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Best Chinese Restaurants in Japantown

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of China Live restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3220)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 116 times today
China Live, nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, is a culinary gem celebrated for its exceptional Chinese cuisine. Crowned Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," this hotspot offers an immersive dining experience with fresh, seasonal dishes that showcase a perfect blend of traditional Chinese techniques and Western culinary innovations. Diners rave about the authenticity and creativity of the menu, noting that the food is "on point" and the Peking duck is a must-try. The energetic atmosphere, complemented by handcrafted furniture from China and views of the exhibition kitchens, adds to the allure, making China Live a "MUST DO in SF" with an experience that is "amazing on all levels." Whether you're a local or a visitor, China Live promises a memorable encounter with the best of Chinese culinary artistry.
A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(857)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 31 times today
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, an acclaimed jewel in San Francisco's Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area, has become a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts. Celebrated as the ***Best Jazz Club in the City*** by **San Francisco Magazine**, it's not just the music that draws the crowds but also their "excellent cocktails." Patrons rave about the craft cocktails, describing them as a highlight of their visits, with one noting, “Drinks are great, service is amazing.” The ambiance, reminiscent of a 1950s NYC basement, provides the perfect backdrop for savoring these masterfully mixed beverages. It's a place where every cocktail tells a story, paired seamlessly with live jazz, making Mr. Tipple’s a must-visit for an authentic and delightful cocktail experience.
A photo of Four Kings restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(133)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 32 times today
## Four Kings: A Nostalgic Journey Through Cantonese Cuisine Step into Four Kings and be transported to a vibrant world of nostalgia and flavor. This San Francisco gem, helmed by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long, serves up a modern take on Cantonese cuisine, infused with the chefs' personal memories and a playful spirit. The atmosphere is electric, with 90s Cantopop tunes filling the air and retro Hong Kong memorabilia adorning the walls. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, as chefs prepare dishes like the signature **fried squab** and the innovative **mapo spaghetti**. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors and unexpected combinations. Start with the **XO escargot with milk bread**, a decadent treat that will leave you wanting more. For a taste of tradition, try the **Hong Kong black peppered steak**, cooked to perfection and bursting with savory notes. Vegetarians will delight in the **garlic pea shoots**, a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the freshest ingredients. Four Kings is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place to gather with friends, share delicious food, and reminisce about the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. So come hungry, come curious,
A photo of Burma Love Downtown restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(552)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • SOMA
Booked 37 times today
Burma Love Downtown, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a delightful exploration of Thai cuisine with a unique Burmese twist. Celebrated for its innovative approach to traditional flavors, the restaurant has garnered accolades such as the "Best Salad of the West" by Sunset Magazine for its iconic fermented tea leaf salad. Diners consistently praise the restaurant's culinary prowess, declaring the vegan version of the salad "delectable and unique" and a "typical flavor and texture fiesta." The atmosphere is described as "positively decadent," perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. With a commitment to accommodating dietary needs and a menu that excites with every dish, Burma Love Downtown stands out as a top destination for authentic and high-quality Thai cuisine in San Francisco.
A photo of Harborview Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1440)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 97 times today
Harborview Restaurant & Bar, nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco at Four Embarcadero Center, is a gem for authentic Dim Sum cuisine. With a "beautiful and delicious" selection, each dish is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, offering a taste that is consistently praised as the "best dim sum in the Bay Area." Patrons particularly adore the "buttery, melt in your mouth pork bao" and the "superb dumplings," highlighting the traditional yet innovative approach to their menu. The setting, with stunning views and an "elegant atmosphere," complements the culinary experience, making Harborview a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking genuine Cantonese delights. Whether it's the herb chicken feet or the praised seafood, the freshness and flavor are guaranteed to impress.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1380)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 13 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of HK Lounge Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(800)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • SOMA
Booked 23 times today
Experience the authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine at HK Lounge Bistro, located in the vibrant SoMa district of San Francisco. This gem is renowned for its high-quality, handmade Dim Sum and exquisite Hong Kong-style dishes. Patrons rave about the "exquisite and perfectly executed" dim sum, noting that HK Lounge Bistro offers a dining experience that is "always excellent." The meticulous attention to detail and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate every dish, making it clear why this spot has earned glowing accolades. Whether it's the spicy shrimp wonton or the creatively presented mango pudding, each dish is a testament to the authenticity and culinary prowess of HK Lounge Bistro. Join the many who have celebrated special moments here and enjoy a taste of Cantonese excellence in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of FANG restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2752)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • SOMA
Booked 18 times today
Nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, Fang stands out as a beacon of exceptional Chinese cuisine. A sister venue to the renowned House of Nanking, Fang, under the culinary wizardry of Chef Peter Fang, offers a harmonious blend of traditional and innovative Chinese dishes. Diners rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth spareribs" and the "honey shrimp" that are as delicious as they are creative. The restaurant's ability to customize dishes on the fly, such as the tableside fried rice, adds an element of surprise that keeps patrons coming back. With glowing testimonials like "the best Chinese food that I've had" and a menu that evolves with the seasons using fresh, local ingredients, Fang is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Z & Y Peking Duck restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(107)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 19 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, Z & Y Peking Duck offers an authentic Chinese dining experience that stands out in a city known for its culinary diversity. With executive chef Lijun Han at the helm, who has cooked for presidents and VIPs, the restaurant has garnered multiple accolades including a Michelin Bib Gourmand and ZAGAT rating. The signature Peking Duck is a must-try, described as "the best ever" by patrons, thanks to its "shatteringly crisp" skin and succulent meat. Reviewers rave about the "perfectly cooked" dishes and "impeccable" service, making Z & Y Peking Duck a culinary landmark for those seeking a genuine taste of Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Whether it's the thin, delicate pancakes accompanying the duck or the adventurous Sichuan classics, each dish is a testament to Chef Han's mastery and passion for Chinese cooking.
