-match burrito of choice for SJSU and downtown.

Map · hours · reviews

Original Joe's

Downtown San Jose

Italian-American

Red-booth institution since 1956. Big portions, old-school service, great for groups.

Map · hours · reviews

Henry's World Famous Hi-Life

Downtown San Jose

BBQ / Steakhouse

Oak-grilled ribs in a dive-y downtown classic. Pre-match carnivore energy.

Map · hours · reviews

Back A Yard Caribbean Grill

San Jose

Caribbean / Jamaican

Jerk chicken and oxtail done right. Casual, fast, beloved.

Map · hours · reviews

Original Gravity Public House

Downtown San Jose

Gastropub

Sound-on World Cup viewing, deep craft list, no music overlay during matches.

Map · hours · reviews

San Francisco must-try

Iconic Bay Area meals.

If you're building an off-day trip to SF, these are the tables to book weeks ahead.

Budget guide

What meals actually cost.

California sales tax (~9.25% in the Bay Area) is not shown on menu prices — added at the register. Many SF restaurants also tack on a 2–4% health-care surcharge (CA-specific line item funding employee healthcare). Tip 18% on top. All three can stack quickly — a $40 dinner lands closer to $52 after tax, surcharge, and tip.

Takeout / fast-casual

~$20/person

Mission burrito, Chinatown noodles, taqueria — this is where the value is.

Casual sit-down with a drink

$30–$45/person

Neighborhood spots, brewery + meal, post-match dinner energy.

Nicer restaurants

$50–$90/person

Iconic SF institutions, tasting menus under-the-radar, steakhouses.

Michelin-tier

$150+ /person

Book 4–8 weeks ahead. Worth it once if it's your thing.

💡 Best value by category: Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and pizza are outstanding at the casual price point. Skip tourist corridors (Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39) for food — prices are 30% higher for worse quality. Google reviews are reliably representative; trust them.

Pro tips

Four rules for eating well.

  • 01Make reservations — especially on match days. Most SF and Santana Row spots fill by 6pm.
  • 02Sports bars with World Cup will require reservations or cover charges during group stage.
  • 03Many places will show the matches; ask ahead if that matters to you.
  • 04Tipping is 18–22% in California. Some restaurants auto-apply gratuity for groups 6+.

Free trip planning

Want reservations handled?

A travel advisor can book the hard-to-get tables — Swan, House of Prime Rib, Aziza, Nopa — as part of your itinerary.

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