Chuan Yu

4.1 (94 reviews)

ModerateSzechuan

Updated 1 month ago

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Chuan Yu - a close up of a sushi roll on a blue plate - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Entrance (it's unified under Sakura Bistro!) - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Chongqing Fish Filet in Chili Oil - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Chuan Yu - the front desk of a restaurant - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu Popular Dishes

$29.49

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Shanghai Soup Dumpling (6) 灌汤小笼包

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Mapo Tofu

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Chuan Yu menu photos

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CHUAN YU ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Good for groups

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Reviews With Photos

Michelle N.

A bit confusing to find this place as it is a Japanese restaurant and Chinese restaurant in one. We only ordered off the Chinese menu so I can't speak to the Japanese food but would definitely come back for the sichuan food. Taking off a star because the dumplings were not good. The wrappers were too thick, not well cooked and the filling wasn't very good. If you come I recommend sticking to the sichuan dishes. We ordered the mapo tofu, green beans, twice cooked pork, and chongqing crispy chicken, tomato and scrambled egg. All were very tasty and nothing was too spicy which was much appreciated. The tomato egg was on the sweet side which was interesting but probably my least favorite dish. They charge $2.50 per bowl of rice which really adds up if you come with a big group but I guess that's expected from a nicer Chinese restaurant. Overall the food was good and I'd come back if I were in the area!

Carol C.

Date: 11/12/2024. Time: 7:50 PM. 56°. Cool I'm at the Pacific Renaissance Center, OACC, for a band rehearsal. Okay, I'm hungry and the closest restaurant is Chuan You, which is housed in Sakura Bistro. Gum Kuo and C & M Bistro are closed. Sobo Ramen would have been nice, but they are on the first level. Since I am on the second level, I decided to stop in for take out order of seaweed salad (wakame) and vegetables tempura. It is one of those nights that they are not busy. There is hardly any restaurant customers at the time. Service is quick and I did not have to wait long. I chose not to order a bento box. All I want is mentioned above. Besides the wakame and veggies tempura are my go to items regardless the restaurant. Both items are on point and delicious. Cost including tax and tip is about $27. Yep, it is a tad pricy. Price is what it is. I would not doubt that the location and the ambiance are part of the factor in their menu prices. Specialties: appetizers, ramen noodles, donburi, bento box lunch/dinner, teriyaki, an excellent selection of sushi rolls. Employee is helpful and approachable. Location of garage is in the basement level of this building. Return visit? Depending on my mood and what I want, I might return. If Gum Kuo does not close at 7:00 PM, I would hitting that place for the chicken and double mushroom congee (jook) with the Chinese donut strip.

Supposedly salt and pepper tofu. Soggy, not at all crispy, no signs of salt, and no signs of pepper.

Shockingly low quality and overpriced food. We're talking about undercooked dishes that are missing ingredients. I'm honestly so surprised at how bad this food turned out considering that it's located in Oakland near numerous competitors. Go anywhere else.

Samantha G.

Ordered this to go, but I literately just remembered to take picture when I'm eating the last piece of the fish Pickup was really quick and service is good! I love the fish fillet in chili oil here, ordered mild spicy, not quite spicy next time if I get it I might go medium spicy. Not too numbing. Pretty good portion, it comes in three boxes, but I opened only two and shared with my husband. We ordered the wrong eggplant, but this eggplant with basil is not bad at all, it's actually even better cus it's something different! The basil smells so good and tastes good too!

Danielle K.

First time here. Service was very nice and we were waited on in such a nice way throughout our meal. We didn't feel as though the Sichuan dishes had enough flavor and pepper punch. Dishes tasted sweet more than anything else. The meat and tofu didn't not taste as though they'd been simmering in the spices, but just added on top of the dish. We ordered: 1. Mapo Tofu: this was okay. My criticism would be: kind of sweet, not too numbing, maybe old Sichuan peppers, and we tasted more of a bean sauce than the complex deep umami flavor you can get from the garlic, ginger, and combinations of peppers one usually enjoys in this cuisine. 2. Beef Slices in Chili Oil: the beef was sinewy and difficult to chew. No flavor in this dish despite looking beautiful. Just under the beef is a huge bowlful of bean spouts. No complex flavors at all. No numbing. 3. Stir Fried Green Beans: best dish by far! Crunchy, flavorful, lots of garlic. Loved it!

Tiffany S.

Half Japanese menu and half Chinese- this place has everything to fit what everyone might be in the mood for. I had their tempura udon- it was okay, I think the broth could be more flavorful, but I really enjoyed the portion of tempura. We also ordered a roll, seared salmon on top - it was good but was too saucy on the bottom for my liking.My partner like their niku oyako don. I like the quiet environment, the soft instrumental music, bright lighting and clean establishment. Open to trying more things on the menu.

Dry pot: pork belly, bamboo shoots, intestine, and noodle

Kristin Q.

