Top restaurants list
10 Best Asian Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 restaurants
- San Francisco, California
- Updated December 17, 2025
The top 10 best Asian restaurants in San Francisco include Hakka Restaurant, Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, Yuanbao Jiaozi, Sichuan Home, China Live, Z and Y Peking Duck, Palette Tea House, Yank Sing, Good Luck Dim Sum, and Dragon Beaux. San Francisco in California is known for having the oldest Chinatown in the entire North American continent, along with a deeply ingrained dim sum culture. Landmark Asian establishments include Yank Sing, a James Beard America's Classics award winner, offering traditional Cantonese dining for decades with pushcart service. The city is also a destination for rare regional Chinese food, from the homestyle dishes at Hakka Restaurant to the Halal preparations at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant.
Historic Chinatown, alongside the Richmond and Sunset districts, serves as a hub for San Francisco’s Asian cuisine. Cantonese, Sichuan, and Northern Chinese are widely represented culinary styles. The settings of Asian restaurants in San Francisco include everything from cash-only takeaway spots like Good Luck Dim Sum to formal, white-tablecloth establishments such as Yank Sing. Local ingredients like Dungeness crab are a key feature in many traditional Cantonese seafood preparations.
San Francisco's position in Northern California and its history as a center for Asian immigration have made it a top food destination. Yank Sing stands out as the top overall Asian restaurant, noted for its James Beard award, consistent quality over six decades, and traditional pushcart service. Good Luck Dim Sum is a well-loved Asian fast casual dining option, providing high-quality, affordable, and classic takeaway items. Palette Tea House is the best fancy Asian restaurant in San Francisco specializing in modern experiences and serving creative upscale dim sum.
-
1
Yank Sing is a long-standing and acclaimed dim sum institution with two locations in San Francisco's Financial District. The restaurant is known for its classic, high-quality dim sum served from traditional pushcarts in a formal, white-tablecloth setting.- Item Prices
- 348
- Average Item Price
- $10.41
Yank Sing Menu PricesMore about Yank Sing
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Dim Sum, Cantonese
Signature Dishes:
Shanghai Dumplings, Peking Duck by the Slice, Scallop Siu Mai, Egg Custard Tarts
Location:
101 Spear St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (and one other location)
Special Feature:
The restaurant has been a recipient of the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics award, recognizing its timeless appeal and consistent quality.
What Makes It Special:
Yank Sing has maintained a reputation for excellence for over 60 years, offering a refined and traditional pushcart dim sum experience.
What Sets It Apart:
Its combination of a formal dining atmosphere, a James Beard Award-winning legacy, and its consistent execution of a vast dim sum menu makes it a landmark San Francisco establishment.
Operating Hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PMSaturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
2
Chinese Asian Fusion AsianHakka Restaurant is a dining spot in San Francisco, California popular for home-style Chinese comfort food and family-style specialties. Bestsellers on the Hakka Restaurant menu include Hakka-Style Pork Belly with...- Item Prices
- 425
- Average Item Price
- $16.07
Hakka Restaurant Half Salt Baked Chicken Price Hakka Restaurant House Special with Pan Fried Tofu PriceHakka Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Hakka Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Hakka Chinese
Signature Dishes:
Salt Baked Chicken, Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens, Stuffed Tofu, Yong Tau Foo
Location:
4401 Cabrillo St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Special Feature:
The restaurant is one of the few in San Francisco that focuses exclusively on the distinct flavors and preparations of Hakka cuisine.
