Top Picks · Hayward
Best Restaurants in Hayward, CA
Rated and reviewed by real customers. Compare prices, read reviews, and call the top pros near you — for free.
As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 20 restaurants in Hayward, CA by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is Aama's Kitchen with a 4.8-star rating from 3,475 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 85/100. Also in the top tier: Acqua e Farina and Paradiso. The average rating across all listed restaurants in Hayward is 4.3 stars from 854 reviews per business on average.
Restaurants in Hayward range from $ (budget, under $15/person) to $$$$ (fine dining, $60+/person).
Rankings updated June 9, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Hayward, CA offers a diverse array of restaurant options, from classic American fare to international cuisines. Diners can find everything from cozy neighborhood cafes to lively bars and grills in this vibrant East Bay community.
- ✓Wide selection of local and regional cuisines
- ✓Casual and family-friendly dining experiences
- ✓Lively bar and nightlife scene
How to Choose a Restaurant in Hayward
What to look for
- • Cleanliness and sanitation of the restaurant
- • Menu variety and quality of ingredients
- • Ambiance and customer service
- • Online reviews and ratings
Questions to ask
- • How long has the restaurant been in business?
- • What are the most popular menu items?
- • How do they handle dietary restrictions or allergies?
- • What is their policy on food safety and handling?
Red flags
- ⚠ Dirty or unkempt dining area
- ⚠ Limited menu options or lack of fresh ingredients
- ⚠ Rude or unattentive staff
- ⚠ Consistently poor online reviews
In California, restaurants must have a valid health permit and comply with state and local food safety regulations. It's important to verify that the restaurant has the necessary licenses and insurance coverage to operate legally in Hayward.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.3★
Avg rating
854
Avg reviews
Jun 9, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated Restaurants
Restaurants Rankings in Hayward, CA
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Aama's Kitchen22556 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.8★ | 3,475 |
| #2 | Acqua e Farina22622 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.6★ | 1,115 |
| #3 | Paradiso685 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA | 4.5★ | 2,226 |
| #4 | Casa Del Toro - Cocina & Tequila1034 B St, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.5★ | 471 |
| #5 | Buon Appetito917 A St, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.4★ | 1,077 |
| #6 | Khao Hom22545 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.4★ | 157 |
| #7 | East Bay Eats1025 A St, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 4.2★ | 48 |
| #8 | Lemon Crab24458 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544, USA | 4.4★ | 212 |
| #9 | Storybook Bar + Kitchen943 B St, Hayward, CA 94541, USA | 3.7★ | 25 |
| #10 | Black Bear Diner Hayward25202 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545, USA | 4.1★ | 2,662 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All Restaurants in Hayward
25202 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
15800 Hesperian Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, USA
855 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
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Restaurants in Hayward, CA — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aama's Kitchen | 85/100 | 4.8 ★ | 3,475 |
| 2 | Acqua e Farina | 82/100 | 4.6 ★ | 1,115 |
| 3 | Paradiso | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 2,226 |
| 4 | Casa Del Toro - Cocina & Tequila | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 471 |
| 5 | Buon Appetito | 78/100 | 4.4 ★ | 1,077 |
| 6 | Khao Hom | 76/100 | 4.4 ★ | 157 |
| 7 | East Bay Eats | 66/100 | 4.2 ★ | 48 |
| 8 | Lemon Crab | 77/100 | 4.4 ★ | 212 |
| 9 | Storybook Bar + Kitchen | 54/100 | 3.7 ★ | 25 |
| 10 | Black Bear Diner Hayward | 73/100 | 4.1 ★ | 2,662 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions — Restaurants in Hayward
How do I find the best restaurants in Hayward?
Look for businesses with 4.5+ stars, 50+ verified reviews, proper licensing and insurance, and transparent pricing. The top-ranked restaurants in Hayward on this page are scored by our algorithm that weighs ratings, review count, and profile completeness.
Are restaurants in Hayward licensed and insured?
Licensing requirements vary by trade and state. For most home service contractors, CA requires both a state license and liability insurance. Always ask any contractor for proof of current insurance and a copy of their license number before work begins — you can verify most licenses on your state licensing board's website.
How much do restaurants charge in Hayward, CA?
Prices vary by scope, materials, and contractor experience. Use the free quote form on this page to request estimates from multiple local pros simultaneously. Getting 3+ quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying.
What should I look for when hiring a restaurants in Hayward?
Verify licensing and insurance, read recent reviews on multiple platforms, ask for a written estimate before work starts, confirm they pull permits when required, and check references from recent local projects. Featured businesses on this page are ranked by verified ratings and review quality.
How are the restaurants on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
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How Rankings Work on This Page
Every restaurants on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 9, 2026.
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