Top 5 Dim Sum Restaurants in San Francisco

There are lots of great reasons to visit Chinatown, but the amazing restaurants are definitely at the top of the list. Although you can actually find great Dim Sum all over the city, there are quite a few places in Chinatown that will impress.

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 SF brought recipes for Dim Sum with them to the states. Dim Sum are delightful little appetizers that were meant to be consumed with tea. They include steamed & 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. These aren’t necessarily the fanciest or priciest options, but just great places that are worth checking out.

San Francisco Dim Sum

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, 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 service is friendly the tables are comfortable and it has a great atmosphere for dinner with friends. 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 so you just 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, so it is best to go with a couple of others, if you want to enjoy a bunch of things on the menu. 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 to enjoy a meal. 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 and 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 someone may elbow their 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 as well. It is a modern, upscale Chinese Restaurant and they have a full menu, but their specialty is Dim Sum. They no longer offer Dim Sum carts, but that is becoming more common around the city. The tables are covered 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 out the door. It is a favorite spot among locals and a destination for tourists who are visiting the city. 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 amazing 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.They have been around for a long time and 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, but you get to try a lot of different tastes. The place is very clean and upscale and it is a great place to go with a large group. 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 since they close early, so you usually see pretty big crowds as people enjoy their lunch breaks. 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. Also it is best to make a reservation, as they get quite crowded.

Yank Sing
49 Stevenson Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Types of Dim Sum

Not familiar with Dim Sum? If you haven’t tried it before, I would definitely recommend it. It is a type of cuisine that offers a huge variety of flavors and ingredients, so even a picky eater can usually find at least a few options that they will like. It is a type of Chinese cuisine, specifically Cantonese, that offers a variety of bite-sized options. It is meant to be a bunch of small items that combine to make a small meal, but once you start ordering, especially if there is a cart, you will typically end up eating way more than you should.

You may find some creative specials or unique items at most restaurants, but there are some basic dim sum options that you can find at most places. Here are a few things that you should try:

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Steamed dumplings filled with whole shrimp (and sometimes bamboo shoots)

Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): Steamed dumplings with a filling of minced pork, shrimp and mushrooms. It is often topped with roe or carrot.

Char Siu Bao (Barbecued Pork Buns): Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with barbecued pork

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): Steamed dumplings filled with pork or crab. They are filled with a small amount of delicious broth.

Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): Steamed rice noodle sheets rolled around fillings like shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork.

Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf): Rice packed with chicken, mushrooms & sausage and wrapped and steamed in lotus leaf for aromatic flavor.

Feng Zhao (Chicken Feet): Braised or steamed chicken feet in black bean or other sauces.

Dan Tat (Egg Tarts): Flaky pastry shells filled with creamy baked custard