Best Chinese Restaurants in Chinatown

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant

1. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 20 times today

Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

2. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3185)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 76 times today

China Live, nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, is a culinary gem celebrated for its exceptional Chinese cuisine. Crowned Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," this hotspot offers an immersive dining experience with fresh, seasonal dishes that showcase a perfect blend of traditional Chinese techniques and Western culinary innovations. Diners rave about the authenticity and creativity of the menu, noting that the food is "on point" and the Peking duck is a must-try. The energetic atmosphere, complemented by handcrafted furniture from China and views of the exhibition kitchens, adds to the allure, making China Live a "MUST DO in SF" with an experience that is "amazing on all levels." Whether you're a local or a visitor, China Live promises a memorable encounter with the best of Chinese culinary artistry.

3. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(119)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 17 times today

"The food at Four Kings reads like a metaphor for growing up Chinese in America: you're never Chinese enough for people from China & Hong Kong, and you're not white enough to be American." -- from a recent diner.

4. Z & Y Peking Duck

4.5

Awesome(98)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, Z & Y Peking Duck offers an authentic Chinese dining experience that stands out in a city known for its culinary diversity. With executive chef Lijun Han at the helm, who has cooked for presidents and VIPs, the restaurant has garnered multiple accolades including a Michelin Bib Gourmand and ZAGAT rating. The signature Peking Duck is a must-try, described as "the best ever" by patrons, thanks to its "shatteringly crisp" skin and succulent meat. Reviewers rave about the "perfectly cooked" dishes and "impeccable" service, making Z & Y Peking Duck a culinary landmark for those seeking a genuine taste of Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Whether it's the thin, delicate pancakes accompanying the duck or the adventurous Sichuan classics, each dish is a testament to Chef Han's mastery and passion for Chinese cooking.

5. Z & Y Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(313)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 6 times today

Z & Y Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, San Francisco, is a culinary landmark renowned for its exceptional Asian cuisine. Chef Han, with the prestigious background of serving Chinese Presidents, brings an unparalleled level of authenticity and expertise to the table. This Michelin Guide recommended restaurant dazzles with its array of authentic Chinese dishes, particularly its Szechuan specialties. Patrons rave about the "explosive flavors" and "authentic Szechuan cooking" that make each dish a delightful adventure. The praise is consistent with one reviewer noting, "Probably the best Chinese food I've ever had." Z & Y's ability to blend traditional recipes with culinary innovation makes it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Asian cuisine in San Francisco.

6. Cold Drinks Bar

4.4

Awesome(54)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 4 times today

Cold Drinks Bar, nestled in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, San Francisco, is a hidden gem that offers a unique Asian culinary experience. Renowned for its "Scotch-centric Cold Drinks," the bar is praised for its high-quality, creative cocktails inspired by modern Shanghai with a touch of old-school San Francisco. Patrons rave about the "stellar service" and "beautiful ambiance," highlighting the bar as a "must-visit" spot. The food, sourced from the acclaimed Eight Tables by George Chen kitchen, is described as nothing short of "delicious," with every dish from vegetarian to meat options leaving diners in awe. Reviewers consistently commend the well-balanced, carefully crafted cocktails, making Cold Drinks Bar a standout in San Francisco’s culinary scene.

A photo of Harborview Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1405)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 117 times today

Harborview Restaurant & Bar, nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco at Four Embarcadero Center, is a gem for authentic Dim Sum cuisine. With a "beautiful and delicious" selection, each dish is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, offering a taste that is consistently praised as the "best dim sum in the Bay Area." Patrons particularly adore the "buttery, melt in your mouth pork bao" and the "superb dumplings," highlighting the traditional yet innovative approach to their menu. The setting, with stunning views and an "elegant atmosphere," complements the culinary experience, making Harborview a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking genuine Cantonese delights. Whether it's the herb chicken feet or the praised seafood, the freshness and flavor are guaranteed to impress.

