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oChef » Capital – San Francisco
Capital - San Francisco
Photo from Capital
Capital at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 137 of the guests
#1519 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#138 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
708
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Wings
- Authentic Vibe
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- Crowded Space
- Price Discrepancies
The restaurant Capital is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Chinatown of San Francisco. You’ll discover a casual dining experience perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, making it a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving classic dishes or exploring new tastes, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate here.
Overview: Introducting Capital
Capital offers a taste of classic Chinese fare, with many patrons praising its flavorful dishes and generous portions. The restaurant cultivates an authentic Chinatown feel , providing a lively backdrop for your meal.
It’s often seen as a spot for cheap eats that delivers on taste. However, some experiences suggest a less consistent approach to service , with occasional reports of staff being overwhelmed or unresponsive.
While many find the prices reasonable, there are notes about discrepancies between online and in-store menus, which can be a point of confusion for some diners.
Good
7.1
out of 10
708
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
157
negative
67
neutral
484
positive
Capital holds a respectable overall score of 7.1 , indicating a generally positive dining experience, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.4% . This suggests that while most diners leave content, there’s a segment with mixed feelings.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 708 customer opinions, with 484 positive remarks outweighing 157 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food stands out with a strong (7.7) score, frequently lauded for its quality and flavor.
Value (6.9) is also rated well, often cited for affordability, though some find seat in prices higher than expected. Ambience (6.6) provides an authentic, bustling atmosphere, yet Service (5.8) appears to be an area needing attention, with reports of staff being less attentive or the waiting time being considerable.
What people like
- Exceptional chicken wings
- Authentic Chinatown feel
- Good value for portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Crowded atmosphere
- Price discrepancies
If you’re seeking robust Chinese flavors, particularly their celebrated chicken wings, Capital is certainly worth considering. The authentic, lively setting adds to the experience, and for many, the overall value is a draw.
It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promises, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal. However, be prepared for a potentially bustling environment and service that can be a bit hit-or-miss.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.4 , it leans towards a positive endorsement, but managing expectations regarding the pace and occasional pricing surprises will ensure a smoother visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Capital
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 74.8%. Many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, especially the famous chicken wings which are often described as crispy and juicy. With 324 positive remarks out of 433 total, guests frequently praise the generous portions and the wonton soup.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 66 negative remarks noting some inconsistencies. Some found the food too salty or lacking flavor, particularly in certain fried rice or noodles dishes. There were also comments about portion size being smaller than expected for some items, and occasional reports of mediocre quality.
Food
433
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
66
negative
43
neutral
324
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best chicken wings
- Authentic Chinese food
- Generous portion size
What people don't like
- Too salty
- Lack of flavor
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodIt was worth the wait to get a table, however the food was excellent, in particular the chicken wings. Great value for a tasty meal.
- chicken wingschicken wings are the best. We’ve tried other places and this is definitely the best.
- FoodThe sesame chicken, beef and broccoli chow mein, and the string beans were all on point. The atmosphere was a perfect 5, and the food was a solid 5 as well. For lunch, the price was reasonable at $20–30 per person.
- portionsWe loved the jalapeño wings, beef chow mein, and Shanghai noodles with beef. The flavor was incredible, and the portions were great for a great price. I especially loved that they had dark soy sauce on the table, as I love sauce!
- wingsIt was 1000% worth it! I had the best wonton soup I have ever tasted, and the wings were incredible. The staff was kind, and the family-style seating was great for chatting with locals and getting dish recommendations if you are from out of town.
- Chinese foodThis is now our go-to place. Recommended by a local, they have incredible Chinese food. We loved the jalapeño wings, beef chow mein, and Shanghai noodles with beef.
- fried chicken wingsI really enjoyed their fried chicken wings. It was airy crispy, moist, and had simplified flavor of salt and pepper.
- salt and pepper chicken wingstheir salt and pepper chicken wings taste like they were made from the lord himself
- Chicken WingsBest Chicken Wings in San Francisco…this has got to be it!!!
