Dim Sum Dining: The Haute 5 Chinese Restaurants in San Francisco

Chinese food is kind of like pizza. Why, you ask? Well, even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. It’s a comfort food. Warm and hearty, with flavors like soy, sesame, and ginger, how could it be anything but comforting? Naturally with San Francisco’s famed Chinatown, this is the city where the Eastern cuisine is not just a common everyday option, it’s an institution. Our metropolis by the Bay teems with an excellent array of the oriental goodies, and with so many options that you will never have to settle for mediocre again.

Yank Sing
On the top of everyone’s favorites list is Yank Sing. This James Beard award-winning restaurant is also mentioned in the Michelin Guide, Zagats and the “Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants” from the San Francisco Chronicle. Yank Sing is the premier San Francisco destination for authentic Chinese dim sum. With classic preparations and flavors, options like stuffed crab claws, Phoenix shrimp, and steamed pork buns soar above the competition. A true dining experience, a dim sum brunch is not to be missed. And don’t forget to end the meal with sesame balls and egg custard tarts.

Yank Sing’s two locations are at 101 Spear St. and 49 Stevenson St.; 415.781.1111 and 415.541.4949.

Betelnut
Asian fusion cuisine is an art. Some succeed while most fail. However, Betelnut creates masterpieces on a daily basis. Complete with a full bar and a creative menu, Betelnut captures the spirit of Chinese food while layering it with nuances and delicate intricacies that only real fusion provides. Menu options like the five-spice firecracker shrimp, Penang noodles with shrimp, and Tamarind and honeybee chilies are mouth-sensations. Seemingly ordinary Lettuce Cups are a must order here, as they have been earning ink all around town.

Betelnut is located at 2030 Union St., (415) 929-8855.

San Tung
How do you know when a Chinese place is the best go-to spot in town? When it’s filled with authentic immigrants and visitors from the mainland. Who knows a cuisine better than its people, right? San Tung is filled with everyone and anyone who can deal with a wait and craves the best Chinese food in the city. The service is nothing to write home about, the atmosphere could use some help from Stanlee Gatti, and the people might benefit from a few congeniality classes, but, oh, the food, the food is amazing. If you dine here and don’t order the Original Dry Fried Chicken Wings, then you are denying yourself a guttural pleasure that can only come from serious fried food. They are sticky, hard to eat, and messy but so worth it. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

San Tung is located at 1031 Irving St., (415) 242-0828.

R & G Lounge
R & G Lounge isn’t much of a lounge, but it’s one hell of a Chinese restaurant.   Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s acclaimed TV show, No Reservations, this traditional Cantonese Chinatown stop serves up the best and most beloved salt-and-pepper crab in the city. Lightly fried and sprinkled with the common seasonings that make it oh-so-uncommon, the delicate flavor of the crab is perfectly accented and always makes for a memorable main course. Fan favorites also include prawns with honey walnuts and their top-secret recipe R & G Special Beef. You’re not getting the recipe, so don’t even ask.

R & G Lounge is located at 631 Kearny St., (415) 982-7877.

Heaven’s Dog
With as unique a menu as a name, Heaven’s Dog (which basically symbolizes great success in Chinese), is an appreciated addition to the trendy SOMA neighborhood.  Charles Phan of Slanted Door and Out-The-Door fame has created a special and tasty destination. Complete with an awesome late night menu for $15, sophisticated ambiance and a bevy of critically acclaimed mixologists to tickle the tongue, this trendy ethnic must serves delicious tradition fused with San Francisco flavor.  Customer favorites include Salt and Pepper Fried Calamari with red chili and toasted garlic, Crispy Half Duck (from a local Petaluma farm) and Spicy Seafood Soup (only served at lunch). Get there early or get there late. Either way, just get there.

Heaven’s Dog is located at 1148 Mission St., (415) 863-6008.