Restaurants in Chinatown (San Francisco)

Empress of China

A hanging picture on the wall boasts of the restaurant's most famous client, former President George Bush. In addition, the staff will inform the visitor that in the 1960s and 1970s this restaurant was a favorite of many Hollywood personalities. Dim lighting reflects off the authentic Chinese antiques that line the walls. The atmosphere is cozy and the restaurant is quiet enough for intimate conversation. The clientele is mostly tourists and a few locals who have been patronizing the restaurant for years. Entrees include such wonderful items as minced squab on lettuce leaf, as well as a host of other exquisite gourmet Chinese dishes. In addition, the restaurant has a full bar and serves a range of beers and California wines.

Chef Jia's

Inspiring food at bargain prices? What more could you ask for? Not much, which is exactly what you will get at this no-frills Chinatown hideout Chef Jia's. Bring a few bucks, a hearty appetite, and the ability to keep a secret from tourists mobbing the neighboring House of Nanking. You will come to enjoy the food, not the decor, though. It has the usual selection of Chinese items on the menu, but Chef Jia's wok is legendary among the faithful. The heaping lunch special that comes in at right around $5 is served with a cup of addictive hot and sour soup and is downright charitable at that price. The service is brisk.

Cho-Cho

This place has been around for decades, feeding the hungry Financial District types who want a drink at the cocktail bar or a piece of Tempura, freshly fried at the tempura bar on the ground floor. Upstairs, where the tables have built-in grills, is for those craving Sukiyaki and downstairs is where to find soothing Shabu-shabu broth. The food is uniformly toothsome and everyone from the tempura chef and bartenders to the wait staff is gracious, in keeping with the decor. Its surroundings bring a Japanese country inn to downtown San Francisco, although here the seating is on cushioned benches, not the floor as is traditional.

Far East Cafe

Established in 1920, this is one of the city's oldest restaurants. There is a good reason that it has lasted this long and through so many food fads. The atmosphere is comfortably upscale, with decorative artifacts brought over from old China. Sit at your lacquered table next to an ancient temple screen. Share Spring Rolls, Lemon Chicken and Shark Fin soup. You will feel as if you have traveled to old China yourself.

Imperial Palace

This place is not much to look at from the outside, but who cares? Just keep your eyes on your plate and everything will be fine. The interior is very pleasant, lots of Chinese lanterns and bamboo but the real point is the food. The dim sum menu's a mile long, with dumplings, steamed buns, pastries, spare ribs, crab claws and much more.

Straits Cafe

This little gem is located far from the center of town, but that does not detract from its appeal. It is one of the few places where one can find top-quality Singapore-style cuisine. Any menu item is a sure winner. Try Roti Prata, a grilled Indian-style bread dipped in Potong Kari Ayam, Singapore-style Coconut Curry Chicken. The curry is creamy, smooth and good enough to drink. A full dinner and one drink at Straits is reasonably priced, and served by a gracious and efficient wait staff.

Mel's Drive-in on Van Ness

Mel's Drive-in on Van Ness is the sister restaurant to Mel's on Lombard Street and is often filled to bursting with tourists due to its location. However, that does not make it any less fun. When you finally secure a table, order a frosty milkshake and peruse the menu for the most outrageously calorie-packed item you can find. From meat loaf plates to enormous hamburgers to truly soothing Chicken Noodle Soup, the menu has it all. It is the perfect place to take younger siblings or rowdy friends or a date.

Wa-Ha-Ka!

Wa-Ha-Ka! the name, silly though it is, really is evocative of this restaurant's style. Here you'll find health-conscious versions of Mexican favorites in a very American atmosphere for extremely low prices. It's a very upscale taco joint, where items like Baja Rolls (Mexican sushi) and Lobster Burritos are reasonably priced. Order from the chalkboard, grab your basket of chips, and help yourself to the many fresh salsa choices.

Great Eastern Restaurant

The ornate Asian-style facade of this place leads to a sleek dining room, accented in deep jade green, laquered black and polished brass. Only the freshest seafood is served in this upscale eatery and the proof is in the fish tanks, where future entrees swim serenely. Perfect preparations for everything that swims include salt bake, sautee, clay pot roasting, stuffing, pan fry, and simple steam. Meat, foul, vegetables and reptiles (do not miss the turtle soup) rendered with equal aplomb.

Gold Mountain

The huge sign outside this place is more yellow than gold, but the food inside is a treasure just the same. It occupies two floors with picture windows and a killer view of the city to enjoy while you dine on terrific Chinese food at prices that are reasonable anywhere, but especially so for Chinatown. For lunch, there is some menu service, but the real attraction is the dim sum served from the usual rolling carts, notable only because some have grills to keep those pot stickers warm while the staff makes the circuit of the bustling dining rooms. From the menu, try the Pepper Steak for a flavorful blend of peppers and tender beef. From the carts, let your eyes be your guide. Everything is good, especially the barbecued pork items. The service is fast and efficient, though it can be a little brusque at times.

Dol Ho

Huge dim sum carts piled high with assorted dumplings, noodles, and other tasty nibbles carefully lurch over carpeting that has seen better days as they try not to run into the closely packed tables that are brimming with diners. The food here has more variety than dim sum parlors catering to Westerners, though everyone is made to feel equally welcome by the Asian staff that is in perpetual motion. Delicacies include light and delicate Shrimp Dumplings in an almost translucent wrapper and a very good Pork Bun, baked or steamed, with a not-too-sweet barbecue filling. The menu also includes Duck Feet, so if you are less than adventurous, be sure to ask before making a selection.

Janmae Guey

There is no better place to buy Chinese barbecue anywhere than here at one of the oldest shops in Chinatown. The place has been remodeled through the years into a generic-looking butcher shop, but the BBQ duck, pork, chicken and beef is in a class by itself, sweet and tangy with a hint of a spicy bite. The efficient counter staff can de-bone your to-go purchases, or you can sample the wares in the tiny dining area, which is generally overcrowded and claustrophobic during peak hours.