Best Chinatown Bites: Where to Eat During the Autumn Moon Festival
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a hub of history, culture, and food, and it’s at its liveliest during the Autumn Moon Festival. As lanterns light up the streets and the smell of street food wafts through the air, this annual festival is the perfect opportunity to try some of the neighborhood’s most beloved dishes. Whether you’re craving traditional mooncakes or bold Sichuan flavors, this guide will take you through the best spots to eat during the celebration.
Best Chinatown Bites: Where to Eat During the Autumn Moon Festival
Eastern Bakery – A Mooncake Tradition
Established in 1924, Eastern Bakery is a cornerstone of Chinatown’s culinary scene. Known for its hand-made mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste or red bean, this bakery is a must-visit during the festival. Call ahead to secure your mooncakes, as they often sell out quickly.
- Location: 720 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Website: www.easternbakery.com
- Pro tip: Call ahead as mooncakes often sell out during the festival.
Golden Gate Bakery – Egg Tarts That Steal the Show
Famous for their buttery, flaky egg tarts, Golden Gate Bakery consistently draws long lines of eager patrons. Their creamy, custard-filled tarts are widely regarded as some of the best in San Francisco.
- Location: 1029 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Pro tip: Be patient with the line—it’s worth it. Get there early to avoid disappointment.
Mister Jiu’s – Modern Meets Tradition
This Michelin-starred restaurant blends traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary techniques. Signature dishes, like Peking duck, are served with precision and flair, offering a refined dining experience in the heart of Chinatown.
- Location: 28 Waverly Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Website: misterjius.com
- Pro tip: Book a table well in advance, especially during festival weekends.
Good Mong Kok Bakery – Dim Sum Done Right
A takeout-only gem, Good Mong Kok Bakery is beloved for its fresh, affordable dim sum. Their pork and shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and egg custard buns are crowd favorites.
- Location: 1039 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Pro tip: Cash only. Arrive early to snag your favorites before they run out.
City View Restaurant – Sit-Down Dim Sum
For a more traditional dim sum experience, City View offers a banquet-style setting with classics like har gow, siu mai, and sesame balls. Perfect for sharing dishes with family and friends.
- Location: 662 Commercial Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Website: cityviewdimsum.com
- Pro tip: Visit with a group to sample a wide variety of dishes.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory – A Peek Behind the Scenes
This small factory offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how fortune cookies are made. Visitors can try freshly baked cookies, including chocolate-dipped varieties, and even create custom messages.
- Location: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Website: goldengatefortunecookies.com
- Pro tip: It’s a tight space, so plan your visit during quieter hours.
House of Nanking – Shanghai Comfort Food
Known for its bold flavors, House of Nanking serves up Shanghai-style dishes like garlic noodles, sesame chicken, and crispy fish. Perfect for a family-style feast.
- Location: 919 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: www.houseofnankingsf.com
- Pro tip: Share dishes family-style—the portions are generous.
Z & Y Restaurant – Sichuan Spice Central
A favorite among spice lovers, Z & Y Restaurant specializes in bold Sichuan dishes like spicy boiled fish, dan dan noodles, and kung pao chicken. Even Chinese diplomats have dined here.
- Location: 655 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: zandyrestaurant.com
- Pro tip: Be prepared for a fiery kick—this spot doesn’t hold back on spice.
Qing Xiao Main – Chongqing Noodles
This casual eatery focuses on spicy Chongqing noodles, topped with peanuts and scallions. The flavors are bold, and you can customize the spice level to suit your taste.
- Location: 915 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: chongqingxiaomian-sf.com
- Pro tip: Customize the spice level if you’re not used to heat.
Vital Tea Leaf – The Perfect Pairing
Chinatown’s tea culture shines at Vital Tea Leaf, where you can enjoy complimentary tastings of oolong, jasmine, and pu-erh teas. Knowledgeable staff guide you through the flavors, making it a relaxing stop during the festival.
- Location: 1044 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Website: vitaltealeaf.net
- Pro tip: Pick up a tin of tea to take home—it’s a thoughtful gift or a way to extend the festival vibes.
The Autumn Moon Festival isn’t just about lanterns and celebrations—it’s a chance to experience the rich flavors that Chinatown is known for. From traditional mooncakes to spicy Sichuan dishes, there’s something for every palate. Bring your appetite, wear comfortable shoes, and go with an open mind. This festival is as much about the food as it is about the community and its history.
More…
- https://theculinarytravelguide.com/a-guide-to-exploring-san-franciscos-chinatown/
- https://www.aroundtheworldin24hours.com/chinatown-in-san-francisco-food/
- https://thefanggirl.com/2024/12/04/where-to-eat-in-chinatown-san-francisco-the-best-list-accumulated-by-locals/
- https://www.overheresf.com/group-activities-in-san-francisco-tours-food-and-adventures/
Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.
