Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is an optimization tool that can identify interrelationship between variables as being adopted by experiment/ research studies in food and herbal plants extraction niche area. This review discusses the optimization approach through utilization of research surface methodology either using central composite design or Box-Behnken method specifically in extraction processes. The use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the degree of accuracy held by the derived model is based on several responses. RSM helps to determine the best experimental design in order to identify the relationship between variables. This paper also discusses on the utilization of RSM to derive a model equation that later can be applied for response prediction and the determination of optimal conditions. The discussion presented here has clearly established the importance of choosing the right optimization tools such as response surface methodology (RSM). Major achievement of response surface methodology compared to conventional methods is the reduction of experimental runs for the same objective which is to obtain optimal variables condition/value for the highest output/response. Besides, the model derived can be used to predict the response prior to experimentation phase. Moreover, this step can help researcher or industries to focus on certain variables/aspect that contribute to the highest effect on process output. The use of either central composite design or Box-Behnken for extraction purposes especially with high-cost raw material is an economical alternative to traditional optimization approach through one-factor method. Combining extraction process with RSM can cause significant degree of accuracy in model prediction.