Dim Sum for all occasions
Dim Sum can be a special treat, a weekend ritual, or a three in the morning detour. In San Francisco, Dim Sum restaurants come in all forms making it easy to find an eatery that caters to your dim sum style. From fancy to casual, expensive to cheap cheap cheap, here is a short list of the best Dim Sum places in the city.
Ton Kiang is my pick. It is a little on the pricey side, but still casual and comfortable. Most of the tables are round, besides the few booths. The service is quick and friendly and the dim sum fresh and yummy. The menu comes with charming drawing of what each dumpling looks like...just in case you have forgotten the name of your favorite type of dim sum.
Yank Sing is one of the nicer dim sum places in San Francisco. Located in the Rincon Center, you may need a reservation for this spot, especially for Sunday brunch. Yank Sing is expensive, but expect speedy service and perfect dim sum. This is the spot to go if you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion.
Dol Ho is much, much, much cheaper than Yank Sing and is an entirely different experience. But, if you are looking for a casual place to stop in and grab some steaming treats, this Nob Hill spot has consistently good dim sum. For just $4 you can walk away with a belly full of 10 pieces of dim sum! Don’t be deterred by the tiny space and disorganized and crowded cluster of people.
Good Luck Dim Sum is the best spot in the city to order Dim Sum to-go. There is usually a line weaving out of this small Clement street eatery, but if you call ahead, you can dart in and out in a jiffy! Go for the BBQ pork buns as they are sweet, savory, and delicious!
Hang Ah Tea Room is housed at the end of a classic Chinatown alley. The restaurant was opened in 1920 and has stuck around for good reasons. They have good vegetarian dim sum, neon green and yellow walls with red chairs and, once again, cheap prices.