Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » City View – San Francisco
City View - San Francisco
Photo from City View
City View at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 134 of the guests
#1205 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#86 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
902
Reviews
74.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Modern ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Bland food
- Pricey dishes
- Slow service
The restaurant City View is a vibrant Chinese Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown. When you step inside, you’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.
You’ll appreciate the extensive and great tea selection, a true highlight that complements the delicious small plates and quick bites on offer. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery, City View Restaurant provides a memorable culinary experience.
Overview: Introducting City View
City View offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings generally hit the mark, with many finding the food quality fresh and flavorful. Guests often highlight specific items like soup dumplings and crab claws as particularly well-executed, contributing to a satisfying meal.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, with certain dishes described as bland or lacking traditional technique. While the setting is often praised for its modern ambiance and cleanliness, a few visitors have noted issues with the new location’s atmosphere or acoustics.
Good
7.5
out of 10
902
Reviews
74.3%
Satisfaction
162
negative
70
neutral
670
positive
City View holds a solid overall score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 74.3%, which is also considered good. These figures are drawn from over 900 customer observations, reflecting a generally positive sentiment.
Looking closer, the Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) both score well, suggesting these are strong points for the restaurant. Service (7.1) also performs well, with many appreciating the quick delivery of dishes.
The Value (6.4), while not poor, sits in the average range, indicating some find the pricing a bit high for the experience.
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality food
- Modern, clean ambiance
- Fast, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish flavor
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional slow service
If you’re seeking a modern setting with generally well-prepared dishes, City View is worth considering. The food quality and efficient service often stand out, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant meal, especially if you appreciate a clean and contemporary atmosphere.
However, be mindful that some find the pricing a bit steep for dim sum, and occasional reports of bland dishes or slow service exist. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it leans towards a positive experience, but managing expectations on value and occasional inconsistencies is key.
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Verdict: Our expert take on City View
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 76.1%, the culinary experience is generally good. Many guests rave about the fresh dim sum, quality ingredients, and delicious Peking duck, with 382 positive remarks out of 502 total observations.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners found certain items bland or over steamed, noting small portions and thick dumpling wrappers in a few instances. These points, highlighted in 81 negative comments, suggest theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
502
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
81
negative
39
neutral
382
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh dim sum
- Quality ingredients
- Delicious Peking duck
What people don't like
- Bland flavors
- Small portions
- Thick dumpling wrappers
Often praised
- foodArrived at opening time of 5pm today and was the first to be seated. The food came out super fast and everything was delicious. Our favorites were the crab claws, pork siu mai, and garlic green beans.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent dim sum served in a very nice ambiance. In relative terms, I'm accustomed to more traditional dim sum restaurant decor, but this place offers a very modern setting.
- dishesThe atmosphere was elegant and very clean, and the wait staff were incredibly friendly. Every dish we ate was superb, and we particularly enjoyed the chrysanthemum tea they offered. It was definitely worth the visit!
- FoodFood:5
- crab clawsthe crab claws were a good size and quite tasty
- food qualityI'd strongly recommend the Tofu Skinned dumplings and the soup dumplings. The food is fresh and high quality, and the service is fast! The servers wore masks and gloves, and the atmosphere was kid-friendly!
- sesame ballsWe also enjoyed the Shanghai Siu Lung Bao, Duck Bao, and the flavorful Chinese Broccoli with Oyster sauce, all served faster and more deliciously than expected. To finish, the sesame balls filled with red bean paste were a perfect end to an amazing meal. Adding to the wonderful experience, the manager, Vincent, made us feel right at home.
- soup dumplingsThe soup dumplings are delicate and artful
- Chinese broccoliWe stopped here for dinner prior to a show at SF Masonic on a Saturday evening and were promptly seated. The food was delicious, including the chili oil wontons, Chinese broccoli, stuffed eggplant and tofu, and Peking duck lotus buns. I appreciated that all the food came piping hot from the kitchen.
- Dim SumFor Dim Sum in a beautiful place this restaurant is hard to beat!
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant featured a modern interior and a prompt service team. Unfortunately, all the food was unbelievably bland; I've never had to pour so much soy sauce on what I was eating.
- dishesHowever, for those familiar with authentic dim sum, you'll notice that the technique is missing in some of the dishes. I tried about 10 dishes, and while they were perhaps healthier, this came at the cost of flavor. The service and atmosphere were both excellent, rated 5 out of 5, but the food only received a 3 out of 5.
