Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Chinatown – San Francisco
Chinatown - San Francisco
Photo from Chinatown
Chinatown at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 159 of the guests
#2053 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#230 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1019
Reviews
59.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Free extras
- Authentic decor
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Pushy sales
- Poor hygiene
The restaurant Chinatown is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll find a casual atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine.
This spot, known simply as Chinatown Restaurant, offers a delightful array of dishes, from small plates to full meals, complemented by a selection of wine, coffee, and beer. With vegetarian options and a private dining room, it caters to diverse tastes, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Chinatown
Chinatown offers a dining experience where attentive care often stands out, with many guests praising the staff for their welcoming demeanor and helpfulness. You might even receive some unexpected complimentary items, adding a pleasant surprise to your visit.
However, some aspects of the meal itself have been described as inconsistent. While the atmosphere provides a sense of traditional ambiance, the overall value proposition can be a point of contention.
Some diners have found the pricing to be higher than anticipated, occasionally coupled with concerns about aggressive sales tactics. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also areas that warrant consideration.
Good
6.3
out of 10
1019
Reviews
59.1%
Satisfaction
347
negative
70
neutral
602
positive
Looking at the numbers, Chinatown registers an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rating of 59.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
While not poor, these figures suggest that experiences here can vary quite a bit, reflecting both positive and negative feedback from over 1000 customer remarks. Delving deeper, Service shines with a good score of (7.8), frequently highlighted by 602 positive comments.
The Food also fares reasonably well at (6.7), though it garners a significant number of critical remarks. However, Ambience sits at an average (6.3), and Value is a clear weak spot, scoring a poor (2.3) with 347 negative observations often pointing to pricing concerns.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Generous complimentary items
- Traditional ambiance
What people don't like
- Hidden charges, high prices
- Aggressive sales tactics
- Unclean facilities
With a Recommendation Score of 6.2, Chinatown presents a somewhat balanced picture. If attentive service and a traditional setting are high on your list, and you appreciate complimentary extras, you might find your visit enjoyable.
The staff genuinely seems to make an effort to create a welcoming environment. However, be mindful of the potential for higher prices and automatic charges, which significantly impact the overall value.
If you prioritize consistent food quality and transparent pricing, it might be wise to approach with tempered expectations or explore other options. It’s a place that could satisfy, but also has clear areas for improvement.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
221
94.1%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
285
95.4%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
286
93.7%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
269
91.4%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
480
91.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
77
90.9%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Chinatown
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Many diners found the food to offer an authentic experience with quality ingredients and generous portions. With 270 positive remarks out of 425 total, the delicious food and complimentary treats often hit the mark, contributing to a respectable 6.7 score and a 63.5% customer satisfaction. However, 111 negative comments suggest a mixed bag, with some finding the food mediocre or bland, and others noting tiny portions that felt overpriced.
These experiences indicate that consistency might be an issue, leading to some disappointment.
Food
425
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
111
negative
44
neutral
270
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic experience
- Quality ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland, mediocre food
- Tiny portions
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- foodWe even received a small, thoughtful complimentary gift to take home and free goodies to choose. The food was delicious, but it was the personal touches and excellent service that made our visit memorable. A special mention goes to the Hispanic young lady who, holding a flyer about free food and dessert, escorted us to the restaurant and helped me upstairs due to my mobility issues; she was very gentlewomanly.
- green tea ice creamThe service was also excellent, making it feel like a family-run and authentic establishment. We even received complementary pot stickers and green tea ice cream! I will definitely return the next time I visit San Francisco.
- ice creamDespite a somewhat pushy initial welcome, the staff provided excellent care throughout the meal. We enjoyed complimentary potstickers and ice cream, and the food itself was yummy with generous portion sizes. To top it off, we received a small gift with snacks and a keychain at the end.
- pot stickersThe food and the pot stickers were delicious
- potstickersBrought out free potstickers on a little salad
- free potstickersfree potstickers! And they were delicious
- FoodFood:5
- chow meinthe beef broccoli and chow mein was excellent
- great foodWhat a cute place with great food! The staff was incredibly sweet, and we absolutely loved it!
- mealAbsolutely worth the meal
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service was nice and they were accommodating, the food was mediocre and the overall experience felt pretty pricey. They resort to handing out coupons on the street to attract customers, which is a sign.
