The Best Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco

If you are hankering for some chow mein or wonton soup in the greater San Francisco area, finding a Chinese restaurant will not be that hard.

With so many restaurants to choose from in this city, you are truly spoiled for choice. 

But, which are the best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco, and what kind of food can you expect from them?

Chinese Food Is Good

Chinese food is a popular option for many San Franciscans, and with a wide choice of meals available, there is truly something for everyone.

From Peking duck to dim sum and braised pork belly, Chinese food is a satisfying delicacy that is perfect for any occasion.

A quick trip to San Francisco's Chinatown opens up a world of opportunity for various Chinese food dishes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. San Francisco has a wide variety of Chinese food restaurants to choose from, and they are scattered all across the city.

Good Chinese food is definitely not hard to come by in Chinatown, and Chinese food lovers can choose from common staples such as shrimp dumplings and bbq pork buns, or they can savor the more traditional dishes at one of the many restaurants in San Francisco.

The 5 Best Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco

Reading recommendations from Google and Yelp can help identify which Chinese restaurant you should visit and which you'd be better to avoid. Here are a few of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the San Francisco area:

1. Harborview Restaurant

Credit: Harborview Restaurant

If it's traditional Cantonese dishes you're after, you need to visit Harborview Restaurant. Located in downtown San Francisco, the restaurant has a great choice of Cantonese meals that will make your mouth water.

Choose from a variety of cocktails and enjoy your meal with a panoramic view of the San Francisco harbor.

Website: harborviewsf.com

2. Empress of China Restaurant

Credit: Empress of China Restaurant

Chef Ho Chee Boon brings authentic Chinese flavor to San Francisco at Empress of China restaurant in Chinatown.

Try the salt and pepper crab, dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and other traditional meals created with the chef's personal touch.

Website: theempresssf.com

3. Mister Jiu's

Credit: Mister Jiu's

Mister Jiu's is popular for its Chinese/American dishes and cocktails. Situated in Old Chinatown, this bar is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or a drink and some snacks after a hard day's work. Grab some dumplings and a cocktail, and enjoy the nightlife in the city.

Website: misterjius.com

4. Rincon Center

Located in downtown San Francisco, the Rincon Center is home to shops, restaurants, and a food court that is simply to die for.

Work up an appetite while shopping and then eat Chinese food at this incredible center in the heart of San Francisco.

5. China Live

China Live is one of the most authentic dining areas in Chinatown. With different Chinese restaurants to try, choosing just one might prove tricky.

Using only the finest Chinese ingredients, these restaurants have an extensive menu of popular dishes. Whether you prefer seafood or meat, here is something for everyone at China Live.

Website: chinalivesf.com

Popular Chinese Food Dishes

Look at any Chinese food restaurant menu, and you will find the following delicacies:

• Siu mai

• Yank sing

• Sesame balls

• Pepper crab

• Char siu

• Thrice cooked bacon

• Black bean noodles with sesame paste

• Thinly sliced beef

• Rice cakes

• Pork ribs

• Seafood

• Dumplings

These are not the only options, of course, and there are more traditional meals like chicken, shrimp, or pork chow mein. Chinese cuisine boasts a great number of popular dishes that have people coming back for more.

How to Choose a Chinese Restaurant

Choosing Chinese restaurants in a city that has so many options may prove difficult. Thanks to Yelp, Google reviews, and the power of social media, finding a restaurant that has the best dim sum, Peking duck, dry fried chicken wings, or pan-fried pork buns is made easier.

Use these handy review sites to help find the best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco, or try them all and decide for yourself.

Conclusion

San Francisco is jam-packed with restaurants that offer the best Chinese food. We have listed five of the most popular restaurants that offer Chinese food in San Francisco that you should try based on ratings and reviews given by customers who have dined there or ordered their food for takeaway.

Choosing Chinese restaurants in San Francisco could be tricky, but following our guide will make for less guessing and more eating.