Any insider tips for The Happy Crane?

Duck is limited—reserve it when booking and graze on small plates while it’s finished.

What should I order at The Happy Crane?

Crab cheung fun; gold coin bao; roast duck/quail

When should I visit The Happy Crane?

Book mid-week evenings for calmer pacing

Who should go to The Happy Crane?

Cantonese fans seeking a polished night out

Any insider tips for Dumpling Home?

Go solo at off-hours for the shortest wait; order a second basket to share.

What should I order at Dumpling Home?

Xiao long bao; pan-fried juicy pork buns; chili wontons

When should I visit Dumpling Home?

Arrive right at opening or mid-afternoon

Who should go to Dumpling Home?

Soup-dumpling fans and fast casual diners

Any insider tips for Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie?

Ask for extra rotisserie drippings to mix into rice.

What should I order at Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie?

Arroz especial; rotisserie chicken; wok noodles

Any insider tips for Emperor’s Kitchen?

Cash can be faster at peak—call ahead for bigger orders.

What should I order at Emperor’s Kitchen?

Har gow; chow mein; BBQ pork fried rice

When should I visit Emperor’s Kitchen?

Late lunch after courthouse rush

Who should go to Emperor’s Kitchen?

Office workers needing fast, filling meals

Best Chinese Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)

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

Notable Picks

#1 The Happy Crane

8.7

$$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Luxury Dining Elite Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots

Modern Cantonese from chef James Yeun Leong Parry featuring stone-milled cheung fun, roasted meats, and polished cocktails. A sleek Hayes Valley dining room suits pre-show plans and special nights.

Must-Try Dishes: Crab Rice Roll (cheung fun), Gold Coin Bao (liver mousse & coppa), Whole Roast Duck or Lacquered Quail

What makes it special: Dinner-only, chef-driven Cantonese with elevated dim sum–style plates.

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#2 Dumpling Home

8.4

$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Trendy Table Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Shanghai-style dumplings made to order in a compact Hayes Valley room. Locals line up for XLB and sheng jian bao that balance thin skins with well-seasoned fillings.

Must-Try Dishes: Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pan-Fried Juicy Pork Buns, Sesame Chili Wontons

What makes it special: Handmade soup dumplings with unusually clear, balanced broth.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie

7.9

$ Tenderloin

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Family Friendly Favorites

Venezuelan-Chinese counter spot serving rotisserie plates, wok noodles, and arroz especial with bright sauces. Quick, filling meals anchor this Tenderloin favorite.

Must-Try Dishes: Arroz Especial, Rotisserie Chicken Plate, Dumplings in Chili Oil

What makes it special: Venezuelan-Chinese comfort plates at wallet-friendly prices.

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#4 Emperor’s Kitchen

7.6

$ Civic Center / Theater District

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Long-running Civic Center counter for classic takeout staples and dim sum snacks. Straightforward, fast, and inexpensive for courthouse and office crowds.

Must-Try Dishes: Har Gow, BBQ Pork Fried Rice, Chow Mein

What makes it special: Classic Chinese takeout with speedy counter service near City Hall.

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