Best Dim Sum in San Francisco

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From the same team behind Dragon Beaux and Koi Palace, Palette offers a polished, modern dim sum experience in a beautiful setting. The menu features many creative twists on traditional dishes, such as their "Rainbow" dumplings. It’s a great choice for those who want high-quality food paired with a stroll through Ghirardelli Square. — Fisherman's Wharf (Ghirardelli Square)

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Specializes in perfectly crispy-bottomed pork buns that are a local street food legend. — Chinatown

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A historic bakery known for its "old-school" atmosphere and very traditional Cantonese snacks and dumplings. — Chinatown

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A local favorite takeout window that lives up to its name; their shrimp dumplings are consistently praised. — Chinatown

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A local favorite that specializes in traditional, expertly executed Cantonese dim sum. The atmosphere is bustling and authentic, with a focus on high-quality basics. Their baked BBQ pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings are consistently praised for their perfect texture and flavor. It is a more "classic" alternative to the newer hype spots. — Inner Richmond

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10:00 (Weekend brunch).

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A modern, creative dumpling house that offers unique fusions and high-quality traditional favorites. — various locations (e.g., Bernal Heights)

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While not a traditional dim sum hall, their dumplings are some of the best in the city. Their pan-fried pork bao and soup dumplings are meticulously crafted with thin skins and rich, flavorful fillings. It represents the "modern artisan" wing of SF's dumpling culture. — Hayes Valley

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11:00 (Highly popular; expect a wait).

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The upscale gold standard for traditional cart service. Yank Sing is famous for its impeccable service and exceptionally high-quality ingredients. While it is significantly more expensive than other spots, their Shanghai dumplings and Peking duck are considered some of the best in the country. It is a favorite for business lunches and celebratory family gatherings. — Financial District / SoMa

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11:15 (To see the carts at their fullest).

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The modern king of SF dim sum. Dragon Beaux is famous for its creative and visually stunning approach to Cantonese classics. Their signature colorful xiao long bao and abalone dumplings are high-art versions of traditional staples. It’s a sophisticated, high-energy environment that represents the cutting edge of the city’s Chinese food scene. — Inner Richmond

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10:30 (On weekdays to avoid the massive weekend wait).

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Another excellent neighborhood takeout window known for its massive pork buns and fresh har gow. — Richmond District

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A no-frills, high-turnover takeout spot that is a local favorite for its "Cheap and Good" dumplings. — Richmond District

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Located right across from Portsmouth Square, City View is a reliable, traditional sit-down institution in the heart of Chinatown. They offer classic cart service and a wide selection of Cantonese staples. It’s a great place to experience the neighborhood’s historic dim sum culture in a clean and comfortable setting. — Chinatown

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11:30.

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Famous for being the place where President Obama ate dim sum; a very solid and traditional choice. — Chinatown

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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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A sister restaurant to Hong Kong Lounge; serves high-quality, traditional dim sum in a bustling environment. — North Beach / Chinatown

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Offering stunning views of the Ferry Building and the bay, Harborview serves refined, high-end Cantonese cuisine and excellent dim sum. It’s a more sophisticated, modern environment that is particularly popular for weekend brunch and group gatherings in the Financial District. — Embarcadero

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12:30.

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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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The king of Chinatown takeout. There is almost always a line at this hole-in-the-wall bakery, and for good reason. Their dumplings are enormous, freshly made, and incredibly cheap. It is the perfect place to grab a box of dim sum to enjoy in a nearby park or while walking through the neighborhood. — Chinatown

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08:30 (Line moves fast but starts early).

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A more serene setting to enjoy high-end tea and a curated selection of refined, artisanal dim sum. — Ferry Building

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A unique neighborhood spot that serves homey, high-quality dim sum in a cozy, non-traditional setting. — The Castro

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