Food: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Portion size: 9/10 Value: 9/10 Wait time: no wait for Sunday at lunch The restaurant serves both the Chuan Yu Bistro and the Sakura Bistro menus at one location! Just want to say that upfront because I was confused on where Chuan Yu was. My group of four, got the dry pot with pork belly, bamboo shoots, intestine and noodle with medium spice. I like how you are able to pick your meat and 3 sides as well to personalize it! It had a lot of flavor and was spicy. Also cool because I'm never had dry pot before. It comes out on a wok with fire underneath to keep it hot! For our other entree we tried the schezwan fish in chili oil. It was delicious! Spicer than the dry pot so be careful since you cannot choose the spice level. The fish fillets were tender and melted in my mouth. There was also a lot of big pieces of fish. The numbing spice was amazing! Also comes with so veggies. I ordered a side of rice to help balance the flavor/spice. For sides we got the green beans, green onion pancake, and spicy wontons. I would say get the green beans but I could do without the other two. The onion pancake was dry and lacked flavor. The wontons just seemed like regular wontons with a simple hot sauce, nothing spectacular. Definitely good value! We had 4 people and 2 main dishes and 3 sides with leftovers! Service was okay, not too personal and would occasionally forget to check in or update us when we asked if there were any peanut ingredients for a food allergy. But other than that they were responsive. Maybe there was also a language barrier.

Scott W.

Tired following a long hike in the Redwood Regional Park and unwilling to make the long schlep from our base in Oakland to San Francisco for the Chinese meal we sorely craved, my bride + I did the next best thing- Found the best reviewed Chinese restaurant in Oakland's underrated Chinatown. Note: Chuan Yu is NOT easy to find! Our Google Maps navigator had us walking aimlessly up + down Franklin & 9th streets searching in vain 'til we ventured upstairs to the second floor of the mall where Chuan Yu is nestled inside the Sakura Sushi House. This was five star Szechuan cuisine let down by minor pitfalls on the service side. Examples include having to take our vegetable spring rolls to go because the server forgot to key them in w/ the balance of our order or how she misunderstood my request for the vegan chow mein to be served with chicken; conversely, she brought us two orders of chow mein (one vegan + one chicken). My wife and daughter are both lifelong Sushi lovers and she proclaimed her Sake Salmon Sushi, beautifully arrayed in a foil boat, the finest such delicacy she's ever sampled. Our Kung Pao Chicken was truly a revelation. The chefs here caramelize their coated chicken w/ liberal use of minced ginger along with the use of kung pao staples like wok-seared onions, bell peppers, white+1 meat chicken + toasted peanuts. The resulting flavor is a kick of twang on the back of your bite. Very different from the forty other versions of this dish that we've tried + a real stone cold stunner!! Developmentally the bathrooms were clean but the men's side smelled bad enough to make a maggot gag! Chuan Yu Mgmt: Pls consider burning some candles in there! In sum, Leti & I are overjoyed that we discovered this GEM of Oakland's Chinatown. This is savory, stick to your ribs Szechuan cuisine that's reasonably priced and you don't hafta foray into San Francisco to eat it!!

Sushi Roll Party Tray (from Sakura, Chuan Yu's partner restaurant)

Daniel N.

Last review... of 2022... Chuan Yu! This is the place to go in Oakland Chinatown if you're eating late and indecisive between Chinese / Szechuan or sushi. You can get the best of both worlds! I always get the Spicy Dry Pot as a main. You choose a base flavor (garlic or three levels of spicy), a protein base (e.g., beef, chicken, pork belly), and four additional toppings that include a wide variety of veggies, noodles, or extra protein. I love the flexibility of options and that you can double or triple-stack proteins. Both garlic and spicy flavors are solid. If dining in, they'll bring the dish out over a burner, which keeps the food hot and full of aroma. Another staple is the Shanghai Pan Fried Soup Dumpling, which I have yet to come across elsewhere in Chinatown. I also enjoyed their Chongqing Fish Filet in Chili Oil and Beef Brisket with Bamboo Shoot. Big portions, very well seasoned / spiced, and not too salty. Three entrees should be enough to comfortably feed a party of four. Last food-related note is that the space is a dual restaurant: Chuan Yu is paired with Sakura Bistro, which gives you the amazing ability to order sushi as well. What I also love about Chuan Yu is that it provides a later-night Chinese dine-in option. It's also great for groups as there is always plenty of available seating. Servers are nice and attentive, and food comes out quickly. Anddd that's a wrap! I'll see you in 2023 - both Yelpers and Chuan Yu!

Victor G.

Chuan Yu Is General Tso transplanted from S.F. they share kitchen & dining space with Sakura Bistro. just a banner on the left side of door showing Chuan Yu's prescene. take out and dining in front or back available. offerings: Sichuan & Hunan cuisine. (large list) eats: Kung Po Chicken (9.95) -big portion of fresh tasting unbreaded chicken pieces with crunchy slices of red/green bell peppers & celery. -ma la oil not used but the chili pieces definitely hot, got a piece into my throat, was coughing & sneezing like mad... -i avoided sauce on bottom of tray, unknown how spicy it might be.