What Makes It Special:
Hakka Restaurant provides a rare opportunity to experience a specific regional Chinese cuisine known for its savory, umami-rich, and comforting dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dedication to preserving and serving authentic Hakka recipes, which are not widely available, makes it a unique culinary destination.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
3
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is a no-frills establishment in the Outer Sunset neighborhood, serving Northern Chinese cuisine that adheres to Halal dietary laws. The restaurant is particularly known for its fiery hot pot and lamb dishes.- Item Prices
- 165
- Average Item Price
- $18.76
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant Beijing Style Noodles in Fried Dark Bean Paste Price Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant Cumin Lamb Stir Fry PriceOld Mandarin Islamic Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Northern Chinese, Halal
Signature Dishes:
Beijing Style Hot Pot, Lamb with Explosive Chili Pepper, Cumin Lamb, Hand-Pulled Noodles
Location:
3132 Vicente St, San Francisco, CA 94116
Special Feature:
The restaurant is one of the few in the city that offers an authentic, Halal-certified Northern Chinese menu.
What Makes It Special:
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant is a destination for intensely flavorful and spicy dishes, especially the Beijing-style hot pot cooked in a traditional copper vessel.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of authentic Northern Chinese flavors with strict Halal preparation makes it a singular dining experience in San Francisco.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMWednesday, Friday - Monday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$25 to $50 per person
-
4
Chinese Noodles Asian Group FriendlyYuanbao Jiaozi is a small, casual restaurant in the Richmond District that specializes in handmade Northern Chinese dumplings (jiaozi). The menu is focused, with a large selection of boiled and pan-fried dumplings with various fillings.- Item Prices
- 21
- Average Item Price
- $12.89
Yuanbao Jiaozi Napa Cabbage and Pork Dumpling Price Yuanbao Jiaozi House Special Beef Noodle Soup PriceYuanbao Jiaozi Menu PricesMore about Yuanbao Jiaozi
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Chinese, Dumplings
Signature Dishes:
Pork and Napa Cabbage Dumplings, Lamb and Green Onion Dumplings, Shrimp, Egg, and Chive Dumplings, Pan-Fried Pork Buns
Location:
2110 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Special Feature:
The restaurant's open kitchen allows diners to watch the staff hand-make the dumplings fresh to order.
What Makes It Special:
Yuanbao Jiaozi is dedicated to the craft of dumpling making, offering a wide variety of authentic fillings and consistently high-quality preparations.
What Sets It Apart:
Its singular focus on perfecting Northern-style jiaozi, evident in the freshness and flavor of the handmade dumplings, distinguishes it as a top destination for this specific food.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday: ClosedMonday, Wednesday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
5
Chinese Noodles AsianSichuan Home is a popular restaurant in the Richmond District serving authentic Sichuan cuisine. The establishment is known for its bold and numbing "ma la" flavors, derived from the combination of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers.- Item Prices
- 146
- Average Item Price
- $17.23
Sichuan Home Menu PricesMore about Sichuan Home
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Sichuan Chinese
Signature Dishes:
Mapo Tofu, Water Boiled Fish, Chongqing Spicy Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles
Location:
5037 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Special Feature:
The menu includes a large selection of classic Sichuan dishes, prepared with a focus on traditional and intense flavor profiles.
What Makes It Special:
Sichuan Home provides a genuine taste of Sichuanese cooking, attracting diners who seek the authentic, fiery, and numbing sensations characteristic of the region.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant's consistent execution of classic Sichuan recipes has made it a reliable and highly regarded spot for those seeking an uncompromised flavor experience.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
6
Chinese Noodles Alcohol Family Friendly Cantonese Group FriendlyChina Live restaurant specializes in regional Chinese cuisine in San Francisco. Created by Chef George Chen, China Live offers signature items like Sheng Jian Bao, Peking Duck in Sesame Pockets,...- Item Prices
- 254
- Average Item Price
- $23.27
China Live Menu PricesMore about China Live
Type of Restaurant:
Marketplace Restaurant, Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Chinese
Signature Dishes:
Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Bums), Peking Duck, Dungeness Crab Wonton Soup, Char Siu Pork
Location:
644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
Special Feature:
The establishment is a multi-concept space that includes a casual restaurant, a retail marketplace, a cocktail lounge (Cold Drinks Bar), and a fine-dining restaurant (Eight Tables).
What Makes It Special:
China Live offers a modern, interactive, and high-energy approach to Chinese food, showcasing different culinary stations and techniques in one dynamic space.
