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Chinatown Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Chinatown Restaurant
7.6
Long-running Washington Street dining room (operating since 1919) across from Portsmouth Square, serving dim sum standards, Peking duck, and Cantonese classics into the evening. A dependable late stop for multi-course comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking duck, Beef chow fun, Salt & pepper squid
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Historic Portsmouth Square address with late, broad Cantonese menu.
Who should go: Travelers craving classics near the Dragon Gate
When to visit: Evenings 7–9pm to avoid tour-rush
What to order: Peking duck, beef chow fun, salt-pepper squid
Insider tip: Balcony seats offer a view over Washington & Grant.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garage at Portsmouth Square (across the street) offers hourly parking; limited metered street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to neat-casual — jeans and tees are fine, though groups often dress nicely for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively with chatter and clinking dishes, but still possible to converse comfortably.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm; moderate crowd afterward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu, mixed vegetable, and eggplant dishes are available on request.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable chow fun and sautéed greens are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — soy sauce is used in most dishes; gluten-free diners should call ahead for accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or nostalgic outings than romantic ones — the setting is bright and bustling, but it works for a relaxed Chinatown experience with shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, usually — walk-ins are common. For weekend evenings, arrive before 7pm or be ready for a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are frequent, with large round tables and kid-appealing options like fried rice and noodles.
Best For
Better for: Late-night family-style dining and traditional Cantonese comfort fare near Portsmouth Square.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or avant-garde dim sum — head to City View or Palette Tea House instead.