- beef chow funthey have great ‘wok hei’ for the beef chow fun
Frequently criticized
- foodComing from Phoenix, where the bar for Chinese food is quite low, we were very excited to find good Chinese food in Chinatown. Unfortunately, the lo mein was incredibly dry, the Mongolian Beef was basically bland, overcooked onions with a few pieces of beef, and the Orange Chicken was somehow spicy and tasteless simultaneously. Overall, it was an unfortunately disappointing experience for all four of us.
- fried riceI visited this restaurant based on other reviews and had a very disappointing experience. From the tea to the flavorless fried rice, the food did not meet expectations. The wonton soup and potstickers were just okay.
- portionsthough portions looked small compared to prices paid.
- chow meinthe chow mein was very bad
- teaI was disappointed that they didn’t give me any tea or even offer it to me.
- Famous Wings"Famous Wings" were very salty.
- Generals chickenGenerals chicken was very sweet and had NO SPICE AT ALL!!
- MSGask NO MSG. Saw crystals of it
- Mongolian BeefMongolian Beef was basically just bland overcooked onions
- Orange ChickenOrange Chicken was somehow spicy and tasteless
If you're looking for delicious, authentic Chinese food, especially their famous chicken wings, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent in flavor or portion size, so choose wisely.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
It seems the service here can be quite a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 52.2%. On the bright side, many customers rave about the fast service and describe the staff as super friendly and attentive, often going above and beyond to be accommodating. With 84 positive remarks, its clear that when things click, the service truly enhances the dining experience.
However, the overall score of 5.8 suggests theres room for improvement. Some diners have unfortunately encountered slow service, felt the restaurant was understaffed, or dealt with rude staff and even forgotten orders. These challenges are reflected in 65 negative comments, indicating inconsistencies that can impact the meal.
Service
161
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
65
negative
12
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceVisiting from out of town, our family stumbled upon this hidden gem in Chinatown, slightly off the main street. We had a delicious meal with friendly service. It felt like a true local neighborhood spot, which is exactly what we wanted.
- ServiceService is super friendly as well!
- staffThe staff were really nice
- serversThe servers are always, always, always accommodating
- tableIn the heart of Chinatown, there's lots to do in the surrounding area. We lucked out with getting a table quickly at this small restaurant, but they definitely maximize their seating. The service is quick, and you could see them hustling to stay atop of orders.
- waitressesThey also provide the option to take leftovers home. The waitresses are very quick, kind, and attentive to customers. To accompany the meal, they offer a hot Chinese tea to sip throughout your dining experience.
- Kind staffKind staff
- LindaLook for Linda! She is amazing!!!
- call aheadnext time I’ll call ahead !!
- card paymentKartenzahlung ist möglich
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhen I pointed this out, the staff stated, "it's okay, just eat them, those are your orders. " This experience missed the mark on service and satisfaction. Don't get served the wrong dish – read before you eat!
- waitressThe fried rice, however, was a disaster — the rice was undercooked and the entire dish lacked flavor. When we mentioned this to the waitress, she simply said the cook might have forgotten the salt, and no effort was made to compensate us. Very disappointing experience.
- staffService is typically frantic as they’re fulfilling to go orders for chicken wings with a very lean staff.
- waiting timetook exactly 59 minutes to fill out to go order
- customer serviceProbably the worst customer service I have ever received.
- orderour server forgot to place our order
- server with bangsserver with bangs is extremely rude
- serversServers screamed so loud for no apparent reasons
- Google payAlso my Google pay didn't work with two different cards
- bigger tableasked them if we can move to a bigger table and they immediately said “no
If youre looking for a place with potentially quick and friendly service, its worth a try, especially during non-peak hours. Just be prepared for the possibility of slower service or occasional inconsistencies, which might affect your overall experience.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 59.7%. Many appreciate the authentic feel, with 37 positive remarks out of 62 total. Guests often praise the interior set, atmosphere, and how well-lit the space is, giving it that classic Chinatown feel that many locals love.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 16 negative comments, some find the "place" a little too "crowded" and the "restaurant" itself can feel "cramped, " with "tables tightly packed. " A few even mentioned it being too "quiet" at times, which can make you feel like you cant speak freely.
