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ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in the Tenderloin
Best Chinese in the Tenderloin
Best Chinese in the Tenderloin
Master Critic Review
The Happy Crane
8.7
Modern Cantonese from chef James Yeun Leong Parry (opened 2025) featuring refined small plates and dim sum–style creations at dinner. Expect pristine technique—stone-milled cheung fun, roasted meats—and a polished room fit for occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Rice Roll (cheung fun), Gold Coin Bao (liver mousse & coppa), Whole Roast Duck or Lacquered Quail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Dinner-only, chef-driven Cantonese with elevated dim sum–style plates.
Who should go: Cantonese fans seeking a polished night out
When to visit: Book mid-week evenings for calmer pacing
What to order: Crab cheung fun; gold coin bao; roast duck/quail
Insider tip: Duck is limited—reserve it when booking and graze on small plates while it’s finished.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Hayes Valley; Civic Center Garage 2 blocks away ($4–6/hr). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or dresses recommended. Jeans are acceptable if paired with nice shoes.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy, though peak weekend service brings a lively hum.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins face 60–90 minutes or are often turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and vegetable-focused dim sum options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted; check with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—stone-milled rice cheung fun and select proteins are gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished setting, attentive service, and shareable plates make it an elegant choice for impressing someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Midweek early seatings may occasionally accept walk-ins, but booking is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The upscale setting caters more to adults; older teens are fine, but there are no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Refined technique, chef-driven innovation, and luxury Cantonese dining—a step above casual dim sum parlors.
Skip if: You want traditional dim sum brunch or a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere—opt for Chinatown classics instead.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9pm
Saturday5pm - 9pm
SundayClosed