- chickenMy experience at the restaurant involved trying three dishes: Char Siu Cheung Fun, Pan-fried Dumplings with Chives and Shrimp, and Sesame Chicken. The Sesame Chicken was a bit too salty and the chicken itself was somewhat dry. However, the host and cashier, who were the same person, managed their heavy workload with exceptional friendliness and kindness, providing great hospitality 👍👍👍.
- duckThe duck was 2 skimpy servings and was not crispy
- menuWhile the service was good and the new dining room was nice, I found the food to be surprisingly bland. The flavors on the surprisingly limited menu were lackluster, lacking any punch or burst of flavor. Everything seemed muted, bland, and boring.
- shrimp dumplingsHowever, the service was horrendous. I waited 20 minutes for shrimp dumplings, only to see someone who had just sat down receive them. Dishes arrived sporadically, with 15-minute intervals between them.
- shumaithe shumai was a letdown, as it tasted of frozen and unfresh pork
- Beef Rice Noodle Rollthe beef had no taste, like a frozen food sausage patty
- BunsThe Buns were almost devoid of filling and the exterior gummy
- Chicken Feetthe sauce has no depth; the 豆豉 and 南乳 were not properly mixed
If you're looking for a good dim sum experience with fresh, quality ingredients, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few dishes might not live up to the high standard set by the favorites, so choose wisely!
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, indicating a good experience for many. Out of 198 comments, a solid 136 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, speedy service, and how guests were promptly seated. Many found the excellent service meant food arrived quickly and staff were attentive, making for a smooth dining experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 68.7%, suggesting a mixed bag for some. With 47 negative remarks, issues like waiting time and slow service popped up. Some diners experienced inattentive or unfriendly service staff, leading to disorganized experiences, long waits for food, or even rude interactions from the host or management.
Service
198
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
47
negative
15
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Speedy service
- Friendly staff
- Prompt seating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
- Rude interactions
Often praised
- serviceThe roasted duck was the juiciest perfect duck I have eaten in my life! The staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. I met a lady who might have been the manager, named Lily, and she was the sweetest and friendliest lady.
- staffThe dim sum here is several notches above what I had the previous day, with the char siu bao being absolutely exquisite. The staff were friendly and helpful. I did have to pay for jasmine tea, which was a first for me in America, but apparently, this is standard for Chinese restaurants in San Francisco.
- ServiceService fast and efficient
- foodThe food comes very quickly
- serverVincent was our server and he guided us
- service speedall faster and more delicious than expected
- waitThis was my second visit, and I highly recommend arriving early, around 11 am, if possible. It gets really busy after 12 pm, but even then, it's worth the wait! I had a funny interaction with the waiter when I wanted to order a whole duck along with other dishes.
- Host and cashierstill being very friendly and nice, good hospitality 👍👍👍
- StaffUnbelievable Staff
- carts come around frequentlyMy experience at this restaurant was great for dim sum in the financial district. It gets crowded daily for lunch, but the space is large and the carts come around frequently. There's a small menu to order from to augment the wide array of offerings from the carts.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the owner clearly had a system, and after a short wait, we were seated. The service was a bit slow and inattentive initially, but once we ordered, many of the local specialties arrived promptly and were of impeccable quality. We didn't realize what delicacies Chinese cuisine offered.
- waiting timeWe stumbled upon this lovely family-run restaurant by chance. The waiting time of 20 minutes was a bit surprising, even with empty tables. However, the owner clearly had a system, and after a short wait, we were seated.
- waithabe nur zwei dishes bestellt und musste nach dem ersten Dish eine GANZE STUNDE auf das nächste kleine Dish warten.
- hosthost greeted us with an unhappy expression and behaved quite arrogantly
- staffThe food was delicious and very much to my taste, earning a high rating. However, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly noisy, and the staff seemed too busy to provide attentive service, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these issues, I would still recommend it.
- ServiceService:1
- cart serviceI just miss the cart service
- demand for tipto DEMAND for tip is not gracious
- dishesDishes come out sporadically
- food comes outThe food comes out a bit slow
This spot generally offers good, speedy service with friendly staff, making it worth a visit. However, with a 68.7% customer satisfaction, some guests have faced mixed experiences with wait times or attentiveness. Go for the efficiency, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.8%. Based on 126 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the cleanliness, renovated restaurant, and decor, often describing the atmosphere as welcoming, modern, and elegant. Its often highlighted as a great spot for families and large groups.
