Every year, like clockwork, Google searches for “Chinese Food” peak near the end of December. Perhaps you can blame The Parkers — the quintessential American family from the beloved holiday movie A Christmas Story — who had to change their Christmas dinner plans last minute after an iconic canine catastrophe. Here are some of the best Chinese restaurants in the Bay Area, many of which will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though we always recommend double-checking hours before you arrive!
San Francisco
House of Nanking
(919 Kearny St // Chinatown)
It’s kind of a no-brainer that some of the best Chinese food comes from Chinatown. And when it’s affordable too? That is truly something to celebrate. There are plenty of delicious dishes to choose from — like Fang's Steamed Buns, Curry Noodle Soup, and Salt + Pepper Pork Chops.
(649 Jackson St // Chinatown)
When it comes to dim sum, it’s hard to go wrong. But when the Michelin Guide takes notice of a restaurant, you know you’ll be in good hands. At the Bib Gourmand-recognized Yank Sing variety is the name of the game. They offer steamed, baked, grilled, stir-fried and deep-fried dumplings — not to mention that their menu features savory (Stuffed Crab Claw), savory-sweet (Honey Walnut Prawns), and dessert options (Mango Pudding).
Yank Sing
(101 Spear St + 49 Stevenson St // Financial District)
When it comes to food, nothing's better than plenty of options. At Yank Sing, you can get your dumplings steamed, baked, grilled, stir-fried or deep-fried. Menu items like Stuffed Crab Claw and Honey Walnut Prawns make for a delectable dinner, then you can satisfy your sweet tooth with sticky Sesame Balls or Mango Pudding.
(3541 Balboa St // Richmond)
Shanghai House has crazy good lunch deals when it isn't a holiday, but you're still in for a whole lot of food for a fair price — even in this economy. Kick off your meal with some Salty Pepper Spare Ribs, followed by Vegetarian Goose or Sweet and Sour Pork, and perhaps a Honey Glazed Banana. We're getting full just thinking about it.
Dragon Beaux
(5700 Geary Blvd // Richmond)
Known for their extensive dim sum menu, Dragon Beaux isn't one to miss. They even offer a pre-fixe menu for 6 or 10 people, decked out with tasty bites like Wagyu Beef Cubes with Honey Pepper and Truffle Lobsters with Broth. It's a holiday — and they are here for it. The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
(937 Taraval St // Sunset)
If you can’t get food with your own family, just order from someone else’s! This small, family-run spot specializes in, you guessed it, savory pancakes filled with beef or lamb. But don’t pass on the wok dishes with hand-pulled noodles that are surely made with love.
(811 Ulloa St // West Portal)
Lazy Susan, a popular Chinese destination for hungry San Franciscans will be closed Christmas Eve. But they’re a great option for Christmas Day. Their family style takeout has something for everyone — whether or not your dogs have eaten the yuletide roast. They also have locations located within the Noshery food halls in San Ramon and San Carlos.
East Bay
Great China
(2190 Bancroft Way // Berkeley)
Best Peking Roast Duck in the Bay? We'll let you decide! If a whole duck isn't in the cards, give the Ma Po Tofu or Cumin Braised Lamb a try. This Northern Chinese fare is made with the best that Northern California has to offer, so you can't go wrong no matter what you order. Note: Open on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day.
(1674 Shattuck Ave // Berkeley)
Your Christmas dinner will be complete with the delicious Chinese classics on Da Lian's menu, including Broccoli Beef, Fire-Glazed Tofu, Mu Shu, Chow Mein, and plenty more. Feeling strictly noodle-y? Scope their Homemade Noodles that they serve daily as well. You won't regret it!
Wojia Hunan Cuisine
(917 San Pablo Ave // Albany)
If you want your Christmas with a kick, pop by Wojia Hunan Cuisine! They'll be serving up their regular menu with all the favorites like Toothpick Lamb, Boiled Fish with Chili, Ma-Po Tofu, and of course their ever popular Glutinous Rice Balls.
(388 9th St #182 // Oakland)
What better to have on Christmas than Roast Duck and BBQ Pork? With their extensive menu and two locations, you're sure to be well-fed this holiday. Don't forget to try one of their many rice porridges – they're a house specialty for a reason.
South Bay + Peninsula
Tong Soon Garden
(3240 El Camino Real Rd // Santa Clara)
This Chinese Korean fusion spot is known for its Chicken Wings and Black Bean Noodles, and has a wide range of other awesome dishes for your Christmas spread. Add on the Glassed Banana or Sweet Potato if you're craving something sweet!
(2524 Berryessa Rd // San Jose)
This Chinese Korean fusion spot is known for its Chicken Wings and Black Bean Noodles, and has a wide range of other awesome dishes for your Christmas spread. Add on the Glassed Banana or Sweet Potato if you're craving something sweet!
North Bay
Emma's
(817 Francisco Blvd W // San Rafael)
Previously known as Ping’s Mandarin Restaurant, this North Bay favorite is now going by Emma’s, but the menu remains largely faithful to its predecessor. They will be closed on Christmas Day, but they are serving food on Christmas Eve.
(3001 Bridgeway // Sausalito)
Known for their gluten free options as well as using fresh produce and high-quality beef, pork, and lamb, Tommy's is an instant crowd-pleaser. We recommend you give the BBQ Pork Buns, Spicy Lemongrass Chicken, or Szechuan Noodles.
Written by Riley Huff, Alida Newson, and Nick Veronin
No plans to ring in 2022? Check out our Guide to NYE!