What Sets It Apart:
Its grand scale and multi-faceted concept, which combines dining, retail, and different levels of formality, create a comprehensive and unique culinary destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
7
Chinese Family FriendlyZ & Y Peking Duck is a restaurant in Chinatown that is a spin-off of the famed Z & Y Restaurant, with a specific focus on the art of Peking duck. The establishment serves the signature duck alongside a menu of other Sichuan and Northern Chinese dishes.- Item Prices
- 127
- Average Item Price
- $24.39
Z & Y Peking Duck Restaurant Chicken with Explosive Chili Pepper Price Z & Y Restaurant Half Peking Duck PriceZ & Y Peking Duck Menu PricesMore about Z & Y Peking Duck
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Northern Chinese, Sichuan
Signature Dishes:
Peking Duck, Spicy Crispy Chicken Wings, Fish in Sizzling Chili Oil, Hand-Pulled Noodles
Location:
606 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Special Feature:
The restaurant specializes in the preparation and presentation of Peking duck, which is carved tableside.
What Makes It Special:
Z & Y Peking Duck is led by a chef known for his expertise in Sichuan cuisine, bringing a high level of skill and authenticity to this specialized duck-focused concept.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific dedication to perfecting Peking duck, from the roasting process to the tableside carving ritual, makes it a premier destination for this iconic dish.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday: ClosedMonday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
8
8. Palette Tea House
5.0 (2 Reviews)
Chinese Asian Dim Sum Family FriendlyPalette Tea House is a modern Cantonese restaurant in Ghirardelli Square, considered as the premier destination for Dim Sum in San Francisco. As the latest creation from the family behind...- Item Prices
- 390
- Average Item Price
- $19.57
Palette Tea House Pork, Shrimp, and Mushroom Siu Mai Price Palette Tea House Squid Ink Sakura Shrimp Fried Rice Price Palette Tea House Classic Ha Gow Price Palette Tea House Palette Xiao Long Bao (XLB) (5) Price Palette Tea House Black Swan Taro Puff Price“Palette Tea House’s Pork, Shrimp, and Mushroom Siu Mai is a dim sum masterpiece! The delicate, juicy pork pairs beautifully with the sweet, plump shrimp,...”
“Palette Tea House’s Squid Ink Sakura Shrimp Fried Rice is a stunning fusion of flavor and presentation! The squid ink gives the rice a deep...”
Palette Tea House Menu PricesMore about Palette Tea House
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Modern Dim Sum, Cantonese
Signature Dishes:
Rainbow Soup Dumplings, Lobster Ha Gow, Black Truffle Taro Puffs, Iberico Pork Cha Siu
Location:
900 North Point St Ste B201, San Francisco, CA 94109
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its visually striking and inventive dim sum, such as the colorful xiao long bao and squid ink dumplings.
What Makes It Special:
Palette Tea House elevates the traditional dim sum experience with artistic presentations, premium ingredients, and a more refined, upscale atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a modern, art-inspired aesthetic with innovative and high-end interpretations of classic dim sum dishes distinguishes it from more traditional tea houses.
Operating Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 7:30 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
9
9. Good Luck Dim Sum
Good Luck Dim Sum is a small, cash-only takeaway shop in the Richmond District. The establishment is a local favorite known for its inexpensive, high-quality, and freshly made dim sum items, served with no frills.More about Good Luck Dim Sum
Type of Restaurant:
Takeaway Counter
Type of Food:
Dim Sum
Signature Dishes:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings), Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Sesame Balls
, .jpg.jpg)
Location:
736 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates primarily as a counter-service spot, focusing on providing fast, affordable, and fresh dim sum for takeout.
What Makes It Special:
Good Luck Dim Sum is a beloved neighborhood institution that offers some of the best value for classic, handmade dim sum in the city.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unwavering focus on quality and affordability, in a simple, fast-paced takeaway format, has made it a go-to spot for locals for many years.
