I've been to Far East many times before. It is a staple in Chinatown known for their large Banquet room upstairs. But this is my first time writing a review. Please note that there is no elevator in this restaurant. We came here for an event that had over 400 people. The food was surprising tasty. We had a table of ten and we virtually ate every scrap of food. Either it was that good or we were starving! The food on the platters we were served were not that big. The big eaters on our table finished whatever was left. Onward to the food. The fried rice looked like saffron rice - yes it was that yellow but it was delicious. They used a lot of bell peppers and onions in their dishes. The beef was very tasty and the ground pork soup was excellent. The tofu dish was cooked perfectly but there each person barely got two pieces of tofu. The fried fish was crispy and hot but you were lucky if you got two pieces. The Peking duck had no buns or hoisin sauce. Some of the pieces were lean and some were fatty. The worst dish of the night was what I would call the chicken katsu - the batter wasn't fried long enough and chicken was still raw! The red bean sesame balls were served crispy and hot out of the fryer. I enjoyed this over any red bean soup that we normally get. read more

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Far East Café offers a classic Chinese restaurant experience with a relaxed atmosphere. We stopped in for a meal, tried a Chinese beer that was surprisingly good, and finished with the traditional fortune cookie. The restaurant had quite a few empty tables for a Sunday, which made us wonder why it was not busier at that time of day. A quiet dining room can make you second-guess a place before the food arrives, especially when deciding whether it is a local favorite or simply an overlooked option. Service and the overall experience were pleasant, and the beer was a nice surprise. The restaurant may be worth trying if you are looking for a quieter Chinese meal, though the lack of a Sunday crowd left us uncertain about how consistently the food and experience measure up. read more

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Yesterday 2 friends and I had lunch at Far East Cafe. My friends ordered chow mein and said theirs was tasty. I ordered Szechuan shrimp and unfortunately the shrimp was overcooked to the point that I could not chew it. I politely told the woman who was the host about the shrimp being overcooked and that I couldn't chew it. She then gave me the nastiest look and in a very rude tone asked what she should do about it. Now, that sounds like she was being helpful but her tone and the terribly rude look she gave me let me know that she was quite angry. She then asked if I wanted her to make me another plate and I said, "Yes, please." She then went into a loud tirade towards the waiter and told me that I could continue to eat the vegetables on my plate while waiting for my food. When she returned with my new plate and took the first one away, she said in a dismissive and snotty tone that the head chef had cooked this plate so she knew the shrimp was not overcooked! Well, she should have sampled one of the shrimps before serving this dish because the shrimps were tough and overdone but I did not complain. I think I figured out what she told the waiter, Jimmy, who was very nice and helpful. When I ate about 1/2 of my leftovers for lunch today (did not reheat shrimp) there were 8 hot peppers just in that portion of my food! I didn't see that many on my entire first plate. Fortunately I like hot and spicy food that stings my lips. I would not recommend this overpriced place with some rude staff members. I left our waiter a 25% tip as I felt sorry for him being bullied by that woman. BTW-$2 extra for a serving of steamed rice and a pot of tea was not included. I truly was surprised that we received fortune cookies with our bills. Obviously I will never return here nor recommend anyone to dine at Far East Cafe. read more

Far East Cafe - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Service was fine but the food was not good. Everything was very expensive, so many other better tastier chinese restaurants in Chinatown. When looking at the menu, I thought 'for these prices it must be big portions' but I was very very wrong. The shrimp/prawns were not crispy, chow mein was pretty good though. The orange chicken didn't taste good though, not sure what it tasted like exactly but it was just a little off. I ended up going to a different place to get dim sum instead, it was much better and cheaper. They ran out of seafood as well which was disappointing because that's the only reason I went. The place was not super busy and clean, so that is good. read more

Far East Cafe - C15. Orange Chicken - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My family attended a private event at Far East Cafe for a holiday luncheon. It had very old school vintage Chinese restaurant decor. Which definitely gives you old school Chinatown vibes. The food was decent. We had the chicken salad which was surprisingly very good. I've never had a chicken salad like this before. We had fried chicken wings which were also very good. Perfectly seasoned and fried. The e fu noodles with vegetables were decent. The sweet and sour pork was also decent. I was disappointed by the egg tofu with vegetables. I didn't think it was possible to overcook the egg tofu but it was overcooked and tough. My favorite was the fried fish with sweet corn. The sauce was pretty good and worked for me. Service was pretty good. They filled our tea frequently and cleared our plates as soon as we were done. Overall, the food was decent but nothing that stood out. If we're in the area, we might make a stop but we wouldn't go out of our way to eat here read more

