By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | February 9, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
Z&Y Peking Duck
Saturday, Feb. 10, marks the turning of the Lunar New Year and welcomes us all to the Year of the Dragon.
The Dragon is an incredibly lucky and powerful animal in the Chinese zodiac, and this day is a beautiful moment to set intentions, celebrate with friends and family, and say a cheers to the health and bounty of all in the year to come—and a great way to do all that is to gather with loved ones for a special meal at one of San Francisco’s best Chinese restaurants.
See also: Alexander Wang, Coach And More Celebrate The Year Of The Dragon With Lunar New Year Collections
Whether you’re in the mood to go all out on a prix fixe menu or just want a bit of celebratory tea, these restaurants below are bringing special menus fit for a dragon.
838 Grant Ave.; 415-757-0728 / Website
Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon celebrates this auspicious occasion with a nine-course prix fixe menu that brings the bold power of the Dragon to your plate. Traditional Chinese techniques meet northern California ingredients, offering perigord truffles puffs, scallop caviar egg rolls, chilled fresh lily bulbs with ginger and honey, Dungeness crab with hanjiu and egg whites, steamed sea shrimp and squid dumplings, grilled Alaskan black cod, and so much more. This menu is offered Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $168 per person.
8 Kenneth Rexroth Pl.; 415-788-8788 / Website
Named by Time Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places,” this North Beach restaurant invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a six-course menu designed by chef de cuisine Floyd Nunn. Begin with Eight Tables’ fan-favorite Jiu Gong Ge, which features all nine of the essential flavors of Chinese cuisine. Continue with silk egg tofu paired with a Dom Perignon emulsion, X.O. rice claypot with black truffle and more, a “very special” smoked garlic chicken, privilege pork char siu and a dessert of paradis chocolate ganache. This celebration continues from Saturday through Feb. 24 and is available for $300 per person.
655 Jackson St.; 415-981-8988 / Website
Where better to enjoy a Lunar New Year meal than Chinatown? Z&Y Restaurant is nestled right in the heart of this cultural haven, and the celebratory menu features dishes from the mind of Z&Y owner and executive chef Lijun Han. Feast on authentic Szechuan sliced pork with spicy garlic sauce, Szechuan style chicken, tea smoked duck, salt and pepper crab, fish filet with flaming chili oil and more.
606 Jackson St.; 415-986-1899 / Website
Sister to the revered Z&Y Restaurant, Z&Y Peking Duck is hosting a soft opening on this auspicious day. As one might imagine, this Chinatown establishment specializes in Peking Duck and contemporary Beijing-inspired dim sum. Executive chef and owner Lijun Han is also at the helm here, and he’s bringing folks in to fine in parties of eight to 10 for $860 a group. Enjoy Beijing Peking duck, miso sea bass, lightly fried crab with salt and paper, clay pot braised lamb ribs and more.
644 Broadway; 415-788-8188 / Website
This North Beach favorite is marking the Year of the Dragon with some limited menu items, available Saturday through February 24. Enjoy nian gao with X.O. sauce and Chinese sausage, “double happiness shiu jiao” water dumplings with shrimp and more, Shanghai trap lobster with jiu niang sauce, local live Dungeness crab with salt and pepper or garlic and scallions, and a delightful sweet bite of “longevity buns” with chocolate ganache.
125 3rd St.; 415-284-4000 / Website
Join the St. Regis for a special Lunar New Year "Art of Tea," featuring brews from luxury tea blender Tealeaves, as well as dim sum bites of Peking duck, xiao long bao, har gao, chicken potstickers, mushroom and spinach dumplings and more. Dessert brings black sesame mochi scones, matcha rolls, rose water choux and tropical tarts. The Year of the Dragon "Art of Tea" is available now through Sunday, Feb. 25.
Looking for more ways to mark the new lunar year? Shop these Year of the Dragon looks and accessories from Coach, Alexander Wang and more.
Photography by: Courtesy of Z&Y Peking Duck