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ZipPicks Awards

Best Chinese in Chinatown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Mister Jiu's 8.9
North Beach
Modern Cantonese from chef Brandon Jew in a polished Chinatown dining room with a seasonal, technique-driven menu. A destination for refined banquets, precise wok cookery, and thoughtful cocktail/wine pairings.
Must-Try Dishes: Roast duck (seasonal banquet), Wontons in chili oil, Scallion pancake
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 8.8 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 9.3 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-lauded modern Cantonese with exacting technique and seasonal menus.
Who should go: Fine-dining fans and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Book weeks ahead; bar seats first-come at 5pm
What to order: Roast duck, seasonal banquet courses, wontons
Insider tip: Walk-in bar seating opens at 5pm for limited à la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Chinatown is very limited; public garages nearby (Portsmouth Square, St. Mary’s Square) are the best options. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—most guests lean elevated. Jackets not required, but avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz from groups but quiet enough for conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: Reservations booked weeks out; walk-in bar seats sometimes available at 5pm but not guaranteed.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch—only open for dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-driven small plates and sides; banquet menus can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited—typically 1–2 dishes; advance notice recommended for more options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide selections; certain dishes use gluten-free sauces or can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—refined atmosphere, strong cocktails, and shareable dishes make it a memorable spot for an elevated first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dining room; your best bet is arriving at 5pm for limited walk-in bar seating with à la carte options.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—formal setting, long tastings, and limited kid-oriented menu items. Better suited for teens and older.
Best For
Better for: Standout for modern Cantonese technique, polished service, and special-occasion banquets compared to Chinatown’s more casual spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quick, inexpensive meal or prefer classic, no-frills Chinatown dining.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
SundayClosed