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I went with coworkers coming from Las Vegas and I recommended this restaurant and it was a hit! I had to warn them that the servers will just come, take the order and leave... no pleasantries. But that's how you know the food will be amazing. The food comes out as soon as it's ready - one at a time and we all shared the dishes as they came out. Everyone tried a little of everything and loved it! We stay in hotels near Union Sq often so this location will be our spot the next time they come to town. If you're walking around Chinatown, I recommend this for a group and even as a single diner. So many options on the menu you'll like read more

Far East Cafe - Mongolian beef - chicken fried rice - spring rolls - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

My friends and I tried this place on a whim because we were in the area. It was great! Located in the heart of Chinatown, Far East Cafe is a large restaurant that is perfect for really big parties. We were seated immediately, and the food came out really quickly. We ordered sesame chicken, vegetable chow mein, green beans with minced pork, and pot stickers. Everything was super yummy! Honestly it hit exactly the way it needed to. I recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a casual spot in Chinatown! read more

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Right in ChinaTown, the decor was cute obviously the place is a little older inside. Service was pretty fast, we were told the wait was an hour but more like 10mins. The waiter was pleasant and fast. Some of the food came out cold, the egg drop soup was 10/10 so flavorful. The orange chicken was a little bland and a little cold. read more

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Our elementary school always does lunch here during our class field trips. ~50 kids, ~10 adults, food is pre-ordered. We take up most of the dining room. It's decently tasty (we get the standard fried rice, fried noodles, veggies, tofu, beef & broccoli). They give us all takeout boxes and bags when we leave. It only cost about $11 per person and we all had tons of leftovers. For what we need it's great! There is only one unisex bathroom so that can be a bottleneck. read more

I was in here a couple months ago on a business trip with coworkers and loved it. So when I brought my wife into the city for a weekend, we gave it another shot. It did not disappoint. This is an old restaurant in the interior is really cool and historical. The food here is really good and fresh. I would definitely recommend it for anybody that wants a good Chinese restaurant and visiting Chinatown. read more

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Very good Veggie Spring Rolls- crunchy wrapping (not greasy), fresh and crisp veg, with house made Sweet and Sour Sauce! Beef Chow Fun had lots of meat, onions, sprouts and ethereal noodles!!! The Honey Walnut Prawns were lightly battered, plump, with delicious honey roasted walnut halves. The pork fried rice was good- it was, however, missing that smokey wok flavor. We still enjoyed it. Love the very old decor. Maybe I missed it, but I would love to read about the restaurant's history, and the old art on the walls while waiting for food. There's a story to share, I'm sure! Thanks for the fun time. read more

Rebecca was very helpful in suggesting a wonderful lunch! Went at the recommendation of a friend and fairly spot on! The food was nice but bummed they didn't have spicy dipping sauce for pot stickers, although they were a nice size portion. Disappointed they weren't browned on both sides. The chew mien, chicken dish, and beef dish were nicely prepared. read more

Far East Cafe - The three main course meals and pot stickers. - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The restaurant is clean and inviting as you enter. Staff was quick to make sure you had drinks you wanted. Our order was taken when we were ready, we weren't rushed. The food was delicious. The veggies were cooked, but still crisp. The chicken salad was exceptional. The potstickers were fantastic too. All in all it was a great find for lunch read more

The food was authentic and delicious. Our waiter was awesome and kept the food coming. The ambiance was nice and relaxing. read more

Far East Cafe - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Just came here on Friday for the school field trip with the kids. Lunch was fixed and family style. For 5 adults and 5 kids we actually polished all the fixed plates which was: - egg rolls - beef broccoli - veg noodle - veg egg Fried rice - orange chicken I feel food was bit less although many of the other tables had leftovers so perhaps we were just a table with good eaters. Food overall was OK. Quite bland honestly not the typical Chinese food we are used to but perhaps they keep it like that since kids are eating? Not sure. I wouldn't return on my own but it worked out for the trip since it is spacious and ample family style tables and clean bathrooms upstairs. read more