However, its not without its quirks. Among the 21 negative comments, some point to issues with acoustics, describing the place as noisy or loud. A few found the interior dark or even depressing, and parking can be a challenge, especially in the surrounding area.
Ambience
154
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, renovated space
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Stunning decor
What people don't like
- Poor acoustics
- Overwhelmingly noisy
- Dark interior
Often praised
- atmosphereFor years, Yank Sing at Rincon Center was our go-to for dim sum, but if you don’t want to spend $80 for two for lunch, this place rocks. The atmosphere when we walked in was really inviting, and at 1: 00 PM, it was very busy, but we were seated immediately. We knew exactly what dim sum options we wanted: har gau, sui ma, bbq pork bun, and sticky rice, plus tea.
- interiorThere's an interesting contrast between the building's exterior and the restaurant's interior. Inside, it's chic and luxurious with comfortable box seating. Upon entering the building, a reception area leads to staff who will guide you to your table.
- restaurantClean and beautifully renovated restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent dim sum served in a very nice ambiance. In relative terms, I'm accustomed to more traditional dim sum restaurant decor, but this place offers a very modern setting.
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, especially for Dim Sum. The atmosphere was elegant and very clean, and the wait staff were incredibly friendly. Every dish we ate was superb, and we particularly enjoyed the chrysanthemum tea they offered.
- restaurant cleanlinessthe restaurant was also clean
- new locationthe new, a 3 minutes of distance, is very beautiful and more characteristic
- ambienceI love its ambience the most
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were very clean
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe new atmosphere in the new location is just depressing
- interiorWhy does the interior of the restaurant look nothing like the pictures online?
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ChinatownWe were startled to see how quiet the once bustling area is now. One thing hasn’t changed…the open garbage along the street. Both discouraging.
- No cell receptionNo cell reception in the restaurant
- acousticsthe acoustics in the entire restaurant are awful
- areaA side note: we haven’t been to Chinatown in years as we moved away from the Bay Area for a while. We were startled to see how quiet the once bustling area is now. One thing hasn’t changed…the open garbage along the street.
- interior designThe old location was a nice, bright, airy space, and the new location feels like a grey brick dungeon. Such a shame to see this interior design. City View is no longer a restaurant I'd like to visit.
- loudA bit loud at times
- new locationthe new location feels like a grey brick dungeon
If you're looking for a clean, modern, and often elegant setting, especially for groups, this place is a solid bet. Just be aware that it can get noisy, and some find the new interior a bit dark, so it might not be your quiet, cozy hideaway.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the pricing quite agreeable, with 26 positive remarks highlighting reasonable price and an affordable gem. People appreciated that the food wasnt too expensive and offered awesome prices for the portions. The overall sentiment is somewhat positive, reflected in a 6.4 score and a 54.2% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed but leaning positive experience.
However, not everyone was convinced, with 13 negative comments pointing out that some items felt overpriced or pricey, especially for dim sum. Some felt the prices are high or even very expensive' for the type of dining. This suggests that while many find it affordable, others might find certain aspects a bit steep.
Value
48
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
13
negative
9
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable overall pricing
- Great price-quality ratio
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Dim sum can be pricey
Often praised
- pricefor 4 adults, all the food above (~16 dishes), with 22% tip came to ~$50/person
- pricesI did have to pay for jasmine tea, which was a first for me in America, but apparently, this is standard for Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. The prices are not particularly high, making this my personal recommendation for dim sum in San Francisco's Chinatown.
- affordabledim sum is affordable
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- PricesIncredibly flavorful and top-notch quality, definitely 5 stars for that alone. Prices are reasonable, and it’s a great place to sit back, chat with friends, and enjoy a variety of small bites. Highly recommended if you’re exploring Chinatown!
- Reasonable pricingReasonable pricing, as well
- affordable gemThis restaurant is a solid, affordable gem. While I probably wouldn't bring a Hinge date here, I would absolutely come with my partner, and we'd make it a monthly tradition.
