San Francisco's Chinese food scene is legendary. The city's Chinatown, established in 1848, is the oldest in North America and remains a vibrant center of authentic cuisine. But the best Chinese food extends far beyond Chinatown into the Richmond, Sunset, and beyond.
Regional Chinese Cuisines
Cantonese
Dim sum, roast duck
Sichuan
Spicy, numbing
Shanghainese
Soup dumplings, sweet
Hunan
Bold, smoky, spicy
Northern
Noodles, dumplings
Hong Kong
Seafood, cafe style
Best Dim Sum
Yank Sing
Rincon Center • Upscale Dim Sum
The gold standard for dim sum in SF. Pricier than Chinatown, but exceptional quality. Cart service on weekends.
Lai Hong Lounge
Chinatown • Traditional Carts
Authentic cart-service dim sum in the heart of Chinatown. Go early on weekends for the full experience.
Good Luck Dim Sum
Richmond • Cheap & Fast
No-frills take-out spot with incredibly fresh dumplings. Cash only, no seating, perfect for grab-and-go.
Dragon Beaux
Richmond • Modern Dim Sum
Colorful, Instagram-worthy dim sum with creative twists. The xiao long bao are excellent.
Beyond Dim Sum
Z & Y Restaurant
Chinatown • Sichuan
Serious Sichuan heat. The spicy cumin lamb and mapo tofu are outstanding. Not for the spice-averse.
R&G Lounge
Chinatown • Cantonese Seafood
Famous for salt and pepper crab. Cantonese seafood at its finest. Make reservations.
House of Nanking
Chinatown • Eclectic
Let them order for you—they know what's good. Tiny, crowded, but the food is worth it.
Shanghai Dumpling King
Outer Richmond • XLB
Some of the best soup dumplings (xiao long bao) in the city. Modest setting, exceptional dumplings.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Dim Sum: Yank Sing - Worth the splurge
Best Budget Dim Sum: Good Luck Dim Sum - Fresh, fast, cheap
Best Spicy: Z & Y - Authentic Sichuan fire
Best Seafood: R&G Lounge - That salt & pepper crab
Neighborhood Guide
Chinatown: Tourist-friendly but still authentic. Great for first-timers.
Richmond District: Where locals go. More variety, less crowded, better parking.
Sunset District: Quieter, family-oriented, excellent value.