A photo of Cold Drinks Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(55)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 6 times today
Cold Drinks Bar, nestled in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, San Francisco, is a hidden gem that offers a unique Asian culinary experience. Renowned for its "Scotch-centric Cold Drinks," the bar is praised for its high-quality, creative cocktails inspired by modern Shanghai with a touch of old-school San Francisco. Patrons rave about the "stellar service" and "beautiful ambiance," highlighting the bar as a "must-visit" spot. The food, sourced from the acclaimed Eight Tables by George Chen kitchen, is described as nothing short of "delicious," with every dish from vegetarian to meat options leaving diners in awe. Reviewers consistently commend the well-balanced, carefully crafted cocktails, making Cold Drinks Bar a standout in San Francisco’s culinary scene.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Danielle
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Cool vibe with live jazz music and great food. I have two people with Celiac in my family and they served GF entrees and desserts. We did not ask questions about cross-contamination in the kitchen, but it is the morning after and no one seems sick. The serving staff were warm and fun. Brought my two kids (10 and 15) and husband and they all loved it. Salmon dish exceeded my experience and another family member loved the seared tofu. Drinks were good.
    More info
    Mr. Tipple’s Jazz ClubPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.9
  • Jamee
    San Francisco Bay Area •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    This was a fun place!! Lots of seating in different spaces. You could be near the open concept kitchen. You could sit near the bar. The ambience feels like you're eating in someone's beautiful living room with Asian-Inspired decors. I love the energy of the restaurant and the staff is friendly, helpful and welcoming. Service was amazing! They gave great recommendations as far as how many dishes to order. The food also came out quickly. And everything was beautifully plated and DELICIOUS!! The food is high-end and upscale with excellent flavor profiles I've never experienced in any other Chinese restaurant before! Betelnut Minced Chicken Lettuce Cup - great flavors and the lettuce cups were trimmed and cut to the right size. Sheng Jian Bao 'SJB' Daily Made Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings - order comes with 5. The waitress added 1 more so we could each have a taste. Hot and juicy is right! So good. Shrimp & Scallop Shumai Dumpling - Also really good. Half Crackling-Skin Cantonese Fragrant Garlic Chicken: OMGOSH!!! This was amazing. The meat was delicate and flavorful and the skin was crispy but not hard to bite. Just perfect!! Tamarind Laced Sweet & Sour Basil Glazed Pork Ribs - Amazing flavor! Meat was tender almost falling off the bone. Miso-Glazed Pan-Roasted Smoked Chilean Sea Bass: I never miss the chance to have sea bass. Perfectly seasoned. Nice and flaky. The cucumbers with ginger flavor were the perfect compliment. Charred Chinese Broccoli, Oyster Mushroom, Roasted Sesame Seeds: If you need a veggie dish, get this! The broccoli was perfectly charred and went very well with the mushrooms. Hong Kong Wok-Fried Egg Noodles with Mushroom & Bok Choy: Another hit at our table! Not spicy but it's got a kick! Taiwan Best Braised Beef Noodle Soup: Tender beef with such a flavorful broth Yangzhou Fried Rice: Best fried rice we've ever had. Sesame Soft Serve, Mango Shaved Ice Lychee ice cream We went home with full bellies and satisfied palates.
    More info
    China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
    4.7
  • Mike
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The host and bartender couldn’t be bothered to be welcoming at all. The food was great. The nearby streets feel like a zombie apocalypse at night.
    More info
    Burma Love DowntownPrice: Expensive• Burmese• SOMA
    4.6
  • RaphaelVIP
    Los Angeles •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Got sat in side dining room right next to a service station at the bar, which was not a good place to sit. Waiter didn’t offer to change for clean plates until almost the end of the meal. Ask to be in the main dining room if at all possible.
    More info
    Harborview Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.5
  • Kent
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great place! Will go back again. Worth all the hype.
    More info
    Four KingsPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
    4.6
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