A Neighborhood Anchor in San Francisco's Comeback At the intersection of Visitacion Valley and Little Hollywood in San Francisco, Aroma Buena Café and Kitchen capture the spirit of neighborhood resilience. A pleasure of San Francisco's "comeback" are the great new businesses opening around town. Aroma Buena Kitchen in Visitacion Valley/Little Hollywood is one of those wonderful new additions to the city, and all the better knowing how it's come to be. The location formerly housed the Piccolo Pete deli, which in its prime was a neighborhood institution. When Candlestick Park was around, and the Schlage Lock factory was down the street, Piccolo Pete did big business with big sandwiches ready for tailgating and hearty lunches. But with the Giants leaving the 'stick, followed by the 49ers, and the lock factory closed, the core business was gone. The deli closed in 2016, and the building sat vacant except for a small coffee business on the corner. But what about that coffee business? A few years ago Aroma Buena opened in the tiny space at the corner of Bayshore and Tunnel Road. Though there was just enough space for a counter and a couple of tables, the place really took off, particularly for breakfast take-out. The menu had the standard breakfast and lunch staples, but many with Latin influences reflecting the woman-owned "Hispano World Cuisine" catering business behind the venture. Food was delicious, service was friendly, and prices were decent. It quickly became a neighborhood spot with a loyal clientele. Fast forward to last year, and Aroma Buena was ready to expand into the rest of the building. This allowed the catering business to move onto the premises and a new counter-service sit-down restaurant to open up. The front of the building, long neglected after the deli closed, was transformed by a colorful mural that stretched the entire length of the façade. The interior was completely rebuilt, fresh and bright. The original café at the corner is now known as "Aroma Buena Café," and the new restaurant is "Aroma Buena Kitchen." The two complement each other, with the café focused on breakfast and lunch, and the kitchen focused on sit-down lunch and weekend brunch. Both offer a relaxed, welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, with a local, community-focused vibe. The café serves up a range of fresh classics with a Latin-inspired twist. Their menu includes hearty breakfast burritos (like the popular chorizo and bacon-egg varieties), savory sandwiches (such as the chicken margherita and oven-roasted turkey), healthy wraps, and tasty salads. In keeping with its "Hispano World Cuisine" roots, the menu blends flavors from Spain, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. The flavors are subtle but present, suggesting a kitchen that understands flavor as heritage rather than garnish. The setup of both the café and kitchen is laid-back and friendly. In both you order at the counter, and your food is brought out to you by the friendly staff. In a nutshell, Aroma Buena Café and Kitchen is a hidden gem in one of San Francisco's less well-known neighborhoods. Each offers a comfortable place with flavorful breakfast and lunch options grounded in Latin-inspired cuisine. Whether you're stopping by for your morning coffee or settling in for a hearty lunch, it delivers good food with a friendly neighborhood feel. The food is hot and delicious. The portions are fair. The service is unfussy and kind. And with these qualities, Aroma Buena is a neighborhood anchor. And in the daily life of a city, that's the true comeback story. Aroma Buena is located at 2155 Bayshore Boulevard (corner of Tunnel Avenue) in San Francisco. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Murals! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great neighborhood corner coffee spot. The service was great. The barista was really kind and let me know about their new menu choices (see photo). I got an iced coffee with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla. The coffee was strong, but not bitter. The milk and syrup had was at a pleasant ratio. Good vibes and excellent coffee. read more

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We got a Too Good to Go package here that had a variety of sweet baked goods. I was hoping it'd have more savory items, but maybe it was just my luck. read more

Great little place. Quick service, really delicious breakfast burrito. Got the one with bacon, egg, and spinach and it was delish. Good sauce and the salsa served with it was great. read more

