Restaurants in Chinatown

Chinatown is a culinary destination for the majority of people who visit San Francisco. It is not that surprising, when you consider that San Francisco is the city that first introduced Americans to Chinese Cuisine. As early as the 1860’s, the neighborhood received a significant number of food tourists, who were eager to try foods they had never experienced before.

San Francisco’s Chinatown offers a unique and highly sought after culinary adventure for a number of reasons. Some key facts about the neighborhood, such as it is the oldest Chinatown in the United States, the second largest (after New York), and the population of the neighborhood itself has the most concentrated Chinese population outside of Asia. This makes it a destination for authentic Chinese cuisine, historical American Chinese dishes that were derived from the mixing of cultures along the Barbary Coast, and modern restaurants, created by Asian American Chef’s, who have travelled to China and other parts of Asia.

When choosing a spot, its is best to consider your own tastes and sense of adventure when it comes to food. There are many schools of thought as to what makes the best restaurants in Chinatown, speaking many debates. The truth is, taste is subjective. Be honest with yourself and choose dining companions wisely. Some people love high end cuisine and seek out Michelin Starred Chef’s, like Brandon Jew when traveling. Others love a good hole in the wall, with cheap and authentic dishes. For some dishes like the Salt and Pepper Crab are the penultimate in Chinese dining. Others will accuse R & G as all hype and too pricey. Nobody is right or wrong. This food guide highlights stand out places with a loyal local following. Pick the places with the price point, ambiance and style of cuisine that most intrigues you and you will be certain to have a better dining adventure.

The favorites of the team at CrawlSF include Z&Y, R&G (the crab is really delicious), Capital Restaurant (tasty, flavorful, crispy, wings), the Dim Sum at City View and Hon’s (get the wonton noodle soup). That being said, everyone has different tastes so go with your gut when choosing a place. We really haven’t had a meal that we considered bad at any of the restaurants we tried in Chinatown, so you really can’t go wrong. Send us an email if you discover anything you feel should be highlighted in our guides. We want to be sure to share the best information with all of our readers and followers.

Cantonese and Toisan

Cantonese cuisine is a style of cooking that originated in the Guangdong province of southern China. This style of Chinese cuisine is the most prevalent in San Francisco’s Chinatown, as the people who settled here from the Gold Rush Era forward were mostly from Southern China. It’s known for its fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the food. This regional cooking style rarely incorporates spices. They use a lot more rice in cooking than wheat in this part of China, as well. Dim Sum, a traditional Cantonese breakfast food enjoyed with tea, is served all over the neighborhood. It includes small plates such as steamed dumplings, buns, rice noodle rolls, steamed vegetables, and more that are traditionally enjoyed with tea. Today Dim Sum is served for lunch, snacks and dinner.

Toisanese food is a more rustic Cantonese cuisine from a specific area in Southern China. They are well known for clay pots, which are rustic pots of rice cooked with meat, vegetables and dried seafood. Congee, a rice porridge, is also a well known Toisan dish.

Chinatown offers dim sum bakeries and restaurants, restaurants with a wide array of Cantonese Cooking and some with Toisanese cooking as well.

Insider Tip: One of the cool things about San Francisco’s Chinatown is the authenticity of the Cantonese culture there. Although I have not personally travelled to Southern China, I have researched the experiences of people, knowledgeable in chinese cuisine and culture, who have travelled in Southern China and have dined throughout Chinatown. One of things I have come to learn is that Cantonese waiters do not have a reputation for being remarkable hospitalitarians. Rude service and a little chaos gives the experience a bit more authenticity. As a matter of fact, the mid-twentieth Century gave San Francisco a waiter who was famous for his so-called “rude service”. His name was Edsel Ford Fong and he spent his career at Sam Wo restaurant. The late great Herb Caen loved to visit him and to write about him and gave him the title of “The World’s Rudest Waiter” in his column. People would flock to Sam Wo to get the rude waiter treatment from this character. He even made a cameo in the film “Big Trouble in Little China”. Cleanliness does not always go hand in hand. Many blogs filled with insider information on inexpensive, authentic and delicious cuisine mention that some of the best places have been dinged by the Health Department from time to time. Fans of these spots swear it is worth ignoring health scores because the cuisine is so delicious, authentic and cheap.

