Living at Centro Callan means you’re never more than a few blocks away from incredible eats. Whether it’s pizza crafted by a world champion, a sizzling Korean bibimbap, or jollof rice with West African soul, Downtown San Leandro serves up a vibrant mix of global flavors—all within easy walking distance.

Here’s your curated culinary map of where to eat nearby, complete with dishes to try and how far each spot is from your front door.

1. Paradiso Restaurant

Cuisine: Italian & Mediterranean
Address: 685 Bancroft Ave | ~10-minute walk

Paradiso is a local institution known for elegant dining without pretension. Their Paradiso Pasta—with house-smoked chicken and garlic cream—is a must-try, and the seared scallops are as beautiful as they are buttery.

“Paradiso nails that upscale but comfortable feel—it’s a great spot for date nights or celebrating milestones.” —TripAdvisor

2. Top Hatters Kitchen & Bar

Cuisine: Global Fusion
Address: 855 MacArthur Blvd |~14-minute walk

A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick that blends East Bay culture with global technique. Try the crispy pork belly with daikon slaw or house-made gnocchi in brown butter. Their ever-changing menu stays rooted in seasonal, local ingredients.

“A gem in San Leandro. Michelin quality without the fuss.” —OpenTable

3. Vivid Bibim

Cuisine: Korean
Address: 14393 Washington Ave | ~24-minute walk

Known for their dolsot bibimbap, served in a sizzling stone bowl with crispy rice edges, fresh vegetables, and perfectly marinated bulgogi.

“Crisped rice, colorful veggies, and that sweet-heat gochujang—absolutely delivers on flavor.” —SF Chronicle

4. Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 135 Parrott St |~4-minute walk

Crafted by a World Pizza Cup Champion, Slice House offers Detroit-style, Neapolitan, and Sicilian pies. The Detroit pepperoni with caramelized cheese crust is legendary.

“This is serious pizza. Tony doesn’t miss.” —Downtown San Leandro

5. Bag O’ Crab

Cuisine: Cajun Seafood
Address: 101 Parrott St |~4-minute walk

A local favorite for bold Cajun flavors and messy seafood feasts. Their garlic butter crab legs and spicy crawfish boil bags make it a go-to for group dinners.

“The garlic noodles are the sleeper hit here—don’t skip them.” —Yelp

6. Dave’s Hot Chicken

Cuisine: Nashville-Style Hot Chicken
Address: 1495 E 14th St |~6-minute walk

Choose your heat level—mild to “Reaper”—and dive into crispy chicken tenders or a slider box with pickles and creamy kale slaw.

“Some of the juiciest, spiciest chicken in the Bay.” —Downtown San Leandro

7. Joe’s Pho

Cuisine: Vietnamese
Address: 1305 Washington Ave |~8-minute walk

Simple, authentic, and satisfying. Locals rave about the pho with rare steak and brisket, and the banh mi sandwiches make a perfect quick lunch.

“The broth is clean, deep, and comforting—this is my go-to after a long day.” —Google Reviews

8. Kendejah Restaurant

Cuisine: Liberian
Address: 197 Pelton Center Way |~10-minute walk

For something totally different—and totally delicious—try Kendejah’s jollof rice, cassava leaf stew, or kebbeh meatballs. A vibrant spot full of flavor and heart.

“A taste of West Africa, right in downtown San Leandro. It’s soulful, rich, and unforgettable.” —Downtown San Leandro

9. Horatio’s

Cuisine: Seafood & Steakhouse
Address: 60 Monarch Bay Dr |~8-minute drive (~2.5 miles)

Located at the San Leandro Marina, Horatio’s is a go-to for waterfront dining and classic coastal fare. Expect a nautical vibe with warm wood interiors and views of the Bay. Favorites include the grilled salmon, New York strip, and their award-winning clam chowder.