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Cafe on the corner, friendly service. There's street parking. Mainly breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, & bagels. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Business hours - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I live in the neighborhood & it was my first time trying this cafe & it was bomb! The chorizo breakfast burrito hit the spot. I got it with no cheese and my brother had it with cheese. Got the breakfast yogurt parfait for my grandma and she devoured it. The iced horchata latte was delish. I could have that everyday if I could. The staff is super friendly! Glad they're opening a catering kitchen, gonna order from there for future parties. Definitely check it out & we'll be back for sure! read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Chorizo Breakfast Burrito w/ no cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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First off I want to say the staff here is so nice - I found this on Yelp last minute and ran over here at 1:55 and I was worried it would be too late to order food but they were more than happy to make me a chorizo breakfast burrito! And I'm so glad they did because it was exactly what u wanted! Some crunch from the onions and nice and cheesy but not too greasy. I wish it was a little bigger but that's okay, this is probably better for me haha Will definitely be coming back here to try other things read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Chorizo Breakfasts Burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a cutesie and intimate place to eat. My menu favorites are the mushroom empanadas- super tastey and filling, the Latino salad- their dressing is to die for, the tamales- fresh and hot, the orange lemonade juice- I will never drink plain orange juice again, I'm hooked!, and the café con Leche (w/ oatmilk). Aroma is a great café to stop in when you're on-the go! Love this place and I hope they stay open FOREVER! The staff is SUPER friendly and sweet too read more

Very disappointed! My tuna salad sandwich was made on a very stale Dutch crunch bread. So NOT worth it.

This is a tiny spot with 4 seats, mostly for pickup orders! I got the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito (chorizo, eggs, cheese, potatoes, and cilantro aioli) for $7.50, and a Large Iced Americano. They made the breakfast burrito fresh and provided house-made green salsa upon request! The green salsa was very fresh and, best of all, the burrito was piping hot! It wasn't too heavy or dripping in chorizo oil. Super solid as I'm always on the hunt for breakfast burritos! read more

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A great Latinx establishment with lovely art as well as affordable prices and generous, delicious options. The service is quick and staff is friendly. The cafe has outdoor tables and parking is easy to find. See below for more information: Great Latinx Establishment: Aroma Buena Cafe is a great Latinx establishment in SF. My dad introduced me to this gem, and I am so glad he did. Every experience has been superb. :D Lovely Art: There is lovely art outside of the cafe. The bright colors remind me of the streets in Latin America. Affordable: Aroma Buena Cafe is affordable, especially for San Francisco. Tamales are $3.50, breakfast bagels and burritos are $4.95-$7.50, salads are $6.50-$12.00, coffee drinks are $2.25-$5.00 with milk substitutions being $1.00. Generous Portions: The portions are generous. My go-to here are the sandwiches and can easily be two meals. Delicious Options: Each dish I have had has been so satisfying and delicious. As soon as I finish, I am already planning my next visit. Quick Service: The service is quick. Even when there is a line of customers, I have never had to wait for more than ten minutes. Friendly Staff: Aroma Buena Cafe is friendly. From arriving to departing, the ambiance is welcoming. Outdoor Seating: Aroma Buena Cafe has several tables for outdoor dining. Parking Easy to Find: There is ample, free parking surrounding the cafe. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Oven Roasted Turkey Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great little place for a quick breakfast and cup of coffee. The chorizo breakfast burrito was perfect!! Incredibly pleasant staff as well.

Was nearby and needed a quick bite before getting back on the road and found this little gem. We had the bagel breakfast sandwich and the vegetable wrap and a couple of their scones and they were really great!! The quality and the amount that each item had inside was generous. Very nice people and would definitely go back. Great cafe! read more

Was in the area and super hungry after a hike. Thankfully, Yelp guided us to this little cafe. Very unassuming spot, yet quite good. The owner is absolutely lovely. There was only one table outside & the traffic was very noisy so we opted to sit inside this very tiny cafe. My friend had the veggie wrap and said it was delicious. I have the quinoa salad and it was so yummy (a tad pricey at $12 but worth it). If I was in the area I'd come back here read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Quinoa Salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really small cafe, so it's best to take it to go. Got myself a cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito while I was running some errands in the area and both were great! Put in my order and stepped outside for 5-10 minutes before my order was ready. Great food and friendly staff. It's a great neighborhood cafe if you live in the area, but if you're from another neighborhood like me, it's still worth stopping by if you're looking for some breakfast food. read more

