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Guide to Chinatown

Tea and food spots

Steaming tea and a warm meal offer a quiet moment of comfort.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Naadam Mongolian Authentic Cuisine image 1
Naadam Mongolian Authentic Cuisine image 2
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Restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with intricate Mongolian décor that creates a distinctive cultural vibe. The space feels quiet and calm, inviting guests to enjoy authentic Mongolian cuisine in a comfortable setting. Traditional elements like Mongolian games add to the immersive experience.

Authentic Mongolian cuisine shines here with dishes that capture true flavors. The kitchen offers a wide menu that invites trying everything, served with care and occasional free extras.

Complimentary Mongolian milk tea arrives before meals and comes with generous refills. The tea has a savory and homy quality that pairs well with hearty dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and very flavorful, tasting homemade."

"I found the food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"I enjoyed the authentic, delicious food and tea."

Good to know

1

Parking is a bit tight, but spots can be found if you're lucky.

2

The restaurant is family-run, so be patient with service pacing.

3

Portions are generous, so come hungry to enjoy the meal.

02
By Me Boba Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Small bubble tea shop tucked in a narrow alley with cute decor and beautiful lanterns outside. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet, enhanced by soothing videos and plenty of plants. Few tables offer a cozy, relaxing spot to enjoy drinks with a peaceful vibe.

Extensive menu offers boba tea and various street foods. Food quality matches the drinks, making it worth the price.

Offers a great tea selection including milk teas, fruit teas, and oriental flavors. Boba pearls are perfectly chewy and fresh, enhancing the texture. Drinks like Hong Kong milk tea and pineapple jasmine green tea stand out for their taste.

People are saying

"The tea here is so fresh and has a strong, bold flavor."

"It's a really cozy place with cute decor."

"The food here is worth every penny."

Good to know

1

The shop is located in an alley a few shops away from the fortune cookie store.

2

There is an extra charge of $0.05 if I ordered with no ice.

3

The tapioca boba were included in the price, which was $6.75 for a large.

03
Metro Hong Kong Dessert and Milk Tea image 1
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)

Cha chaan teng offers authentic Hong Kong-style desserts and milk tea in a cozy, small space with Chinese songs playing. The atmosphere feels homely and inviting, attracting both old and young with its wide variety of affordable, classic dishes.

Food here is authentic and fresh, capturing traditional Hong Kong flavors. Quick service delivers affordable meals and popular boba milk tea fusions enjoyed by all ages.

Boba tea selection features perfectly brewed flavors and chewy tapioca pearls. The Hong Kong milk tea and jasmine tea come highly praised, with the owner often offering free servings that add to the welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and authentic, it feels like Hong Kong."

"The strawberry mochi was simple, fresh, and really well balanced."

"The Hong Kong milk tea here is surprisingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred; credit card payments incur an extra charge.

2

The menu features both sweet and savory options, including boba milk tea.

3

The restaurant is open late, making it a good spot for late-night snacks.

04
Yu’s Cafe image 1
Bubble tea store

Small, efficient cafe with touch screen ordering and seating inside and outside near a park. Cozy atmosphere contrasts with a hectic surrounding area. Offers authentic Hong Kong style desserts and great value, attracting a mix of customers including seniors and late-night visitors.

Food here offers an authentic taste with a big selection of dishes and drinks. The flavors come through clearly and consistently.

Milk teas like HK style and Thai Milk Tea with Boba stand out for their rich, satisfying flavors. The jasmine milk tea offers a floral tea flavor while the dark roast oolong is smooth and not too sweet.

People are saying

"I thought the milk tea here was the best around."

"I loved the warm red bean dessert, hot or cold."

"The food here is really authentic and good."

Good to know

1

The cafe uses a touch screen ordering system for efficiency.

2

Yu’s Cafe offers a combo deal for medium HK milk tea with an egg waffle.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during late hours.

05
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco image 1

Historic building blends with modern luxury to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance and quiet comfort. Spacious rooms offer impressive views and a relaxing retreat from the city's bustle. Club level features creative cocktails and a peaceful terrace enhancing the overall experience.

The Lounge serves Ahi Tuna Tartare and Filet Mignon with bone marrow butter alongside drinks all day. Food deliveries and warm hospitality add to the experience.

Afternoon tea offers a romantic ambience with decadent treats like lobster and caviar. Complimentary tea service sometimes arrives in rooms, adding a special touch.

People are saying

"The hotel staff here are top-notch and go above and beyond."

"The food here is delicious and divine."

"The afternoon tea here is an elegant and indulgent experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations for breakfast and evening drinks are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The hotel offers a complimentary Martini hour for guests.

3

The farmer's market at the Ferry Building Marketplace occurs every Sunday.

