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San Francisco's best

Chinese food salad spots

Sometimes the body craves something crisp and green, but the heart is set on the savory depth of Chinese stir-fry.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Simple, clean space with spacious seating and unassuming decor creates a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Energy stays easygoing and unpretentious, welcoming a steady flow of diners. Focus centers on authentic, handmade dumplings served in generous portions at affordable prices.

Salads here include a Shredded Bean Curd Salad with sliced tofu skin in a strong-flavored dressing and a Potato Salad that balances spice, texture, and sweetness like Korean or Thai papaya salads. The Cucumber Salad is freshly cut, mixed to order, and offers a refreshing, tasty staple.

Freshly made Northern Chinese-style dumplings stand out with thin, delicate skins and well-balanced fillings. Options include pork, beef and onion, fish, vegetarian, and Xiao Long Bao, all prepared in-house with care.

People are saying

"I had some of the best dumplings I've ever experienced."

"These pot stickers have a crunchy, chewy skin and leak delicious juice."

"I thought the Chinese food dumplings were mind blowing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves a variety of dumplings, including boiled, pan-fried, and soup dumplings.

2

Prices are very low compared to other dumpling places in the city.

3

Portions are generous, with 14 dumplings per order.

02
Today Food image 1
Restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen where fresh dumplings are made in view. Atmosphere feels authentic and cozy, lively with friendly faces despite limited seating. Offers fresh handmade dumplings considered among the best outside China.

The cucumber salad stands out as fresh and spicy, often paired with pork and cabbage dumplings that are consistently good. Chicken salad also appears as a delicious option among the salads offered.

Freshly prepared dumplings and potstickers come right in front of you, with options like pork and cabbage or vegetarian soupy dumplings filled with delightful goodies. The dumplings taste like home and pair well with soy sauce and chili oil.

People are saying

"These dumplings are super fresh and delicious."

"The T-Burger was tender, juicy, and packed with flavorful pork."

"I found the Chinese food dumplings to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

2

No reservations are accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

The kitchen is visible, allowing guests to see dumplings being made.

03
Dumpling Union Haight image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Bright, modern space with clean interiors and plenty of seating, including a second-floor overlook. Atmosphere feels generic and bright, lacking coziness despite some candlelit tables. Known for exceptional dumplings and a unique window to watch fresh dumplings being made.

Cucumber salad stands out with its heavy sesame oil and offers a nice contrast to heavier dishes. Shredded zucchini salad also appears often but feels more common.

Dumplings come in a wide variety of flavors and are fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Scallion pancakes and steamed pork buns also stand out alongside tasty noodle and rice dishes.

People are saying

"These dumplings are so tasty, especially the Sichuan ones."

"The soup here is so flavorful, especially the won ton."

"The Chinese food dumplings here are so tasty."

Good to know

1

The digital ordering system makes it easy to place orders and get food.

2

They offer upstairs and downstairs seating, with upstairs available once downstairs fills up.

3

Prices are reasonable for downtown San Francisco, making it an affordable option.

04
Dumpling King image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Open floor plan with visible chefs folding dumplings creates an engaging atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and modern casual, blending traditional dim sum with contemporary design. Frequented by groups enjoying extensive menus featuring fresh, flavorful dumplings and noodles at reasonable prices.

Cucumber salad comes with a spicy sauce that pairs well with dim sum. It stands out as a fresh, crisp option alongside dishes like soup dumplings and barbecue pork buns.

Soup dumplings come hot, fresh, and bursting with flavor, standing out as a highlight. The menu offers a wide range of dumplings and noodle dishes like garlic noodles and Kung Pao Chicken buns, all reasonably priced and served in a modern, clean setting with a view of chefs folding dumplings.

People are saying

"These dumplings are the best I've had in the city."

"I thought the Chinese food dumplings were the best I've had."

"The salad here is incredibly delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Dumpling King offers two menus: one for regular Chinese food and one for dumplings.

2

Expect to pay around $25 per person for a meal, including drinks.

3

Dumpling King has a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

05
spicy & cloud restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Basement setting with minimal decoration and a local, no-frills atmosphere creates a calm and comfortable space. The place feels like an old-school Chinese restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall vibe. Pricing is reasonable, supporting an authentic dining experience.

Cucumber salad stands out as a highlight, noted for its freshness and flavor. Other salads like shredded potatoes and black fungus mushroom offer solid, tasty options as appetizers.

Wonton soup stands out with rich flavor and tender wontons. Orange chicken features artisan candied orange peels for a distinct aftertaste. Mapo tofu offers incredible tofu texture and bold spice. Spring rolls and cucumber salad provide fresh, crisp starters.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are generous."

"I thought the Chinese food here was the best I had in ages."

"I had the best cucumber salad I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dinner hours to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers a family special for $50, which includes a meal for four.

3

The portions are large, making it a good value for the price.

06
NoodlePanda Restaurant SF image 1

Large dining room features an open kitchen with chefs hand-pulling noodles visible through a window. Atmosphere stays chill and warm with modern Chinese decor and panda-themed accents. Space fills quickly with a busy crowd enjoying authentic Lanzhou noodles and grilled lamb skewers.

Salads here offer a mix of textures and flavors with crunchy black fungus, garlicky cucumber salad, and seaweed salad. The shredded potato salad stands out as super flavorful and pairs well with lamb skewers.

Hand pulled noodles have a perfect chewy texture and rich flavor. Freshly made dumplings come highly recommended and pair well with the deeply flavorful beef noodle soup.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup broth is flavorful and delicious."

"The hand-pulled noodles here are so bouncy and fresh."

