These Bay Area Chinese restaurants made Yelp's top 100 list in 2024
Simon's Garlic Chicken dish served at 606 in San Francisco. The restaurant was named on a new list of Yelp's Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America. (606 / Eugene Lau)
SAN FRANCISCO - Several Bay Area restaurants made a new list of the best Chinese restaurants in the U.S., with an East Bay location among the top 10.
Yelp recently released its Top 100 Chinese Restaurants 2024 review saying Chinese cuisine, which is made for sharing, is a popular holiday season choice, as friends and family gather for cozy, warm, and flavorful dishes.
The Bay Area restaurant that ranked the highest on the list was Oyama BBQ in Newark, which came in 10th place. Locals know the spot for its "juicy and flavorful" Northern Chinese skewers, according to Yelp.
Customers use a QR code offered at each table to choose what they want on their skewer. Options range from beef, lamb, gizzards, rice, mushrooms, chicken skin, and even grilled rice cakes.
If you're not into skewers, maybe try the "refreshing" noodle dishes.
One Yelper said they enjoyed menu items not readily available at other restaurants including beef tripe, beef tendon and quail.
Oyama offers a special ambiance and late night dining, as it’s open until midnight.
Guests are treated to live music from a traditional Chinese plucked instrument known as a guzheng which a Yelp reviewer said brings "melodic charm and cultural richness" to the dining experience, Yelp said in its rating.
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Three other Bay Area restaurants also made the top 100:
Ranked 57th best in the U.S. was 606 a restaurant with a rich San Francisco history.
Located at 606 Columbus Avenue and Broadway in the North Beach/Chinatown neighborhood, the restaurant was formerly known as New Sun Hong Kong.
It opened back in 1989, but the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a closure of almost four years. The next generation of the family-run business reopened the restaurant with its new "606" name. The number is also said to signify family values, balance, perseverance, growth, positivity, and transformation.
The restaurant told KTVU it was honored and humbled to be named on Yelp’s list. "This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the authentic Hong Kong-style and Cantonese cuisine we grew up with, alongside our dedication to delivering an exceptional dining experience," owner Eugene Lau said in a statement.
Yelpers say the food is top-notch. One review says the three key positives about this restaurant are customer service, the food's quality and taste, and the nice ambiance.
A signature menu item is its Hong Kong-style milk tea, popular among both locals and visitors from Hong Kong, the restaurant said, adding that many customers return specifically for the popular drink.
(606 / Eugene Lau)
"By blending tradition with creativity and fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, we believe we consistently exceed expectations and create lasting memories for our guests," Lau shared.
The 70th best restaurant on the Yelp list is in the East Bay. China Palace is located in Walnut Creek near Interstate 680.
On its website, the restaurant said its chefs represent the Guangdong, Shanghai, Szechuan, Hunan, and Beijing regions of China and "are experts at cooking dishes from their native province."
For price point reference, Yelp gives it two dollar signs. Popular dishes include sweet and sour soup, honey walnut prawns, orange chicken, Kung Pao chicken, and salt and pepper pork. Lunch specials are available.
One recent review says the sauces and veggies were fresh, and the drinks were never empty. Authenticity seems to be the key to success for this establishment.
Dumpling Home, located on the edge of San Francisco's Hayes Valley, was rated 80th best in America. In addition to the vast selection of dumplings, the menu includes a wide array of bao items, noodle offerings and vegetable and fried dishes.
Word to the wise: some say there will probably be a line, but the line moves fast, and the dumplings are worth the wait.
Also notable on Yelp's list were Northern California restaurants Dumpling Yo! in Sacramento which was ranked 3rd best in the U.S.
Tasty Gourmet in Davis came in 36th place.
In all, 15 California restaurants made the top 100.
Yelp said its findings suggest some trends driving the popularity among the restaurants on its list include eateries that go "beyond old-school Chinese-American dishes," and focus on regional delicacies. Customers also gave good reviews to spots with hand-crafted and specially prepared items.
Another fan favorite was hotpot restaurants and eateries that allow diners to assemble their own soup dishes, offering both comfort and fun in the restaurant-going experience.
Yelp's ranking used factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews for a restaurant. The review was also limited to Chinese restaurants that were not a part of a national chain.
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Oyama BBQ
Nearly 300 Yelpers gave this barbecue spot 4.8 stars. To check out this highly-ranked spot, you should go to 5492 Central Avenue in Newark. They are open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 11:30 p.m. On Sunday, they're open from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
606
Popular dishes include Simon's Garlic Chicken, Salt & Pepper Fish, Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice, Tofu with chopped shrimp, and Dry Fry Beef Hor Fun.
Located at 606 Broadway in San Francisco. They're open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. On Friday and Saturday they're open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Tuesdays, you may want to check ahead for special hours as they're normally closed. 4.6 stars based on 200 reviews.
China Palace
If you want to try the fare, head to 2392 North Main Street in Walnut Creek. They're open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. 4.5 stars based on 1.9k Yelp reviews. Delivery is also available. Check their website for specifics.
Dumpling Home
If you want to try San Francisco's Dumpling Home, you should head to 298 Gough Street. They're open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, they're open 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Outdoor seating is available.