Operating Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: ClosedWednesday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
10
10. Dragon Beaux
Dragon Beaux is an upscale dim sum and hot pot restaurant in the Richmond District from the owners of the popular Koi Palace. The establishment features an ornate, modern interior and serves both traditional and creative dim sum during the day, and hot pot in the evening.More about Dragon Beaux
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Dim Sum, Hot Pot, Cantonese
Signature Dishes:
Five Guys Xiao Long Bao, Squid Ink Siu Mai, Lava Egg Yolk Buns, Abalone Tarts
Location:
5700 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers two distinct dining experiences: a high-end dim sum service for brunch and lunch, and a premium hot pot service for dinner.
What Makes It Special:
Dragon Beaux combines a luxurious and elaborately decorated setting with a menu of visually impressive and high-quality dim sum and hot pot.
What Sets It Apart:
The dual-concept menu, paired with its opulent interior design and the culinary reputation of its ownership group, creates a unique and elevated dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:45 PMSaturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Asian Restaurants in San Francisco Famous?
Asian restaurants in San Francisco are famous for the city's historic Chinatown, its deep-rooted dim sum culture, and its offering of rare regional Chinese cuisines. The city is set apart by its landmark establishments like Yank Sing, which earned a James Beard America's Classics award for its traditional pushcart dim sum service. San Francisco is also a center for specialties not widely found elsewhere, such as the homestyle dishes at Hakka Restaurant and the Halal Northern Chinese food at Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant. The use of high-quality local ingredients, particularly Dungeness crab, is a signature feature integrated into many traditional Cantonese menus.
What Type of Asian Restaurant is Commonly Found in San Francisco?
San Francisco's Asian restaurant landscape includes a wide array of establishments, with a high concentration of places dedicated to specific national and regional cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. The list below details the most common types of Asian restaurants found in the city.
- Chinese Restaurants: The city has one of the highest concentrations of Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. The historic Chinatown and the Richmond and Sunset districts are hubs for regional specialists. Diners find some of the best Chinese food in San Francisco in the form of Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan cuisine, and Northern Chinese dumplings.
- Japanese Restaurants: The city's historic Japantown is the center of a thriving Japanese food scene. Sushi bars, ramen shops, and izakayas are prevalent throughout San Francisco.
- Vietnamese Restaurants: Restaurants serving classic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi are located throughout the city, with a notable presence in the Tenderloin and Richmond districts.
- Thai Restaurants: Thai food is a popular and widespread option, with neighborhood restaurants serving curries, noodle dishes, and other staples in nearly every part of the city.
- Korean Restaurants: The Richmond and Sunset districts contain a number of Korean restaurants, with a focus on Korean barbecue, tofu stews (soondubu), and traditional homestyle cooking.
- Pan-Asian / Fusion Spots: An Asian fusion restaurant in San Francisco often combines various Asian culinary traditions with a modern, California sensibility. Establishments like China Live offer a contemporary, multi-faceted approach to Chinese dining.
Does San Francisco Have Authentic Asian Restaurant?
Yes, San Francisco has many authentic Asian restaurants such as Hakka Restaurant, Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, and Yank Sing. These establishments are recognized for their commitment to preserving specific culinary traditions. Hakka Restaurant is one of the few places in the country dedicated to the distinct, homestyle recipes of the Hakka people. Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant serves a rare menu of authentic Halal Northern Chinese food, including a traditional Beijing-style hot pot. Yank Sing, a San Francisco institution since 1958, has a James Beard America's Classics award for its adherence to the traditional pushcart dim sum experience, representing a cornerstone of authentic Cantonese culinary culture.
Are There Vegan Options in Asian Restaurants in San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco's Asian restaurants include establishments with dedicated vegan menus and extensive plant-based options, which include Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya, Golden Era, and Cha-Ya. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya in the Mission District is a fully vegan restaurant known for its inventive and elaborate plant-based sushi rolls and Japanese small plates. Golden Era, located near the Tenderloin, is a long-standing vegetarian restaurant with a pan-Asian menu where most dishes are vegan, drawing heavily from Vietnamese and Chinese traditions. Cha-Ya is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, offering a menu inspired by traditional Buddhist vegetarian cooking (shojin ryori).