Ambience
62
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
16
negative
9
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Chinatown feel
- Well-lit interior
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Too crowded
- Cramped seating
- Can be quiet
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were also excellent
- AtmosphereThe sesame chicken, beef and broccoli chow mein, and the string beans were all on point. The atmosphere was a perfect 5, and the food was a solid 5 as well. For lunch, the price was reasonable at $20–30 per person.
- Chinatownnestled into the heart of Chinatown a great place to be
- Chinatown feelCapital Restaurant has that classic, bustling Chinatown feel
- authentic spotSitio autóctono for eating good Chinese food
- energyYou step inside, and it’s like entering a dojo of flavors—every dish strikes like a lightning-fast punch, precise and powerful. The energy here is undeniable, a blend of tradition and mastery that hits you the moment you walk in. HIYAA!
- experienceyou can always count on a wonderful experience
- family style seatingfamily style seating which is great for chatting
- holes in a wall spotsexplore all the holes in a wall spots in Chinatown more
- interior setI love the graceful and balanced interior set
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt is also too crowded.
- crowdedthat place was super crowded
- placethe place was a little too small
- Chinatownquiet and deserted Chinatown has become
- cramped restaurantThis well-lit, cramped restaurant serves great food!
- decormaking due with being in an older neighborhood but the food and service definitely makes up for the decor or lack there of.
- forkfork given to me had a grain of yellow rice stuck
- ownershipChanged ownership. Different menu. Higher prices.
- quietIt was just a little quiet so you feel like you can’t speak very loud.
- restaurantWe really enjoyed the food we tasted, including the chicken wings, egg rolls, Capital Plate, and shrimp fried rice. Although the waitress was not pleasant and the restaurant is very small, we recommend this typical Chinatown spot.
If youre looking for an authentic, bustling Chinatown experience and dont mind getting cozy with your neighbors, this place could be a great fit. However, if spaciousness and a quiet dining experience are high on your list, you might find it a bit too cramped and lively for your taste.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score and a solid 75% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the reasonable prices, affordable menu options, and the excellent quality-price ratio, often finding it truly worth it. With 39 positive remarks out of 52 total, it's clear that many feel they get a good deal.
However, a few customers noted concerns, with 10 negative comments highlighting issues like the bill being higher than expected or seat-in prices feeling a bit pricy. Some felt it was a waste of money for the experience, suggesting that while generally good, there are occasional bumps in the road regarding value.
Value
52
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are fair
- Excellent value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Dine-in prices higher
- Can feel pricy
- Poor value perception
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the Chinese food to be great and the prices were good. The service was also excellent.
- priceWe loved the jalapeño wings, beef chow mein, and Shanghai noodles with beef. The flavor was incredible, and the portions were great for a great price. I especially loved that they had dark soy sauce on the table, as I love sauce!
- Price per personThe atmosphere was a perfect 5, and the food was a solid 5 as well. For lunch, the price was reasonable at $20–30 per person.
- PricePrice wise, it is reasonable
- PricesPrices were reasonable too
- affordablethey are affordable and very good too!
- affordable menuthe restaurant is that it had a very affordable menu
- cheap eatsMy experience at this restaurant was centered around enjoying some pretty good authentic old school Cantonese food. It's not fancy, but it offers solid cheap eats. I particularly enjoyed the fried chicken wings, and the shrimps with soft eggs on rice was also pretty tasty.
- credit cardthey accept credit card
- huge bowl of rice$2 for a huge bowl of rice is so touching
Frequently criticized
- pricesthe prices mentioned on Google under menu tab, seems to be for takeaway.
- billbut bill was 32 bucks… for 32 dollars not that ok.
- menuInterestingly the menu doesn't mention price.