I lived in zip code 94134 for 23 years and never tried this spot, until I was in the area doing a job and it was time for lunch (that explains my dirty hands sorry not sorry). This place made my day but more importantly my stomach's. Apparently it's very known and I know the owner opened up a new spot deeper in SF.. Just a heads up! I figured if yall ever cared to ask. I love supporting the local businesses. Giving it a 5/5! read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - A shmackin sammich but also very messy (be aware) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great service, nice people and awesome burritos! Highly recommend! Very cool location right on the corner. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Iced coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Piccolo Pete's was the place to go for a good sandwich before a game at Candlestick Park. A local neighborhood institution gone. I'm glad this family opened the Aroma Buena Cafe here. Decent prices- ($3.50) for a cappuccino and ($2.25) for a small cup of coffee. Very wonderful and warm family working and serving you. They make and serve great coffee drinks. I need to return to try their items to eat! read more

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Delicious! Stayed a block away and traveled all over for breakfast/brunch. Stopped by here for breakfast on my last morning in SF - realized I should have come every morning! I had the plate of beans, rice, egg and plantain. Incredibly good. My friends had the sandwiches and we were fighting to trade bites. read more

My fiancé and I came here twice now for their delicious breakfast sandwiches. We just learned that there was a new cozy neighborhood coffee shop close by and decided to check it out. The staff greeted us warmly and were very sweet. We decided to try out their bagel breakfast sandwiches and didn't think they would come out so huge! They were freshly made in front of us and delicious. I also ordered their Chai Latte with almond milk and I think that's now my new favorite! I also just learned that they serve Pupusas on Saturdays so I just may need to check it out. I recommend stopping by and supporting this neighborhood cafe. You won't be disappointed. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Delicious breakfast sandwich. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is so darling, I'm thrilled it's finally open. I walk here every Saturday morning and get a flavored latte and pastry. Everything is ridiculously delicious and the staff are so warm and friendly ALWAYS. I look forward to my Saturday morning stops. They always have a new special to try and the pupusas are fresh and spectacular. Definitely worth a quick stop in if you're passing through or live near!! read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Lunch menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A neighborhood coffee shop...with delicious bagels and sandwiches!! I got the cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, and onion asiago bagel and it was absolutely perfect. The bagels were soft and chewy with a nice toasted, crispy top. The ingredients were fresh and tasty. Bonus: free fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies for their grand opening! read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Free cookies for grand opening! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ordered through grub hub waited an hour or so for food. Had to call both grub hub & the spot to inquire about my food. That's my only complaint! The food was DELICIOUS! I ordered a breakfast burrito breakfast tamales and fresh squeezed oj everything was fresh & delicious!! Would def eat here again!! read more

This business is very small in square footage in an old building flanked by 2 streets near Bayshore Caltrain station in Visitacion Valley. The coffee is good here and they offer breakfast sandwiches and fresh tamales. The tamales are very good, with fine textured masa which melts in your mouth, large chunks of white meat chicken and some cheese and peppers. It is a good size for a small meal. They are wrapped in green leaves. read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Fresh chicken tamale - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had an appointment at the Executive Park that's a 5 minute drive away, and I popped in for coffee and breakfast. My Americano was great, and my chorizo breakfast burrito was delicious and filling (it will serve as brunch)! (Get their habanero sauce on this side - it's great!) The service was friendly. My only feedback is that it takes a while for them to prep the coffee and food. read more

YUM! Had a quick appointment at the Industrial Complex and was in need of caffeine. Stopped by Aroma Buena and had a delicious coffee and the best chorizo breakfast burrito of my life! I'm so sad I didn't get a few homemade tamales but will get those next time I'm there. If you're in the area, stop by this cute cafe! So tasty! read more

Great coffee and sandwiches. I really like the quinoa wrap and Argentina empanadas .

