Chinese Food in San Francisco (2025)

A Chinatown standard-bearer reimagining Cantonese banquets with Bay Area ingredients—tea-smoked duck, seasonal seafood, and thoughtful cocktails—set above historic Waverly Place. Michelin-starred and recently pivoted back to banquet and à la carte formats, it still feels deeply of Chinatown. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/mister-jiu%E2%80%99s/?utm_source=openai), [sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/mister-jius-new-menu-20784836.php?utm_source=openai), [sfgate.com](https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/mister-jius-named-top-restaurant-food-and-wine-19382065.php?utm_source=openai))

Fiery, crowd-pleasing Sichuan that locals swear by: chili oil–poached fish, peppercorn-numbing wontons, and that phone-camera pile of dried chilies. Longtime Bib Gourmand honors underline the value, while Chef Lijun Han keeps the spice dialed in. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/z-y?utm_source=openai), [zandyrestaurant.com](https://www.zandyrestaurant.com/?utm_source=openai))

Since 1985, this family-run icon has been the city’s seafood party starter—salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab, banquet spreads, and Peking duck across multiple levels. Recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business and praised by critics for big-group feasts. ([rnglounge.com](https://www.rnglounge.com/?utm_source=openai), [sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/2024/3/27/24113605/new-san-francisco-legacy-restaurants-r-g-lounge-greens?utm_source=openai), [theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/r-g-lounge?utm_source=openai))

A polished room across from Portsmouth Square turns out fast, cart-free dim sum—think scallop siu mai, baked buns, and fried crab claws. The longtime favorite moved here and remains an editor-approved pick for weekend brunch. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/city-view-chinatown-sf-17906327.php?utm_source=openai), [sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-dim-sum-san-francisco?utm_source=openai), [cityviewdimsum.com](https://www.cityviewdimsum.com/contact-us?utm_source=openai))

An institution since 1908, Sam Wo just reopened with new local owners and a chef trained by the retiring legend to preserve beloved rice noodle rolls, congee, and late-night staples—still a neighborhood gathering place. ([sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/sam-wo-restaurant-reopening-20876084.php?utm_source=openai), [samworestaurant.com](https://samworestaurant.com/?utm_source=openai))

The Inner Sunset’s line-out-the-door classic for sticky, gingery dry-fried wings, hand-pulled noodles, and dumplings—a 1986 favorite that still dominates local best-of lists for wings. ([santungsf.com](https://www.santungsf.com/?utm_source=openai), [sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-hot-chicken-wings-san-francisco?utm_source=openai))

Halal Northern Chinese cooking in Parkside—Xinjiang-style cumin lamb, Beijing hot pots, and dumplings—served by a longtime family operation that’s rare in the city and celebrated by local reporters and guides. ([sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/2023/3/22/23650553/old-mandarin-islamic-restaurant-halal-chinese?utm_source=openai), [beyondmenu.rdslogic.com](https://beyondmenu.rdslogic.com/order/restaurant/old-mandarin-islamic-restaurant-menu/598?utm_source=openai))

Takeaway-only dim sum that rewards the line: har gow, siu mai, baked pork buns, and more, steamed and baked nonstop all day. A Chinatown staple loved by critics and everyday regulars. ([goodmongkok.com](https://www.goodmongkok.com/visit/?utm_source=openai), [theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/good-mong-kok-bakery?utm_source=openai))

Bustling dim sum hall with an enormous menu—hand-chopped siu mai, rice noodle rolls, and playful specials—plus private rooms for banquets. Frequently spotlighted during Chinatown festivities and community celebrations. ([laihonglounge.com](https://www.laihonglounge.com/?utm_source=openai), [sfchronicle.com](https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/sf-chinatown-banquets-lunar-new-year-20039204.php?utm_source=openai))

Late-night Cantonese seafood with serious wok hei—salt-and-pepper squid, clams in black bean sauce, and roast meats—run by the same family for decades and beloved by night owls and locals alike. ([spotlightchinatown.com](https://www.spotlightchinatown.com/yuet-lee?utm_source=openai), [tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60713-d353944-Reviews-Yuet_Lee-San_Francisco_California.html?utm_source=openai))

Northern Chinese comfort on Taraval: flaky beef rolls, scallion–sesame pancakes, and hand-pulled noodles at friendly prices. A straightforward, family-run favorite consistently recommended by local editors. ([sf.eater.com](https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-chinese-restaurants-san-francisco?utm_source=openai), [restaurantji.com](https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/san-francisco/house-of-pancakes-/?utm_source=openai))

Small grab-and-go counter known for generously sized dumplings at wallet-friendly prices; an easy alternative to longer lines nearby and a staple on neighborhood guides. ([chinatownvolunteercoalition.org](https://www.chinatownvolunteercoalition.org/dimsum?utm_source=openai), [delicious-dim-sum.cafe-encore.com](https://delicious-dim-sum.cafe-encore.com/?utm_source=openai))