Richard H.

The spicy beef brisket noodle soup is to die for! The beef tendon melted in the mouth and the Szechuan pepper broth was just the right amount of spicy. Two of us split it and an order of soup dumplings and it was just the right amount of food for two for dinner. We can't wait to return. The ambiance is a little funny as it's seemingly a restaurant within another restaurant. We had to flip through a massive menu to get to find Chuan Yu's section of the menu.

Jie L.

Wanted to try this Szechuan place since the only other option in the neighborhood is Spicies 3 and I found their food to be a bit too salty, so I got very excited when Chuan Yu popped up. I ordered for take out (because safety first !) I ordered 4 dishes: Chicken in Hot Chili Sauce, Beef and Beef Tendon in Chili Oil, Spicy Squid Whiskers, and Chongqing Fish Fillet in Chili Oil. The chicken in hot chilil sauce aka saliva chicken was the best dish, it tastes a bit different than the traditional style, but it was good enough. The spicy Squid was my next favorite, but because of the take out box they used to carry it, the squid was no longer crunchy by the time I ate it. Beef & tendon in chili oil was a bit sad and the fish in chili oil came in two quarts. I would say their entrees was good value, lots of food, but the appetizers was a bit pricey in comparison. The food does get more salty the more you eat it tho, which is kinda funny, because the first bite, it's not salty enough.

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Claudia W.

146

4 years ago

First time at this restaurant since it has high Yelp rating, it was a total disappointment, nothing tasted what it should be as described on the menu, mediocre service and the bill was $130 + tip for 5 was a bit too expensive for lunch. Shanghai steam dumplings, skin was too thick, hardly any taste. It was our first experience and definitely our last. We won't be back read more

Chuan Yu - Combination fried noodles J2. Combination Fried Noodle - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - I2. Spicy Pork Noodle Soup - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Dry pot with ramen noodles - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Salmon and Yellowtail Sushi rolls - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Danny W.

4 years ago

This is my new favorite Szechuan place in Oakland's Chinatown. I've been here a few times prior and it's always delicious! I knew it's a favorite when tonight I went out of my way to grab dinner. Authentic consistently good! read more

Chuan Yu - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jason P.

Elite 24

150

237

5 years ago

This place is located in inside Sakura Bistro right next door to Peony Seafood on the second level of the Bank of America Financial Center. Like everyone else has mentioned, it can be confusing as it seems that there are 2 restaurants operating out of 1 location, which is really the case. I had ordered pickup thru DoorDash, but the interesting thing I discovered was that their prices on DD were exactly the same as thru their regular menu! Where other places typically up-charge to keep up with DD's outrageous fees to restaurants, Chuan Yu has managed to give zero effs. However, I think need to increase their prices on DD's platform, at least so they don't lose out on their profits. In any case, I like it when restaurant prices are somehow able to match DD's. This tactic gets my business every time. It makes me feel like I'm saving money (but at the restaurants cost.) Sorry, Chuan Yu. At least you were able to get my business (and my review). On to the food... I ordered Sautéed Bullfrog in Chili Oil and Griddle Cooked Lotus Root. The flavors were awesome because I love that spicy northern Chinese cuisine. The bullfrog was as frog legs should be: the taste of chicken with the tenderness of fish. My only wish was that the frog wasn't so chopped up as it was a little difficult to navigate around the bones. Lotus root was cooked perfectly. Overall, I have no other complaints, and I cannot wait to try more dishes from here! read more

Chuan Yu - F2. Griddle Cooked Lotus Root - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - D21. Sauteed Bullfrog in Chili Oil - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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J S.

3 years ago

Just finished eating here for the first time. Very good service. The food is a little pricey but the portions are good. I actually came here to try their pan fried soup dumplings - which were not bad. They could be more soupy inside but considering how hard it is to find a restaurant who has soup dumplings on the menu these were tasty. I also ordered their hotpot in a medium spicy broth with 6 items. Flavorful, decent spice, and good portions. We came around 2pm on Sunday and the restaurant was empty. It's on the upper floor (right next to Peony seafood restaurant) so there is limited foot traffic. I highly recommend coming here and giving them a chance. read more

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David D.

2 years ago

Bad service and the food isn't good. I wonder if they ever learn cooking before. Definitely won't come back.

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Jeff C.

Elite 24

486

171

3 years ago

I am Taiwanese and this spot is definitely an authentic Szechuan spot. I only ordered the chili dumplings and they were good but lacked the slight sweetness that most chili dumplings I've tried before had. They were still yummy. This spot also has a Japanese menu that goes under a different name as well. I came after normal lunch hrs and the service was quick and friendly read more

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Michelle L.

Elite 24

378

148

309

5 years ago

I love dry pot so when I saw one finally open in the East Bay I was super excited! The only other good restaurants that serve dry pot are all the way in the South Bay which is almost an hour drive for me so i'm rarely able to get it. This restaurant is significantly closer so when I found it on yelp I knew i had to come try it. It's located in Oakland Chinatown on the second floor of a plaza, next to the old Peony Restaurant. The restaurant is special because it's combined with Sakura Bistro Tapas and Sake Bar which is a Japanese sushi restaurant, so their menu has both Szechuan cuisine and Japanese cuisine.Their Japanese sushi menu has a great happy hour with cheap drinks, appetizers and sushi rolls and their Szechuan menu has dry pot and mala hot pot where you get to pick and choose your ingredients. They also have typical Szechuan chinese cuisine on their menu, which I didn't try but looked pretty authentic when I saw other tables eating it. We ordered from both menus so we ordered a caterpillar roll and also a dry pot with frog as the main protein. The ingredients compared to other dry pot places was definitely lacking in quantity and the flavor was a bit off but overall it was good considering this restaurant isn't 100% Szechuan chinese food. I wish the portions were a bit larger but for the price it was worth it. Definitely worth a try if you're craving Szechuan styled food in the area - especially dry pot or anything mala flavored! read more

Chuan Yu - caterpillar roll - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - interior - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Spicy Dry Pot - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Emily P.

198

2 years ago

I walked down here from my hotel because I thought it would be fun to see some of the local color and to eat at a local place. They told me that they would only serve takeout food even though it was a half an hour before they closed. oh well. read more

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Fei X.

4 years ago

This is our go to restaurant for some authentic Chinese/Si Chuan food. My mum is from Si Chuan province in China, so we know that we are getting the real stuff. They also have a few dishes that you can't easily find it in other places. Plus this restaurant has one of the best environment and service in Oakland China Town. Definitely worth giving it a try! read more

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Bearies Z.

3 years ago

I ordered spicy dry pot with additional beef slices, corn, instant noodles, quail eggs, pork belly, and pork intestine that were charged for extra money. But the portion was super small; it was so funny that I paid $2.68 for a little slice of corn. It was totally not worth it! read more

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R M.

472

5 years ago

I enjoyed their mapo tofu, Kung pao chicken lunch box (Bento E) a couple weeks ago. Today I wanted to order from them and they bumped up the price by $3!!! For a lunch box! I will not be ordering from them for now. Sad since I thought I found a new Chinese place to order delivery from. read more

Chuan Yu - Bento Box E (E) - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Arthur W.

3 years ago

Incredibly decadent sashimi-- no joke, that shit was like butter and tasted like what I imagine "velvet" would taste like if it were a taste instead of a texture. Oishi roll is Oin-point! The Lamb chops were succulent and savory, cooked very well. Teriyaki Short Ribs where juicy, tasty, and with a good amount of fat. Great find in Oakland Chinatown. And, albeit 4th of July, I pay homage to American exceptionalism by celebrating our melting pot of a nation and eating sushi. They got cheap Sake, too! #merica read more

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Sam L.

6 years ago

Having been to many Sichuan restaurants and had a roommate from Sichuan before, I got a pretty good sense on what authentic Sichuan food taste like. Well, Chuan Yu seemed pretty authentic based on the three dishes I had. It was one of the best cheap meals I've ever had in the Bay Area. I got the boiled fish fillet with pickled cabbage, Kung-Pao chicken and garlic lettuce (A-choy). read more

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J S.

Elite 12

326

780

6 years ago

They cook well from a technical standpoint. The mouthwatering chicken 口水鸡 was cooked well. However the 辣油 spicy oil and the 麻 numbing peppers are poor quality. This is sichuan food dumbed down in flavor and spice. Wish people would stop using shitty tilapia for their fish dishes like peppercorn chicken, 水煮鱼 If the peppers and sichuan pepper quality were better this would be a better restaurant read more

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Ankush R.

233

4 years ago

The meat is high quality which is the main difference I see between other options for delivery Chinese in Oakland. Portion sizes were large and appreciated. Ordered through DoorDash. read more

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Ken S.

4 years ago

A very good Chinese restaurant sharing a space with the Japanese Restaurant Sakura ,but it's all good. Based on a bib gourmand recommendation, I went over on a rainy Sunday and even though no one was there ,the food was excellent read more

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Liang V.

6 years ago

this Sezchuan restaurant is grand opening . Tried this out with my family because the location is at Oakland Chinatown where is my neighbor. I am happy that I can eat my favorite food by walking distance. The food didn't disappoint me, will come back again . read more

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Zawing L.

6 years ago

This restaurant was the 外婆桥私房菜 General Tso Kitchen in San Francisco. They rebranded and opened in Oakland this week. Their food is so authentic and with acceptable spicy taste. Definitely recommended! read more

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Kaitlyn Q.

