San Francisco, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene and innovative gastronomy, offers a plethora of dining experiences that cater to even the most discerning palates. In this guide we invite you on an Asian food journey through two exceptional dinner venues, 8 Tables and Mr. Jiu’s, complemented by delightful nightcaps at Cold Drinks Bar and Moongate Lounge. I know you might have limited time in the city and think, why only wine and dine around Chinatown? In our opinion, night 1 is so epic that we had to create a similar night 2 for you. Both of these evenings are so delicious and unforgettable they made it into The Rife Guide together. Remember, if it’s in the guide, it’s great and worth your time!
*For more northern California fun, be sure to check out our 4-Days in San Francisco and Napa travel guide, here.
Dining Show at 8 Tables
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, 8 Tables is a hidden gem that takes exclusivity to new heights. This cozy space, limited to just eight tables, ensures a personalized and unforgettable dining experience. Renowned chef George Chen specializes in modern Chinese cuisine, artfully blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. After getting through the mysterious black gate and up the private elevator, you will step into the restaurant’s discreet entrance. The foyer exudes elegance, with gorgeous flower displays, perfectly toned wood and a vintage record player.
I love how the eight dining tables are intimate yet inclusive of the whole restaurant’s energy. It feels like you are in a really fancy Chinese diplomat’s classy living room. You can watch the entire dining show as the waiters and tea carts roll by in a polished dance. The tasting menu is a culinary masterpiece, featuring dishes meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients. With a little advanced notice they can even accommodate dietary restrictions.
Sophistication and Attention to Detail
The dinner started with mindful tea service that the waiter set to an hourglass timer. When the sand stopped flowing, the tea was steeped and ready to drink. Next the Jiu Gong Ge first course was a show stopper of 9 small appetizers showing off the 9 diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine (salty, sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, sharp, nutty, numbing, and smoky). Another favorite course of mine was the delicate cold noodles made with fresh soy milk and Chinese herbs. This dish was perfectly portioned and it left me wanting more while salivating for the next course. For beverages, choose from their extensive wine list curated to enhance the food, or a classic gin martini did me just right to start.
8 Tables evoked the same inner curiosity I have when I travel to Asia. I’m intrigued, I feel mystery around every corner and I don’t want the experience to end. The sophistication and attention to detail leaves this as one of my most unique dinners to date.
Cold Drinks Bar is Not Far
Speaking of intrigue, the night does not have to end there. Cold Drinks Bar is not far- right around the corner actually. We think you will love this artfully designed establishment that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese decor with a modern twist. We enjoyed this whiskey forward speakeasy that was perfect for a nightcap and offers stunning views of the neighborhood.
The cocktail menu is a fusion of classic and innovative concoctions, featuring rare spirits and handcrafted ingredients. Here you can sip on a meticulously crafted cocktail or rare Japanese whiskey and reflect on the decadent meal you experienced at 8 Tables.
An Evening at Mr Jiu’s
For the second night of your Wine and Dine Around Chinatown, venture to Mr Jiu’s. A modern eatery in the heart of the neighborhood that embodies the essence of fusion cuisine. Here they seamlessly blend Chinese classics with a California twist. While many restaurants in Chinatown are mom and pop joints, Mr. Jiu’s brings contemporary class in their renovated historic building. Upon first bites and sips it is easy to see why they are Michelin and James Beard recognized.
You can choose another glam tasting menu, however we sat at the bar for lighter a la carte options. The menu at Mr Jiu’s is a testament to the chef’s creativity. Make sure you order my favorite dish, a San Francisco sourdough spin on the classic Taiwanese scallion pancake~ genius! A close second was the silky Truffle Cheong Fun, which are rice noodle rolls originally from southern China. Plant based eaters, you can be satiated with more options like pear salad, baby bok choy, fried rice and fermented cabbage. Who’s ready to wash it down with a dinner cap?
Meander to Moongate Lounge
Enjoy the short meander to Moongate Lounge right up the stairs inside Mr. Jiu’s. The ambiance is an exquisite dance of modern chic and timeless grace, with plush velvet seating, ambient lighting, and a curated selection of art that marries East and West. Moongate Lounge prides itself on its signature lunar calendar inspired beverages. The inventive mixologists weave together unexpected elements like whiskey and apricot and my top pick, the Vernal Equinox made with smoky mezcal, strawberry and fresno chili.
We hope this playful culinary and cocktail journey in Wine and Dine around Chinatown left you hungry and ready to book your Bay Area adventure. These really are some of the best eats in this historic area of the city. San Francisco is a place that holds a deep love for us as we are food, culture and design geeks. We hope you are equally as inspired when visiting and please drop us a line to tell us where you went and especially what you ate!
Dine on,
Rach
PS ~ Don’t forget to check more northern California reqs in our 4-Days in San Francisco and Napa travel guide, here!
