Bay Area chefs share their favorite cheap eats and where to find them



Click on the slideshow ahead to see where Bay Area chefs go for cheap eats >>> Pollo en Mole photographed at La Palma in San Francisco.

Click on the slideshow ahead to see where Bay Area chefs go for cheap eats >>> Pollo en Mole photographed at La Palma in San Francisco. Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Bay Area chefs share their favorite cheap eats and where to find them 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

It’s safe to say that when it comes to delicious food recommendations, Bay Area chefs know a thing or two about where to get the best dishes.

We asked local chefs, including those from notable San Francisco restaurants that are mentioned in the Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants list, to share their favorite Bay Area cheap eats and to tell us about their go-to order.

They told us about their preferred pho spots, taquerias and dim sum shops, but one chef from a fine dining Italian restaurant offered a great tip for those looking to grab a decent meal that you won’t find in any restaurant or food truck.

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Suzette Gresham, co-owner and executive chef of Acquerello, a Michelin star rated restaurant, says when it comes to cheap eats she enjoys Suruki Super Market in San Mateo, where guests can find a variety of Japanese goods and ready-to-go options.

“In the front of the store, there is the 'Sozai Corner' with all of their warm prepared foods ready for taking,” Gresham said. “A half hour before closing, they rope off the ‘Sozai Corner’ and sushi refrigerator, in order to build anticipation and mark off the packages. Then moments before closing, they undo the rope and mayhem begins. Everything is HALF OFF! I love it!"

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Chef Gresham shared that the chicken karaage at Suruki Super Market is “addicting” and not to miss their selection of onigiri, a Japanese rice ball that’s typically shaped into a triangle and stuffed with yummy goodness.

Want more chef recommendations? Check out where chefs go to grab their favorite dishes found at all price ranges here.

Click on the slideshow above to see the go-to cheap eats spots of Bay Area chefs.

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Susana Guerrero is an SFGATE producer. Email: Susana.Guerrero@sfgate.com | Twitter: @SusyGuerrero3