What is the best Chinese restaurant in The Castro?

Shanghai Dumpling King is our top pick for Chinese restaurants in The Castro, scoring 8.5/10. Handmade XLB and rice cakes served late with steady quality.

Any insider tips for Shanghai Dumpling King?

Ask for extra black vinegar and ginger—staff will oblige.

What should I order at Shanghai Dumpling King?

XLB, pan-fried pork buns, rice cakes with pork

When should I visit Shanghai Dumpling King?

After 9pm; lines thin but kitchen still humming

Who should go to Shanghai Dumpling King?

Dumpling fans craving post-event eats

Any insider tips for Dumpling Kitchen (Castro)?

If XLB sell out, pivot to pan-fried pork buns for similar payoff.

What should I order at Dumpling Kitchen (Castro)?

XLB, spicy wontons, beef noodle soup

When should I visit Dumpling Kitchen (Castro)?

9–10:30pm for faster seating and fresh batches

Who should go to Dumpling Kitchen (Castro)?

Friends splitting dumplings and noodles

Any insider tips for Hulu Wa China Bistro?

Call ahead for wait times; late seatings move quickly.

What should I order at Hulu Wa China Bistro?

Shumai, beef chow fun, honey walnut shrimp

When should I visit Hulu Wa China Bistro?

Fri–Sat after 9pm to catch late kitchen hours

Who should go to Hulu Wa China Bistro?

Casual groups wanting mix-and-match plates

Any insider tips for New Red Jade Restaurant?

Call direct for faster pickup than third-party apps.

What should I order at New Red Jade Restaurant?

Salt-pepper wings, Mongolian beef, vegetable chow mein

When should I visit New Red Jade Restaurant?

9–9:45pm for last-call orders on weekends

Who should go to New Red Jade Restaurant?

Budget-minded late eaters nearby

Best Late Night Chinese Restaurants in The Castro (94114)

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick

Shanghai Dumpling King

Handmade XLB and rice cakes served late with steady quality.

Notable Picks

#1 Shanghai Dumpling King

8.5

$$ Duboce Triangle

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Group Dining Gatherings

Duboce Triangle outpost of the Shanghainese standby known for xiao long bao and chewy stir-fried rice cakes. Late closing hours make it a reliable post-show dumpling fix with quick counter service.

Must-Try Dishes: Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (chao nian gao), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (shengjian bao)

What makes it special: Handmade XLB and rice cakes served late with steady quality.

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#2 Dumpling Kitchen (Castro)

8.2

$$$ The Castro

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites

Castro dumpling specialist with a broad menu of northern Chinese comforts, from spicy wontons to scallion pancakes. Efficient service and later hours make it an easy meet-up before or after the bars.

Must-Try Dishes: Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Wontons in Chili Oil, Scallion Pancake

What makes it special: Reliable late-evening dumplings and shareables in the Castro core.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Hulu Wa China Bistro

7.9

$$ Castro / Eureka Valley

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics

Casual Castro bistro serving dim sum staples alongside American-Chinese favorites with later weekend hours. Portions are solid, pricing is fair, and it’s a convenient pickup spot after concerts on Market.

Must-Try Dishes: Shumai, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Beef Chow Fun

What makes it special: Dim sum plus Chinese-American crowd-pleasers served later on weekends.

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#4 New Red Jade Restaurant

7.6

$ Duboce Triangle

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites

Neighborhood standby at Church & Market doing classic Cantonese-American plates and big combo portions. Dependable for a late bite before the Muni ride home with friendly, fast counter pickup.

Must-Try Dishes: Mongolian Beef, Salt-and-Pepper Chicken Wings, Crab Rangoon

What makes it special: Classic takeout favorites done fast with generous portions.

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