20 Best Chinese Restaurants In San Francisco

From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems, San Francisco's dynamic and diverse culinary scene is one of the best in the country. That said, it's no surprise to learn that the Chinese food there is authentic and abundant. From San Fran's Chinatown to dim sum by the Bay, there are so many wonderful restaurants to explore. Whether you're in the mood for juicy soup dumplings or hot and sour soup, visitors and locals alike are able to find consistent options that always manage to hit the spot.

While there are a couple of fancy and upscale Chinese restaurants that make for a wonderful date night or celebration, many of the most popular eateries are mom-and-pop shops that follow a no-frills and no-fuss rule. Takeout is equally as popular, and there's no shortage of solid spots. That said, we've rounded up the best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco so you can cure your craving.

Go Duck Yourself is a spinoff restaurant from the popular Hing Lung Company. Go Duck Yourself first launched on Uber Eats during the COVID-19 pandemic so that locals were able to get quality Chinese food delivered right to their doors. The menu revolves around classic Cantonese favorites like honey-glazed spare ribs, roasted pork belly, and, of course, roasted duck.

The rice plates are hearty and filling and are served with rice, veggies, and sweet and savory sauces. You can also order a la carte proteins like a whole roasted duck that is entirely deboned. The seasonal garlic greens are a wonderful side that goes well with all of the meats, and the grass jelly dessert drink is the perfect way to end any meal.

Mr. Jiu's is a more upscale and fancy spot that is perfect for a special night of quality Chinese cuisine in a refined and modern setting. The plating at Mr. Jiu's is beautiful across the board, and considering Mr. Jiu's has earned a Michelin star, guests can always expect a consistent meal from start to finish. Though reservations are recommended, Mr. Jiu's does welcome walk-ins to sit at the bar.

Since the tasting menu changes with the seasons, even loyal regulars are able to enjoy innovative new dishes throughout the year. In addition to the five-course tasting menu, there are also a handful of communal entrées that are wonderful for sharing. From the Wolfe Ranch quail to the Devil's Gulf half-rabbit, each entrée is worth exploring.

When it comes to scallion pancakes, House of Pancakes does it best. Located in the Sunset District of San Francisco, House of Pancakes is a very small but locally-loved eatery that is incredibly affordable. That said, it is cash-only, so be sure to come prepared. As expected, the pancakes here are the highlight of the menu, and in addition to plain scallion pancakes, you can also enjoy the rolls that are filled with everything from beef to lamb.

House of Pancakes also serves savory noodles and dumplings, and it's best to come with a few people so that you can order a handful of dishes and try a bite of each. The hand-pulled noodles have an amazing texture, so be sure to order at least one noodle dish.

Empress by Boon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. The seasonal menu is elevated and elegant while still being rooted in authentic Cantonese cuisine. The wine list has been carefully curated to pair with the cuisine, and the beer list is also pretty impressive. That said, the craft cocktails are refreshing and inventive, so you'll probably want to try a few different drinks during your visit.

The prix fixe tasting menu costs $98 per person and showcases traditional dim sum items like turnip cakes along with more luxe dishes that utilize ingredients like caviar and scallops. If you'd like to take your experience up a notch, opt for the supplemental wine pairing to enjoy the very best of each course.

It doesn't get more experiential than Palette Tea House. This stunning restaurant is located in San Fran's iconic Ghirardelli Square and offers an unforgettable dim sum experience in the heart of the city. The colorful palette soup dumpling sampler is a must-order that includes an original dumpling, a beet and beef dumpling, a crab dumpling, a kale dumpling, and a truffle and pork dumpling.

When it comes to the signature entrées, the Dungeness crab with garlic butter is amazing but comes with the shell on, so if you're looking to work a little less for your dinner, go with the Peking duck set. Classic dim sum favorites from Palette Tea House include the radish cakes with XO sauce and the saucy chicken claw.

Looking for your new favorite bao bun in the city? Make your way to Bao. This neighborhood teahouse is great for gathering with loved ones or picking up takeout. The adorable bao buns are just as cute as they are delicious, and though the options are plentiful, you'll want to try as many as possible. The adorable steamed sweet red bean bao look like little panda bears, so be sure to snap a picture before you dig in.

Other savory menu highlights include the steamed whole shrimp shumai, the fried Phoenix prawns, the swan-shaped fried curry taro puffs, and the crab xiao long bao. In addition to the sweet red bean bao, there are plenty of dessert options like the coconut bunny, steamed sweet egg custard bao, and steamed sweet sesame bao.

From fried rice to fruit tea, Mr Szechuan is a delicious and consistent Chinese restaurant in the city. The customizable little hot pot is the perfect size for those looking to cure their craving without ordering too much, and it comes with six toppings of your choosing. Regarding tasty sides you won't want to miss, the stir-fry pea shoots, as are the eggplant string beans, are a must-order.

The hand-made chili oil wontons have the perfect amount of heat that makes them perfect for those seeking a spicy appetizer, while the pan-fried pork buns have crispy bottoms that offer the ideal crunch. If you're looking to branch out and try something new, take a chance on the shredded pig ears.

Located in San Francisco's legendary Chinatown, Sam Wo Restaurant has been serving authentic Chinese food to locals and visitors alike since 1908. Considering this beloved eatery has been around for more than 100 years, you can expect to leave satisfied and impressed. Tradition remains at the root of Sam Wo Restaurant, resulting in authentic flavors and dishes that will have you coming back for more.

Best of all, the prices are incredibly low. Start off with the BBQ pork noodle rolls and a Chinese donut before moving on to one of the heart noodle soups. The traditional jook (or rice porridge) is also exactly what you'll want to warm up on a cold day, but you can of course never go wrong with the classic stir-fry noodle.

Caught a craving for comforting Chinese cuisine? Head to Cheung Hing Restaurant in San Francisco's Sunset District. This Cheun Hing Restaurant is not to be confused with the one in Millbrae, so keep that in mind since they can easily be confused. If you're looking to enjoy a cozy night at home with some quality comfort food, Cheung Hing Restaurant offers delivery and takeout.

The roasted pork with bean curd is a must-order, as are the honey walnut prawns. That said, roast duck noodles are another popular dish that offers the ideal combo of carbs and protein. You can also order nostalgic Chinese takeout favorites like fried rice and lo mein if that's more up your alley.

YH-Beijing blends modern decor with traditional Chinese artwork to create a cozy and inviting eatery that is ideal for both lunch and dinner. Whether you're going out with friends or simply want to enjoy a solo meal in between meetings, the menu at YH-Beijing truly has something for everyone. Some highlights from the starter section of the menu include the fried chicken wings, the fried tofu, and fried avocado spring rolls.

The steamed BBQ pork buns are a must order as are the red chili oil dumplings. If you're looking for plant-based options, the mushroom and cabbage-filled vegetable dumplings are wonderful. The pan-fried king salmon filet is one of the more popular entrees, but the Sichuan boiled fish is perfect on a rainy San Francisco day.