Any insider tips for Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?

Ask for the patio; it’s quieter and feels intimate.

What should I order at Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?

Chilean seabass; lobster noodles; crab siu mai

When should I visit Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?

Weeknights early to snag patio or lounge

Who should go to Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge?

Upscale seafood and cocktail crowd

Any insider tips for Dragon Well?

Bar seats are quickest for solo or duo walk-ins.

When should I visit Dragon Well?

Late lunch 1:30–3pm or post-8pm dinner

Who should go to Dragon Well?

Families and classic-Chinese fans

Any insider tips for United Dumplings (Marina)?

Ask for half-and-half dumpling orders to sample more flavors.

What should I order at United Dumplings (Marina)?

XLB, Sichuan wontons, Grandma’s pork dumplings

When should I visit United Dumplings (Marina)?

Early evenings 5–6:30pm for easiest seating

Who should go to United Dumplings (Marina)?

Sharing-focused groups and XLB seekers

Any insider tips for Hunan Empire?

Ask for extra chili oil to boost heat on stir-fries.

What should I order at Hunan Empire?

General Tso’s chicken, Hunan beef, walnut prawns

When should I visit Hunan Empire?

Weeknights 5–7pm for fastest pickup

Who should go to Hunan Empire?

Budget-minded Chinese comfort seekers

Best Chinese Restaurants in The Marina District (94123)

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

Notable Picks

#1 Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge

8.2

$$$$ Cow Hollow

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Instagram Worthy Wonders

Chef-led modern Chinese with a seafood tilt—think oven-baked Chilean seabass, lobster noodles, and braised seafood bowls—in an elegant indoor-patio setup. It’s a polished Cow Hollow choice for date nights and celebratory small groups.

Must-Try Dishes: Oven-Baked Chilean Seabass (red miso), Stir-Fried Lobster with Pumpkin Noodles, Braised Seafood Noodles (laksa broth)

What makes it special: Seafood-forward Chinese plates executed with fine-dining polish.

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#2 Dragon Well

8.0

$$ Marina District

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Neighborhood standby for broad, well-executed Chinese classics with handmade potstickers, mu shu pancakes, and duck buns. Comfortable service and a steady lunch-to-dinner flow make it an easy Marina choice.

Must-Try Dishes: Handmade potstickers, Mu shu with house pancakes, Duck buns

What makes it special: Handmade staples and a reliable, broad Chinese menu.

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Worthy Picks

#3 United Dumplings (Marina)

7.9

$$$ Marina District

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Trendy Table Hotspots Quick Bites Champions

Casual dumpling house known for xiao long bao, pan-fried and steamed dumplings, and quick counter-friendly service. A go-to for comforting bowls and shareable plates before or after Chestnut Street strolls.

Must-Try Dishes: Soup Dumplings (XLB), Sichuan Wontons in Red Oil, Grandma’s Pork Dumplings

What makes it special: Soup dumplings and playful fillings in a polished, family-friendly room.

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#4 Hunan Empire

7.6

$ Cow Hollow

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

Counter-friendly Union Street spot offering a broad Chinese-American and Hunan-leaning menu at wallet-friendly prices. Portions are solid and takeout is fast, making it a practical neighborhood staple.

Must-Try Dishes: General Tso’s chicken, Hunan beef, Honey walnut prawns

What makes it special: Broad, affordable menu with quick turnarounds for dine-in or takeout.

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