Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mister Jiu’s – San Francisco
Mister Jiu's - San Francisco
Photo from Mister Jiu’s
Mister Jiu's at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 124 of the guests
#1933 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#192 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1060
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Elegant Ambience
- Creative Food
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Inconsistent Food
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Mister Jiu’s, a celebrated Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood, offers an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a truly upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out.
Beyond the exquisite dishes, you’ll appreciate the great wine list, carefully curated to complement your meal. This trendy spot is where modern Chinese cuisine meets sophisticated ambiance.
Overview: Introducting Mister Jiu's
Mister Jiu’s offers a distinctive dining experience with a lively ambience that many find appealing. Guests often praise the creative food offerings, noting unique flavors and presentations.
However, some diners have found the overall value to be a point of contention, with concerns about price and certain dishes not meeting expectations. The service also receives mixed feedback, despite many positive interactions.
Good
6.6
out of 10
1060
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
347
negative
74
neutral
639
positive
Mister Jiu’s earns a respectable 6.6 overall score, placing it in the average category. This is supported by a 60.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for many.
Based on 1060 customer opinions, with 639 positive and 347 negative, there’s a clear split in perceptions. The Ambience (7.9) stands out as a strong point, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Food (7) also performs well, suggesting a generally good culinary experience. However, Service (6.1) is more average, and Value (3.1) is notably low, indicating that many feel the cost doesn’t quite align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Elegant, lively ambience
- Creative, flavorful food
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud dining environment
With a 6.6 recommendation score, Mister Jiu’s presents a nuanced dining proposition. If you prioritize a stylish setting and innovative Chinese-inspired dishes, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for a significant investment and potentially inconsistent culinary execution. It’s a place that offers a unique experience, but one where expectations regarding value and certain dishes should be managed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mister Jiu's
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the culinary creativity and execution. The Peking duck often steals the show, praised for its crispy skin and flavorful meat, alongside other unique and flavorful dishes with excellent presentation. With 420 positive remarks out of 652 total, theres a strong appreciation for the artistry and quality of the offerings.
However, the experience isnt universally perfect, with 170 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. While the overall score for food is a respectable 7 (good), customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.4%. Some found dishes to be too salty or bland, and issues like unrendered duck fat or unbalanced portions were occasionally noted, particularly with the tasting menu.
Food
652
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
170
negative
62
neutral
420
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Peking duck excellence
- Creative, flavorful dishes
- Excellent presentation
What people don't like
- Too salty or bland
- Inconsistent duck quality
- Unbalanced portions
Often praised
- foodFood was top-notch, with exquisite flavors that brought traditional Chinese and San Francisco classics together in a unique and tasty combo.
- duckDuck was served with pate and chewy pancakes. It was among the more meaty preparations we’ve had and had salty, smoky skin.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and excellent service. The drinks were also good. They offer an expansive and expensive wine list.
- tasting menudid the tasting menu and it was so so much food but all very freaking delicious
- Peking duckThe dessert trio was also fantastic (9/10). The Peking duck was solid (7/10), but the sea urchin dish was mediocre (4/10). The 36-month jinhua ham was notably poor, tasting like frozen deli meat with nonsensical peach slices (1/10), and the fried rice was over-salted (2.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsDessert, the fifth course, was the perfect ending – not too sweet, well-balanced, and unique with salted egg incorporated into the cream. The cocktails were also perfectly executed and refined. Every part of the meal was worthy of being remembered and coming back for again and again.
- dishesFrom the moment you step in, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that's both elegant and inviting. The menu is a culinary journey, featuring dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful. The attentive service and attention to detail elevate the dining experience, making Mister Jiu's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a modern twist on Chinese cuisine.
- wine pairingamazing experience doing the tasting with the wine pairing
- Peking Duckorder the Peking Duck as they are known for this and it doesn't disappoint
Frequently criticized
- foodWe requested chili oil and experienced a long wait to receive it, only to be charged a ridiculous $2 for a small ramekin of plain oil. Overall, the food wasn't great, and we missed the old Mister Juis a la carte dining room experience.
- dishesHowever, after its shift to a course menu early on, many of their dishes lost their charm. Many of the dishes, which had unique twists and held a strong sense of heritage, were replaced with uninspired plates devoid of their Chinese roots. The price has also nearly doubled due to the course menu, making it much less accessible.
- Peking duckAnd the Peking duck is not Peking duck. It tasted like an over roasted over salted roast duck.
