The Absolute Best Peking Duck in Chinatown San Francisco [Updated 2025]

After sampling 12 different establishments renowned for their mouthwatering dishes, I’ve developed a keen sense for what makes the perfect peking duck.

From the crispy skin to the tender meat and flavorful hoisin sauce, each place offers a distinct twist on this classic dish.

Join me as I take you on this delicious journey through Chinatown, highlighting the standout spots and sharing my personal favorites.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, whether you prefer a traditional approach or a modern spin, there’s something here for everyone in the quest for the ultimate peking duck experience!

Mister Jiu's

Highlights
Excellent service and atmosphere
Creative and unique dishes
Michelin star recognition
Filling comfort food options
Well-balanced dessert selection

Mister Jiu's is undoubtedly a standout gem in Chinatown, seamlessly blending traditional flavors with a modern twist. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the excellent service and atmosphere—a delightful balance of contemporary design and rich heritage. The staff exuded genuine warmth, ensuring I felt like an honored guest.

Now, let’s talk peking duck! The presentation was stunning—an artful display that teased taste buds before the first bite. The duck skin was perfectly crisp, a rare feat that sparked my enthusiasm. Each slice revealed tender, succulent meat that paired wonderfully with their house-made sauce.

What truly sets Mister Jiu's apart is its creative and unique dishes that complement the peking duck effortlessly. I paired my meal with some innovative sides, and they were equally impressive. I can't forget to mention the dessert! The well-balanced selection provided a light and refreshing conclusion to my meal, rounding off the experience beautifully.

Mister Jiu's is indeed a feast for both the eyes and the palate, solidifying its place among the best peking duck offerings in Chinatown. If you’re hunting for a memorable meal, this is a destination you simply cannot miss!

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R & G Lounge

Highlights
Super busy yet quick seating
Family-style dining experience
Special beef is sweet and tender
Best clay pot and sticky rice
Great value for delicious food

R & G Lounge in Chinatown is a true gem! As I stepped in, the bustling atmosphere enveloped me; the quick seating process kept the energy alive. It's the kind of place where family-style dining takes center stage, allowing you to share and savor moments together, all while feasting on delectable dishes.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the peking duck. This iconic dish is prepared with extraordinary care, showcasing a glistening skin that promises a satisfying crunch with every bite. The rich, flavorful meat underneath is tender and perfectly paired with traditional pancakes and hoisin sauce. Each morsel is a delightful dance of flavors that pulls you back for more.

But R & G doesn’t stop there! I discovered that their sweet and tender special beef was a pleasant surprise, and the clay pot rice stole the spotlight as a side. The excellent value offered in both quantity and quality makes it a must-visit destination.

Overall, R & G Lounge is a delightful choice for anyone craving the best peking duck in San Francisco's Chinatown. Don't skip the experience; it’s a culinary adventure that should be on everyone’s list!

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Empress by Boon

Highlights
Incredible food quality
Stunning city view
Attentive and nice service
Beautiful ambiance
Innovative Peking duck

At Empress by Boon, I stepped into a world where modern elegance meets traditional Chinese cuisine. The ambiance was breathtaking, with stunning views of the city that made every bite even more delightful. The moment I was seated, I felt the warm embrace of attentive and genuine service that set a lovely tone for the evening.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the Peking duck. It was simply nothing short of mesmerizing. The duck was beautifully roasted to perfection, its skin crisp and glistening, while the meat underneath was tender and full of flavor. Each slice served with delicate pancakes and a symphony of hoisin sauce created a harmonious blend that danced on my taste buds. The innovative twist in their preparation truly elevated the classic dish to new heights.

What struck me most was the quality of the food, which was undeniably impressive. Empress by Boon not only delivers on traditional tastes but also brings a fresh perspective to the experience. If you find yourself wandering through Chinatown, this gem should not be missed for an unforgettable taste of Peking duck!

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Yank Sing (Stevenson St.)

Highlights
Authentic dim sum experience
Attentive and helpful staff
Fresh and delicious flavors
Challenging to find location
Well-maintained ambiance

Visiting Yank Sing (Stevenson St.) in Chinatown San Francisco was a delightful journey through the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine. Nestled among the bustling streets, finding this gem felt like an adventure! Once inside, I was immediately drawn to the well-maintained ambiance, making it the perfect spot to savor some culinary delights.

The attentive and helpful staff added a personal touch, guiding me through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. When the Peking duck finally arrived, it was a sight to behold—the skin was perfectly crisp, glistening under the soft lighting, and the aroma wafted through the air, teasing my taste buds.

The flavors were nothing short of exceptional; each bite revealed layers of rich, savory goodness. Paired with the accompanying sauces, the dish became a true celebration of texture and taste. Let's just say, the experience felt like a dim sum dream come true! My heart swells with joy as I reflect on that meal, and I can't help but recommend Yank Sing to anyone on the hunt for the best Peking duck in Chinatown. You won't be disappointed!

