Best Chinese Restaurants in Cole Valley

We walked in right at 7:45pm and the people outside said it was a 1 hour walk-in wait at 7:45pm! The place wasn't that full when we walked in ad there were some open tables, but they filled up pretty quickly with reservations. It was so cool seeing Chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long (two Mister Jiu's alums) and their partners Millie Boonkokua and Lucy Li in person working. I've seen their pictures and read their names so much, I fangirled internally. We were seated at the bar next to each other which was fine. I love the art and Canto decor. It's cozy and warm and nostalgic and modern all at once. We enjoyed the complimentary peanuts and cucumber--that was a good starter because we didn't order any vegetables because too many other dishes sounded good. Our waitress said 3 dishes would be good for 2 people--maybe 4 if we got fewer carb-heavy dishes. We ordered the squab ($45) (limited quantities), Mapo spaghetti ($21), and claypot Rice w/ Chinese sausage & Bacon ($26.) We had high expectations for the squab and claypot (which they said would take 30 minutes, but seemed like it was faster.) The squab grew on us--the lemon and powder we were given for it helped amplify the flavor. The claypot was very good--the crispy crackling rice was delicious and rich. The sausage and bacon wasn't fatty but flavorful. The highlight of the night was the Mapo spaghetti.

The food was very good except for the vegetarian pot stickers. There was too much spinach! Actually it’s the first time I’ve ever had spinach in my pot stickers & it’s not very good!

The food was excellent. We had the king crab served 3 ways. Lily was incredible in helping guide us through ordering other items on the menu to complete our meal and ensuring we had a wonderful experience.

We had an early dim sum and jazz dinner before going to the Orpheum. Both the food and the music were delicious and I don’t think I’ve experienced a friendlier staff. It was clean and the decor moody, even the bathroom! We are already planning another visit for when we can’t stay longer and not run off to another show.

This Restraunt is amazing. Great service and ambiance. Then the food is crazy good.