Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Chinatown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaAlbanyBerkeleyBernal HeightsChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

175 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. China Live

4.6

Exceptional(3438)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 125 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

2. BIX

4.7

Exceptional(5127)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 57 times today

An exceptionally stylish supper club, civilized speakeasy, a sophisticated saloon. Each of these "personae" is housed in a soaring two-story interior distinguished by a gently curving mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses, and polished flatware. Overall, the ambiance is pure 1930's and 1940's - tasteful art moderne reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture. The clientele at BIX ranges from San Francisco movers-and-shakers to "savvy travelers" - owner Doug Biederbeck's term for the many diners in the know from out of town who patronize his establishment. All of them step from the featureless alley into another world - a world of superb cookery and libations, of sparkling service, of stylish nostalgia, of polished live jazz. That world is BIX.

A photo of The Barrel Room - San Francisco restaurant

3. The Barrel Room - San Francisco

4.1

Excellent(289)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• International • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 5 times today

The Barrel Room offers guests a unique experience with our regionally focused domestic menu. Our menu feature the cuisine, wines, and spirits of regions from across the united states, with amazing wines from undiscovered, and underrepresented regions from around the country. Our wine list offers our guests small-production, responsibly farmed wines from iconic and influential producers organized into flights or by the glass.Right around the corner from the Transamerica Pyramid and across the street from the Bentley Reserve, The Barrel Room has been honored to serve the community in the heart of the financial district since 2015.

4. Caffe Macaroni

5.0

Exceptional(738)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 6 times today

Chef & co-owner, Mario and his delightful wife, Stephanie, have a knack for making you feel as if they are cooking and serving just for you at this super-reasonable North Beach nook offering robust Southern Italian fare reminiscent of his native Naples; whether you’ve snagged an outdoor table or are in the small, casual interior, it delivers a pasta fix. The menu changes daily to ensure freshness.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

5. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4447)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 129 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

6. Wayfare Tavern

4.5

Awesome(8004)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 144 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for quality and timeless style to the heart of San Francisco with Wayfare Tavern, now located at 201 Pine Street. Designed by Jon De La Cruz, the space blends the charm of a classic SF tavern with elevated details while honoring the city’s rich culinary history. Wayfare Tavern features authentic American fare inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, offering dishes that range from rustic delicacies to classic comforts. The beverage list showcases local wines, quality draft beers, and timeless cocktails. Spanning two floors, the new location features a spacious main dining room, a large central bar, an intimate Chef’s Alcove, and a hidden Cellar Dining Room. The second floor includes four distinct private dining rooms, ideal for celebrations, meetings, and special events. Wayfare Tavern continues to offer a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and entirely new—a timeless San Francisco classic.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

7. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.9

Exceptional(130)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 62 times today

Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

8. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6334)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 67 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.The Rotunda is located on the 4th floor of Neiman Marcus. We are accessible through our elevator on the Geary Street entrance or through any NM entrance.

9. Serafina SF

4.8

Exceptional(508)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 11 times today

Serafina is a little gem of a restaurant, perched on top of Nob Hill, with views overlooking the city and Bay Bridge. We were recently awarded the prestigious Gambero Rosso as one of the best Italian restaurants in the US. Serafina was owner Maurizio Bruschi’s grandmother, and the name of her eponymous restaurant in the heart of Trastevere (Rome), where Maurizio first began making pizza at the age of 14. The executive chef is Umberto Cannarsa, a successful chef from Rome, who left his own restaurant in Rome to work with Maurizio again. The menu offers everything, including vegetarian options, but specializes in innovative Italian fish dishes, including fresh calamari, stuffed with olives, escarole, anchovies, drizzled with a potato leek sauce, as well as homemade pastas and dolci. The space is warm and elegant, where neighbors and friends can come together.

10. Zuni Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(8085)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 104 times today

Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
WhitneyVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a great time, and Raffi was amazing! The cubed pork belly came out cold…the plate was warm, but other than that, we loved the place and will return on another visit.
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
C
Colman
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What a classy experience... Great room, perfect cocktails, good piano-bass jazz, flawless service, plenty of interesting and affordable wines, and, oh, yes, the food -- abundant and excellent, avoiding all the usual clichés while remaining down to earth. I'd go back for the unique chicken hash à la Bix alone...
More info
BIXPrice: Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
J
Jaden
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was the best meal I've had in my entire life. We got the prime rib and seared scallops. We did it family style and shared both entrees. The service was top notch too. Truly a fine dining experience.
More info
Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
Los Angeles •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The owners truly made the difference. They were friendly, down to earth and good people. The food was authentic and delicious. A must try.
More info
Caffe MacaroniPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
5
J
JAVIER
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
Our waitress was delightful and the steak was delicious!
More info
The Barrel Room - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• International• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.1

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