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The 16 Best Asian Food Spots in San Francisco

For those craving Asian food in San Francisco, the city offers a wide array of options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Chinese cuisine, flavorful Japanese dishes, spicy Thai fare, or delicious Vietnamese pho, San Francisco has it all.

With its diverse population and rich culinary history, San Francisco is a food lover's paradise, especially when it comes to Asian cuisine. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there is something for everyone's taste buds in this vibrant city.

Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Asian food in San Francisco, this list will guide you to some of the top restaurants the city has to offer.

Continue reading to discover the 16 Best Asian Food Spots in San Francisco:

How we chose and ordered them

To put together this guide to Asian food spots in San Francisco, we looked at what each business really focuses on, how its customers rate it over time and what it shows about its work on its own channels. The order is ours and we review it regularly.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Quick overview

Our top picks

Choose a business to go straight to its entry.

#1
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
4.9192 reviews
#2
Zen Yai
4.5613 reviews
#3
Kung Food
4.5495 reviews

All options

Weigh 16 local options side by side

Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie, San Francisco#1
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the unique flavors and best empanadas at Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie.

  • The staff is friendly and creates a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

  • The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes like yuca fries, fried fish, and rice plates at reasonable prices.

  • Patrons describe the food as amazing, tasty, and generous, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie

4.9192 reviews
572 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie is a vibrant Asian fusion restaurant in San Francisco that blends Chinese and Venezuelan flavors to create a unique dining experience. The restaurant offers a range of service options like delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite dishes. With an overall rating of 4.9, based on 192 reviews, customers rave about the exceptional food and service provided.

Step into Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie to discover a fusion of delectable Asian and Latin American cuisines that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you coming back for more.

Zen Yai, San Francisco#2
What it does well

  • The food is amazing, especially the noodles. The staff is welcoming and friendly. Although the surroundings can be a bit intimidating at night, the overall experience is perfect.

  • The dishes are unique, fresh, and flavorful, truly authentic Thai cuisine. From pad Thai to fried calamari and green curry, every dish is a delight.

  • The boat noodle is a must-try, with small bowls allowing for multiple options. Customers enjoy the flexibility to customize their dishes to their liking.

  • The combination Thai boat noodles are a highlight, featuring a mix of flavors, textures, and spiciness that satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Zen Yai

4.5613 reviews
771 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Zen Yai Thai Restaurant is a hidden gem in San Francisco known for its authentic and delicious Thai cuisine. Offering services like Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, Zen Yai is a favorite spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Patrons praise the fast service and the cozy, casual atmosphere, making it a top choice for locals and tourists alike. The accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating ensure that everyone can enjoy a meal at Zen Yai.

Customer reviews rave about the food, service, and overall experience at Zen Yai. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

Whether you're craving a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, Zen Yai Thai Restaurant promises a delightful culinary experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Kung Food, San Francisco#3
What it does well

  • Generous portions and a diverse menu catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians.

  • Fast and welcoming service, making it a great spot for a quick lunch with family.

  • Flavorful dishes like beef Chow Fun and stir-fried green beans have left customers highly satisfied.

  • The friendly service and delicious food combo make it a highly recommended place to enjoy some great Chinese cuisine.

Kung Food

4.5495 reviews
1615 McAllister St #4413, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Kung Food is a popular Chinese restaurant in San Francisco that offers a wide range of options for customers looking for authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine. With a rating of 4.5, it has garnered praise from many satisfied diners. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Visit Kung Food to experience a cozy atmosphere, a variety of comfort food options, and excellent service that keeps customers coming back for more.

TLocal choice
#4
What it does well

  • Customers mention the laksa noodle soup as flavorful and coconut-rich.

  • Guests appreciate the attentive and kind staff.

  • Some comments highlight the garlic fries with curry mayo as a standout dish.

  • Overall, the restaurant is praised for its variety of dishes and reasonable prices.

The Spice Jar

4.5435 reviews
2500 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

The Spice Jar is a prominent Asian fusion restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. The restaurant offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. It is known for its fast service and great tea selection, making it popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

With a high rating of 4.5 stars from 435 reviews, The Spice Jar is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for a delicious and diverse Asian cuisine experience.

AsiaSF, San Francisco#5
What it does well

  • Customers loved the entertaining performances by the talented queens.

  • Food was described as good with a variety of options, including vegetarian choices.

  • The Atmosphere was highlighted as trendy, offering a fun and positive vibe.

  • Many patrons expressed sadness over the news of the restaurant closing, wishing the team good luck and hoping for a comeback.

AsiaSF

4.4498 reviews
201 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

AsiaSF is a renowned restaurant in San Francisco known for its trendy atmosphere, great beer selection, and inclusive performances. The establishment offers a dine-in experience with a diverse menu, including small plates, vegan options, and late-night food. Customers have praised the venue for its exceptional service and unforgettable shows.

