20 best Chinese food restaurants in San Francisco

20 best Chinese food restaurants in San Francisco

Chinese food has a long history and is renowned for its flavors, use of fresh ingredients, and regional diversity. During the Gold Rush, it became a staple in San Francisco and is now a part of the city's food culture. Here are 20 places to enjoy the best Chinese food in San Francisco.

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's opinion; the reader's discretion is advised. Do let us know in the comments what you think should have made the cut.

20. Yank Sing (Stevenson St.)

Running since 1958, Yank Sing, located at 49 Stevenson St., San Francisco, is a legendary place serving dumplings to the people of San Francisco. With over 100 options of Dimsums to choose from with vegan choices also available starting at just $3.65 for two pieces, this is one place you must try out whenever you're in San Francisco.

19. R & G Lounge

Located at 631 Kearny St, Chinatown in San Francisco, this restaurant is the go-to place for authentic Cantonese cuisine. It serves savory meat and veg dishes, Chinese BBQ, and fresh seafood. It's ideal for quiet lunches or get-togethers because of its cozy ambiance, private dining sections, and cocktail bar, but make sure you make reservations before coming here.

18. China Live

Last year's winner of the Restaurant of the Year title by Eater San Francisco, China Live, is a thriving cultural center in Chinatown located at 644 Broadway, San Francisco. In addition to mouthwatering dim sums that start at just $16, noodles at roughly $20, and other Chinese dishes, guests can enjoy interactive cultural exhibits, live music, and dance performances. It's the place to enjoy traditional Chinese food and culture.

17. Z & Y Restaurant

Located at the Heart of Chinatown, at 655 Jackson Street, the restaurant has been serving the best Szechuan cuisine. It has been authentic and delicious to the people of San Francisco since 2008. They are well-known for their traditional Szechuan food, which includes kung pao chicken, which starts at $21.95, and Napa Cabbage w/ Dry Shrimp, which starts at just $14.95, a place to visit when you're in the mood for Szechuan cuisine.

16. San Tung

Known for its cult-favorite dry-fried chicken wings, San Tung is a renowned restaurant in the Inner Sunset neighborhood, situated at 1031 Irving St. With multiple options for Fried Chicken, from Kung Pao Chicken to Cashew Chicken to Chicken with Black Bean Sauce, all starting from $16.50. This iconic location also serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. A must-visit location for your dry-fried chicken cravings.

15. Dumpling Home

Dumpling Home, located at 298 Gough St., San Francisco, CA 94102, is a casual Hayes Valley gem known for its delicious dumplings—fried, steamed, and boiled—alongside noodles and small plates. Must-try dishes include Juicy Pork Bao for $14.95, Pork Dumpling with Sesame Sauce and Chilli Oil for $12.95, and Dry Cooked Green Bean for $15.95. After opening in 2020, it quickly earned a spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list in 2021.

14. Mission Chinese Food

Mission Chinese Food is a simple restaurant that combines classic Chinese cuisine with California creativity. It is located at 2234 Mission St. Their popular dishes include Thrice Cooked Bacon and Rice Cakes at $26, Mopu Tofu at $24, and Sizzling Cumin Lamb Ribs at $39. They serve one of the best Chinese foods in San Francisco despite getting mixed reviews from customers.

13. Mister Jiu's

Mister Jiu's, located at 28 Waverly Pl., San Francisco, CA 94108, is a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Chinatown led by Chef Brandon Jew. The menu offers family-friendly options, including organic smoked tofu and fried rice with seasonal ingredients. It is well-known for combining classic Cantonese flavors with contemporary cooking methods. It's a popular place, and seats are difficult to get. So reservations are the best options.

12. Dragon Beaux

Dragon Beaux, at 5700 Geary Blvd., in Richmond, is a must place to visit whenever you're in the mood for Asian food. Their Dim Sums are famous, and the must-try include Baked Portuguese Tarts for $23, Shrimp Dumplings for $22, and Chicken Claws with Black Bean Sauce for $21. They also offer rice, noodles, hot pots, and seafood.

11. Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant

One of the rare locations in the city that serves halal Chinese food is the Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, located at 3132 Vicente St., a must-visit for foodies looking for authentic and distinct flavors. It is well-known for its classic meals with an Islamic twist.

10. House of Nanking

A popular Chinatown landmark, House of Nanking is situated at 919 Kearny St., San Francisco, CA 94133, renowned for its excellent Chinese food. It was founded in 1988 and is well-known for its vegetarian dumplings, banking sesame chicken, and golden egg pockets. Do visit the place when you're in San Francisco.

9. Sam Wo Restaurant

Since 1907, the renowned Chinatown restaurant Sam Wo Restaurant, 713 Clay St., San Francisco, CA 94108, has been serving quick and delicious Chinese food. With a lot of delicious options ranging from noodles to rice to soup, this place won't disappoint you. One of San Francisco's favorite Chinese restaurants.

8. Hong Kong Lounge

Hong Kong Lounge, located at 5322 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, is a lively Outer Richmond favorite known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. Their must-tries include Salt & Pepper Calamari for $18, Lo Mei (Braised) Chicken at $18 for half, and Roasted Crispy Pork Belly for $ 15. With tons of options, this place is a must-visit.

7. Palette Tea House

Palette Tea House is a modernist dim sum restaurant in Ghirardelli Square, situated at 900 North Point St., San Francisco. It is well known for its creative approach to making new flavourful dishes. From dumplings and bao to noodles and rice to soup to classics and specials, this place has it all. You must visit Palette Tea House whenever you're in Golden Gate City.

6. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

HarborView is located at 4 Embarcadero Centre Level, San Francisco. The Restaurant & Bar provides a modern dining experience including family-style Cantonese cuisine. Founded recently in 2018, the place has established itself as an iconic location. Well-loved by the locals and tourists the place is a must-visit.

5. Yuanbao Jiaozi 元寶餃子

Yuanbao Jiaozi, located at 2110 Irving St, San Francisco, is a cafe known for its handmade northern Chinese-style dumplings. Their shitake mushroom and chicken dumpling, shrimp with three delicacies dumpling, cucumber salad, and marinated beef are fan favorites - all of this would come just for $42, making it affordable and filling. It's a must-try when you're in the Golden City.

4. Chong Qing Xiao Mian

Located at 915 Kearny St., San Francisco, CA 94133, Chong Qing Xiao Mian is a counter-serve restaurant specializing in spicy noodle meals. Their tan tan noodles, spicy beef noodles, cucumber salad, sliced pork belly with spicy garlic sauce, and green onion pancakes are popular items from this place.

3. House of Pancakes

The House of Pancakes, a Chinese restaurant with a distinctive take on breakfast basics, is situated at 937 Taraval St., San Francisco, CA 94116. It is well-known for its flavourful pancakes. Opened in 2018, people stand in line to eat the dishes served here. The signature pancake, wok wonders, irresistible dumplings, and noodle extravaganza are popular dishes loved by many that you must try.

2. Empress by Boon

The luxurious restaurant Empress by Boon serving fresh Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary touch, is situated at 838 Grant Ave., San Francisco. It is renowned for its inventive cuisine, it occasionally combines Thai and Southeast Asian flavors, all complemented by a great selection of wines and beverages. Black Sesame Cremeux, Shrimp and Squid Dumplings, Crispy Truffle Rice Puff, and Iberico Pork Xiao Long Bao are popular dishes, that you must try.

1.Sichuan Home

Sichuan House, which serves fiery and bold Sichuan food from China, is situated at 5037 Geary Blvd., San Francisco. Their Sichuan Tea Smoked Duck for $14.95, Chicken And Cold Noodle In Garlic Sauce for $16.95, Pig Ear In Chili Sauce for $14.95, and Bean Jelly in Chilli Sauce for $12.95 are fan favorites. A must-visit place for Sichuan lovers.