+1 415-398-2838
City View Restaurant is a standout gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, specializing in authentic Cantonese and dim sum cuisine that delights both the palate and the soul. This refined yet welcoming spot offers diners a tranquil environment where the timeless traditions of Chinese culinary artistry are celebrated with exceptional quality and care.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the calm and inviting atmosphere — a rare find amid the bustling energy of Chinatown. The serene dining room, adorned with subtle touches of classic Chinese decor, creates a relaxing backdrop perfect for savoring a leisurely meal. Even as the lunchtime crowd builds, the noise level remains pleasantly low, allowing guests to truly relish their dining experience without distraction.
The menu at City View Restaurant is thoughtfully curated with a range of traditional delights alongside beloved favorites, showcasing the rich flavors characteristic of Cantonese cooking. Dim sum enthusiasts will be drawn to the Shanghai Siu Lung Bao (小籠包), where delicate soup-filled dumplings burst with savory broth in each bite, or the crispy yet tender Taro Puff (芋角), offering a delightful contrast of textures. The Sesame Chicken (芝麻雞) is another standout, perfectly glazed with a subtly sweet and nutty sauce that coats each bite with indulgent flavor.
Fans of rice and noodle dishes will find an impressive selection, from the fragrant and slippery Beef Chow Fun (乾炒牛河) to the succulent Seafood Fried Rice (海鲜炒饭), each plate masterfully stir-fried to develop a harmonious depth of taste. Not to be missed is the exquisite Peking Duck with Lotus Bun, praised by diners for its crisp skin and tender meat, served alongside soft, pillowy buns that elevate this classic dish to new heights.
Sensory highlights extend beyond the savory with sweet temptations such as the velvety Egg Custard Tart and smooth Panna Cotta, offering the perfect end to a flavorful journey. Complement your meal with the aromatic Jasmine Tea, known for its floral fragrance that refreshes the palate between bites.
Service at City View is consistently praised for being attentive without intrusive, striking a perfect balance that enhances the overall dining experience. Reviewers appreciate the care taken in bringing dishes swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that plates arrive fresh and at their peak. The staff’s friendliness and professionalism add to the restaurant’s inviting ambiance, making every visit feel special and well cared for.
Numerous guests have raved about the addictive garlic green beans—crisp, well-seasoned, and bursting with flavor—as well as the sumptuous scallop shumai and expertly crafted stuffed eggplant and tofu dishes, which stand out for their rich, balanced sauces and satisfying textures.
While some note that prices may be on the higher side for dim sum, the quality of ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and serene atmosphere justify the indulgence. Whether you are a local or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Cantonese culinary heritage in San Francisco, City View Restaurant offers a memorable dining experience where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and impeccable technique.
For reservations or inquiries, City View Restaurant welcomes your call at +1 415-398-2838. Discover the art of refined dim sum and Cantonese flavors in a setting that perfectly balances elegance with comfort.
After walking around Chinatown, around 11:30 we stopped in for some authentic dim sum which was delicious. Inside the place was very tranquil and relaxing. Even when it started getting busier for lunch it was still not noisy. Service was great and attentive but not interfering. Efficiently bringing our various dim sum dishes and refilling our water. They had a printout of the dishes ordered at the end of the table and would check off when it was placed on the table. We chose 2 orders of Shrimp Dumplings, 2 of Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, 1 of Pork Siu Mai, 2 of Green Onion Pancake, 1 of Pork Potstickers, 1 of Veg Egg Rolls, 1 Black Bran Spareribs, 1 Sesame Ball with Red Bean Paste and 2 Hot Teas. Each order usually consisted of 3-4 items per basket. The dumplings, pork buns, pot stickers and siu mai were tender and tasty! The onion pancakes and egg rolls were very crispy and delicious! We nicely finished it off with a Sesame Ball with Red Bean Paste. They were nicely sweet and reminded me when I used to go to Chinatown for dim sum with my family back home. Great food, service and atmosphere! Worth a visit!
City View is a clean and inviting spot in the heart of Chinatown with a lovely interior that feels calm and welcoming. The staff are friendly and the service is impressively fast, which makes for a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. The standout dish for me was the stuffed eggplant and tofu is cooked in an absolutely delicious sauce that’s easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The beef rice noodle roll was average in comparison, but still a decent bite. They also serve complimentary tea, which is thoughtfully brewed and hits the spot it is warm, fragrant, and well-balanced. Another highlight was the Shanghai Siu Lung Bao. Each dumpling comes in a tiny foil tray, and when you bite into it, the soup bursts in your mouth. Incredibly flavorful and top-notch quality, definitely 5 stars for that alone. Prices are reasonable, and it’s a great place to sit back, chat with friends, and enjoy a variety of small bites. Highly recommended if you’re exploring Chinatown!
I absolutely loved the food, Peking duck was delicious and as another person mentioned, the green beans were S tier, absolutely delicious. Had the shanghai siu lung bao, also amazing and some jasmine tea. Would absolutely come back
Nestled amid the vibrant streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this dim sum restaurant offers a truly elevated dining experience that honors tradition while delivering exceptional quality and service. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere feels both inviting and refined — a seamless blend of classic charm and modern polish. The duck here is nothing short of extraordinary — crisp, golden skin giving way to tender, flavorful meat that’s perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared. The soup dumplings are delicate and artful, each one filled with a rich, savory broth that captures the essence of authentic dim sum craftsmanship. Service is another standout. The staff are gracious, attentive, and knowledgeable, striking just the right balance between warmth and professionalism. Each dish arrives with thoughtful timing and presentation. In a neighborhood filled with culinary treasures, this spot manages to rise above — not through flash, but through consistency, care, and excellence. Whether you’re a local seeking your new go-to or a visitor hoping for a quintessential Chinatown dining experience, this is a destination that embodies the spirit and sophistication of San Francisco’s dim sum scene.
I thought the food was pretty good for the most part but a little pricey for dim sum. My favorite thing though was the garlic green beans, omg so addictive and perfectly crisp and flavorful. The scallop shumai and stuffed eggplant and tofu were very good. Taro puffs were just ok imo. Restaurant was clean and the service was great.
Went for a late night snack and it was all amazing. The host was very nice and friendly. All the food came out in a timely manner. They didn’t have chili oil on the table but they brought some out when I asked. The staff seem very professional.
This restaurant was amazing!!! Delicious authentic Chinese cuisine!!! Their assortment of dim sum was soooo good! The roasted duck was the juiciest perfect duck I have eaten in my life! I know it seems exaggerated but, its the truth! The staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. I met a lady who might have been the manager name Lily and she was the sweetest and friendly lady. I definitely recommend this dimsum spot and I promise you will not regret it!!!