If you are with a person that is a picky eater, stick to the more modern spots on this list. For the adventurous diner, in search of cheap, authentic and very tasty food, let your guard down and go with it. Get ready to go elbow to elbow with some fiesty Chinese grandmothers, in competition for a table at some of the best hole in the walls. Or find a tour guide to help you navigate the food scene. Check out our article on Food Tours for more information.

Dim Sum

Bakery, Dim Sum, Budget

Delicious Dim Sum

A hole-in-the-wall dim sum shop that locals love. It’s a cash-only, grab-and-go spot, but the food is fresh, cheap, and delicious. Their shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork buns, and sticky rice in lotus leaves are some of the best in Chinatown.

Delicious Dim Sum
752 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Eastern Bakery

Eastern Bakery is the oldest Bakery in Chinatown. It is more than 100 years old. The hours are very limited but, if they are open, you will not want to miss the delicious treats from this family owned bakery. The line does not tend to be as long as Golden Gate Bakery and they offer delicious egg tarts, in addition to other traditional favorites such as moon pies, almond cookies and sweet buns. They also serve homemade coffee milk tea, which is worth a try. It is located on in the heart of Grant Avenue, so while exploring Chinatown you will definitely happen upon this historic bakery. Often Chinese musicians are playing music out front.

Eastern Bakery
720 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Golden Gate Bakery

This bakery is legendary for one thing: egg tarts. These little custard-filled pastries are flaky, warm, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The only problem? The place is randomly closed all the time. If you see it open, drop everything and go buy an egg tart.

Golden Gate Bakery
1029 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Good Mong Kok Bakery

Good Mong Kok is a hole in the wall bakery. They specialize in Dim Sum. Located on Stockton, where the local Chinese Population shops for groceries and other goods, Good Mon Kok has all the qualities of a foodie destination. First, the place always has a line. If San Franciscans are willing to wait in line for something that is offered at multiple places in the nearby vicinity, the place must be serving something amazing and worth the wait. Second, they have a wide array of traditional dim sum, made by hand daily. And last, the prices are really cheap. Luckily the long line typically moves fast. Don’t miss the BBQ Pork Buns, HarGow (steamed shrimp dumplings) or Shu Mai. This tiny “takeout only” bakery is where locals go for cheap, amazing dim sum. The line is almost always out the door, but it moves fast. You’ll want to order a mix of BBQ pork buns, shrimp dumplings (har gow), and shu mai (a steamed dumpling made with ground meat and encased in a won ton wrapper, typically pork or shrimp). Again, this is a take out only spot. There are plenty of parks to enjoy your dim sum nearby. If you are anything like me, you won’t be able to resist sampling the fresh, steaming hot and absolutely delicious bites of heaven the minute you pay and walk out the door. Luckily dim sum is easy to eat on the go. This hole in the wall is one of Crawl SF’s “Top 5 Restaurants for Dim Sum in San Francisco”.

Vibe: small space, hectic, worth it

Cuisine: Dim sum, with a focus on bao and other baked goods.

Must-Try: Their char siu bao (barbecue pork buns) are the stuff of legends, and don’t skip the pineapple bun.

Good Mong Kok Bakery
1039 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Hang Ah Tea Room

Hang Ah is a destination. It is hidden down one of Chinatowns many alleys, Hang Ah Alley. Hang Ah means fragrant. It was once the location of a famous perfume maker in Chinatown, who made perfumes for ladies of the night. The tea room, which is family owned, has been there for over 100 years. It is believed to be the oldest dim sum restaurant in the United States. Its location makes it harder to find, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Those in the know, consider it one of the best spots for authentic dim sum in Chinatown. It is on Crawl SF’s list of “Top 5 Places For Dim Sum in San Francisco”. The ambiance has a flare of nostalgia, with old photographs of Chinatown’s past hanging on the walls. It is known for all the popular classic dim sum plates, prepared by hand. You will find favorites like Pork Buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes and crispy spring rolls, along with some lesser known dishes. You will feel like you have time travelled, while dining at Hang Ah, as it seems not much has changed in a century.

Vibe: hidden gem, nostalgic, like stepping back in time

Cuisine: Dim sum and tea focused with some street foods and stir fry plates

Must-Try: har gow (shrimp dumplings), fried sesame balls, scallion pancake, pork buns

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

Little Swan Bakery Café

A great place to grab a quick snack or dessert. They have fresh egg tarts, pineapple buns, and red bean pastries. If you’re a coffee lover, try their Hong Kong-style milk tea or coffee with sweet condensed milk.