- tasting menuThe food is high quality, but nothing incredible. There are far better tasting menu experiences in the city at a much more reasonable price.
- duckthe duck... was dry with all the juices gone, and the skin was still not crispy
- dessertWe were too small of a group to justify getting the Peking duck, so we got the roasted quail instead, and it was palatable. Dessert was lackluster and thrown together haphazardly. All in all, we were extremely disappointed by the food here.
- food qualityAll in all, we were extremely disappointed by the food here. Perhaps you’re meant to only order the Peking duck here, because all the other dishes were awful and way overpriced for the quality. I would highly recommend saving your money and time and finding somewhere else to eat.
- Chinese foodThe service and drinks were absolutely fantastic, and the vibe was great. However, I found that there is better Chinese food to be had in the neighborhood.
- Chinese fusionThe duck that went back to the kitchen waited even longer, and when it returned, it was dry with all the juices gone, and the skin was still not crispy. If you want to taste a bizarre Chinese fusion that doesn't offer good value for money, go ahead. Like me, you'll definitely feel like you wasted your money ㅜㅜ.
- a la carte menuwouldn’t let us order off of their a la carte menu which had way better options
If youre looking for a creative Chinese dining experience with standout dishes like their famous Peking duck, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the food excellent, some experiences have been a bit inconsistent regarding seasoning and portion balance.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the service here! Many guests had wonderful things to say, praising the excellent service and the attentive and welcoming service from the staff. Shout-outs for knowledgeable servers and genuine hospitality were common, making for personalized experiences, as noted in 122 positive remarks out of 222 total comments.
However, it wasnt always smooth sailing. Some diners reported slow service, rude staff, and poor pacing, with issues like long waits and a general lack of communication. This mixed bag results in an average score of 6.1 and a customer satisfaction of 55%, suggesting there's definitely room for improvement in consistency, with 98 negative comments.
Service
222
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
98
negative
2
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceWe've had more flavorful and well-seasoned versions of these dishes at Chinese restaurants back home for a lower price point. The excellent service definitely elevated the experience, but the seasoning and flavor development could use some refinement.
- staffchat with the staff and they were all great fun
- ServiceService was impeccable
- serversMy experience at this restaurant offered a nice atmosphere and the servers were very friendly. However, it was way too expensive for the experience.
- serverOur server was attentive toward our dismay
- attentive and welcoming serviceattentive and welcoming service was immediately noticeable
- dietary restrictionsvery accommodating with our dietary restrictions
- hospitalityFantastic food, hospitality and artistry
- wait staffOur wait staff was incredibly wonderful
- waiterOur waiter, a lovely, vibrant young Thai lady took great care of us
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe palate cleanser was the best dish, which speaks volumes about the rest of the meal. Service was also subpar. A sauce was spilled near me, and it remained uncleared until dessert was served – certainly not the standard expected of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- staffThe wine pairing was also awful. The staff's level of service was comparable to that of a local Chinese restaurant.
- waiterwhen I didn’t eat it and mentioned that to the waiter, he said “I’ll tell the kitchen know so we can back off on that in the future.
- hostWe came for drinks with friends, and our friend was already upstairs. The host insisted we not go upstairs until it opened. However, they allowed our other friends through first and refused to let us go upstairs to join our friend.
- reservationhostess who said there was no reservation in their system
- serverOur server also forget to mark our table multiple times
- waiting timeJust decorating dishes with leaves and flowers doesn't make it Michelin-star fine dining. Especially after a long wait, the Peking Duck that finally arrived was still bleeding. I was surprised by the chef's lack of basic skills.
- 2-hour waitDespite a lengthy 2-hour wait
- communicationpoor part is the communication ahead of the reservation
- serversnothing can be understand from servers due to the terrible acoustics
The service here can be a bit of a mixed bag; you might get truly exceptional care, or you could face some frustrating delays and communication issues. If youre looking for consistently flawless service, this might not be your top pick, but if youre willing to take a chance, you could have a great experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 7.9 and a strong customer satisfaction of 79.8%. With 91 positive remarks out of 114 total comments, guests frequently praise the decor, vibe, atmosphere, and overall dining experience. Many describe an elegant, lively, and unique setting, with stunning restaurant decor and even romantic touches that make for a special night out.
However, not every aspect of the atmosphere hit the mark for everyone, with 17 negative observations. Some found the music too loud, contributing to a loud place with noticeable background noise. There were also comments about small table sizes and less-than-ideal seating, which occasionally detracted from the desired special feel.
