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Eric's Restaurant
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ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Eric's Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Noe Valley’s long-running Hunan-Mandarin standby (est. 1991) known for crowd-pleasing classics and reliable weeknight service. Portions are generous, pricing is fair, and it’s an easy pick for families or casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shanghai Chicken, Five Taste Chicken, Walnut Prawns
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood fixture since 1991 serving Hunan-Mandarin staples.
Who should go: Families and classic Chinese lovers
When to visit: Early evenings or weeknights for shorter waits
What to order: Shanghai Chicken; Five Taste Chicken; Walnut Prawns
Insider tip: Ask for onion cake to share—crisp, flaky, and fast to arrive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Church and 24th can be tight after 6pm; nearby residential blocks usually have open spots within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—come as you are, jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during peak dinner hours but conversation remains easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours (6–8pm).
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short waits except during school pickup hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample tofu and vegetable dishes, including sautéed greens and spicy eggplant.
Vegan options: Partially—several options can be made vegan by requesting no oyster sauce or egg.
Gluten-free options: Limited—most sauces contain soy sauce; no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a comfortable neighborhood spot than an intimate setting, but works for casual, low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard; expect waits on weekends but turnover is fast thanks to efficient service.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, broad menu for picky eaters, and staff are welcoming to families.
Best For
Better for: Dependable weeknight Chinese with generous portions and affordable pricing.
Skip if: You’re seeking modern plating, fusion twists, or upscale ambiance—this is old-school comfort done well.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9:30pm
Saturday12pm - 9:30pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm