Best Family Style Restaurants 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.

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.

10 out of 10, this place was AMAZING! The blended service of ordering items of the menu and Dim sum style with the carts was fantastic. Our server gave up great advise in only ordering a few things from the menu then waiting for the carts to come around. We went here for my wife's birthday and she was so happy we did. We will for sure be back for another special occasion.

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

The food and service was amazing. We took some friends and they were impressed! Love those green beans.