Best of 12 restaurants in Chinatown San Francisco
Discover our curated list of top-ranked restaurants in Chinatown San Francisco, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like House of Nanking, Sam Wo Restaurant, Great Eastern Restaurant, Bund Shanghai Restaurant, Mister Jiu's. Let's explore together!
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1. House of Nanking
A classic San Francisco Chinatown establishment since 1988
Embark on a culinary adventure at House of Nanking, where each dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and creativity. Don't be misled by traditional expectations; here, innovative twists breathe new life into Chinese cuisine. From bold new creations to time-honored classics, every bite tells a story of culinary artistry.
Nestled in a charming hidden gem, House of Nanking promises a dining experience that goes beyond just great food. Immerse yourself in the whimsical ambiance as you savor delicious Chinese delights that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Step into this off-the-beaten-path gem and discover a world where culinary boundaries are meant to be pushed.
Nestled in a charming hidden gem, House of Nanking promises a dining experience that goes beyond just great food. Immerse yourself in the whimsical ambiance as you savor delicious Chinese delights that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Step into this off-the-beaten-path gem and discover a world where culinary boundaries are meant to be pushed.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
2. Sam Wo Restaurant
One of the oldest restaurants in San Francisco's Chinatown
Indulge in a culinary journey at the iconic Sam Wo Restaurant, a cherished gem renowned as one of the oldest Chinese culinary establishments in the United States. With over a century of rich history, this quaint "hole-in-the-wall" Chinese eatery exudes authenticity in every dish it serves. Step inside and experience a bustling ambiance where every table tells a story, adding to the restaurant's undeniable charm.
As you settle in, immerse your taste buds in a delightful array of Americanized Chinese delicacies expertly crafted to tantalize your senses. From savory chicken to perfectly stir-fried green beans, each dish is a flavorful testament to the culinary prowess that has kept patrons coming back for generations. Join us at Sam Wo Restaurant and savor a taste of tradition that transcends time, inviting you to partake in a culinary experience like no other.
As you settle in, immerse your taste buds in a delightful array of Americanized Chinese delicacies expertly crafted to tantalize your senses. From savory chicken to perfectly stir-fried green beans, each dish is a flavorful testament to the culinary prowess that has kept patrons coming back for generations. Join us at Sam Wo Restaurant and savor a taste of tradition that transcends time, inviting you to partake in a culinary experience like no other.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
3. Great Eastern Restaurant
One of the oldest and most well-known Chinese restaurants in San Francisco
Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience at the Great Eastern Restaurant, a hidden gem in the heart of Chinatown. Satisfy your cravings with a scrumptious selection of fresh and flavorful Dim Sum, including the must-try shrimp dumplings prepared in three delightful variations. The unique twist of the fried dumplings adds an explosion of amazing flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
While the Dim Sum is a definite winner, approach the layer cake with caution. Unfortunately, it misses the mark with its doughy texture and overwhelming sweetness, lacking in depth of flavor. Additionally, the vegetable dishes come with a hefty price tag, which seems to overshadow their taste. Despite these minor setbacks, the rich culinary history of the restaurant, including a visit from former President Obama, adds to its allure and mystique.
While the Dim Sum is a definite winner, approach the layer cake with caution. Unfortunately, it misses the mark with its doughy texture and overwhelming sweetness, lacking in depth of flavor. Additionally, the vegetable dishes come with a hefty price tag, which seems to overshadow their taste. Despite these minor setbacks, the rich culinary history of the restaurant, including a visit from former President Obama, adds to its allure and mystique.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
4. Bund Shanghai Restaurant
Upscale Shanghai cuisine in a historic building
Bund Shanghai Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with impeccable service and flavorful dishes. From the soupy goodness of the sweet and sour soup to the delectable soup dumplings and savory General Tso chicken, each bite is a culinary delight. The vibrant flavors and reasonable prices make it a top choice in Chinatown.
While Bund Shanghai Restaurant delivers a decent Shanghainese dining experience, some dishes may lack in seasoning. The fish in wine sauce can taste a bit bland, and the spicy chicken lacked warmth. A simple pinch of salt can elevate the flavors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the crispy chow sprout book stands out as a highlight. Overall, Bund Shanghai Restaurant provides a satisfactory dining experience, closing its doors at 9 PM.
While Bund Shanghai Restaurant delivers a decent Shanghainese dining experience, some dishes may lack in seasoning. The fish in wine sauce can taste a bit bland, and the spicy chicken lacked warmth. A simple pinch of salt can elevate the flavors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the crispy chow sprout book stands out as a highlight. Overall, Bund Shanghai Restaurant provides a satisfactory dining experience, closing its doors at 9 PM.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
5. Mister Jiu's
Exquisite presentation, fresh ingredients, and unique flavor combinations
Mister Jiu's offers a blend of traditional Chinese cuisine in a vibrant setting steeped in history. Located in a charming Chinatown building, the restaurant delights diners with a lively atmosphere and top-notch service. Celebrating a special occasion here is not only delicious but also memorable, as evidenced by the thoughtful birthday card the restaurant gifted to our party.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Personal Celebrations
6. Spicy King
Offers a wide range of authentic Sichuan dishes with a focus on spicy and bold flavors
"Spice King is an exceptional dining experience with delectable dishes and impeccable service. From the fiery kung pao chicken to the savory twice-cooked pork, each bite bursts with authentic flavors that leave a lasting impression. For years, this restaurant has been a staple for me, offering a taste of culinary perfection that never fails to disappoint. However, a recent visit for lunch, prompted by the closure of another favorite Chinatown spot, left much to be desired, signaling a disappointing deviation from the usual exquisite dining experience."
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. Begoni Bistro
Farm-to-table contemporary American cuisine
While the food impresses with its flavors, some may find the service lacking as we experienced delayed attention and a single unisex bathroom that often had a queue, making the dining experience a bit less seamless.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
8. Capital
Housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. The Garden Restaurant
Features a serene garden setting in the heart of the city
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
10. Empress by Boon
Fine dining Chinese restaurant with a long history
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
11. Chef Hung's
Offers a taste of traditional Taiwan in the heart of San Francisco
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
12. Chinatown Restaurant
Offers an extensive menu of traditional and contemporary Chinese dishes.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Personal Celebrations