“Sunset views, cozy booths, and chowder you’ll want to come back for—this place nails the special occasion vibe.” —OpenTable

10. Indian Grill

Cuisine: North Indian
Address: 1600 Washington Ave |~12-minute walk

Tucked just off E 14th Street, Indian Grill serves bold North Indian flavors in a welcoming space. Their tandoori chicken is marinated to perfection, and the gobi Manchurian and paneer tikka are favorites among vegetarians. They even maintain separate cooking areas for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes—something rare and deeply appreciated.

“Incredible flavor, real hospitality, and they take dietary needs seriously—what more can you ask for?” —Google Reviews

Life Tastes Better at Centro Callan

Great restaurants are just one of the perks of living in San Leandro’s urban village. Come home to Centro Callan, where city energy meets small-town charm—and everything delicious is just steps away.

5 Fascinating Facts About San Leandro You Might Not Know

At Centro Callan, we believe that understanding the unique character of your city enhances the experience of living here. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our community, these intriguing facts about San Leandro will deepen your appreciation for this remarkable place we call home.

1. San Leandro: The "Cherry City"

San Leandro earned the nickname "Cherry City" in the early 20th century due to its abundant cherry orchards. The city's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for cherry cultivation, leading to a booming industry. Today, this heritage is celebrated annually at the San Leandro Cherry Festival, a beloved community event featuring parades, live music, and, of course, plenty of cherries. Our apartments in Downtown San Leandro are located only 4 blocks away from the festival!

For more information on the next San Leandro Cherry Festival, you can go to: https://downtownsanleandro.com/cherryfest/

2. Birthplace of California's Oyster Industry

In the late 19th century, San Leandro played a pivotal role in California's oyster industry. Entrepreneur Moses Wicks established oyster beds in the San Leandro Marina, importing seed oysters from the East Coast. This venture laid the foundation for what would become a significant industry in the state. The original oyster beds are now a California Historical Landmark, commemorating this unique aspect of the city's maritime history.

3. Casa Peralta: A Glimpse into San Leandro's Past

Casa Peralta, located at 384 W. Estudillo Avenue, is a historic house museum that offers a window into San Leandro's rich history. Built in 1901 by Ludovino Peralta, the home was later remodeled in 1926 into a grand Spanish-style villa, complete with hand-painted tiles imported from Spain depicting scenes from Don Quixote. The Casa Peralta is currently closed to tours and events, but remains a beautiful historic landmark in San Leandro.  

4. San Leandro Tech Campus: A Hub of Innovation and Art

The San Leandro Tech Campus (SLTC) stands as a testament to San Leandro's transformation into a 21st-century innovation hub. Located adjacent to the Downtown San Leandro BART Station, this 1 million-square-foot, mixed-use development seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and public art. SLTC is home to prominent companies such as OSIsoft, a leader in industrial software solutions, and Ariat International, a renowned footwear and apparel company that leased over 80,000 square feet of office space. 

Centro Callan is conveniently located a 4-minute drive and a 15-minute walk from SLTC, featuring the amazing sculpture “Truth is Beauty” by Marco Cochrane. Standing 55 feet tall, this striking landmark, originally showcased at Burning Man in 2013, was installed in San Leandro in 2016. Composed of steel tubing and mesh, and illuminated by thousands of LED lights, it symbolizes empowerment and the city's commitment to public art. 

For more information on SLTC and “Truth is Beauty,” you can go to: https://sl-tc.com/

 5. Rickey’s Sports Lounge: A Legendary Sports Bar with a New Name

Established in 1946, Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill became a beloved gathering spot for sports fans, especially those supporting the Raiders. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive sports memorabilia, Ricky's was once ranked among the top sports bars in the nation. After a brief closure, it has recently reopened as Rickey's Sports Lounge, continuing its legacy as a cherished local establishment. 

Experience the Best of San Leandro at Centro Callan

Living at Centro Callan places you at the heart of San Leandro's rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. Our modern apartments offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in all that this dynamic city has to offer.

Explore our floor plans and discover your new apartment in San Leandro!