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Attended a private event- Service was pleasant, accommodating, and attentive. Banquet, family style setting-clean, quality metal chairs with new cushions, and nice table linen. Highlights: 1-chicken salad brought back childhood memories (fresh, tasty, and flavorful) 2-walnut prawns: well balanced flavors-good sized shrimp and walnuts with sesame (fresh tasting, enough mayo, and thinly coated sugar glazed walnuts) 3-roasted chicken topped with colored chips (crispy chicken skin, tender chicken, colorful chips=heaven on a plate) *those colored chips are only available at private events and banquets) I don't recall seeing them sold on the streets, stores, and/or markets. 3-shiitake mushrooms topped choy sum (My favorite dish from the crunch of the veggies and perfectly sauced, tender mushrooms) 4-fried fish: whole fish with tender, juicy insides, and easy bone removal (popular with everyone at our table: the young to our elder) Bonus- Our event had 6 lion heads and 2 dragons. *Definitely, a preview for CNY parade on 3/7/26. (Start of CNY 2/17: year of the horse; CNY lasts 15 days) read more

We were seated quickly and then waited for about 10 minutes before Cathy came by and apologized, she wasn't our waiter, but she took our order which tells me a lot. She was clearly the person in charge. We ordered the fried prawns and the Kung pow shrimp with steamed rice It was amazing and totally worth the minor inconvenience. We experienced at the beginning. It was hot and delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it when in San Francisco and certainly when in Chinatown. The decor was traditional Chinese adding to our experience. Well done Kathy! And thank you!! read more

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We haven't been there alit of years I think but it was always the best part of Chinatown for us. At least the food was delicious. The service was amazing. And then they changed owners I think or cooks I can't remember what was changed. We haven't been there since. Then there was a time that they were closed for business that was a sad time for us ! We hear they are open again so we will try sooner than later we promise read more

Started off by ordering tea which was not received until later when we asked about it again. The service was alright and the food tasted okay. The best parts were the roasted duck and the green beans which tasted really good. As for the sweet and sour pork, honey walnut shrimp, and seafood chow men, they tasted okay. The prices were a little higher than usual, which is to be expected from a touristy place. Overall, a decent place to eat at if you are hungry. read more

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I've been living in San Francisco for 30 years and when I go to Chinatown, this is the only place I go. First of all the ambience is incredible. A huge room with the beautiful Chinese lanterns. The service is really good very friendly. And the food is fantastic. I've never had a bad meal here. When you go in, say hi to Kathy she is the heart and soul of this establishment. If you happen to be in San Francisco and you want really good Chinese food this is your place. read more

Came here after the mid autumn festival service here is pretty quick. Only downfall was that we didn't get the water until we had to ask for it. The ambience feels like a Chinese restaurant very packed and it was very loud because there was a big group or family that was eating dinner here after the mid autumn festival. My girlfriend ordered the chicken chow mein, Chinese broccoli and sweet-and-sour chicken with a side order of rice which came out to a total of $70 read more

Far East Cafe - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is one of the oldest restaurants in SF's Chinatown, and has a very nice atmosphere, including booths with curtains (which apparently must be reserved at least a day in advance - we requested one of the many empty booths, and were told they were by reservation only). Very nice and attentive service. My wife and I shared a few dishes, including sizzling rice soup, almond pressed duck (which I know is touristy, but I like it occasionally), and beef chow fun. They were all OK, but not particularly memorable. Prices were fair for this kind of restaurant. Because of the history and atmosphere, we might well give it another try, and you may at least want to stop by for a drink. read more

One off the last banquet halls in SF Chinatown. Authentic old world decor and charm. Cantonese food with a large menu. Used for weddings, baby parties and community events. Room for dancing and entertainment upstairs. Food is authentic for banquet meals and also good for everyday meals. Sorry no photos. read more

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A landmark restaurant in San Francisco Chinatown ..so beautiful to begin with and Kathy Lee, the host, was gracious and accommodating and the food was authentic and delicious. My Noodle to Noodle' Tour loved the whole experience. @blandinatours read more

Very attentive, sweet service, relatively mild dishes, in an old style restaurant in Chinatown. The dark wood, divided privaterooms are really cool & intimate. read more