Do Asian Restaurants in San Francisco Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, San Francisco's Asian restaurants include establishments that accommodate gluten-free diets through dedicated menus or clearly labeled options, which include Burma Love, Z & Y Peking Duck, and China Live. Burma Love and its sister restaurant, Burma Superstar, offer a menu where many items, including the famous tea leaf salad and various curries, are naturally gluten-free. At Z & Y Peking Duck, many Sichuan dishes use cornstarch instead of wheat flour, and the staff can guide diners to gluten-free choices. The modern marketplace-style restaurant China Live clearly marks gluten-free items on its menu and can accommodate dietary restrictions at its various food stations.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Asian Restaurants in San Francisco?
The best Asian restaurants in San Francisco are known for specific dishes that emphasize culinary focus, from authentic regional specialties to modern dim sum creations such as Salt Baked Chicken, Beijing Style Hot Pot, and Rainbow Soup Dumplings. The signature dishes of these establishments are listed below.
- Salt Baked Chicken: This is a signature dish of Hakka Restaurant, a whole chicken baked in a salt crust that results in exceptionally moist and flavorful meat, representing a classic Hakka preparation.
- Beijing Style Hot Pot: The specialty of Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant, this dish is served in a traditional copper vessel with a charcoal chimney and features a simmering broth for cooking thinly sliced lamb and other ingredients.
- Handmade Dumplings (Jiaozi): Yuanbao Jiaozi is a destination for its handmade Northern Chinese dumplings, with the pork and napa cabbage variety being a classic and popular choice.
- Peking Duck: The main attraction at Z & Y Peking Duck, this dish features a whole roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat, carved tableside and served with pancakes and accompaniments.
- Pushcart Dim Sum: The traditional experience at Yank Sing is a signature in itself, with classic items like Shanghai soup dumplings and scallop siu mai served directly from rolling carts.
- Rainbow Soup Dumplings: A modern and visually striking dish from Palette Tea House, these xiao long bao are presented in a spectrum of natural colors derived from vegetable juices.
Does San Francisco Enjoy Asian Food?
Yes, San Francisco enjoys Asian food. The city's connection to Asian cuisine is a fundamental part of its identity, demonstrated by the establishment of the country's oldest Chinatown in the 1840s and other historic ethnic enclaves like Japantown. The vast number and variety of Asian restaurants are woven into the fabric of daily life for residents, from historic dim sum parlors to modern specialists. Food is a central component of major cultural celebrations like the Chinese New Year Parade and the Cherry Blossom Festival, which are among the largest of their kind outside of Asia and draw enormous crowds. This deep integration into the city's history and culture shows a profound and lasting enjoyment of Asian food.
What is the Average Meal Price for Asian Restaurants in San Francisco?
The average meal price for Asian restaurants in San Francisco ranges from under $20 for a casual meal to over $100 per person at a fine dining establishment. A meal at a budget-friendly spot, such as a takeaway dim sum counter like Good Luck Dim Sum or a small dumpling shop, costs between $15 and $30. Mid-range restaurants, which include the city's popular Sichuan, Hakka, and casual sit-down dim sum spots, will cost a single diner between $30 and $60. High-end Asian restaurants, such as the upscale dim sum parlors like Yank Sing or modern establishments like China Live, have prices for a meal per person starting at $60, with some fine-dining experiences exceeding $100.
More top restaurant lists in California
- 10 Best Asian Restaurants in San Diego
- 10 Best California Restaurants
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Gaslamp San Diego
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Huntington Beach
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in La Quinta
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in San Diego
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Barbara
- 10 Best Cheap Restaurants in San Francisco
- 10 Best Cheap Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
- 10 Best Dinner Restaurants in Los Angeles
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: