Top 5 Dim Sum Restaurants in San Francisco

As early as the 1860’s, San Francisco’s Chinatown became a destination for tourists. San Francisco was the first city to introduce Chinese Cuisine to Americans. The large Cantonese population in the city brought recipes for Dim Sum with them. Dim Sum are delightful little appetizers meant to be consumed with tea. They include steamed and pan fried dumplings, BBQ’s Pork Buns, Fried Wontons, and a variety of other steamed, pan fried and fried bites that go well with tea. In the early years Dim Sum was traditionally served off of a cart that would be pushed around the dining room. Today, only a hand full of places still serve Dim Sum from carts, but many restaurants offer a wide selection to be ordered off the menu.

San Francisco has the second largest Chinatown in the United States, after New York. And the city has the largest Chinese population, in one enclave, outside of Asia. When tourists come to San Francisco, they often ask for recommendations on Chinese restaurants, especially restaurants known for good Dim Sum. Below are five places that we highly recommend.

Hang Ah Tea Room

Dim Sum for the History Lover

The Hang Ah Tea Room is a historical spot that has stood the test of time. Hang Ah is off the beaten path. It is just west of Waverly Pl., one of Chinatowns well known alleys. It is tucked away, behind the Willie ‘Woo Woo’ Wong Playground. This tea room has been in Business since 1920. The place has simple decor, with a wall full of historical photos. The tables are comfortable and it is reasonably clean. The service is friendly. They have a full menu, including entrees, street foods and soups but it is definitely a destination for Dim Sum. All Dim Sum is made in house, by hand. There are no Dim Sum carts. You order off the menu. They have the option of ordering Dim Sum a la carte or in combo plates. The prices are reasonable and the portions are fairly large. It is best to go with a couple of others, if you want to enjoy a wide array of options. They also have a nice selection of specialty teas from China. This a a great option for dining on a budget.

Hang Ah Tea Room
1 Pagoda Place
San Francisco, CA 94108

Dol Ho

Dim Sum for the person Seeking an Authentic Cultural Experience

Dol Ho is a destination for the Chinese people who live in the neighborhood. This is where old timers, who live in Chinatown go. You will see them sharing tables, reading Chinese newspapers and overhear them catching up on neighborhood gossip in Cantonese. The food is delicious and very cheap at Dol Ho. Dol Ho is a destination for the adventure seeker. They have been dinged by the health department a number of times. In spite of that, it is often hard to get a table, as the food is that good. You have to be aggressive there too or there is a chance that a Chinese Grandma will elbow her way through and take a seat when it is your turn. If you want to ease yourself in Chinese Culture while visiting Chinatown, Dol Ho is the Dim Sum destination for you.

Dol Ho
808 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133

City View

For an Upscale, Modern Dim Sum Experience

City View is a popular spot for locals. It is a modern, upscale Chinese Restaurant. They have a full menu but their specialty is Dim Sum. They no longer offer Dim Sum carts. The tables are adorned with while table cloths and it is quiet and clean. Get there early, as the wait can be long, especially on weekends. The prices are reasonable but not as cheap as Dol Ho or Hang Ah. City View is a great choice if you are traveling with others who are less adventurous this is a great spot for some delicious Dim Sum.

City View Restaurant
33 Walter U Lum Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

Good Mong Kok

For the Best Dim Sim Take Out

This Chinese Bakery, specializing in Dim Sum, always has a line. It is a favorite spot among locals and a destination for tourists. If you want some snacks to carry with you, as you explore the city or some treats to enjoy back in your hotel room or Air BNB, this is the spot. People swear by their scallion pancakes, shrimp dumplings, shumai and egg custard tarts. They also have a pretty mean BBQ Pork Bun. The line is long but moves fairly quickly. The Dim Sum is so good that it is worth the wait.

Good Mong Kok
1039 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Yank Sing

The Best Dim Sum Outside of Chinatown

Yank Sing, although not located directly in Chinatown is a must try Dim Sum spot in San Francisco. The service is excellent and the food is delicious. They still serve dim sum off of carts, which is a lot of fun. The portions are hearty. It is a great place to go with a large group. The place is very clean and upscale. It is not as inexpensive as getting Dim Sum in Chinatown but is worth it for a special occasion or business lunch. They do offer a few entrees that can be ordered off the menu but the Dim Sum is where its is at. They are more of a lunch destination, as they close early. Yank Sing is located in SOMA, not far from the Palace Hotel and just a 15 minute walk from Chinatown. Don’t miss the curried crab won tons, the snap peas or the scallion cakes. Make a reservation, as they get quite crowded.

Yank Sing
49 Stevenson Street
San Francisco, CA 94105