14 Must-Try Hayward Restaurants: Where the Hayward Locals Eat

An East Bay gem, Hayward, CA, is nestled in between Oakland and Fremont, with views of the San Francisco Bay. And just like the many cities it’s located by, you’ll find an amazing selection of restaurants if you’re living in Hayward. But if you’re new to the city or just rented an apartment in Hayward, you might be curious about where the locals go for a bite to eat. Well, look no further, we’ve collected a list of 14 must-try Hayward restaurants. Let’s check them out.

#1: Los Compadres

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 944 C St, Hayward, CA 94541
Los Compadres’ Website

Situated in downtown Hayward, Los Compadres is a stellar place to grab Mexican food. Serving the community since 1966 you can find dishes like tortilla soup, burritos, chimichangas, chile colorado, and carnitas served only on Saturdays.

#2: Emil Villa’s California BBQ

Cuisine: BBQ joint
Address: 24047 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544
Emil Villa’s California BBQ’s Website

Serving classic BBQ items like pork ribs, sliced beef, seasoned rainbow trout, French dip, and pecan pie, Emil Villa’s California BBQ’s Hayward location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.

#3: Le Paradis

Cuisine: Vietnamese restaurant
Address: 22809 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
Le Paradis’ Website

A Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Hayward, Le Paradis has a lot of dishes for anyone looking for a new spot to check out. With dishes like pho, five spice chicken with tomato rice, lemongrass fish, and fried tofu vermicelli, there are choices for everyone.

#4: Casper’s Hot Dogs

Cuisine: Hot dog joint
Address: 951 C St, Hayward, CA 94541
Casper’s Hot Dogs’ Website

You can find a variety of dishes at Casper’s Hot Dogs – anything from made-to-order hot dogs with toppings like chili cheese, pickles, and sauerkraut to shakes and chili bowls.

#5: Chef’s Experience China Bistro

Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 22436 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
Chef’s Experience China Bistro’s Website

Another must-visit Hayward restaurant is Chef’s Experience China Bistro. You’ll find a variety of items like pot stickers, chow fun and chow mein, honey sesame chicken, sweet and spicy basil fish, and ginger beef at their location.

#6: Favorite Indian Restaurant

Cuisine: Buffet and Indian restaurant
Address: 24052 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544
Favorite Indian Restaurant’s Website 

If you’re looking for an authentic Indian restaurant with dishes like samosas and pakoras, tandoori chicken, garlic naan, dal makhani, and lamb vindaloo, make sure to grab a bite at Favorite Indian Restaurant.

#7: Buon Appetito

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 917 A St, Hayward, CA 94541
Buon Appetito’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new Italian restaurant with hearty pastas like mushroom ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, and mains like calamari piccata, veal scaloppini, and pesto pizza? If so, head to Buon Appetito.

#8: Acqua e Farina Ristorante

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 22621 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541
Acqua e Farina Ristorante’s Website

Another one of the many Hayward restaurants you should consider stopping by is Acqua e Farina Ristorante. An Italian restaurant, you can find them serving dishes like bruschetta, polenta, linguine with clams, and chicken marsala.

#9: Tin’s Teapot Bistro

Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 320 Jackson St, Hayward, CA 94544
Tin’s Teapot Bistro’s Website

Tin’s Teapot Bistro, located in the Burbank neighborhood, has plenty of options for those looking for a Chinese spot with dishes like chicken with wasabi sauce, honey black pepper short ribs, wonton soup, sautéed scallops, and lemon chicken.

#10: Ristorante di Parma

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 22532 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
Ristorante di Parma’s Website

Ristorante di Parma is a cozy Italian spot serving authentic meals like chicken gamberi, lobster ravioli, and minestrone.

#11: El Taquito Restaurant

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 22354 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541
El Taquito Restaurant’s Website

El Taquito Restaurant is an excellent spot if you’re looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant using fresh produce. With dishes like carnitas plates, birria tacos, chile rellenos, and sopes, make sure to check out this Hayward restaurant serving the community since 1976.

#12: Americana Pizza & Taqueria

Cuisine: Pizzeria and Mexican restaurant
Address: 22530 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541
Americana Pizza & Taqueria’s Website

Another one of the many Hayward restaurants to add to your list is Americana Pizza & Taqueria. You can find this spot serving pizza, calzones, and pasta, or tacos, quesadillas, and nachos no matter which cuisine you’re in the mood for.

#13: Neumanali

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 742 B St, Hayward, CA 94541 
Neumanali’s Website

At Neumanali, there are plenty of dishes to choose from – think steamed clams, grilled salmon, and rack of lamb, or pork chops, trout, and bread pudding.

#14: La Piñata

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 904 Rose St, Hayward, CA 94541
La Piñata’s Website

La Piñata is a delicious eatery to visit in Hayward. A Mexican restaurant serving all-day breakfast like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, as well as lunch and dinner items like burritos, meat or fish plates with rice and beans, tamales, enchiladas, and flautas.

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