Ambience
114
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant, lively atmosphere
- Stunning decor, unique vibe
- Romantic dining experience
What people don't like
- Loud music, background noise
- Small, uncomfortable tables
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and excellent service. The drinks were also good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMister Jiu's is not just a great choice for individual dining but also a suitable Michelin restaurant for gatherings. The prices are relatively affordable for the Bay Area, and the ambiance is elegant yet retains historical charm, making it an ideal choice for family reunions, business banquets, or hosting friends visiting San Francisco's Chinatown. Most impressively, this restaurant has found a balance on the difficult path of 'innovative Chinese cuisine, ' preserving the soul of Chinese food while appealing to the Western market.
- ambienceThe ambience of the restaurant is lively, modern, and full of personality.
- vibeThe vibe is immaculate
- dining experienceJiu's was definitely not typical of a Chinese restaurant. The establishment offered interesting flavors and textures, along with unique presentations, leading to an unparalleled dining experience. However, I noticed that none of the staff were of Asian descent.
- restaurantCan't think of a better restaurant you can walk into without reservations
- bathroomMy experience was superb across the board. The food was exceptional, the service was impeccable, and the decor was stunning – even the bathroom was gorgeous. My husband and I celebrated our 1-year wedding anniversary here, and the staff thoughtfully wrote us a very cute card as a thank you.
- decorThe decor was nice
- experiencelooking for a deluxe experience in Chinatown
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereplating it properly in a average decor restaurant
- musicThe music was too loud
- Michelin qualityNot a Michelin quality experience
- ParkingParking is a pain
- acousticsTerrible acoustics, really random music
- background noisethe background noise can be very loud at sometimes.
- cleaning products smellthe smell of cheap cleaning products started to waft through.
- establishmentPretentious is the word I use to describe this type of establishment
- high tableseated at a small high table in the hallway
- loud placeLoud place
If you're seeking a restaurant with a vibrant, beautifully designed, and often romantic atmosphere, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that it can get quite lively and loud, and some seating arrangements might be a bit snug.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found their meal to be worth every penny, appreciating the prices for a filling experience. While the overall customer satisfaction for this topic is quite good at 8.3, indicating many positive experiences, the actual score for value sits at a poor 3.1, suggesting a significant disconnect for many. However, a much larger group of 62 out of 72 total comments felt the experience was expensive and not worth it, often citing high price and pricing issues.
This indicates that despite some finding good value, a substantial number of guests felt the cost didn't align with their expectations, leading to disappointment.
Value
72
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
62
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Meal worth every penny
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Not worth it
- High price
Often praised
- pricesMister Jiu's is not just a great choice for individual dining but also a suitable Michelin restaurant for gatherings. The prices are relatively affordable for the Bay Area, and the ambiance is elegant yet retains historical charm, making it an ideal choice for family reunions, business banquets, or hosting friends visiting San Francisco's Chinatown. Most impressively, this restaurant has found a balance on the difficult path of 'innovative Chinese cuisine, ' preserving the soul of Chinese food while appealing to the Western market.
- coursecourse was $125/person + $85 for the fish, so not cheap, but definitely worth it!
- mealall found the meal filling and worth every penny
- priceThe food is worth every penny
- price per personhappy to dine here at $140/ person for the tasting menu
Frequently criticized
- priceA sauce was spilled near me, and it remained uncleared until dessert was served – certainly not the standard expected of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The duck itself was good, with crispy skin and moist meat, but the question remains whether it was worth the $175. Having tried duck dishes in Asia and New York, this was an average offering, not deserving of such a high price tag.
- Michelin starnot a Michelin star would be higher rated
- mealHaving tried duck dishes in Asia and New York, this was an average offering, not deserving of such a high price tag. In summary, the meal was not worth the cost, especially considering it was a set menu for New Year's Eve. I emailed for feedback three days ago and have yet to receive a response.
- price per personhaving to pay $300 per reason
- $1200Dinner for 5, 1 round of drinks, $1200
- $350Think we spent around $350
- $3700The worst $3700 I ever spent at a restaurant
- 20% service charge20% service already added on the bill is a bit of turn off
- 5 coursetheir 5 course cost over $160 per person
- Michelin star restaurantsyou can’t trust michelin star restaurants anymore
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed bag on value. While some find it absolutely worth the cost, a significant number of diners feel its overpriced. Go in with clear expectations about the price point, and you might just be one of the satisfied ones.
How are the prices at Mister Jiu's?