Saucy Asian (San Francisco)#6
What it does well

  • Good value for price

  • Unique dishes that are Asian fusion

  • Fast service and helpful staff

  • Large portions and delicious flavors

Saucy Asian (San Francisco)

4.4327 reviews
3801 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Saucy Asian is a popular Korean restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of service options including outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy their fast service in a casual and trendy atmosphere, making it great for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining. The restaurant provides vegetarian options, vegan options, small plates, and healthy choices among their offerings.

Customer reviews highlight several key points:

One customer loved the kimchi burrito, describing it as flavorful and a good deal. Another customer mentioned the affordable prices and impressive portion sizes. While the majority of reviews were positive, there was one negative review regarding a foreign object found in the food. Overall, Saucy Asian seems to be a favorite spot for those looking for delicious Korean fusion cuisine in a fun and casual setting.

China Live, San Francisco#7
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the great tea selection and the beautifully cooked soup dumplings.

  • The peking duck is a standout dish, but some customers find the food options to be a bit lacking in flavor.

  • The service receives high praise, with friendly and attentive waitstaff making the dining experience memorable.

China Live

4.32,538 reviews
644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

China Live is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in San Francisco, offering a wide range of culinary delights. The restaurant is praised for its outdoor seating and fast service, providing customers with a pleasant dining experience. With a rating of 4.3, it has become a popular choice for those looking to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.

Kin Khao, San Francisco#8
What it does well

  • Delicious and authentic Thai cuisine with perfectly balanced spices.

  • Exceptional service and great ambiance enhancing the overall dining experience.

  • Spicy food lovers will enjoy the variety of flavors and textures offered.

  • Generous portions and well-crafted dishes leaving patrons eager to return.

Kin Khao

4.31,723 reviews
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Kin Khao is a renowned Thai restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. The restaurant offers a variety of service options including Takeaway and Dine-in to cater to different preferences. It is highly popular for both Lunch and Dinner, making it a fantastic spot for Solo dining as well.

Customers have left numerous positive reviews for Kin Khao. Some key points from the reviews include:

Experience the delightful flavors and inviting atmosphere at Kin Khao, where every dish is a culinary journey to Thailand.

E&O Kitchen and Bar, San Francisco#9
What it does well

  • Quick service and cool atmosphere, food flavors could use improvement.

  • Yummy dishes like Indonesian fried rice and corn fritters, attentive service.

  • Great customer service, delicious food, and beautiful ambiance, must-try the corn fritters.

  • Amazing options with aesthetically pleasing dishes, highly recommended for a date or family dinner.

E&O Kitchen and Bar

4.31,306 reviews
314 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

E&O Kitchen and Bar is a well-known Asian restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of services and features to make dining a pleasant experience for their customers.

Some of the highlighted services at E&O Kitchen and Bar include outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. They are popular for their fast service and great dessert selections.

Customer reviews highlight a few key points:

With a strong rating of 4.3 based on 1306 reviews, E&O Kitchen and Bar is a top choice for Asian cuisine lovers in San Francisco. Visit their website for more information and to make reservations.

Fang, San Francisco#10
What it does well

  • Customer was impressed with the food quality and variety, giving a 5-star rating for the food and ambiance.

  • A customer enjoyed a variety of pescatarian dishes recommended by the chef, but noted the service was rushed.

  • One reviewer found the food delicious but overly oily and lacking pescatarian options.

Fang

4.21,469 reviews
660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Fang is a popular Chinese restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The restaurant is known for its fast service and great tea selection. Customers appreciate the lunch and dinner options as well as solo dining.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Tai Chi, San Francisco#11

Tai Chi

4.2129 reviews
2031 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Tai Chi Chinese restaurant on Polk St in San Francisco offers a variety of services to cater to their customers' needs. With options like Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, this restaurant ensures you can enjoy their delicious food wherever you are. Known for their fast service, Tai Chi is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The atmosphere is casual, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal.

Customer reviews rave about the great customer service at Tai Chi. One customer highlighted the kindness of the staff, especially when arriving just before closing time. Another praised the value and taste of the lunch specials, emphasizing the good portions and cheerful service. A reviewer mentioned the delicious Chow Mein and expressed intent to try more items on the menu.

Overall, customers appreciate the quality of food, generous portions, and the friendly atmosphere at Tai Chi Chinese restaurant.

New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant, San Francisco#12
What it does well

  • If you like authentic Chinese food in a dive setting, THIS is the place. The hot and sour soup was delicious and quite spicy, and the chow fun was awesome with tender beef. Service was fast, although language barriers made communication a bit challenging.

  • Despite being in a basement, the restaurant is surprisingly clean and orderly. The lunch specials under $10 come with complimentary soup and tea. The friendly waitstaff sets this place apart from others in Chinatown.

  • This oldest restaurant in the neighborhood serves incredibly delicious appetizers and entrees, even better than what was experienced in Hong Kong. The staff is polite and even offers complimentary soup.

  • Generous portions of tasty food make the family meal option a hit, coupled with friendly service which adds to the overall dining experience.

New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant

4.1383 reviews
699 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant is a beloved Chinese restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco. Known for its fast service and authentic Chinese cuisine, this restaurant offers a variety of dining options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers have highlighted some key points in their reviews:

With a rating of 4.1, New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant continues to impress customers with its flavorful dishes and attentive service. The establishment is an excellent choice for those craving a genuine Chinese culinary experience.

