Restaurants in Chinatown and Nob Hill

Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant

11 Walter U. Lum Place, 94108 Tel (415) 398-1215

 

Situated across from the Transamerica Pyramid, the Golden Star is narrow and crowded, and the decor is as plain as a school cafeteria. Nonetheless, this little gem serves up big rice dishes and meat portions for very little money. The lunch specials are exceptional value.

 

Henry’s Hunan

674 Sacramento St, 94111 Tel (415) 788-2234

 

Liberally using chunks of dried red chilies in its piquant food, this local chain lives up to its name. Though the decor is basic, making a functional use of Formica, the dishes are authentic and tasty, irrespective of the spiciness – the staff will tone it down on request. It is closed at weekends.

 

House of Nanking

919 Kearny, 94133 Tel (415) 421-1429

 

The good, traditional menu at the tiny House of Nanking attracts a loyal clientele. Even though the waiters here are a little unfriendly, food comes in generous portions and the prices are reasonably low. The menu offers favorites like sesame chicken and a good selection of vegetarian options. There is usually a wait, but it is well worth it.

 

Yuet Lee

1300 Stockton St, 94133 Tel (415) 982-6020

 

Yuet Lee’s excellent fresh seafood menu and low prices are the reasons for locals flocking here. It has a live fish tank and the chef will cook a whole fish or crab to order. Specialties include steamed fish and seafood; shrimp and pork dumplings; salt-and-pepper squid; and an array of vegetables such as long bean, bokchoy, and asparagus. It opens until 3am.

 

Great Eastern

649 Jackson St, 94133 Tel (415) 986-2500

 

A longtime favorite in Chinatown, Great Eastern has a menu featuring reliable, if not inspired, Mandarin dishes.

The real draw here is the fresh seafood swimming in the tanks – make sure to ask the waiter for the day’s specials to sample the best that the restaurant has to offer.

 

Nob Hill Café

1152 Taylor St, 94108 Tel (415) 776-6500

 

Nob Hill Café is a local favorite, frequently crowded to the rafters, as diners enjoy home-style Italian dishes. Visitors often spot “The Twins” – the delightful Brown sisters – here. The similarly dressed duo is as much a San Francisco institution as Nob Hill itself.

 

R&G Lounge

631 Kearny St, 94108 Tel (415) 982-7877

 

R&G Lounge features authentic Cantonese and seafood specialties. The decor is rather modest, but the food is always good and the prices are reasonable. Always ask for the specials of the day to sample the most unusual dishes they have on offer.

 

Street

2141 Polk St, 94109 Tel (415) 775-1055

 

Comfort food at its finest makes this neighborhood restaurant a favorite. Street is noisy and crowded, but the platters are ample. Try one of the best seafood entrées – big, juicy Gulf prawns served in a saffron-laced lobster broth over buttery homemade pasta. Round it up with the not-too-sweet pecan bread pudding.

 

Jai Yun

680 Clay St, 94111 Tel (415) 981-7438 Map 5 B3

 

Set in a small space and simply decorated, Jai Yun is full of surprises. The daily prix-fixe includes a series of constantly-changing, small dishes containing fresh ingredients purchased the same morning from the markets. The excellent seafood menu features abalone, squid, and shrimp dishes.

 

Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk Street, 94109 Tel (415) 673-1101 Map 5 A4

 

Lines can be long at this popular lunch destination as no reservations are accepted. The clam chowder is considered the best in the city by many, but all the seafood here is fresh. A small establishment but worth it for exquisite and plentiful seafood choices. Don’t miss sampling the oysters. Cash only payments.

 

Tags: San Francisco Restaurants

Related articles

• No related articles.