Little Swan Bakery Café
1249 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Yummy Bakery

A small but mighty bakery that serves some of the best egg tarts in Chinatown. Their egg white tarts are a unique twist—lighter and slightly less sweet than traditional ones, but still rich and creamy. If you’re craving a flaky, buttery treat, this is the place to go.

Cuisine: Bakery

Known For: Exceptional egg tarts, with a particular highlight on their egg white tarts.

Recommended Items: Besides the classic egg tarts, their egg white tarts offer a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative. Also, their selection of Chinese pastries is worth exploring.

Yummy Bakery
607 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

VIP Coffee & Cake Shop

A Hong Kong-style café with a loyal following, VIP Coffee & Cake Shop is famous for its silky milk tea, pineapple buns (bo lo bao), and fluffy egg tarts. The menu also includes Macanese-style pork chop buns, baked spaghetti, and instant noodles with spam and eggs, making it a great place for a casual breakfast or afternoon snack.

VIP Coffee & Cake Shop
671 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133

Dim Sum Bistro

Another great dim sum spot, but with seating! Dim Sum Bistro serves excellent Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), shrimp dumplings, and scallion pancakes. Prices are good, and it’s a solid option if you don’t want to wait in line at the super popular spots.

Dim Sum Bistro
675 Broadway St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

City View Restaurant

If you’re looking for dim sum with a more upscale feel, City View is a great pick. Located just outside of Chinatown, this spot is known for its perfectly crispy taro puffs, delicate shrimp dumplings, and juicy pork siu mai. Unlike many dim sum places, you order from a menu rather than carts, ensuring that everything comes out fresh.

City View Restaurant
662 Commercial Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Cantonese and Toisan

Down to Earth Casual Table Service:

New Lun Ting Cafe

This is one of the best spots for Hong Kong-style comfort food. They serve things like baked pork chop rice, oxtail stew, and fried rice plates. Portions are huge, and the prices are great. If you want a no-frills, satisfying meal, this is the place.

New Lun Ting Cafe
670 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Sit-Down, Casual, Comfort Food:

Begoni Bistro

A hidden gem for dim sum and Cantonese specialties, Begoni Bistro is a great sit-down option if you want dim sum without the crowds. The har gow (shrimp dumplings), xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and crispy turnip cakes are must-tries. They also offer delicious roast duck and clay pot dishes, making it a great spot for a leisurely meal with friends or family.

Begoni Bistro
615 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Bow Hon Restaurant

A hidden gem specializing in Cantonese comfort food. Their beef brisket noodle soup, salted fish fried rice, and house-made XO sauce dishes are all crowd-pleasers. If you’re into clay pot dishes, this is one of the best spots in Chinatown to try them.

Bow Hon Restaurant
850 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Capital Restaurant

This classic Cantonese comfort food destination is family owned. It opened in 1988 and has become a well known destination for salt and pepper chicken wings, which are crispy flavorful bites of absolute perfection. The lines can be long to get in, especially during popular times of the year, such as Chinese New Year. Most claim it is absolutely worth the wait. They offer a large Cantonese menu with reasonable prices. The staff is known for being accommodating and friendly, although waiting for a table can sometimes be a bit chaotic. If you have a little patience, it will be totally worth it. Other stand out dishes include the vinegar sauce spare ribs and egg tofu with spicy meat sauce. They are also known for excellent seafood dishes, Toisanese sizzling clay pots and special house fried rice dishes. This is a favorite destination in Chinatown among locals and tourists. It is straight forward comfort food at good prices. There is nothing out of the ordinary, simply classic dishes done well.

Vibe: Casual, roomy, and perfect for a big group or solo dining at the counter.

Cuisine: Cantonese with Toisanese accents with a huge menu for every taste.

Must-Try: Salt and pepper chicken wings, vinegar sauce spare ribs , and their signature fried rice.

Capital Restaurant
839 Clay Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Garden Restaurant

For classic Cantonese comfort food, Garden Restaurant delivers with fresh seafood, sizzling clay pots, and BBQ meats. Known for their steamed fish with ginger and scallions, salt & pepper prawns, and tender beef chow fun, this spot is a favorite among locals who crave authentic home-style Cantonese flavors.

Cuisine: Cantonese

Known For: Authentic Cantonese flavors in a traditional setting.

