Best Chinese Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant

1. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

Exceptional(854)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 51 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.

2. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3215)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 124 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.

3. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(132)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 39 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 Harborview Restaurant & Bar restaurant

4. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1435)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 129 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 Burma Love Downtown restaurant

5. Burma Love Downtown

4.7

Exceptional(550)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 39 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 The Empress by Boon restaurant

6. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Awesome(1380)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 15 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.

7. HK Lounge Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(796)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 33 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.

8. FANG

4.5

Awesome(2749)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 20 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.

9. Z & Y Peking Duck

4.5

Awesome(106)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 18 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.

10. Cold Drinks Bar

4.6

Exceptional(55)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 7 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

G
George
Hawaii •12 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Scallops with Vermicelli and the squad were out of this world. Mopa spaghetti was a bit salty. Other dishes were fine. Restaurant was small but a surprisingly large number of counter seating which we enjoyed. Ambience was spartan with a Hong Kong Canto Pop theme. Waitresses were super friendly. We will come again
More info
Four KingsPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
C
Caroline
San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
It’s a fun spot with tasty food at a moderately premium price. There is better Chinese food to be had in San Francisco, but the vibe here makes it worth the occasional trip. We had the chrysanthemum salad, which was very tasty and fresh though I didn’t much care for the dressing. It seemed a little bland to me. We had the xiao long bao, which I usually love. These were very tasty, but nothing special. The fat noodles were great. The sauce was a little sweet to my taste. The winner for me was the tofu clay pot with minced pork. Wonderfully spicy and full of interesting flavors, offset by the creamy creamy tofu. Really beautifully prepared.
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China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
M
Melody
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Good and authentic Cantonese dim sum (coming from a Chinese customer), beautiful location and great service, highly recommend it.
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Harborview Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.5
S
SteveVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •104 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
You visit Burma Love for the food but the service is friendly and very helpful. We always enjoy the meal and the people.
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Burma Love DowntownPrice: Expensive• Burmese• SOMA
•
4.7
B
Bill
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Dec 2024
Thank you for a perfect holiday date! It was my date’s first time and she loved it.
More info
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz ClubPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.9

Best Chinese Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

2. China Live

3. Four Kings

4. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

5. Burma Love Downtown

6. The Empress by Boon

7. HK Lounge Bistro

8. FANG

9. Z & Y Peking Duck

10. Cold Drinks Bar

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