"The beef noodles and shredded potato salad were super flavorful."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available near the restaurant.

2

Expect large portions that can easily feed two people.

3

Currently, there is a promotion that offers better value on dishes.

07
NORTHERN CHINA BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious barbecue restaurant offers authentic Northern Chinese skewers and late-night dining with chill Cantonese and Mandarin music. The atmosphere balances stylish, clean decor with a comfortable, lively vibe where conversations range from quiet to spirited.

Seaweed salad stands out with its excellent flavor. Pigs' ear salad ranks as a favorite. Cucumber salad comes cold and can be made spicy on request.

Northern Chinese BBQ stands out with its authentic flavors and impressive beef skewers. The spot offers a quiet atmosphere with chill Cantonese and Mandarin music, making it a solid choice for genuine Chinese BBQ.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese BBQ here to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the Chinese BBQ here to be incredibly authentic."

"I loved the cucumber salad and all the tasty skewers."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 11pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

3

You can request to pay through an app, but payment is processed by a server.

08
Bir Kitchen image 1
Indian restaurant

Family-run Indian restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with intimate seating ideal for relaxed conversation. The space feels like a warm home, combining thoughtful decor with a quiet, comfortable vibe that suits casual dining or dates.

Salads include a house salad that adds balance to meals and a tandoori chicken salad with flavorful protein. The Gobi Chilli and Salad dish pairs well for a satisfying option.

Hot and sour soup stands out with its strong flavor. The chow mein comes tossed in aromatic spices. Dishes like momos, Szechuan noodles, Gobi Manchurian, and Fish 65 add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is unbelievably good, especially the momos."

"The Chinese food here is delicious with well-balanced flavors."

"I liked the tandoori chicken salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Nepali and Indian dishes.

2

It is family-owned, providing a personal touch to service.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

09
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Basement setting with grotto-like atmosphere and remnants of previous restaurants creates a unique, slightly shabby but welcoming vibe. Latin American music plays softly, adding to the peaceful and cozy environment. Spacious and clean interior feels like a blend of casual dining and cultural character.

Cucumber salad offers a refreshing taste with a nice kick of spice. Side salads come as part of combos with rotisserie chicken and fried rice, making for a solid meal option.

Dumplings and potstickers stand out with homemade fillings and great flavor. The Cantonese roast duck and sweet and sour pork chop offer crispy, well-cooked meat with tasty sauces.

People are saying

"The empanadas are huge, with delicious fillings like shredded beef."

"The Chinese Food here is drenched in oil and delicious."

"The cucumber salad is refreshing with a nice kick of spice."

Good to know

1

The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in December with special events.

2

Expect a diverse menu featuring unique Asian-Venezuelan dishes.

3

Portions are generous and reasonably priced for the area.

10
The Happy Crane image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant offers a beautifully designed space with stunning woodwork and an open, casual atmosphere. The vibe balances stylish yet welcoming energy, avoiding pretension while featuring thoughtful cocktails and standout dishes like Peking duck and biang biang noodles.

Doupi tofu salad stands out with its unique texture and flavor. Tofu skin salad adds a fresh, light touch alongside other dishes like tiger shrimp and golden baos.

Dishes feature authentic Peking duck with thick, crispy skin and sliced pluots, alongside standout items like the lobster dumpling and crab butter lo mein. The menu includes well-timed a la carte dim sum and large plates with quality ingredients and bold flavors like five spice and lime on Wolf Ranch quail.

People are saying

"The firecracker shrimp has a great mala hit."

"You have to try the Chinese Food here; the pork jowl is a must-order."

"The doupi tofu salad was a standout dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the tasting menu, which costs $120 per person.

2

Expect a wait of about an hour after your reservation time.

3

The total cost with drinks and tips can reach around $200 per person.

11
Four Kings 四大天王 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small space with izakaya-style decor and walls adorned by classic Cantonese artists creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. Energetic atmosphere buzzes with 80s and 90s Canton-pop music and lively chatter. Tight bar seating and warm service add to the intimate, vibrant experience.

Cucumber salad stands out with its refreshing and creamy acidic dressing. Jellyfish salad and A Choy salad add unique textures and flavors to the mix.

Classic Cantonese dishes come with a twist, mixing in fusion items like mapo spaghetti and XO escargots with milk bread. Free pickled cucumber and roasted peanuts set the tone for an authentic, old school Cantonese vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the spicy XO escargot."

"I waited almost a year for a reservation, but the salad was worth it."

"The Chinese food's escargot and milk bread are unique and excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and should be made at least three weeks in advance.

2

Expect a long wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially after 5:30pm.

3

Certain signature dishes may be unavailable if you arrive late, so plan accordingly.

12
The Club SFO image 1
Travel lounge

Spacious lounge with modern decor and plentiful comfortable seating offers a relaxing atmosphere despite occasional crowding. Amenities include showers, yoga room, and private spaces, supporting both work and relaxation. The bar serves notable cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.

Salads include kale and broccoli, edamame, and other upscale options. They come alongside dishes like vegetarian curry and beef and broccoli, offering a healthy and varied selection.

Offers healthy dinner options like beef and broccoli, vegetarian curry, and salads. Includes congee (porridge) and dishes like orange chicken and tofu. Desserts include lemon bars and brownies.

People are saying

"The Day Lounge staff, especially Mei and Michelle, are so friendly and attentive."

"They offered some rice, salad, and vegetables."

"The Chinese Food here is in a super clean and comfortable space."

Good to know

1

Entry is free with a LoungeKey or Priority Pass card.

2

There was a 30-minute wait to get in during peak hours.

3

The lounge is not ADA friendly, making access difficult for those with disabilities.

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