Elite 21

265

6 years ago

I was happy to stumble upon a new Sichuan style restaurant in Chinatown with outdoor seating in the front and back. There aren't many or any restaurants at all that have outdoor seating in Chinatown so this was a nice outing. Chuan Yu shares the same space as the sushi restaurant so you can order from either or or both. They bring out both menus. This restaurant is located right next to Peony - on the second floor of the plaza. My family and I ordered the fish with pickled cabbage, mapo tofu and the crispy chicken. My favorite was probably the chicken with all the chili's. read more

Chuan Yu - Outdoor seating area - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Audrey A.

250

1567

6 years ago

So good. Their Szechuan is authentic. I love thier chicken cartilage, their twice cooked pork belly, their fish in chili oil. Those are my faves. I order every time I crave Szechuan. Their spicy numbing spices are on point! ! read more

Chuan Yu - Twice cooked pork belly, sooo good! - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Twice cook pork belly to go - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Chicken cartilage to go! - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

Chuan Yu - Chicken cartilage, sooo good! It's nice and crunchy - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Bonnie R.

6 years ago

I'm disappointed! I was craving a nice meal of basic Chinese restaurant comfort food, so I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken and the Cucumber Garlic Salad. It was supposed to arrive no more than 50 minutes later. The food finally arrived 75 minutes later. I tried the salad first-- the soggy vegetables were nearly tasteless. So I excitedly opened the chicken. I had to look twice to find a trace of sauce on the bottom of the container. The top pieces had none. The chicken pieces were dry, tough and tasteless. The occasional hint of sauce helped a little, but, in all of my years of eating this dish, I've never seen or tasted so little sauce. So it was basically just a bunch of icky chicken pieces. Usually there are moist pieces of pineapple and onion in Sweet and Sour Chicken, right? This one had no onions, and had only 7 or 8 pieces of pineapple that were mangled and weird, as if they'd sat around for a long time before being added to the dish. So... WHAT??? This was my first experience with this restaurant, and it's certainly the last. Such simple dishes, so hard to make badly, and they were both so bad. I'm kind of amazed. read more

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Stephanie M.

4 years ago

My husband loves the twice cooked pork. I'm crazy about the stir fried tofu and the veggie noodles. We both enjoy the green beans. Everything has plenty of sauce and flavor. Definitely a new favorite. read more

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Kaison T.

Elite 18

127

5 years ago

They just got a new chef who cooks amazing Sichuan style food. We got the dry pot, Mabo tofu, and spicy chicken with red chili's. All delicious. Probably the best Chinese I've had in years and will be going back as soon as I can. read more

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Zev C.

3 years ago

This is the worst Sichuan restaurant I've ever been to. We ordered the Chongqing spicy chicken and the spicy boiled fish, two classic Sichuan dishes, and both were soggy and devoid of flavor. I don't know how or why this got onto the Michelin guide, but you'd be better served going to Spices 3 a couple blocks away. read more

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Daniel S.

4 years ago

Nestled inside a Japanese restaurant, this Sichuan spot is surprisingly excellent. We got the dry pot and the chongqing fish in oil - both were super tasty. Seasoning was just right, and prices were reasonable. Would recommend over Spices 3, which is too intense on the salt and oil for my tastes. Definitely will be back! read more

Chuan Yu - E6. Chongqing Fish Fillet in Chili Oil - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Betty T.

Elite 22

717

514

5 years ago

Huge disappointment with the DoorDash orders. I placed 2 orders in one day. The first order arrived completely wrong... I received someone else's order. After reordering the same thing, the food arrived also wrong. The second time was not as bad as the first but was still missing an item (chicken gizzard sighhh). Food was not bad but so not worth the double wait. read more

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Yuan J.

4 years ago

It's pretty good!! Really enjoyed the sushi and the steak. Would come here next time! read more

Chuan Yu - 好吃！ - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Xuanyi S.

4 years ago

The dry pot & the spicy chicken cartilage are firrrre Also the service is S tier! Highly recommended read more

Chuan Yu - hot & spicy chicken cartilage - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mary G.

4 years ago

Spicy Dry pot is soo yummy!!! The beef slices are sooo good!!! Definitely recommend it!! read more

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Angela C.

4 years ago

Had the string beans for lunch. Super good! This place is the same restaurant as Sakura Bistro, both on the second floor. read more

Chuan Yu - String G2. Stir Fried Green Beans - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Tso R.

3 years ago

Chicken corn soup, eggplant basil, veggie egg rolls were all bland and under seasoned. The chicken in the soup was barely edible - all the parts you'd typically get rid of. I went in person and ordered takeout and the host seemed really annoyed that I interrupted his lunch. I wouldn't recommend it based on the lack of flavor alone. Not worth the price. read more

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Rick W.

4 years ago

They have great service and comfort food. Definitely would come back again with friends and family! They are not overpriced at all! read more

Chuan Yu - E7. D1. F4. G1. - Szechuan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jia C.