06
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel image 1

Hostel offers quiet dorms with spacious bunk beds and ample storage under each bed. Social areas host free activities and communal meals, fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Rooftop terrace and central location near major attractions add to its appeal.

Free food includes breakfast, dinner, and snacks like sandwiches and Ramen. Staff arrange vegetarian options and host social events with Taco and BBQ nights.

High quality tea is available 24/7 and served free alongside breakfast. The common space offers a cozy spot to enjoy fresh brewed tea anytime.

People are saying

"The rooftop BBQ nights were the best part of my stay."

"The food here is super convenient to some of the best in the city."

"The staff here is so welcoming and helpful with everything."

Good to know

1

The hostel organizes daily events like BBQs and karaoke to foster social interaction.

2

Free tacos are served on Taco Tuesdays, adding to the hostel's community vibe.

3

Guests enjoy a free communal breakfast and coffee/tea each morning.

07
Aji Kiji image 1
Sushi takeaway

Minimalist Japanese design shapes a calm, upscale takeout spot with wood paneling and artful sushi presentation. The atmosphere feels like a high-end boutique, drawing attention with its striking storefront and carefully crafted sushi boxes. Sushi quality is consistently fresh and expertly prepared, matching the refined setting.

Food features fresh fish, perfectly done rice, and authentic flavors. Presentation is stunning and the quality shows clear care and effort.

Staff serve hot green tea in tiny cups while waiting outside, offering a warm, comforting touch on cold, windy days.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is mindblowingly good and beautifully presented."

"The food here is yummy with a stunning presentation."

"They brought out hot tea while we waited outside."

Good to know

1

Preordering is highly recommended to avoid disappointment as they sell out quickly.

2

The omakase box costs $55 for lunch, while regular boxes are $40 each.

3

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, and lines start forming around 10:30 AM.

08
Ha Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy space with a cool vibe offers wide variety of flavored drinks and snacks. Popular for crispy popcorn chicken and Korean style corn dogs, it attracts those seeking flavorful bites alongside bubble tea. Prices are reasonable, though some drinks can be pricy.

Foods and drinks offer a wide variety and generally taste good. Some dishes can be dry, and there is a risk of food poisoning.

Milk tea offers a delicious flavor with a good tea fragrance and balanced sweetness. A wide variety of flavored drinks like lychee lemon fruit tea and mocha milk tea come with chewy jelly or boba for texture.

People are saying

"I found the milk tea here to be delicious."

"I found the boba tea here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Parking at Ha Tea can be difficult, so plan accordingly.

2

Drinks are priced around $7.50 each.

3

Ha Tea offers a wide variety of flavored drinks and snacks.

09
Quickly - Kobe Bento image 1
Bubble tea store

Small, cramped counter area contrasts with a spacious upstairs seating that offers a more comfortable place to sit. Self-ordering via iPad kiosk streamlines the process. The atmosphere can feel hot inside, but the pearl-tea ratio and portion sizes stand out for quality and value.

Affordable food comes with big portions that satisfy hunger. Drinks and dishes both taste good, making the meal enjoyable.

Strawberry black tea with boba hits the right sweetness every time. Mint milk tea tastes fresh and just like childhood memories, with a great pearl-tea ratio that keeps flavors balanced and natural.

People are saying

"I thought the food was awesome and the portions were satisfying."

"This mint milk tea tastes just like childhood."

Good to know

1

This Quickly in Chinatown doesn’t have restrooms for customers.

2

The kiosk ordering process is efficient and user-friendly.

3

The seating is accessible for such a small store.

10
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.

Food here is tasty and different, standing out in a city crowded with Chinese restaurants. The menu offers astonishing flavors, and staff quickly find safe options for food allergies.

Chrysanthemum tea stands out with its floral aroma and gentle flavor. Staff keep the tea kettle topped up and water refilled without delay.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here, especially the squab, had super crispy skin and tender meat."

"I loved the chrysanthemum tea here."

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.

11
Hon's Wun-Tun House image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs making massive authentic wontons and preparing orders with fast, efficient service. Small, clean, modern space fills with a busy, no-nonsense vibe during peak hours, while quieter times feel more peaceful and welcoming.

Authentic claypot dishes arrive quickly and are very tasty. The seafood broth adds a distinct flavor, and the reasonable wait times make the experience smooth even on busy days.

Staff serve hot tea quickly after seating. Free oolong tea is offered with meals.

People are saying

"The wonton noodle soup here is authentic and comforting."

"The Thai tea here is fantastic and refreshing."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; register your name and party size at the counter to wait for a table.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The broth in the beef noodle soup contains seafood, which is crucial for those with shellfish allergies.

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