A photo of Burma Love Downtown restaurant

8. Burma Love Downtown

4.6

Exceptional(542)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 29 times today

Burma Love Downtown, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a delightful exploration of Thai cuisine with a unique Burmese twist. Celebrated for its innovative approach to traditional flavors, the restaurant has garnered accolades such as the "Best Salad of the West" by Sunset Magazine for its iconic fermented tea leaf salad. Diners consistently praise the restaurant's culinary prowess, declaring the vegan version of the salad "delectable and unique" and a "typical flavor and texture fiesta." The atmosphere is described as "positively decadent," perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. With a commitment to accommodating dietary needs and a menu that excites with every dish, Burma Love Downtown stands out as a top destination for authentic and high-quality Thai cuisine in San Francisco.

A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant

9. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

Exceptional(849)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 2 times today

Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, an acclaimed jewel in San Francisco's Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area, has become a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts. Celebrated as the ***Best Jazz Club in the City*** by **San Francisco Magazine**, it's not just the music that draws the crowds but also their "excellent cocktails." Patrons rave about the craft cocktails, describing them as a highlight of their visits, with one noting, “Drinks are great, service is amazing.” The ambiance, reminiscent of a 1950s NYC basement, provides the perfect backdrop for savoring these masterfully mixed beverages. It's a place where every cocktail tells a story, paired seamlessly with live jazz, making Mr. Tipple’s a must-visit for an authentic and delightful cocktail experience.

10. FANG

4.5

Awesome(2740)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, Fang stands out as a beacon of exceptional Chinese cuisine. A sister venue to the renowned House of Nanking, Fang, under the culinary wizardry of Chef Peter Fang, offers a harmonious blend of traditional and innovative Chinese dishes. Diners rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth spareribs" and the "honey shrimp" that are as delicious as they are creative. The restaurant's ability to customize dishes on the fly, such as the tableside fried rice, adds an element of surprise that keeps patrons coming back. With glowing testimonials like "the best Chinese food that I've had" and a menu that evolves with the seasons using fresh, local ingredients, Fang is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure in the heart of San Francisco.

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From verified diners like you

M
Milavip
San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Last night's dinner was our fourth with them. As usual, all our expectations from the first three good experiences have been met. We are very pleased with this Restaurant and highly recommend it.
More info
The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.5
P
Pierce
Austin •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Freaking awesome ! Have a cocktail upstairs and then enjoy the menu. We had dumplings and man they were delicious
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
P
Philip
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Awesome food and terrific staff to help guide us with choices) recommendations.
More info
Four KingsPrice: Expensive• Cantonese• Chinatown
•
4.6
LP
LizP
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 11, 2024
The food and service was amazing. We took some friends and they were impressed! Love those green beans.
More info
Z & Y RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
T
Tina
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 8, 2024
Exceptional service by Stanley, our waiter! And the Peking duck, dumplings, noodles, veggies were all top notch! Great new restaurant. Been there at least five times and look forward to returning.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
More info
Z & Y Peking DuckPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.5

Discover best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown

Discover the vibrant Chinese dining scene in San Francisco's Chinatown, a hub of culinary excellence where tradition meets innovation. This area offers a rich tapestry of Chinese restaurants, each serving up authentic and creatively adapted dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. From the historic streets of Chinatown, these establishments draw on deep-rooted culinary traditions, often using local and seasonal ingredients to craft their unique flavors. Diners can expect everything from high-end, refined Chinese cuisine to hearty, everyday meals that reflect the genuine taste of China. The dining experience in Chinatown is not just about food; it's an immersive cultural journey characterized by excellent service, inviting atmospheres, and the occasional modern twist on classic dishes. Whether you're a local foodie or a tourist eager to explore, Chinatown promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that showcases the best of Chinese culinary artistry.

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. The Empress by Boon

2. China Live

3. Four Kings

4. Z & Y Peking Duck

5. Z & Y Restaurant

6. Cold Drinks Bar

7. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

8. Burma Love Downtown

9. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

10. FANG

See what locals rave about

Discover best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown

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