On average, you’ll spend around 101 per person – from 124 guests. That places the restaurant firmly in the $101+ category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s certainly a higher-end experience.
Looking at the data, most of the prices actually cluster heavily in that $101+ range, suggesting a consistently premium offering rather than a wide mix of cheap and expensive options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 124 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the $101+ price point, wed say the pricing feels fair if the quality and experience match this higher-end Chinese dining expectation in San Francisco. Its definitely a spot for a special occasion or when you’re looking to splurge on an elevated meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mister Jiu's
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Excellent Service and Unique Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was truly one of the best finds in SF. The wait staff provided excellent service, accommodating us even when their moongate lounge was closed. They were also super friendly.
Each dish we were served was unique, flavorful, and had an excellent presentation.
- excellent service10
- super friendly10
- unique9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing time despite kitchen issues
My experience at the restaurant was made amazing by the waiter Esteban. Even though the kitchen ran out of my first choice, his recommendations and enthusiasm helped make the experience better. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service was also rated 5.
The food was rated 5, and there was no wait time.
- waiter Esteban10
- recommendations9
- enthusiasm9
- kitchen4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Michelin Experience
My experience at what is supposed to be the only primarily Chinese Michelin-starred restaurant in the USA was truly disappointing. Before arriving, I made seven calls and sent two emails to reschedule our reservation, but received no response. Upon arrival, our attempts to communicate were not acknowledged.
While the ambience was pleasant and the portion sizes were surprisingly generous, I couldn't help but notice the lack of other Chinese diners, which felt unusual. The service was erratic; our waiter was often absent when needed, yet rushed to clear plates prematurely. We struggled to get their attention to order drinks.
A significant issue was being charged for a dessert that was presented as complimentary for a birthday. The food was inconsistent. The snack course (shrimp chips, mala peanut, carrots with tofu sauce) was amazing and creatively executed (8/10).
The dessert trio was also fantastic (9/10). The Peking duck was solid (7/10), but the sea urchin dish was mediocre (4/10). The 36-month jinhua ham was notably poor, tasting like frozen deli meat with nonsensical peach slices (1/10), and the fried rice was over-salted (2.
5/10). For a restaurant of this caliber, the lack of communication, inconsistent service, and uneven food quality did not meet expectations. A few great dishes couldn't compensate for the overall shortcomings.
- ambience7
- portion sizes7
- snack course8
- service2
- sea urchin dish4
- 36-month jinhua ham1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Food, Amazing Service, Worth a Return
My experience at this restaurant was quite good. While the Peking duck menu wasn't my absolute favorite in San Francisco, it was still enjoyable. The dishes served before the duck truly stole the show, offering bigger portions than expected, which was a pleasant surprise.
They also had some interesting drinks on offer. The service was amazing, and I will definitely return. However, next time, I plan to try the a la carte menu.
- Peking duck menu7
- food9
- portions8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Underwhelming Experience, Overpriced Meal
I was really excited to try this spot, as it had been on my list for a long time. However, my experience was pretty underwhelming. While I anticipated the food to be expensive, I expected the dishes to match the price tag, which they didn't.
The food took a very long time to come out. The noodles were fine, but the green beans were drenched in sauce. The dumplings were pretty good, though only three were served.
The small dessert was just okay. Given that SF has so many phenomenal Asian restaurants, you're better off going to one of those for a more satisfying and less expensive meal.
- food5
- noodles6
- dumplings7
- dishes3
- green beans3
- meal3
What Mister Jiu's offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Mister Jiu's?
Yes, reservations are required to secure your table at Mister Jiu’s, especially for dinner. It’s highly recommended to make your dinner reservations in advance to ensure you can experience this popular San Francisco Chinese restaurant.
Is Mister Jiu's accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Mister Jiu’s is designed to be welcoming for all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. You can dine comfortably knowing these amenities are available.
What is the overall score for Mister Jiu's and how do its key aspects perform?
Mister Jiu’s has an overall score of 6.6. Its Ambience (7.9) and Food (7) are generally well-regarded, while Service (6.1) is average, and Value (3.1) is a notable concern for many diners.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Mister Jiu's?
Guests frequently praise Mister Jiu’s for its elegant, lively, and modern atmosphere. Many describe it as having an immaculate vibe and stunning decor, making for a distinctive dining experience.
Is Mister Jiu's considered good value for money?
Customer opinions suggest that value is a significant concern, with a score of 3.1. Many diners find the prices to be very high, questioning if the overall meal justifies the cost, especially for the tasting menu.