One of the best things about living in San Francisco is the food, and when it comes to Chinese flavors, we’re overflowing with options.
Whether you’re in the mood for dim sum or Peking duck, Hunan flavors, Sichuan spice or traditional Cantonese, looking for an upscale dining experience or something warm and unfussy, there’s a spot that will knock your socks off and keep you coming back for more.
See also: Best San Francisco Szechuan Restaurants That Truly Bring The Heat
From Chinatown to the financial district, SoMa and even down to Millbrae, here are some of our favorite places to enjoy Chinese food in San Francisco.
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919 Kearny St.; 415-421-1429 / Website
House of Nanking is a beloved San Francisco institution known for its delicious and unique Chinese cuisine. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this restaurant has gained a reputation for its flavorful and inventive dishes. The menu is diverse, featuring a wide range of options, from savory stir-fries to delectable noodle dishes. House of Nanking’s specialty lies in its housemade sauces, which add an extra layer of flavor to every dish. The friendly and fast-paced atmosphere, along with the delicious food, makes it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. Open daily, the chefs here take traditional recipes and give them a modern twist. Make sure to order the sesame chicken, fried potstickers with peanut sauce, house noodles and fried calamari!
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660 Howard St.; 415-777-8568 / Website
Fang is a contemporary Chinese restaurant in the bustling SoMa neighborhood, and its the sister restaurant of House of Nanking. This upscale eatery offers a modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine. What sets Fang apart is its commitment to creating dishes that blend Chinese flavors with innovative culinary techniques. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner seating, the menu includes a variety of tantalizing dishes, and their wine selection is impressive. With its sleek interior and attentive service, Fang provides a sophisticated dining experience for those seeking an elegant twist on Chinese cuisine.
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838 Grant Ave.; 415-757-0728 / Website
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, Empress By Boon is a charming spot admired by the Michelin guide that combines classic Chinese dishes with an elegant touch. The restaurant’s interior exudes traditional Chinese aesthetics, creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. The prix-fixe menu features a selection of time-honored Chinese recipes prepared with finesse and an emphasis on quality ingredients. It’s a wonderful place to savor authentic Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
1935 Taraval St.; 415-682-8938 / Website
Dumpling Kitchen on Taravel is a go-to destination for dim sum lovers in San Francisco. With an extensive menu of delectable dumplings, you can indulge in a variety of bite-sized delights that range from savory to sweet. The dumplings are freshly made, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re a dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer, Dumpling Kitchen offers a friendly and casual environment for all to enjoy this classic Chinese comfort food. The soup dumplings are a must, and fans can’t get enough of the Shanghai-style pan-fried pork buns, the Shanghai-style steamed pork dumplings, the crab and pork dumplings, and the hot and sour soup.
3497 Balboa St.; 415-742-4560
Taste of Fusion on Balboa combines the traditional flavors of dim sum with a modern fusion twist. This charming restaurant offers a unique blend of ingredients and culinary techniques, resulting in an intriguing and delightful menu. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or eager to explore new taste sensations, Taste of Fusion is a captivating destination for dim sum enthusiasts who appreciate creative and innovative takes on Chinese cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include the Lava Yolk buns, the Peking duck, the beef rice crepes and the dry scallop dumplings. Taste of Fusion is open every day for lunch and dinner, so stop in soon.
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28 Waverly Place; 415-857-9688 / Website
Mister Jiu’s is a chic and upscale Chinese-American restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown with a Michelin star! Known for its innovative approach to traditional Chinese dishes, this establishment offers a luxurious dining experience. The menu combines classic Chinese flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Mister Jiu’s provides a sophisticated atmosphere for those looking to explore Chinese cuisine in a modern and upscale setting. The tea-smoked Peking duck is the specialty here, and you can't go wrong with the Cheong Fun, the heart arrow ranch barbecue pork, the back sesame cake and chilled beef tendon.
915 Kearny St.; 415-983-0888 / Website
For noodle aficionados, Chong Qing Xiao Mian is a hidden gem in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This restaurant specializes in Chongqing-style noodles, famous for their rich, spicy broths. The noodles are made to perfection, and the spicy flavors are authentic and bold. While the location may vary within Chinatown, the taste and quality of the noodles remain consistently exceptional. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic Chinese noodle experience. Do try the spicy beef noodle soup, the dan dan noodles, the Sichuan-style steamed pork belly and the house cold noodles.
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101 Spear St.; 415-781-1111 / Website
Yank Sing is an iconic dim sum destination located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District. Renowned for its artful presentation and exquisite flavors, Yank Sing is a haven for dim sum enthusiasts. The restaurant’s interior exudes an air of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for business meetings, special occasions or leisurely brunches. Yank Sing’s extensive dim sum menu features a wide variety of dumplings, buns and small plates, all crafted with precision and using the finest ingredients. The combination of exceptional service, a refined atmosphere and mouthwatering dim sum creations makes Yank Sing a top choice for those seeking a quintessential dim sum experience in San Francisco. Bring your friends and go ham on some steamed barbecue pork buns, shrimp dumplings, mushroom dumplings, Singapore rice noodles and more.
279 El Camino Real, Millbrae; 650-692-9688
Head a bit south to Millbrae, and you’ll be rewarded with The Kitchen’s top-notch, homestyle Cantonese cuisine. With a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, The Kitchen offers a delightful banquet hall-style dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. The menu is a testament to traditional Chinese cooking, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Diners can savor classic dishes prepared with care, from succulent stir-fries to comforting noodle soups. Whether you’re seeking a familiar favorite or a new culinary adventure, The Kitchen serves up delicious Chinese fare that satisfies both the heart and the palate. Don’t miss the Hong Kong street-style stir fry, the sauteed tiger prawns, the Peking duck or the pineapple egg custard buns.
270 Broadway, Millbrae; 650-651-8888
Heading to Millbrae but more in the mood for Hunan-style Chinese? Wonderful in Millbrae is a haven for lovers of the Hunan region’s bold and spicy flavors. The menu is filled with dishes that pack a punch, featuring a delightful balance of spices and fresh ingredients. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere at Wonderful makes it a great spot for those looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Hunan cuisine without having to travel far from San Francisco. Order the popular Godfather’s noodles, the cilantro beef, the mapo tofu and the smoked pork fried rice.
There’s so much more to explore in the Bay when it comes to fantastic Chinese flavors. Save some room for more and try the restaurants on our lists for best dim sum and best Sichuan!
Photography by: thesomegirl / Getty