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. The Shrimp fried rice had a strong smell like a wet dog, making it hard to eat.
- dishesdishes were extremely greasy and carelessly prepared
- Chinese foodMy experience was incredibly bad; this had nothing to do with Chinese food. The food was tasteless and ridiculously expensive.
- Mongolian beefThe Mongolian beef and sweet & sour chicken were not much better
- dim sumWho made the dim sum? They seemed to have been previously frozen.
- dumplingsthe dumplings didn't really feel fresh, and they were mid at best
- fried riceif you want to call it fried rice
- quality of the foodWe ordered the vegetarian menu, but the dishes were extremely greasy and carelessly prepared, even having an unpleasant smell. Considering the quality of the food, it was extremely overpriced.
- riceThe Mongolian beef and sweet & sour chicken were not much better. We also ordered rice since they do not come with the meals and we never got it and it had to be taken off the bill. Avoid this place.
If you're looking for an authentic Chinese meal with generous portions and potentially delicious complimentary treats, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that experiences can vary, so manage your expectations regarding consistency and value.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
Many guests rave about the good service, reflected in a 7.8 score and 77.9% customer satisfaction. With 243 positive remarks out of 312 total, the attentive staff and friendly service truly shine, often highlighted by Gloria's energetic welcome and thoughtful complimentary items like phone chargers and gifts. However, some experiences were less stellar, with 57 negative comments pointing to issues like long wait times and rude server interactions.
A few guests felt the initial approach was pushy or even involved deceptive tactics regarding coupons and billing, which can sour the overall experience.
Service
312
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
57
negative
12
neutral
243
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Warm, energetic welcome
- Thoughtful complimentary items
What people don't like
- Pushy street marketing
- Long wait times
- Deceptive billing practices
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service was nice and they were accommodating, the food was mediocre and the overall experience felt pretty pricey. They resort to handing out coupons on the street to attract customers, which is a sign.
- GloriaThe star of the show was undoubtedly Gloria, who really earned all the stars for her service. However, the food portions were scarce for the price, and the person who served us seemed unwilling to help.
- staffHer energy and personality were so warm and inviting that we decided to check it out, and we’re so glad we did! The staff made us feel incredibly welcome. The service was attentive and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious.
- peoplegreat people! Gloria and others were fabulous
- customer serviceMy experience at Chinatown restaurant was amazing. Gloria provided excellent customer service, inviting us and ensuring a great visit. The meal was really good.
- hospitalityMy experience at this Chinese restaurant was excellent and exceeded our expectations in every way. The food was tasty, the organization was commendable, and the hospitality was outstanding. Gloria was particularly friendly and helped us to get settled.
- ownerI brought my high school speech and debate team, a large group of 12, here for a team dinner while we were in town. The owner, Jimmy, was extremely friendly and attentive even before we arrived. He helped make sure our group had plenty of food options that fit my students’ diverse dietary needs.
- ServiceService:5
- experienceany word to describe an amazing experience
- owner Jimmyowner Jimmy knows so much about the history
Frequently criticized
- serviceA dish we did not order was immediately brought to our table, which felt like a very strange and pushy start to the meal. Throughout our dinner, the service was incredibly poor. Our server seemed visibly annoyed that we "only" ordered three dishes and treated us with a cold, dismissive attitude for the rest of the evening.
- tipthey added a tip themselves
- AWFUL serviceService was AWFUL!!
- Google reviewsGoogle reviews seem faked
- aggressive couponMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. I was approached outside by a woman aggressively pushing a “free potstickers” coupon, her approach being extremely forceful, more like a high-pressure sales pitch. She physically walked us into the restaurant, making it difficult to decline.
- bad reviewsDon't let the bad reviews scare you
- bill before dishestable received their bill BEFORE two of their entree dishes came
- business responsebusiness was to get defensive instead of making any attempt to rectify the situation
- calculated scamThe food itself was bland and forgettable, with tiny portions and outrageously high prices. The entire experience felt like a calculated scam from start to finish. I strongly advise against wasting your time, money, or appetite here; this place is unsanitary, dishonest, and preys on unsuspecting tourists and families.
