Best Chinese Restaurants in Japantown

14 restaurants available nearby

1. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3195)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 89 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.

2. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(126)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 5 times today

"The food at Four Kings reads like a metaphor for growing up Chinese in America: you're never Chinese enough for people from China & Hong Kong, and you're not white enough to be American." -- from a recent diner.

A photo of Burma Love Downtown restaurant

3. Burma Love Downtown

4.7

Exceptional(546)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 43 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 Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant

4. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

Exceptional(849)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 29 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.

A photo of Harborview Restaurant & Bar restaurant

5. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1415)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 139 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 The Empress by Boon restaurant

6. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Awesome(1367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 22 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(789)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 26 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

4.6

Exceptional(2741)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • SOMA

Booked 28 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(99)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 14 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

4.4

Awesome(55)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 1 time 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

J
Jonvip
San Francisco Bay Area •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Every dish was exceptional. We were so pleased we went with the wine pairing option, which enhanced the experience. Our server, Natalie was outstanding. We look forward to returning.
More info
The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.5
A
Anjalavip
Los Angeles •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic!!! I had booked this a month ago for 8 for a business event. We ended up with 11 and the hostess was so gracious and did her magic and fitted us in. We had brilliant service and the food was absolutely the best I have had in CA. Every guest enjoyed their meal and were still talking about it the next day!! Thankyou for such a great experience
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
D
David
San Francisco Bay Area •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Was a bit worried at a slow start to our meal before Hamilton, but the staff recognized the breakdown and scored a touchdown for solid service. The young man working front of the house, literally went the extra mile to track down a waiter who then delivered our dishes at lightning speed. Well done !
More info
Burma Love DowntownPrice: Expensive• Burmese• SOMA
•
4.7
A
Assoc of Business Trial Lawyers
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Thank you for all your help to make the ABTL LDC/Hannah Jiam party a success. Michele Silva Assoc. of Business Trial Lawyers (NorCal Chapter) Representing the Leadership Development Committee (LDC)
More info
Harborview Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.5
D
Danni
Mexico City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
A small and kicky Cantonese fusion restaurant in Chinatown. A bit difficult to get an earlier dinner reservation but well worth it. Claypot rice and pig head chili cold appetiser are amazing.
More info
Four KingsPrice: Expensive• Cantonese• Chinatown
•
4.6

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Best Chinese Restaurants in Japantown

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. China Live

2. Four Kings

3. Burma Love Downtown

4. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

5. Harborview Restaurant & Bar

6. The Empress by Boon

7. HK Lounge Bistro

8. FANG

9. Z & Y Peking Duck

10. Cold Drinks Bar

See what locals rave about

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