Taste the moment
Welcome to Gunter's Restaurant
Gunter’s Restaurant, nestled in South San Francisco, is a rare gem that captures the charm of classic American diners with a 70s retro vibe. Known for hearty, generous portions and fresh, vibrant flavors, it elevates comfort classics like their homemade corned beef hash and chewy pancakes. The warm, attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining with family. With ample parking and a location near community hubs, it’s a perfect spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine, satisfying meals. Every visit to Gunter’s promises nostalgia, quality, and a truly memorable dining experience.
Signature Picks
Discover the highlights of the day
Quesadilla
Philly Cheese
Turkey Melt
The Club
Reuben
Roast Beef & Cheese
French Dip
$0Hot Roast Beef Or Turkey
$0Huevos A La Mexicana
$0 About the Place
Gunter's Restaurant
Gunter's Restaurant stands out as a beloved classic American diner nestled in the heart of South San Francisco, offering more than just a meal—it delivers a comforting, nostalgic experience. Located conveniently at 1057 El Camino Real, this spot captures the essence of old-school diners with its 70s retro vibe and welcoming atmosphere, providing a rare slice of Americana in a fast-paced world.
From the moment you step inside, you sense the care and warmth that define Gunter's. Guests consistently praise the attentive, friendly staff who elevate the dining experience, making every visit feel like catching up with family. This genuine hospitality complements the hearty, generous portions that diners crave, especially in the realm of traditional American breakfast fare.
The food here is a highlight that deserves special mention. Corned beef hash lovers, particularly, find a gem in Gunter’s homemade version—served in thick, delicious broiled chunks rather than the usual canned grind. It’s a dish that embodies the diner’s commitment to quality and authenticity, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Equally impressive are their fluffy, chewy pancakes and the country fried chicken with light, flavorful gravy, showcasing the kitchen’s skill in balancing hearty comfort with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Gunter’s menu also caters to diverse tastes with Mexican options and intriguing daily specials that keep regulars eager to return. The breakfast staples—omelettes, club sandwiches paired with crispy fries and a tangy ranch dip—further reinforce the diner’s reputation for generous, satisfying meals. The cafe’s location is an additional plus, with ample parking and proximity to local amenities like a modern library and grocery store, making it a convenient and pleasant stop for locals and visitors alike.
Beyond the food and setting, what truly makes Gunter’s shine is its ability to hold onto an era when diners were more than just eateries—they were community hubs. It offers a refuge from cookie-cutter chains and fast food, fostering a sense of place and memory. For anyone seeking genuine comfort food served with kindness and a smile, Gunter's Restaurant is a rare find that leaves a lasting impression.
Voices & Impressions
Guestbook
“ I'm a big fan of corned beef hash for breakfast and keep a look out for places that use actual chunks of corned beef instead of the ground up stuff from a can. Gunter's is one of the former but make sure you ask for the home-made version as it's a $1 upgrade or something from the standard stuff. The corned beef itself is delicious and they give you a generous portion that's been broiled. My only minor complaint is that it's just corned beef, no onions or peppers mixed in which would have brought it from a generous 8 to a 9 or 10. Pretty sure I'll ask for that next time I'm in town as I'll definitely be back to visit. My wife and MIL got a giant salad and a more typical breakfast (eggs, sausage, etc.) which were both decent but nothing that they loved. The staff was friendly and the coffee was good. There's a fair amount of parking and a lot of what looked like regular customers. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. ”
“ The food was absolutely delicious with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The staff was attentive and made the dining experience very pleasant. I will definitely be coming back. ”
“ So many options, amazing service, kind staff, tons of parking, and it’s right next to an awesome grocery store and a new modern library and rec center? What’s not to love? The pancakes are also so chewy, I have never had something like it. I love it. The gravy for their country fried chicken is not heavy. I also love the aesthetic here. I grew up in San Francisco, and everything now feels super modern, but this spot really reminds me of my childhood. I also spent a lot of time nearby in Millbrae since my other parent lived there for a bit, so it feels extra nostalgic. I can’t believe I haven’t been here all my life and I am in my 20s! Will be coming back a lot. ”
“ I'm a sucker for old-fashioned diners, the ones that seem stuck in time, stubbornly holding on to nostalgia when it was king in its glory days, back before chain restaurants and cookie-cutter decor and brands. They hold a special allure when you're traveling down the byways where they still thrive, but they're especially precious when you find them in urban areas where they compete with fast-food conglomerates. So I don't take places like Gunter's for granted, an old establishment (South San Francisco) in the midst of urban blandness of homogeneity. They're still places where old men gather swapping tall tales and spar politics over Farmer Brothers coffee brand to while their time away. This genre seems to be a fleeting gem of Americana as I see many of them boarded up and closed down even along the blue highways. So in your travels, take a moment to patronize these places before too many of them disappear as victims of people's preference for national brands and indifference. ”
“ Delighted with the experience at Gunter’s. Friendly personnel and very good quality food. Tried the corned beef hash with fried banana which was awesome! I will be back for sure in my next visit. ”