5 years ago

Love restaurant! The staff was friendly and the food is absolutely delicious! The place is nice and clean and they are also kids friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant in downtown Oakland. read more

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Dengke W.

3 years ago

One of the best restaurant I've tried in Oakland Chinatown! I'm a frequent visitor

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Yvonne W.

114

5 years ago

Only restaurant with outdoor seating in Oakland Chinatown and with underground parking! We are still hesitant to eat indoors and the quiet patio seating in the back of the restaurant was perfect. Restaurant is located on 2nd floor of the Pacific Renaissance Mall inside Sakura Bistro. My husband loves spicy Sichuan Chinese food and I love Japanese food so no need to fight over where to go. The sushi was fresh and delicious. My husband found the Sichuan food (beef brisket noodles) to be quite good but not as spicy as he would like. However, we were there a month ago and the spice level was just right for him then. I told him that maybe next time, tell the staff he wants it hot hot hot! Lastly, service was excellent. They kept refilling my tea and checking on us. Definitely will return for a 3rd time .... read more

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Emily P.

6 years ago

This restaurant opened recently with to-go and outdoor dining options during the pandemic. With outdoor dining, they provide hand sanitizer and temperature check before siting down. The foods are pretty decent and the price is reasonable. The dishes I ordered are flavorful. Would definitely recommend people that craving for spicy Chinese food to try! read more

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N L.

5 years ago

Flavor 5 stars; portion 3 stars; service 4 stars. Please don't be stingy of giving decent amount of food. read more

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Weilu P.

5 years ago

me and my friend went in last week. chuan yu has excellent food&service!!! the restaurant is combined with sakura bistro, which makes amazing sushi and szechuan food. the hot spicy dips tasted exactly the same like the ones in china!!! it was a very pleasant experience eating at chuan yu. read more

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WaiChiu C.

6 years ago

Chuan Yu is a best Szechuan style food in Oakland. They have high quality food and big dish!!!!!! I can't find that kind of food in this area! read more

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Spencer V.

4 years ago

I love the shanghai pan fried soup dumplings, so good. Large menu with many options, definitely worth stopping by here!

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Page 2 of 3

See outside
388 9th St
Ste 268
Oakland, CA 94607
Oakland Chinatown
Directions
(510) 891-1781
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.sakuraoakland.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Chuan Yu open?

Chuan Yu opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Chuan Yu opens at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Chuan Yu close?

Chuan Yu is closed on Monday.Chuan Yu closes at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Chuan Yu closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Fri 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMSat-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Chuan Yu take credit cards?

Yes, Chuan Yu takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Chuan Yu have catering options?

Yes, Chuan Yu does have catering options.

Does Chuan Yu serve alcohol?

Yes, Chuan Yu serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Chuan Yu have TVs?

Yes, Chuan Yu has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Chuan Yu have outdoor seating?

No, Chuan Yu does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Chuan Yu have parking?

Yes, Chuan Yu has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Chuan Yu have free WiFi?

Yes, Chuan Yu has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Chuan Yu offers authentic Sichuan and Hunan style Chinese cuisine. We were the top rated Sichuan restaurant General Tso's Kitchen in San Francisco. We are thrilled to share delicious and authentic Chinese spicy food with you!

History

Established in 2020.

We opened on October 12nd, 2020. We are transplanted of the top rated Sichuan restaurant General Tso's Kitchen in San Francisco

Ask the Community - Chuan Yu

Do they take reservations?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Where is it???I try to find the place but I could not find it! The address brought me to Sakura bistro. I would love to find this place to try the food.

You got the right place, They just started up, so they operated in same restaurant.

View question details

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Chicken

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8 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Yates J.

2 years ago

WHEN: Saturday @ 6:30pm DINE IN SERVICE Not wait at all!! It was a quiet Saturday evening, only 3-4 tables of customers. Chuan Yu and Sakura requires a proof of vaccination card in order to dine in. Be ready when they ask. Our server was very nice. She was attentive to our needs, and checked up on us during our meal. It's a great date night restaurant if you want to dine in. The restaurant ambiance is quiet, casual, they have a drink menu. It's definitely not your typically Chinese restaurant vibe, it's more romantic and quiet than that. WHAT WE ORDERED E6 chili Szechuan fish $16 It doesn't have that Szechuan spicy numbness kick to it. I'm not a fan of spicy food but I was able to eat the fish and the chili oil. Eggplants with basils $15 This veggie dish surprised me with how delicious and tasty it was. I'm unsure what sauce it is, it goes with the eggplants so we'll. I couldn't stop eating it, it was the perfect pairing to the chili Szechuan fish. 2 white rice Each entree doesn't come with white rice. You'll have to order separately. I ordered their beef with bean curd and celery before. It was the main photo on their Yelp, apparently they took off that menu item :(. Chuan Yu should remove the menu item photos that are no longer serving. VALUE The entree dishes are between $11-20 each. It's relatively decent price for Bay Area Chinese food. They're known for their Szechuan dry pot and Szechuan fish. Next time I'd go again with more people and try the dry pot. read more

JJ F.