I've been to SF's Chinatown plenty of times but I never tried this place before. And I was not disappointed AT ALL!!! The service was great! The soup with fried wontons was amazing!!! literally still thinking about it. I ordered the chicken fried rice, and tried some of my boyfriend's beef and veggies plate, along with some yummy chow mein my friend ordered. And ended the meal with fortune cookies. I'll definitely come back again when i'm in SF! And if you're visiting or live in SF check it out! read more

Far East Cafe - FR3. Chicken Fried Rice - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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An episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations brought us here to try their egg foo young, recommended by host, Andrew Zimmern. I had fandom of Mr. Z until I learned he loathes Spam. Being from Hawaii, that canned meat holds a special place in my arteries! ATMOSPHERE: Located in Chinatown, the exterior architecture is storybook-charming. Inside, an unused small bar, low tops and private curtained-booths were available. RESERVATIONS: We came for a late lunch and the place was dead (3pm on a Monday), so I'll leave it up to you. MENU: Extensive collection of traditional dishes. I didn't see any dim sum carts or menu. FOOD: BBQ Pork Foo Young - $18.00 I'm not sure exactly which protein he featured on the show but we went with pork. Tender pork, fluffy eggs and savory sauce; I liked it but didn't love it. It's simply not my favorite Chinese dish. Beef with Snow Peas - $24.00 Very tender beef, fresh & crunchy peas, but it need sodium! Splashed on some shoyu from the table and it was perfect. Chicken Fried Rice - $16.00 As much as I love fried rice, I didn't want to order it as it was just me and my spouse. And, I know how large the portion can be, but he insisted. Sure enough, the heaping mound of carbs could feed four or more stomachs. It too was in need of sodium. Sprinkled on salt and, voilà. SERVICE: Friendly greeting and wait service, quick food delivery but no follow up in between. OVERALL: Good-portioned, fair-priced, under-seasoned food. read more

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amaaaazing food service and ambiance ! Best feeling of old San Francisco Chinatown ! Just got here and enjoy ! read more

Right outside the restaurant was a man in red who greeted us and led us into the restaurant. First impression as we walked in? Wow! Place felt grand. Its was red everywhere with some really huge vintage-looking chandeliers . We also noticed a few curtained-off dining sections which appear to cater to guests who don't want to be seen or seen. Place don't look too busy at 7:30 pm but it picked up after 8 pm. We ate in the main restaurant section. We just ordered Yang Chow Fried rice which did not disappoint. Also ordered their pork dumplings which were huge and tasted good. The menu was extensive and featured a few photos in it. Prices seem reasonable. Service was fast and efficient. Wait staff was comprised of older men who I assumed have been working there since the restaurant opened. All in all, a pleasant experience for us. read more

Far East Cafe - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Recently came here for a fantastic meal and service. My parents have been coming here for decades, and while the interior was fairly recently revamped, the food is good as ever. Highly recommend this authentic, local spot for an incredible meal. White meat chicken used for majority of dishes too, which is a nice plus! read more

Far East Cafe - B13. Mongolian Beef SF23. Sweet and Sour Prawns C6. Chicken with Snow Peas FR3. Chicken Fried Rice CM6. Chow Mein Combo - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food is exceptional!! The service is quite delightful!!! I keep going back to Far East knowing I will enjoy dining.

Very good food. I hadn't been here in probably 25 years. 3 of us went in for dinner and loved it. Huang was our waiter and he made our meal extra special. Very nice staff and tasty food. read more

Far East Cafe in Chinatown is a true San Francisco gem, as it's one of the city's longest running Chinese cafes since its opening in 1920. Visiting feels like stepping into a time machine, with its vintage interior, private booths, murals, and antique Chinese lanterns. This Chinatown landmark not only offers nostalgic ambiance, but also serves delicious old-fashioned American-style Cantonese cuisine. We began with a Longan martini, (which is in the same family as lychee fruit.) Far East Cafe is also known for their soup, with wontons, and large pieces of seafood. A favorite of mine was the salt and garlic chicken wings, and we also got the curry tomato beef chow mein, fried rice, and the pan-fried string beans with basil and minced pork. The Far East Cafe is a treasure that joins pastimes with the flavors of Chinese cuisine. read more