Garden Restaurant
716 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108

Hon’s Wun-Tun House

A no-frills noodle shop that serves some of the best wonton soup in the city. The broth is rich, the dumplings are packed with shrimp and pork, and the egg noodles are cooked perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals slurping noodles.

Hon’s Wun-Tun House
648 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Sit Down Casual Comfort Food with Wide Selection of Toisan Dishes:

Kam Po Kitchen

If you love roast duck, crispy pork belly, and BBQ pork (char siu), Kam Po Kitchen is a must-visit. They serve their meats over rice or in noodle soups, and everything is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Locals swear by their roast duck wonton noodle soup.

Kam Po Kitchen
801 Broadway St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

New Woey Loy Goey

A family-run Cantonese restaurant that’s been around for decades. They’re known for their classic Cantonese seafood dishes, like ginger scallion lobster, salt & pepper prawns, and steamed fish. It’s a great spot for a sit-down meal with family or friends. It is also a destination for Toisan Dishes.

Vibe: A basement dive that’s been serving up huge portions of traditional Cantonese food for nearly a century.

Cuisine: Budget-friendly, hearty Chinese fare.

Must-Try: Beef and tomato chow mein, salt and pepper pork chops, and their rice plates.

New Woey Loy Goey
699 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Yee’s Restaurant

A classic Chinese-American diner serving hearty plates of garlic chicken, beef chow fun, and hot & sour soup. It’s a great place for a big, affordable meal if you’re craving something filling. The portions are huge, and the food tastes homemade.

Yee’s Restaurant
1131 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Cantonese Seafood, Casual, Local Favorite

Yuet Lee Seafood Restaurant

Yet Lee is a family owned destination for Cantonese Seafood dishes on Broadway. Sam Yuet named the establishment with a combination of his parent’s sur names. Yet Lee has been a favorite destination of locals, since it opened in 1977. It used to be the go to late night spot for food, open until 2 am. Now they are open to 11, which is late for post-covid San Francisco. Hopefully they will start extending the evening hours, as time moves forward. Sam Yuet, who opened the spot 48 years ago, attributes the delicious taste of the dishes to the wok style cooking they use. There wildly popular salt and pepper squid, which is the signature dish, is said by Sam to get its’ unique flavor from something the Chinese Refer to as “wok hei” ie. “breadth of the wok”. In other words a well seasoned wok adds something to a dish that other cooking methods cannot. The owner of the Wok Shop on Grant Avenue agrees and he sells many pre-seasoned woks there. The restaurant is also known for their clams with black bean sauce and peking spare ribs.
Yuet Lee is among the places Anthony Bourdain visited while in San Francisco, as well.

Cuisine: Hong Kong-style seafood and Cantonese dishes

Known For: Fresh seafood dishes prepared in traditional Cantonese style.

Vibe: A bit of a dive but with a celebrity history. A blend of old-school charm and fame.

Must-Try: Salt and pepper squid, garlic prawns, or their famous house special soup.

Famous for Cantonese Soup

Great Eastern Restaurant

A well-known dim sum and seafood restaurant, Great Eastern gained international fame when President Obama ordered takeout from here in 2012. Their live seafood tanks ensure fresh catches like Dungeness crab in black bean sauce and steamed whole fish. If you’re here for dim sum, don’t miss the shrimp dumplings (har gow) and BBQ pork buns.

Cuisine: Chinese, specializing in Dim Sum

Known For: One of the best places for dim sum in Chinatown, with carts rolling around offering a variety of small bites.

Great Eastern Restaurant
649 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133

R&G Lounge

R & G Lounge is a local favorite for Cantonese Cuisine. The food here is on the higher end of the price scale but well worth it, as they are considered to serve some of the best food in Chinatown.. This upscale restaurant is a great place for large groups, business dinners and special occasions. They offer highly sought after traditional Cantonese cuisine, such as Peking Duck (arguably the best in the neighborhood), Walnut Honey Prawns and popular Toisanese clay pot rice dishes. The dish they are best known for is the salt and pepper crab, a crispy, garlicky Dungeness Crab. Some claim it is one of the best things you will ever eat. You be the judge.

Vibe: Multi-story, with an energetic atmosphere, perfect for big groups or special occasions.

Cuisine: Cantonese, especially seafood.

Must-Try: The salt and pepper crab is legendary here, but their beef with black pepper is a close second.

