Best Restaurants for Foodies in Chinatown

I thoroughly enjoyed China Live which provides a way cool ambiance over any San Francisco Chinatown I've been to. I would prefer a little more variety in the dimsum... and enjoyed their very cool way of presenting Peking Duck which is as effortless as a Cha siu bao. I am a fan of their way of doing Chinese fusion cuisine and will return again.

What a wonderful restaurant, live music with a singer, and a table for 5 just close enough. Several stations, as it was Thanksgiving. Salads, pastas, great veggies and excellent turkey, roast beef and porchetta. Delicious desserts. And wonderful wines, all included. Excellent and attentive service from all staff, a great start to the Holidays. Enjoy!

Trestle is an exceptional dining experience, not just for the food but also for the incredible service! For $45, you get a beautifully curated 3-course meal, and we added the $12 supplement—worth every penny. We started with the persimmon toast with pâté and the butternut squash soup with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate seeds. Both dishes were hearty, flavorful, and a perfect way to kick off the meal. The clam pasta supplement was outstanding—rich, buttery, and zesty. Definitely a highlight! For entrees, we had the cod with celery root and the duck confit with blood orange. Both were perfectly cooked, with incredible attention to detail in flavor pairing. Dessert wasn’t my favorite, but that’s only because I was so full by the end! On top of the amazing food, the service was flawless. Everyone who served us was so friendly and pleasant, making the whole experience feel warm and welcoming. We also learned that the menu changes weekly to highlight seasonal ingredients, which makes me even more excited to return. Trestle is a must-visit for delicious food and fantastic service—highly recommend!

Back at Empress by Boon which is on our regular rotation when in San Francisco. The food was exquisite as always and every course a real delight. We ordered the optional duck dish which was so good we ordered another instead of dessert. From the greeting at the door by Sean and Jim to the professional service provided by Natalie, Jorge and the young Colombian gent, it was a wonderful time. Throw in the beautiful view of the city and Coit Tower and it is an evening to remember. My wife is from Penang, Malaysia one of the food capitals of SE Asia and enjoyed it as much as I did. Chef Boon (also from Northern Malaysia) came out and we had a very nice chat. What a great evening. Cannot wait to be back.

Cassava is truly a gem in San Francisco, and my recent visit only reinforced why it’s such a beloved spot. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. From the first bite to the last, it was a culinary experience that delighted all my senses. What made the evening even more special was the presence of the owner, who was not only visibly helping her staff but also warmly engaging with every table. She attended to our needs with such genuine care, answering questions about the menu and making us feel like treasured guests. It’s rare to see such dedication and passion, and it elevated the experience to something truly unforgettable. While it’s bittersweet to know Cassava is closing temporarily, I’m counting the days until it reopens. This restaurant is a treasure, and I can’t wait to return for more exceptional meals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cassava, we’ll miss you and eagerly await your comeback! M & W