- menusWhen we complained about the duck being too chewy and salty and requested a replacement, she yelled “NO” and walked away. We were also given two different menus, one with pricing and one without. When my husband inquired about the roasted duck's cost, she yelled at him to "Check this menu, " pointing to the one with prices.
- poor experiencehaving to pay for such a poor experience.
- pricya bit pricy compared with other nearby restaurants
- roasted duck costhow much the roasted duck cost, she yelled
- seat in pricesThe seat in prices are way higher ( nearly double).
- waste of moneyWaste of money
Overall, if youre looking for good value, this place is often a solid bet, offering reasonable prices for what you get. Just be mindful that some diners have experienced higher dine-in prices compared to online listings, so its worth double-checking before you commit.
How are the prices at Capital?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 137 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the spread, most guests are finding options in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing prices cluster nicely around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 137 reviews.
Comparing value for money: This restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think a price point around 27 per person feels quite fair. It suggests a good balance of quality and cost, offering solid value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Capital
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Chicken Wings Still Amazing!
I first visited in 2017 and have remembered the chicken wings ever since. I had to come back during this trip, and it did not disappoint. The Singapore noodles were a little bit dry but delicious.
My experience with the food was great, and the service and atmosphere were also excellent.
- chicken wings9
- Singapore noodles7
- food8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Wings and Chow Mein!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the salt and pepper fried wings, which were absolutely amazing. The house chow mein was also delightful.
I will definitely be back!
- salt and pepper fried wings10
- house chow mein9
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience with Bland Food
I do not recommend this restaurant. The food was just okay overall. We ordered the beef in clay pot, shrimp with walnuts, and fried rice.
The beef and shrimp were passable but nothing special. The fried rice, however, was a disaster — the rice was undercooked and the entire dish lacked flavor. When we mentioned this to the waitress, she simply said the cook might have forgotten the salt, and no effort was made to compensate us.
Very disappointing experience.
- food5
- beef in clay pot5
- shrimp with walnuts5
- fried rice2
- rice2
- dish2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Chinese Food Gem
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My experience at Capital Restaurant in Chinatown was outstanding. The food was simply amazing, with the chicken wings being absolutely delicious. Everything we tried was authentic Chinese cuisine, prepared with care and full of flavor.
Having traveled extensively throughout China, the dishes here felt truly authentic and brought back great memories. The staff were warm and kind, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. For anyone seeking real Chinese food in San Francisco, this is the place to go.
Everything served was tasty, genuine, and prepared beautifully. It was a true five-star experience.
- food10
- chicken wings10
- authentic Chinese cuisine10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Chinese Food, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's an authentic spot for enjoying good Chinese food at an unbeatable price. Everything was very good, and the portions were generous.
It's definitely worth going.
- authentic spot9
- good Chinese food9
- unbeatable price10
What Capital offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Can you make reservations at Capital in San Francisco's Chinatown?
Yes, you can easily make reservations at Capital, ensuring you secure your table for a delightful dining experience. This Chinese restaurant in San Francisco offers table service for both lunch and dinner, making it convenient for you to plan your visit. You’ll appreciate the flexibility for your meal.
What service options and accessibility features does Capital offer?
Capital provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, catering to your preferences. For accessibility, you’ll find wheelchair accessible restrooms and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. This San Francisco Chinese restaurant is committed to serving everyone.
How does Capital generally perform according to customer feedback?
Capital receives a Restaurant Score of 7.1 and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.4% . Food scores well (7.7), and Value (6.9) is often appreciated. However, Ambience (6.6) can be crowded, and Service (5.8) is noted as an area for improvement.
What are some of the most praised dishes at Capital?
Customers frequently highlight the chicken wings as exceptional. Other popular items include jalapeño wings , beef chow mein , and Shanghai noodles with beef , often praised for their incredible flavor and generous portions .
What are common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Capital?
Diners sometimes report inconsistent service , with staff occasionally perceived as overwhelmed or unresponsive. The atmosphere can be crowded and cramped . Additionally, some note price discrepancies between online menus and seat in prices , leading to unexpected bills.