Asian food in San Francisco

★★★★★

Rintaro

This is the beautiful izakaya that we have in town. It really cares about yakitori. And the chicken skewers are really recommended. But try everything and ask for the specials. You'll have a blast. Their sake selection is also really good. It really feels like Tokyo in the Mission.

★★★★★

Mensho Tokyo

This is the best ramen in town -rich, creamy broth, and it's just perfectly cooked. You will have to make a line, and of course, it's in the Tenderloin, so some people get a little bit worried about it, but trust me, totally worth it. And they have also a branch in Tokyo. I think the one in San Francisco was even first, not sure about that, but good to consider it.

Shizen

Vegan sushi that converts carnivores. The spicy tuna (made from tomatoes) and the candied walnut & quinoa roll are revelations. Proof that plant-based dining can be both sustainable and indulgent.

Ju-ni

Intimate 12-seat omakase sushi bar from former Saison chef Geoffrey Lee. The $300+ tasting menu features pristine fish flown in from Tsukiji Market. Watching the chef's knife work up close is part of the experience. Reservations essential.

Marufuku Ramen

Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with rich pork bone broth simmered for 20+ hours. Choose your noodle firmness and richness level. The black garlic oil adds incredible depth. One of SF's best ramen shops, expect a wait.

Oma San Francisco Station

Located in the heart of Japantown, Oma is designed to resemble an izakaya. It is the best omakase in Japantown.

Doma Sushi

Doma remains open, but this recommendation moved with the restaurant from its former Cortland Avenue address to 433 Precita Avenue. The welcoming neighborhood setting, omakase, nigiri, salmon skin salad, and ankimo remain the reasons to go.

★★★★★

Mister Jiu's

Try the duck. This is a Michelin-starred Chinese American restaurant in Chinatown -the original Chinatown of San Francisco. The video will show you how much care they put into that duck, and they also do amazing hot pot and cocktails.

★★★★☆

China Live

China Live made what Eataly is for Italian food but for Chinese food in Chinatown. They have an amazing variety of stuff, great for groups. Try all the different dim sum. The Xiaolongbao is always a great recommendation, and it's a very big space. Not only do they have the restaurant, but there's also a speakeasy that's highly recommended.

★★★★★

HK Lounge Bistro

One of my top places for dumplings in San Francisco. The xiaolongbao just tastes really good, and the pork buns are tender and flavorful. Go for breakfast on a weekend, but it gets super crowded because the place is very small.

Four Kings

Cozy place that reminds me of the feeling of some izakayas, but the variety is amazing. You get Singaporean, Korean, and a lot of Taiwanese and Chinese delicatessen influences all in one dinner. Great food, great ambience, and one of the most fun meals in Chinatown.

Yuanbao Jiaozi

Handmade dumplings are the star. Try the pork & chive and the fish dumplings. Their hand-pulled noodles in rich broths are equally exceptional. A neighborhood favorite for authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.

Dumpling Time

Watch dumpling makers through the glass window. The colorful xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and the King-Dum (massive pork & shrimp dumpling) are Instagram-famous for good reason. Modern take on dim sum classics.

Kingdom of Dumplings

No-frills spot for authentic Beijing-style dumplings. Their lamb & cumin dumplings and the hand-pulled biang biang noodles are exceptional. Cash only, worth the trek to the Richmond.

Z & Y

Explosive Sichuan flavors, the tea-smoked duck and mapo tofu will test your spice tolerance. Their 'Explosive Chili Chicken' is buried in chilies. One of the best regional Chinese restaurants in America.

Terra Cotta Warrior

[Christian's notes to come]

House of Pancakes

[Christian's notes to come]

★★★★★

San Ho Won

Chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang's Michelin-starred Korean charcoal barbecue restaurant. The house menu is generous, the banchan and vegetables are as carefully handled as the meat, and the charcoal-grilled beef is the centerpiece. Reservations can be difficult, so book when they are released.

★★★★☆

Burma Love

The Valencia branch is the best one. Find an excuse to reserve the big round table, and get there early for a drink at the bar. Tea leaf salad is a must. Menlo Park and Mint Plaza get special mention. Sister properties: Kayah by Burma Love at Chase Center, and Teakwood by Burma Love in Hayes Valley.

Burma Superstar

The tea leaf salad is legendary, fermented tea leaves with nuts and seeds create umami magic. Rainbow salad and coconut rice are also must-orders. Expect a wait; this place introduced Burmese cuisine to many Americans.