- cardtook the card out of friends hand aggressively
Overall, service here is generally good, especially once youre inside, with many appreciating the warm welcome and attentive staff. However, be aware of potentially pushy street marketing and double-check your bill, as some found these aspects less pleasant. If you can navigate the initial approach, youre likely in for a friendly experience.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The restaurants ambience offers a mixed bag, with an average score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction at 62.3%. Many guests, accounting for 76 positive observations out of 122 total, truly enjoyed the unique atmosphere and historical presence. The balcony view and clean interior were frequently praised, contributing to a welcoming and memorable experience.
However, 38 negative comments highlight areas needing attention. Concerns were raised about pest control measures and filthy conditions in some areas, including restrooms. The use of plastic utensils and a reported musty smell also detracted from the overall ambience' for some visitors.
Ambience
122
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
38
negative
8
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Historical atmosphere
- Lovely balcony views
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Pest control concerns
- Unsanitary conditions
- Plastic cutlery
Often praised
- atmosphereI was told that the restaurant had a really long history. It is on the second floor, very quiet, and most tables were empty. The price is higher than average, but the portion is huge.
- balconyWe sat o the balcony in the afternoon and it was nice
- placeThe food was excellent, and the staff provided attentive care, even offering a nice gift on our way out. I highly recommend this place and its staff!
- restaurantSuch a warm and welcoming restaurant!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe food was delicious! The staff were welcoming and very smiley, with a very nice ambiance!
- 100 yearsaround for 100 years
- Chinatown vibesOld authentic Chinatown vibes.
- Chinese atmospherechinesisches Ambiente
- amazing experienceabsolutely amazing experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere wasn't particularly inviting
- restroomsthe restrooms were not clean and had an unpleasant odor
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- accessDifficult to get upstairs
- agingthe cleanliness and aging affected the score
- balconyWe were initially drawn to the balcony with tables, but it turned out to be very narrow, not fitting 4 people comfortably (more for couples). A girl on the street persuaded us to visit the restaurant.
- businessThe business itself is slovenly and unprofessional.
- carpetsThe bill included a 20% gratuity, making the $56 for a Coke, tea, one noodle dish, and shumai seem excessive. The establishment was slovenly and unprofessional, with paper plates, plastic forks, and filthy carpets. Sauces were in packets.
- cleanlinessthe cleanliness and aging affected the score
- crowdedThe tables were large and suitable for groups. A few tables were occupied, but it was neither crowded nor noisy. We recommend it.
If you're drawn to a place with a rich history and a charming balcony, this restaurant could be an interesting visit. Just be prepared for a potentially mixed experience regarding cleanliness and amenities, as some aspects might need improvement.
Value (2.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
Some diners found pockets of good value, noting that the price per person offered better food for less money or even BRILLIANT value for money. A few appreciated the decent price and felt certain items were reasonably priced, with one even calling it the cheapest meal in San Francisco. These 13 positive remarks highlight moments where the cost felt justified.
However, the value score sits at a poor 2.3, a stark contrast to the good customer satisfaction of 8.1. Based on 160 customer remarks, a staggering 141 were negative, frequently citing the restaurant as overpriced and a tourist trap. Many encountered high automatic tips and hidden charges, leading to feelings of being scammed or ripped off.
Value
160
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
141
negative
6
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Cheapest meal option
What people don't like
- Hidden charges abound
- Mandatory tips added
- Menu items overpriced
Often praised
- pricesDie Preise sind auch völlig in Ordnung und mit den ortsüblichen (Downtown) zu vergleichen.
- cheapest mealare cheapest meal in San Fran
- dealfor such a good deal as well
- decent pricefor a decent price
- less moneybetter food for less money
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The quality and quantity of food were great for the price. All the servers were very helpful and friendly.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- reasonably pricedall very reasonably priced
- tip jarThe menu lacked illustrations, so our dish selection was based solely on translated descriptions. The tip jar was not pushy (placed by the entrance). The restaurant immediately provided phone charging equipment (unnecessary for us, but appreciated) and Wi-Fi for customers.
- value for moneyBRILLIANT value for money
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the service was nice and they were accommodating, the food was mediocre and the overall experience felt pretty pricey. They resort to handing out coupons on the street to attract customers, which is a sign.
- billI ordered a Sprite and water, nothing extravagant. However, when the bill arrived, it was an outrageous $86, nearly three times what we expected. To make matters worse, they had added a 25% automatic gratuity without any prior mention.