1 year ago

Disgusting! The mala xiangguo tasted awful - the tofu skin in it was rock-hard and stuck in my throat. The rice was also unpleasantly hard and difficult to swallow. Charging over $60 for a mala xiangguo this badly made? Unbelievable. read more

Amy L.

4 years ago

it's such a hidden gem! i never tried this place before until recently I tried their spicy boiled fish which is amazing and their other Sichuan food. the spicy boiled fish is my fav so far. read more

Ariana H.

4 years ago

This is one of my favorite restaurant in this area. The reason is simple. Nice environment, great location, friendly staff. Most importantly, their food is delicious! Like it! read more

Paul A.

5 years ago

I love this place very much. It has a unique spirit. The food is superb. the service is powerful and the team is courteous. The cost is modest. greatly recommend. read more

David L.

5 years ago

餐厅环境非常好，服务员虽然经验不足但是态度不错，最重要的是味道居然很好吃，水煮鱼缺了青瓜味道偏重口味啦，麻婆豆腐味道很地道就是份量少了一点，整体感觉不错要是再辣一点就好啦，没有想到在奥克兰唐人街可以吃到这么好吃的川菜，

Kolton D.

2 years ago

I highly recommend the Mapo Tofu in this restaurant. These are dishes that we Chinese like very much.

Stephen L.

142

5 years ago

I really really like everything I have had take out from here. So far, highly recommended.

Chuan Yu - szechuan - Updated September 2026

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Came here over the weekend to catch up with some friends based upon one of the party's…read morerecommendation. Had a reservation for 10 people, which they were very much able to accommodate. However we did request 3 highchairs, and they only apparently have 1 available. Seating is available both inside, as well as outside in a covered area next to their parking lot. We definitely way over-ordered despite the larger headcount. However, the food pacing was really off. We only had a few dishes come out initially, which everyone just picked at while chatting away. And it wasn't until quite a bit into the meal when the dishes started coming fast and hard. And next thing we knew, the table was piled high with food that all seemingly arrived at once. The portions were pretty sizable, and the food quality overall good to acceptable. They have a pretty large menu, so there is no shortage of options to choose from. Parking is available in their private lot, which is a huge plus.

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(1.2k reviews)

•$$

What a great dim sum spot! Of all the dim sum places we've been to, this place is the best in terms…read moreof flavor. Prices are a tad higher than others, but quality and service makes up for it. Service at a dim sum restaurant? Yes! The staff here are all very friendly and you can tell they're all about hospitality. Overall, every single dish we had was top notch and it's a good thing we don't live that close or we might end up looking like those piggy baos they have on the menu lol. I also didn't realize how big the place is! So big, they have two sections. The front is the usual noisy dim sum setting where you'll see the servers carrying trays or pushing carts of items to pick from by your table. Then you have the "quiet" back section where it's less hectic and offers more tea selections, but you can still order everything from the full menu. What we ordered: * Baked Portuguese Egg Tarts * Chicken Feet w/ Black Bean Sauce * BBQ Pork Rice Noodle * X.O. Sauce Pan Fried Rice Noodles * Siu Mai * Shrimp Spring Rolls * Spicy Dumplings in Chili Sauce * Salt & Pepper Calamari * Jasmine Special Tea

We came here as the original pick was closed... delighted with their dim sum. Tasty and fresh!…read moreDelivered to our table right from the steamers. Sui Mai , ha gow and him su goo were excellent and some of the best we've tasted. The other dishes were good! 7 dishes plus tea $64. Crowded and hopping!

Flower Lounge

4.2

(342 reviews)

•$$

I was Rolling thru the Diamond District!!!…read more I was Hungry , so I rolled to the Flower Lounge!!! I parked right out in Front in the Metered Parking!!! I strolled in and was greeted. I picked a table and Sat down. I was presented a Menu and a Pot of Tea !!! I ordered the Bbq Pork Won Ton Soup!! The Restaurant is Clean and Old Fashioned!!! It's got an Old School Vibe!!!! My Bbq Pork Wonton Soup came out Piping Hot and Packed Full of Wontons and Sliced Bbq Pork and Broccoli!! It was a Generous Portion of Meat and Wontons !!! It was Delicious!!! I paid by Credit Card and was Gone With the Wind Fabulous!!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!! I keep my Pimp Hands Strong!!! Number 34 out of the Top 50 list of the most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025 !!!

