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Best Chinese Restaurants in Chinatown (94108)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$$$ Chinatown
Modern Cantonese from chef Brandon Jew in a polished Chinatown dining room with a seasonal, technique-driven menu. A destination for refined banquets, precise wok cookery, and thoughtful cocktail/wine pairings.
Must-Try Dishes: Roast duck (seasonal banquet), Wontons in chili oil, Scallion pancake
What makes it special: Michelin-lauded modern Cantonese with exacting technique and seasonal menus.
$ Chinatown
High-volume Chinatown counter turning out hot, freshly fried pastries alongside classic dim sum. Expect fast-moving lines and consistent execution on donut-adjacent favorites like sesame balls and fried dough sticks.
Must-Try Dishes: Sesame Balls (Jin Dui), Chinese Donut (Youtiao), Sweet Egg Puffs
What makes it special: Takeout-only pace with reliably fresh, fried pastries.
$$$ Chinatown
Cart-free, made-to-order dim sum in a bright dining room just off Portsmouth Square. Known for consistent execution and swift pacing for business lunches and weekend families.
Must-Try Dishes: Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Baked BBQ pork buns
What makes it special: Made-to-order dim sum with quick turns and reliable pacing.

Worthy Picks

$$$ Chinatown
A century-old Chinatown institution serving old-school Cantonese plates in a narrow, no-frills space. Recent stewardship keeps signature rice noodle rolls and congee front and center.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ pork rice noodle roll (cheung fun), Fish jook (congee), Beef chow fun
What makes it special: Century-old Cantonese landmark with handmade rice noodle rolls.
$$ Chinatown
Counter-service spot on Kearny specializing in pan-fried dumplings, pork pancakes, and quick wok plates. Popular with nearby office crowds for speed and value.
Must-Try Dishes: Pork pancakes, Potstickers, Scallion pancake
What makes it special: Fast dumpling-focused menu with generous portions for the price.
$$ Chinatown
America’s oldest dim sum parlor (since 1920) tucked off Sacramento Street, serving late-evening baskets and rice rolls in a cozy alcove. Reliability and nostalgia lead—perfect for a low-key night bite.
Must-Try Dishes: Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Shrimp rice noodle roll
What makes it special: Historic alleyway dim sum house with late service hours.
$ Chinatown
Compact Stockton Street counter turning out affordable dim sum and noodle plates to-go. Best for quick bites and takeout staples made throughout the day.
Must-Try Dishes: Rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), Steamed BBQ pork buns, Siu mai
What makes it special: Affordable dim sum staples with steady daytime turnover.