- awesome pricesawesome prices and portions
- decently pricedit was decently priced
- price-quality ratioThe atmosphere was good and the staff were friendly. The price-quality ratio is top-notch. The restaurant itself is neat and well-maintained, especially when compared to other restaurants in Chinatown.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mostly positive, though I found the food to be a little pricey for dim sum. However, the garlic green beans were absolutely amazing – so addictive, perfectly crisp, and flavorful!
- pricesFor these prices, we've had much better
- teaThey will charge you for tea
- casual diningHowever, the cleanliness and classy decors were definite highlights, making it a suitable place for business meetings. It's too pricey for casual dining.
- dim sumVERY EXPENSIVE for Dim Sum
- overpriceda bit overpriced
- priceyMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a decent dim sum place, but it didn't stand out as anything special. I found it to be a bit pricey for what it is.
- pricing of dim sumturned off by the pricing of dim sum
- tipasked us for more tip
If you're looking for an affordable meal and appreciate good value, this spot could be a solid choice. However, be mindful that some items, particularly dim sum, might feel a bit pricey to certain diners, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at City View?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 134 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 is 36, a big chunk of diners actually spend less, mostly in the $21–$30 range. But hey, there are also quite a few who go for a more premium experience, pushing the average up!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 134 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for what you get. Its a good spot if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank completely.
Customer Reviews: what people think about City View
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good Dim Sum, Moderate Portions
My experience at this restaurant was pretty good, especially the dim sum. I paid $43 for a meal for two people, not including drinks. The meal was a moderate size, and I would definitely need more if I was hungry.
The food received a score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 5. However, the service was rated a 3. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- dim sum8
- meal6
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Dim Sum in Chinatown
My experience at this dim sum restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown was truly elevated. From the moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere was an inviting and refined blend of classic charm and modern polish. The duck was extraordinary, with crisp, golden skin and tender, flavorful meat.
The soup dumplings were delicate and artful, filled with a rich, savory broth that captured the essence of authentic dim sum craftsmanship. The service was another standout; the staff were gracious, attentive, and knowledgeable, striking a perfect balance between warmth and professionalism. Each dish arrived with thoughtful timing and presentation.
This spot truly rises above the rest in a neighborhood filled with culinary treasures, offering consistency, care, and excellence. It's a destination that embodies the spirit and sophistication of San Francisco's dim sum scene, perfect for locals and visitors alike seeking a quintessential Chinatown dining experience.
- duck10
- soup dumplings10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Amazing Food, Rushed Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was absolutely amazing, truly worth every penny despite being expensive. However, the service was a major letdown as they rushed us throughout the meal.
I really dislike being rushed, especially when I'm trying to enjoy my food.
- food10
- price8
- service2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Addictive Garlic Green Beans & Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was mostly positive, though I found the food to be a little pricey for dim sum. However, the garlic green beans were absolutely amazing – so addictive, perfectly crisp, and flavorful! I also enjoyed the scallop shumai and the stuffed eggplant and tofu, which were very good.
The taro puffs were just okay in my opinion. The restaurant itself was clean, and the service was great.
- food7
- garlic green beans10
- scallop shumai8
- price4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Food, Miss the Carts
This was my first visit to the new location. While I do miss the carts, the food is consistently amazing. The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
What City View offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does City View Restaurant accept reservations?
Yes, City View accepts reservations, making it convenient for you to plan your breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner in San Francisco’s Chinatown. You can enjoy table service in a casual and trendy setting.
What are the accessibility and parking options at City View Restaurant?
City View offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. While finding a parking space can be difficult in Chinatown, you’ll find paid parking lots and paid street parking options nearby.
What is the overall customer sentiment for City View?
City View generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of **7.5** out of 10 and a customer satisfaction rate of **74.3%**. Customers frequently praise the **Food** (7.7), **Ambience** (7.7), and **Service** (7.1), though **Value** (6.4) is considered average.
Are there any specific dishes that customers particularly enjoy at City View?
Many customers have highlighted the **soup dumplings** and **crab claws** as delicious and well-prepared. Other popular items include the **sesame balls** and **Chinese broccoli**, often noted for their flavor and freshness.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at City View?
Some customers have found certain dishes to be bland or lacking in traditional technique. Additionally, the pricing is occasionally perceived as high for dim sum, and there are reports of slow or inattentive service at times, along with concerns about the acoustics in the dining area.