I have been going to Flower Lounge since I moved in the neighborhood and there is no replacement…read more I always get the same thing, the Mongolian Beef lunch special and I have never wanted for anything else. I have tried other dishes when my Mom gets them and they are always great, but let me say without doubt, they make the best Mongolian Beef I have ever tried, & Mongolian Beet is the dish I always order at different restaurants because I want to see if anyone else can even match Flower Lounge but none have, not even close, Flower Lounge food is better by a long way. I always get it with their Fried Rice and it always makes two meals for me so I'll get lunch and dinner. On top of this the staff is always above and beyond friendly. My mom hasn't been in that place for ages but the lady still asks how's she's doing. She found out I like the chili pepper oil and ever since she always makes sure to stuff a bunch in the box for me, I don't even have to mention it. On top of that she occasionally throws in free soup for myself and my mother, and I'm not even a weekly customer. The only negative thing to say about this place is probably that the restaurant itself looks a little beat up and dingy but honestly with everything else I could care less. Good food and good people, and good prices. I'm actually only writing this review because I want to get some of their food but they're not open for another few hours. They deserve all the best praise. 10/10

Gum Kuo Restaurant

3.9

(1.2k reviews)

•$$

I ordered Salted chicken rice plate and roasted duck…read more Definitely one of the spots I've grown up going to get my chinese bbq fix. Salted chicken rice plate 4.5/5 It's a simple clean meal. Definitely very filling. Chicken is very tender and juicy. Don't be afraid of the pink or red in the bone, it's myoglobin and still safe to eat. Roast Duck 4.5/5 It's nicely roasted, tender and juicy. The sauce is very flavorful and tasty. Ambience 4/5 Very quick and casual small dining area. It does get loud when packed but that is just the nature of chinatown. Also means the food is very good. Staff 4/5 Very friendly but because they are hustling around too much it's a little hard to get their attention.

Used to really enjoy this spot but hadn't been in years so recently gave it another try and I'm so…read moreglad I did! When we first walked in, no other diners were there which made me a little suspicious. We were promptly seated and offered hot tea though so we were locked in. I initially ordered to seafood claypot but was told it takes 45 minutes...so pivoted to chicken wonton soup (no noodles). My partner got kung pao chicken. while we waited for our food, a handful of people came in to pick up their to go orders, which made me feel better. Another party eventually dined in as well. Fyi the interior isn't much to write home about but comfortable. Then the food came. My soup was freaking delicious! Loads of chicken meat (just chopped up with the bones so be careful for shards), plenty of dumplings, and the broth was sooo good! I couldn't finish and took some left overs home; the next day, my soup coagulated (full of collagen)!! Partner enjoyed their kung Pao chicken but said they'd order something else next time. Best part - our meals + tax came out to less than $40! Gawd I love Chinatown!

Sobo Ramen

3.8

(1.1k reviews)

•$$

Sobo. So good! I got one of the signature ramens, Black Garlic Mayu. The combination of pork bone…read morebroth with roasted black garlic oil is layered in its complexity and oh so satisfying. The Chashu pork, Ajitama egg, bamboo shoots, bok choy, and garlic cloves are delicious and nutritious! Well worth $19.50. It's a huge bonus that they have my favorite sake, the Demon Slayer. The service is polite, the food comes out quickly and there are plenty of tables. Nothing fancy, but a nice place to have noodles with friends.

The worst yakitori I have ever had. All round no one liked their ramen as well (6 ppl). I normally…read morereserve one stars for food health hazards but this was terrible. Ordered the chicken thigh, chicken skin, and tofu scallion yakitori. Chicken thigh yakitori- cold meat that was clearly old frozen meat. Biting into this was like biting into a spongy mush slab tasting only strange water excretions and the overwhelming teriyaki sauce drenching it. 0/10 Chicken skin yakitori - expected a fried skin lightly seasoned item. Received regular mushy chicken skin with no flavor or pan searing, baking, frying nothing. Again drowned in teriyaki sauce. 0/10 Tofu scallion yakitori - tough, old, and dry tofu on a stick drenched in teriyaki sauce again. 0/10 I have never received such horrible food. All other ramen orders at the table also mentioned bland broths.

Lin Jia Asian Kitchen

4.2

(575 reviews)

•$$

I'm really on the fence about this review. I love ordering…read moreand getting my food roaring hot right on time, every time. THE FOOD!!! What were we eating before Lin Jai? (Oh yea... we were eating Shen Hua on College - EDWARD COME BACK TO US!!!). If it waddles, quacks and tastes like a duck... Lin Jai seems very Chinese to me (howdy y'all) but they call themselves "Asian Cafe". Who am I to argue, but most dishes I love there seem pretty Chinese to me??!? I don't know where the lights-out super cuminy beef is from (Uyghur, or Mongolian?) and the Singapore/curry noodles (curry perfection) might be from Taiwan. The fish dishes seem to float down from some fishy astral plane... THEY HAVE MU SHU!!! They're fully staffed by people that seem to love their work... Ok, I'm starting to GUSH... Dang it, just get carry out and shut up about it already

World class cuisine, wonderful ambience, beautiful people great service. I highly recommend this…read moreplace if you were in Oakland or the Bay Area, Visiting and if you live here, shame on you you should already know about it.

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Chuan Yu - szechuan - Updated September 2026

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