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HK Lounge Bistro

Highlights
Exceptional culinary skills
Courteous and attentive service
Amazing quality dishes
Worth the price
Authentic traditional flavors

HK Lounge Bistro truly impressed me with its exceptional culinary skills. The moment I walked in, the delightful aroma of succulent peking duck wafted through the air, setting my taste buds tingling with anticipation. When the dish arrived, beautifully presented with crispy, golden skin that crackled under my chopsticks, I knew I was in for a treat. The authentic traditional flavors brought a wave of nostalgia; I felt transported straight to the heart of Beijing.

What truly made the experience memorable was the courteous and attentive service. The staff was eager to share their knowledge about the dish, suggesting the best sides and sauces to complement my meal. They ensured that my dining experience was not just satisfying, but also enlightening!

And while the price may be a tad higher than some other eateries, the quality of the dishes certainly justifies the expense. In the crowded realm of Chinatown’s dining scene, HK Lounge Bistro stands out, offering a peking duck experience that is not only delicious but also worth every penny. If you’re hunting for the best peking duck, chase down this gem—you won't regret it!

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Z & Y Peking Duck

During my visit to Z & Y Peking Duck, I was captivated by the perfectly roasted skin that crackled with every bite. The rich, succulent meat beneath smiled with flavor, complemented by their house-made hoisin sauce and fluffy pancakes. This isn’t merely a dish; it’s an experience! The ambient chatter of Chinatown added to the vibrant atmosphere, making it feel like a culinary adventure. While the presentation was traditional, the taste was anything but ordinary. If you're seeking a memorable take on this classic, Z & Y is certainly worthy of your attention—an absolute gem in SF's bustling Chinatown!

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City View Restaurant

Visiting City View Restaurant was a delightful adventure in the heart of Chinatown! The peking duck here is a true culinary masterpiece; the skin was perfectly crisp, crackling with each bite, and the tender meat beneath was simply delectable. The presentation was nothing short of spectacular, with expert carving at the table adding a touch of drama. Paired with fragrant pancakes and hoisin sauce, each bite was a flavor explosion that left me yearning for more. Overall, this gem is a must-visit for any duck aficionado looking to experience the essence of peking duck in a charming atmosphere!

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Begoni Bistro

During my culinary adventure at Begoni Bistro, I discovered a hidden gem that serves excellent Peking duck. The skin was wonderfully crispy, crackling with each bite, while the succulent meat remained juicy and flavorful. Paired with their house-made pancakes and a tantalizing hoisin sauce, every element danced together on my palate. The warm ambiance and attentive staff genuinely enhanced the experience. If you're on the hunt for a delightful Peking duck in Chinatown, don’t overlook this charming spot! It’s definitely a contender for my top choice, and I can't wait to savor it again.

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Z & Y Restaurant

During my visit to Z & Y Restaurant, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of roasted meat that promised culinary delight. The peking duck was, quite simply, a celebration of flavors—crispy skin that crackled delightfully with each bite, revealing tender and juicy meat beneath. The accompanying pancakes were light and fluffy, a perfect vehicle for the savory goodness. With a touch of hoisin and fresh scallions, every mouthful felt like a luxurious experience. If you're hunting for peking duck that’s both authentic and satisfying, Z & Y has certainly earned its place in the spotlight!

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House of Nanking

Visiting House of Nanking was a delightful adventure for my taste buds! Their Peking duck is a culinary masterpiece, featuring tender, succulent meat enveloped in perfectly crispy skin. The dish is served with fluffy pancakes and a zesty hoisin sauce that perfectly balances the rich flavors. The ambiance is lively and vibrant, embodying the spirit of Chinatown. While the service can be a tad rushed, the delightful flavors make it all worthwhile. If you're seeking a culinary experience that dances on your palate, this spot should definitely be on your list for the best Peking duck in the city!

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Lai Hong Lounge

During my recent excursion to Lai Hong Lounge in Chinatown, I was delighted by their golden-brown peking duck that practically beckoned me with its crispy skin. The juicy meat burst with flavor, perfectly complemented by the sweet hoisin sauce and delicate pancakes. It was a culinary embrace I didn't want to end! The vibrant atmosphere and attentive service added a layer of warmth to the experience. If you’re on the hunt for duck that dances on your palate, this spot is a must-visit. Lai Hong Lounge beautifully balances tradition with a modern twist, making it a highlight in the neighborhood!

China Live

At China Live, the peking duck experience is nothing short of spectacular. The moment the glistening duck is presented, it's a feast for the eyes. The skin is delectably crispy, giving way to tender, succulent meat that simply melts in your mouth. Paired with their homemade hoisin sauce and crisp scallions, each bite is an explosion of flavor. Their unique take on this classic dish offers a modern twist while honoring traditional craftsmanship. Dining here is a delightful culinary journey, making China Live a must-visit for anyone in search of the perfect peking duck in Chinatown. 🍜❤️