- tipWe added up the amount of food we ordered and no way did it come to the amount charged. Now we are reading reviews that say they add a tip on there unbeknownst to us. We also left a tip for the amount of the bill, knowing there was definitely something wrong.
- tourist trapThis was my first and last visit. Chinatown offers many better options; I urge others to heed reviews and stay away from this tourist trap that tries to fleece you.
- overpricedextremely overpriced for what it is
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very bad. On the street, they target tourists and increase prices. While the staff were constantly smiling, the bill for three soups and a Peking duck came to $200, which is terrible.
- expensiveMy experience at the restaurant was that the food portions were very generous, but the taste was very artificial. In the end, it was very expensive for the food, and a 20% tip was automatically added to the bill. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it.
- gratuitythere was a 20% charge already attached as gratuity.
- service chargegiven the $30 added tip they put for themselves and called it a “service charge”
- costbut the cost
If youre considering this spot, be very wary of the pricing structure and check your bill carefully. While some find decent value, the overwhelming feedback points to significant issues with hidden charges and automatic gratuities. It might disappoint if youre looking for transparent and fair pricing.
How are the prices at Chinatown?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 159 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average lands here, its worth noting that many guests actually spend less, with a significant number in the $21–$30 range. However, theres also a good mix of diners who enjoy a more premium experience, pushing the average up. So, it caters to a pretty wide range of budgets!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 159 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It seems to offer a good range of options, allowing guests to enjoy a meal that fits both their budget and their craving.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chinatown
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible food, overpriced and a tourist trap
My experience at this restaurant was not good at all. The chicken was extremely dry, and it felt like a tourist trap. The food was mediocre and super expensive, making it feel like we were eating reheated dishes from the day before.
I do not recommend it at all. To add to the disappointment, the cutlery was made of plastic.
- chicken1
- food2
- dishes2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Food is fine, marketing needs work
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was fine, but the marketing approach was quite off-putting. Being chased on the street and forced into the restaurant is not a pleasant way to be welcomed.
I believe they should consider alternative marketing strategies like Google Ads or social media.
- food6
- Google Ads7
- social media7
- marketing2
- chased on the street1
- forced into the restaurant1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Accidental Discovery, Highly Recommended!
I found this restaurant by accident, and what a pleasant surprise it was! The hostess, Gloria, was incredibly kind, and this extended to all the staff members. The food was delicious, and the space is very comfortable.
To top it off, I received a fortune cookie and ice cream at the end. I totally recommend this place.
- Gloria9
- all the staff9
- food9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Food from Big Bear Visit!
Visiting from Big Bear, we decided to come here and try the food! It was delicious! We got chicken potstickers and combination chow mein - soooo good!
- chicken potstickers10
- combination chow mein10
- food10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Gloria provided the best service, and she even mentioned we are her best customers! Haha.
The food was amazing, and so was the dessert 🔥🔥.
- food10
- dessert10
- Gloria10
What Chinatown offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Chinatown Restaurant offer?
At Chinatown Restaurant, you can enjoy a range of dining options including lunch, brunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. They also provide catering services. For your convenience, Wi-Fi is available, and you’ll find high chairs for children.
Does Chinatown Restaurant accommodate special needs like parking, pets, or reservations?
Yes, Chinatown Restaurant is very accommodating. You’ll find paid parking lots and paid street parking nearby. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed both inside and outside. Plus, you can easily plan ahead as they accept reservations for your visit.
How does Chinatown restaurant rate overall?
Chinatown holds an overall score of 6.3, indicating an average experience. While Service (7.8) is a strong point and Food (6.7) is generally good, Ambience (6.3) is average, and Value (2.3) is a significant concern for many guests.
What positive aspects do customers highlight at Chinatown?
Many guests appreciate the attentive and friendly staff, with specific mentions of individuals like Gloria and owner Jimmy. The restaurant also often provides complimentary items such as potstickers or green tea ice cream, adding a pleasant touch to the meal.
What are the common complaints about Chinatown?
A frequent concern revolves around the restaurant’s value, with many finding it overpriced and noting unexpected automatic gratuities. Some customers also reported aggressive sales tactics and issues with cleanliness, particularly regarding restrooms and carpets.