I came out of retirement just to review this place. The food was absolutely amazing. I live in Virginia now but California (SoCal) will forever be my home. Imagine my delight when I was afforded the opportunity to just travel to California period for a few days. I remember the food being amazing, and I just needed to get my hands on some real good food. We wanted breakfast and so we came here. I saw tamales on the menu, I had to have it. My goodness it's the best I have had in such a long time. I also got some empanadas---they did not disappoint. I got both beef and chicken. Lastly, I got a chorizo breakfast burrito and it is so good, so flavorful. I plan on coming here at least one more time before I leave so I can get more tamales lol. Yes, they are that good. Thank you for providing such delicious food and reminding me of the good food that California has to offer. read more

Really good breakfast burritos. Great service the lady was very nice. Good fair price for portions. read more

Delicious coffee the only thing well slight issue is parking. But delicious, fast and convenient

Thee cutest cafe , I come in the morning for a pollo empanada ,which are so delicious and freshly made, & a drink. The service is spectacular and speedy. Give them a try! I can't wait to try their salads . read more

Found this cafe after needing a caffeine pick me up post-Outsidelands. Great coffee and very kind service! Highly recommended :)

Great burritos, coffee, and pastries. Cute place. Not for big groups, not much seating. Nice mural outside.

you give me so much avocados in everything i order, thank you!!!! always a great time & you're so close to where i live which is such a plus! i would've taken a photo of the breakfast burrito i also bought but i basically inhaled it read more

Aroma Buena Cafe - Breakfast Bagel with Egg, Cheese, bacon, tomato, spinach, avocado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

So happy to have this new place in the neighborhood. They have great breakfast sandwiches and their bagels are really good. Perfect fresh made texture to them. Coffee was fresh and good quality. I have also come here for lunch. Not a ton of options, but the ones they have are really well made. And all of it at a really good price. read more

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The coffee was incredible. They have a great espresso machine, and the chorizo breakfast burrito was amazing! Huge and delicious.

This Is The Best Hole In The Wall Corner Cafe I've Ever Experienced !! I Was Coming In From The San Joaquin Valley To Brisbane In Lovely San Francisco On A Friday Of All Days To Take Care Of Some Business And I Got To My Destination Two Hours Before My Appointment Time, I Left Super Early Knowing The Bay Area Commute Was Going To Be A Bear. So As I Sit In The Parking Lot Of My Destination I'm Thinking To Myself I Have Time To Eat Breakfast And Enjoy A Coffee Somewhere Near By, I Took to Yelp And Aroma Bueno Cafe Popped Up They Were Already Open It Was 7:30am And Is Was Only 7 Minutes Away So I Get On 101 North And Boom It's Right On The Corner Of Bay Shore Blvd And Tunnel Avenue. I Park And Walked Into This Cute Corner Hole In The Wall Cafe And Was Welcomed In I Ordered A Large Mocha Iced Coffee W/Almond Milk And The Breakfast Bagel With Sausage, Egg, Spinach, Tomato And Cheese Very Reasonably Priced. I Got My Food To Go And When I Returned Back To The Parking Lot Of My Destination I Enjoyed My Warm Bagel Sandwich With My Iced Coffee Boy Was That Delicious I Must Say The Iced Coffee Was Better Than Starbucks (Sorry Starbucks But True) And The Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Was To Die For. I Highly Recommend This Place For People On The Go And Need A Quick Pick Me Up And A Bite To Eat If Your In This Area Or On Your Way To Work Or Play Off 101. Remember Always Tip Generously They Deserve It read more

Great spot to pick up a bite to eat or a coffee. I had their tuna salad sandwich which was great and a small mocha on the side

Excellent chorizo breakfast burrito. Made fresh to order and added jalapeños and onions! Full of eggs, chorizo and cheese, and fresh onions and just enough sliced jalapeños read more

I've gotten their breakfast chorizo burrito twice now (a few months apart) and every time it was delicious! Highly recommend trying that if you're ever in the area and in the mood for a breakfast burrito. read more