To make this list, the food has to be fresh, not greasy, not over salted and authentic in flavor. I'll give you the winner and runner up if any by category and specifics about what to try there.
Fremont's 7 Hidden Gem Restaurants
Mexican
Been a fan of this place since 2001. At one point I know all the waitresses, but then they changed location and COVID hit and they had a lot of turnover in the wait staff. I love a lot of items on the menu, and prefer the black beans to the refried beans. My go to item is the Filete de Pescado which is served in a casserole dish with lots of butter and garlic. Show them the photo below to make sure you get the right dish as they have many ways of serving, and if you like margarita's try the Cadillac Margarita. Another fan favorite is the green chicken enchilada.
Cadillac Margarita
Filete de Pescado
Green Chicken Enchiladas - another long time favorite
Thai
I rediscovered this place the last 2 years. I've mostly happy with this place, but every now and then they get too generous with the salt. My favorite items are:
Green Curry
Red Curry
Drunken Noodles
Basil Fried Rice
Sushi
I've taken so many people to this sushi place off of Stevenson and everyone loved. Even my mom, who didn't eat fish, enjoyed their vegetarian Mango Secret Roll. It was the last meal she enjoyed while on Hospice. For sure try these favorites
Yellowtail Jalapeno
Monster Roll
Warrior's Roll
Volcano Roll
Chirashi **1
Gyoza
Miso Soup
Mention my name or don't and you'll get a free beer - my favorite is the Asahi. Served perfectly cold.
Chinese
My favorite place for authentic Chinese food. Been going here for about 5-6 years. They will be re-opening their Fremont location soon. Currently going to their Union City location. You'll love the:
Cucumber Salad
Shrimp and Pork Spicy Wonton
Hot and Sour Soup
Chow mein (chicken or vegetable)
Mongolian Beef
ZhaJiang Noodles
Sauteed String Beans
Garlic Spinach
Fish with Black Bean Sauce
My favorite place for dim sum in Fremont.
Definitely try their:
Har Gow
Steamed Chives Dumpling
Siu Mai
Coconut Black Sesame Dumpling - haven't seen it offered many places.
Chow fun
Portuguese egg tart
Fried Sesame Ball
Chinese Broccoli
Rice Noodle Shrimp
Ginger and Chicken Bun
Nepalese
I've been here only twice, and I liked the food and service, but they could improve on their consistency. I ordered the same items I felt they were different dishes.
Chicken Sekuwa - loved the lentil side dish that came with this.
Nepalese Chicken Curry & Butter Naan
Pizza
Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace I haven't found a better place in Fremont, but am waiting for Slivers to open hopefully this year. At Bronco's I usually get the:
Prairie Pie Special - artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh garlic.
Stage Coach Special - Artichokes, fresh garlic, chicken, pesto, and tomatoes.