Dragon Beaux
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Best Dim Sum
in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts some of the best dim sum in the world outside of Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The city’s Cantonese culinary roots are deep, manifesting in everything from traditional cart-service palaces to modern, high-end "tea houses" and bustling neighborhood takeout windows. The defining characteristic is the **'Craftsmanship'**—the delicacy of the dumpling skins (har gow), the fluffiness of the steamed buns (char siu bao), and the freshness of the seafood fillings. The trap is "pre-frozen" or factory-made dumplings that lack the signature texture of hand-folded parcels. Expect to pay $30–60 for a sit-down meal, or $5–10 for a bag of takeout.
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Why locals care
San Francisco boasts some of the best dim sum in the world outside of Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The city’s Cantonese culinary roots are deep, manifesting in everything from traditional cart-service palaces to modern, high-end "tea houses" and bustling neighborhood takeout windows. The defining characteristic is the **'Craftsmanship'**—the delicacy of the dumpling skins (har gow), the fluffiness of the steamed buns (char siu bao), and the freshness of the seafood fillings. The trap is "pre-frozen" or factory-made dumplings that lack the signature texture of hand-folded parcels. Expect to pay $30–60 for a sit-down meal, or $5–10 for a bag of takeout.
Ranked Dim Sum stops in San Francisco
Yank Sing
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Palette Tea House
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Hong Kong Lounge
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City View Restaurant
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Good Mong Kok Bakery
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Harborview Restaurant & Bar
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Dumpling Home
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Koi Palace
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Verdict: The spiritual predecessor to Dragon Beaux and Palette; still considered by many to be the best dim sum in the Bay Area. — Daly City (Just south of SF)
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Good Luck Dim Sum
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Verdict: A no-frills, high-turnover takeout spot that is a local favorite for its "Cheap and Good" dumplings. — Richmond District
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Wing Lee Bakery
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Verdict: Another excellent neighborhood takeout window known for its massive pork buns and fresh har gow. — Richmond District
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Garden Bakery
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Verdict: A historic bakery known for its "old-school" atmosphere and very traditional Cantonese snacks and dumplings. — Chinatown
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Lai Hong Lounge
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Verdict: A sister restaurant to Hong Kong Lounge; serves high-quality, traditional dim sum in a bustling environment. — North Beach / Chinatown
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Great Eastern Restaurant
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Verdict: Famous for being the place where President Obama ate dim sum; a very solid and traditional choice. — Chinatown
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Delicious Dim Sum
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Verdict: A local favorite takeout window that lives up to its name; their shrimp dumplings are consistently praised. — Chinatown
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Mama Ji's
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Verdict: A unique neighborhood spot that serves homey, high-quality dim sum in a cozy, non-traditional setting. — The Castro
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Chinatown Pan-fried Bun
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Verdict: Specializes in perfectly crispy-bottomed pork buns that are a local street food legend. — Chinatown
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United Dumplings
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Verdict: A modern, creative dumpling house that offers unique fusions and high-quality traditional favorites. — various locations (e.g., Bernal Heights)
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Imperial Tea Court
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Verdict: A more serene setting to enjoy high-end tea and a curated selection of refined, artisanal dim sum. — Ferry Building
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Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood
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Verdict: Worth the trip for the stunning bay views and the high-end, traditional Cantonese dim sum experience. — Emeryville (across the bridge)
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