Z & Y Restaurant, San Francisco#13
What it does well

  • Great food with dishes like spicy chicken and boiled beef that are very delicious.

  • Some complaints about the service being a bit rushed, but understandable given the bustling downtown location.

  • Impressive food quality for those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.

  • Offers an array of options including vegetarian choices and small plates.

Z & Y Restaurant

4.02,638 reviews
655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Z & Y Restaurant is a renowned Chinese restaurant located in San Francisco. The establishment offers a variety of services, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers appreciate the fast service and great tea selection available at the restaurant.

King Kee, San Francisco#14
What it does well

  • Came in for the chicken with chilies, but lacked flavor

  • Delicious BBQ pork and shrimp with mayo, albeit slightly expensive

  • Affordable and tasty Chinese food, great for lunch or dinner

  • Excellent food quality, filling portions, and affordable prices

King Kee

4.0485 reviews
101 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

King Kee Chinese restaurant in San Francisco offers a range of services for customers, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant is known for its fast service and great tea selection, making it a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have left positive reviews highlighting the tasty and affordable Chinese food, with one reviewer mentioning the delicious Shanghai Dumplings, potstickers, and chicken chow mein. Another praised the General Tso's Chicken and spring rolls, noting the crispiness and delicious flavors. Overall, visitors appreciate the great menu, good service, and delicious food offered at King Kee.

Benihana, San Francisco#15
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the entertaining atmosphere with chefs cooking in front of guests

  • The food quality is excellent, with delicious options like hibachi scallops and fried rice

  • Many visitors recommend making reservations in advance or being prepared for a wait

  • Overall, Benihana offers a unique dining experience that is worth the price for the great food and entertainment

Benihana

3.91,551 reviews
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Benihana is a renowned Japanese restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a wide range of service options such as kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers especially love the Great tea selection and the fact that Benihana is popular for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known for providing a fun and entertaining dining experience where chefs cook right in front of you.

Bamboo Restaurant, San Francisco#16
What it does well

  • AMAZING party experience with fantastic ambience, food, and decorations. Highly recommend.

  • Friendly staff, great food recommendations, and speedy service with fresh and tasty dishes.

  • Small but beautiful gem with delicious food and exceptional service. Complimentary tea and warm soup provided.

Bamboo Restaurant

3.9211 reviews
1441 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Bamboo Restaurant is a beloved Chinese restaurant located in San Francisco, with a rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 211 reviews. Customers rave about the fast service and the delicious food offered for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is popular for solo dining and is highly recommended for its affordable and delicious menu options.

Quick summary

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie 4.9192
#2Zen Yai 4.5613
#3Kung Food 4.5495
#4The Spice Jar 4.5435
#5AsiaSF 4.4498
#6Saucy Asian (San Francisco) 4.4327
#7China Live 4.32,538
#8Kin Khao 4.31,723
#9E&O Kitchen and Bar 4.31,306
#10Fang 4.21,469
#11Tai Chi 4.2129
#12New Woey Loy Goey Restaurant 4.1383
#13Z & Y Restaurant 4.02,638
#14King Kee 4.0485
#15Benihana 3.91,551
#16Bamboo Restaurant 3.9211

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On the map

Map of Asian Food Spots in San Francisco

San Francisco is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and this is especially evident in its vibrant Asian food scene. From delectable dim sum in Chinatown to savory ramen in Japantown, there is something for every palate to enjoy. Explore the map below to discover the best Asian cuisine spots in the city.

How to pick Asian Food Spots in San Francisco

  1. Various types of Asian cuisine available.
  2. Options for all budgets.
  3. Locations throughout the city.
  4. Reviews and ratings from locals and tourists.
  5. Specialty dishes and unique flavors.

Common questions

What are some popular Asian food options in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse Asian culinary scene. Some popular options include dim sum in Chinatown, Japanese ramen in Japantown, Korean BBQ in Inner Richmond, and Thai street food in the Tenderloin.

Where can I find the best dim sum in San Francisco?

If you're looking for the best dim sum experience in San Francisco, head to iconic restaurants like Yank Sing or City View Restaurant in Chinatown. These places are known for their delicious dim sum offerings and bustling atmospheres.

What are the must-try dishes in Japantown?

When visiting Japantown in San Francisco, be sure to try ramen from places like Japantown Ramen or Mensho Tokyo. You can also enjoy sushi at Kiss Seafood or traditional Japanese sweets at Benkyodo Co.

Where can I find authentic Korean cuisine in San Francisco?

If you're craving Korean flavors in San Francisco, head to Inner Richmond where you'll find restaurants like San Tung serving up delicious Korean BBQ dishes. You can also try bi bim bap at My Tofu House for a taste of authentic Korean cuisine.

What are the best spots for Thai food in San Francisco?

For mouthwatering Thai dishes in San Francisco, head to the Tenderloin where you'll find restaurants like Lers Ros and Osha Thai Restaurant. Indulge in classics like pad thai and green curry for a truly authentic Thai dining experience.

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