R&G Lounge
631 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Vegetarian:

Golden Flower Vegetarian Restaurant

One of the best vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots in Chinatown. Their menu is full of meatless versions of classic Chinese dishes, including vegetarian Peking duck, spicy eggplant, and tofu hot pot. Even meat lovers will enjoy the flavors here!

Golden Flower Vegetarian Restaurant
667 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Sichuan Cuisine

This style of Chinese Cuisine comes from Southwestern China. Although it is not as prevelent as Cantonese Cuisine, you will find restaurants offering this style of Chinese cooking in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Sichuan cooking differs greatly from Cantonese cooking, as it is known for bold flavors. Liberal use of various chili peppers and garlic give this cuisine a pungent spicy characteristic. Sichuan Peppers, in particular, give the cuisine a unique, spicy flavor profile. The most famous dish from Sichuan Cuisine, one you are likely familiar with is Kung Poa Chicken.

There are 4 sub-categories of Sichuan Cuisine:

• 1) Chongqing: The cuisine from this area can be fiery hot. But not always. The most famous dish served is hot pot soup, with a flavorful broth with many different meats and vegetable served in it. A Chongqing version of Dan Dan Noodles is also well known It tends to be broth rather than dry and spicier than the version from Hong Kong.
• 2) Chengdu: Chengdu is known for Sichuan Hot Pot dishes made by cooking vegetables, fish, and/or meat in boiling spicy broth.There are hot pot restaurants all over this area of China.
• 3) Zigong(known for a genre of dishes called Yanbangcai): Zigong Cooking is the spiciest in the Sichuan region of China. The cuisine liberally uses chili peppers, salt and ginger. The area is known for ‘ChaoShou‘ dumplings, served in Chili Oil. ChaoShou means “folded hands” referring to the way the wonton is folded over the filling, which is typically pork.The area is historically known for its salt mines and the food from this area incorporates salt liberally. The cuisine is complex, with a wide array of cooking techniques, textures and flavors. Salt, spice ginger and pickled items are the key comonents to many dishes.
• 4) Buddhist Vegetarian style: This cuisine is plant based with an emphasis on local seasonal vegetables, tofu, mushrooms and mock meats in the food. Sichuan Buddhist Vegetarian dishes will contain the signature chili peppers but avoid too liberal of use of garlic, onions and other ingredients the Buddhists consider too stimulating for Buddhist practices.

Casual Sit-down Sichuan/Hunan Cusine

Brandy Ho’s

A Chinatown institution serving bold and spicy Hunan-style dishes. Unlike Cantonese cuisine, Hunan food is all about heat, and Brandy Ho’s delivers with their spicy smoked pork, dry-fried string beans, and fiery kung pao chicken. For those who love a little extra kick, their hot chili sauce is legendary. For those who you who get a lot of food delivery (we order way too much Uber Eats), this is one of our go-to restaurants for Chinese food.

Cuisine: Hunan Chinese

Known For: Spicy and flavorful Hunan cuisine

Brandy Ho’s
217 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

Chong Qing Xiao Mian

If you’re into spicy Sichuan noodles, this is your spot. Their Chongqing spicy noodles are numbing, tingly, and packed with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns. The dan dan noodles are another must-try, especially if you love rich peanut sauce with a kick.

Vibe: A cozy spot decked out in red, with murals of Sichuan life, perfect for a spicy noodle fix.

Cuisine: Authentic Sichuan noodles and spicy dishes.

Must-Try: Chongqing spicy noodles or their spicy wontons if you’re up for some heat.

Chong Qing Xiao Mian
915 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Z&Y Restaurant

Love spicy food? Head to Z&Y, a Sichuan restaurant known for its mouth-numbing peppercorn dishes. Their most famous dish is the Chongqing spicy chicken, which is buried under a mountain of red chili peppers. Other must-tries include their spicy fish in flaming chili oil and their hand-pulled noodles. Even Chinese presidents and dignitaries have eaten here, so you know it’s good.

Vibe: Bustling, with a no-nonsense approach to Sichuan cuisine.

Cuisine: Known for its spicy, authentic dishes.

Must-Try: The Chongqing spicy chicken or the tea-smoked duck. Don’t miss the dan dan noodles if you love a bit of heat.

