Yank Sing

Yank Sing at 49 Stevenson Street, near Mission and First Streets between the Financial District and SoMa in San Francisco, California, is a long-established Cantonese dim sum house with a reputation for upscale quality. The cuisine is Cantonese dim sum with a few Shanghai-style items, served from carts and by order in a modern dining room. Signature dishes include Shanghai soup dumplings, also called xiaolongbao, which are among the restaurant's best-known items, as well as har gow, shrimp and chive dumplings, peking duck and custard tarts. The menu extends to steamed buns, rice rolls, turnip cakes and seasonal specials. The dining room is bright and spacious, with white tablecloths, banquettes and large round tables, and the mood is lively and busy, particularly at weekend brunch, when families and large groups fill the room. Noise levels are moderate to high, and dress is casual to smart casual. The beverage programme is built around Chinese tea, with a selection of teas served in pots, and the restaurant also offers beer and wine. Service is cart-based with additional dishes ordered from the kitchen, so diners can choose items as they pass and control the pace. Dim sum is served at lunchtime on weekdays and from the morning on weekends, until around 3:00 PM, and the restaurant does not serve dinner. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the restaurant's website, particularly for weekends and groups. Prices are higher than at traditional Chinatown dim sum halls, at about $35 to $60 per person, which reflects the quality of the ingredients and the setting. The location near the Moscone Center and Yerba Buena Gardens makes it convenient for visitors to the downtown area.