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The food was just okay. There are better places to eat Chinese in SF. They bill themselves as a real Chinese experience, they are known for their booths. When asked to be seated in one, we were told they were for special reservations. When I peaked behind a few of the curtains, they were being used for storage. The most insulting experience was paying the check. I left a 20% tip and the waiter got mad and stormed out of the restaurant leaving out boxed leftovers in the kitchen. read more

Meh. Food was bland. Maybe it was the menu items selected by organizers. Walnut shrimp was pretty good. Fish/veggie dish was bland...tasted just like the bok choy and tofu dish. Best thing were the pickled carrots and jicama that came with some meats. Could not eat the soup. Went there for a banquet and literally had to ask for water. Just had 2L soda on tables, lol. Not horrible but not worth coming back for. read more

A slice of Old SF Chinatown, complete with nostalgia, history, and great ambiance. I was born and raised here, and to me, any trip to the city is not complete without a stop in Far East Cafe. I greatly mourn the loss of "The Empress of China" restaurant, but this landmark is still here, and very much deserving of your time if you are visiting SF Chinatown. Founded in 1920, and now over 100 years old this place embodies some of the kind of glorious faded glamour that Chinatown used to be known for. I could imagine the rat pack being right at home amongst all of this "old school" cool. My tip: get yourself a romantic curtained booth table for 2 and come for a very classy and quintessentially SF dinner and drinks. read more

Came here for 2 big events. One is for a friend's 70th birthday. One is for the new Mayor of San Francisco. The food for friend's birthday was great. Very decent and good portion. Most of the dishes were pretty tasty. The second event; however, was a disappointment. The shrimp was cold and not much taste to it. The fried rice was not cooked through. The Peking duck's skin was not crunchy at all. Overall, it was a huge disappointment. I wish the food would be more consistent. Hopefully the next time will be better ?! read more

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I just turned that milestone age which granted me automatic admission into AARP. To celebrate that milestone age birthday, my family and I did a huge research throughout Chinatown to host a part of 30. Far East Cafe came to the top of the list and the experience we had was next to none. The course meal was plentiful to feed my party, we had a section dedicated to our party, we were able to bring our own wine and our own cake, and the cocktail bar mixed some mean drinks for my birthday. The restaurant owner or manager was able to accommodate all of our needs, including changing the set menu to include mu shu chicken and egg foo young. Incidentally, the best things on the restaurant's menu in my opinion. We also had peking duck, lobster, Yangchao chow mein (you can't do a birthday without noodles which symbolizes long life). The service and experience we had far exceeded our expectation. More importantly, it really is the restaurant that churns out the BEST egg foo young in San Francisco, no doubt because it is really also the OLDEST remaining SF Chinatown restaurant - which started its journey in the early 1900s. I understand also it was saved during pandemic, double the happiness. I am grateful of this amazing restaurant for its service and fantastic food that made my 50th birthday special. read more

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Great food served family style like how it should be! Family and I had shared the Hunan Chicken, Roasted Duck, egg flower soup, and pot stickers. We also shared some oolong tea which was very delicious. Decent service and good atmosphere and ambiance that's inviting for tourists. Would definitely eat here again! read more

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Wow this place has been around since I was a kid. I have never eaten here or ever stepped inside since I don't normally work in Chinatown. All my buddies frequent this restaurant regularly. I had the opportunity to meet Cathy this past summer while working in Chinatown. One of my buddies introduced me. Very nice person and very welcoming. She invited us in to eat but we had declined. About a couple of months ago, I learn that Far East Restaurant was owned by people I knew. It turns out that I grew up with Cathy's brothers and I know her dad. Worked with a bunch of guys yesterday and decided to dine at Far East for the first time. Cathy greeted us and I explained I know her dad and brothers from my childhood. What a small world!! Place is very cool and interesting. Sat in one of the private booths. The food was delicious and very flavorful!!! Portions are a good size. Prices are reasonable and reflect local prices. Service was very good. A waiter and waitress checking on us very frequently. I order take out at Capital Restaurant about 3-4 times a month. Far East will now be my new spot. Except for Tuesdays.........lol Nice meeting you Cathy!! read more

Far East Cafe - Every dish was delicious!!! - Chinese Near Me - San Francisco, California