Z&Y Restaurant
655 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Buddhist Vegetarian Sichuan Cusine:

Enjoy Vegetarian

A fully vegetarian (and mostly vegan) Chinese restaurant, Enjoy Vegetarian specializes in meat-free versions of classic Chinese dishes. Their Vegetarian Peking Duck, Basil Eggplant, and Tofu Clay Pot are all bursting with flavor. Even if you’re not vegetarian, the dishes are so good you won’t miss the meat!

Cuisine: Vegetarian/Chinese

Known For: Offering a variety of vegetarian dishes within the framework of Chinese cuisine.

Enjoy Vegetarian
839 Kearny Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Modern

Well Known Tourist Destinations

House of Nanking

A Chinatown classic, House of Nanking has been serving creative Chinese food for decades. It’s not 100% traditional, but it’s tasty. Try their Nanking sesame chicken, which is crispy and served with a delicious sauce. Their garlic noodles and spicy eggplant are also fan favorites. The service can be a little rough (they sometimes just bring you food instead of letting you order), but it’s all part of the experience.

Vibe: It’s like eating at your Chinese grandma’s, if she were a celebrity chef.

Cuisine: Shanghainese with a touch of fame (they’ve been featured on Food Network).

Must-Try: Let the chef choose for you! But definitely try the sesame chicken or the crispy honey beef.

House of Nanking
919 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Elegant, Modern, High Quality, Authentic Chinese Cusine

China Live

Think of this as the modern side of Chinatown. China Live is a trendy food hall with different food stations serving high-quality Chinese food. You can sit down for a full meal at their restaurant or grab small bites from their marketplace. Their Peking duck, dumplings, and mapo tofu are all excellent.

China Live
644 Broadway St.
San Francisco, CA 94133

Four Kings

A newer addition to Chinatown, Four Kings offers modern takes on classic Chinese dishes with high-quality ingredients and stylish presentation. Their Peking duck is a must-try, served with house-made pancakes and hoisin sauce. They also have an extensive cocktail menu, making it a great spot for a more refined Chinatown dining experience.

Four Kings
710 Commercial Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Michelin Starred, Upscale Dining

Empress by Boon

One of the most elegant and high-end restaurants in Chinatown, Empress by Boon offers a Michelin-starred fine dining experience with a modern take on Cantonese cuisine. The multi-course tasting menu changes regularly but often features Peking duck, wagyu beef with black truffle, and delicate dim sum creations. The restaurant’s breathtaking views of Chinatown and the San Francisco skyline make it a perfect spot for a special night out.

Vibe: Elegant, with panoramic views of Chinatown.

Cuisine: Modern Cantonese, fine dining style.

Must-Try: The tasting menu, especially if you can snag a window seat for the view.

Empress by Boon
838 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108

Mister Jiu’s

A Michelin-starred modern Chinese restaurant hidden in a historic Chinatown building. Mister Jiu’s takes classic Chinese flavors and elevates them with farm-to-table ingredients and fine-dining techniques. The menu changes seasonally, but dishes like tea-smoked duck, scallion pancakes with caviar, and mapo tofu with wagyu beef are unforgettable. The restaurant’s chic, minimalist decor and rooftop views make it a perfect spot for a special night out. Reservations are a must!

Vibe: Upscale yet cozy, this place feels like a modern homage to Chinatown’s rich history.

Cuisine: Contemporary Cantonese with a seasonal twist.

Must-Try: The duck and their signature sourdough scallion pancake. It’s fine dining that feels like home.

Mister Jiu’s
28 Waverly Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Whimsical, Modern, Dumpling Spots

Fusion Dumpling

As the name suggests, Fusion Dumpling puts a unique spin on traditional dumplings, blending flavors from different Asian cuisines. Their truffle xiao long bao, pan-fried kimchi dumplings, and curry chicken dumplings are all worth trying. If you’re feeling adventurous, their squid ink dumplings with shrimp and scallops are a must.

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Known For: Creative dumplings that blend traditional and modern flavors.

Recommended Dishes: Their fusion dumplings, especially the truffle mushroom or the spicy pork varieties, stand out.

Fusion Dumpling
650 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Bund Shanghai Restaurant

A Chinatown favorite for Shanghai-style cuisine, Bund Shanghai is the go-to spot for xiao long bao (soup dumplings), braised pork belly, and scallion pancakes. Their Shanghai rice cakes are a standout—chewy, savory, and full of flavor. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something beyond Cantonese food in Chinatown.

Bund Shanghai Restaurant
640 Jackson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133