Peninsula Seafood Restaurant
Peninsula Seafood Restaurant, located at 641 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, offers an exceptional dining experience with its flavorful and generous portions. Known for its delicious and varied menu, it has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for those seeking authentic Chinese and seafood dishes in the heart of Chinatown.
A standout feature of the restaurant is its must-try items, such as the Peking duck, surf clams, and lobster noodles. These dishes are often recommended for their rich flavors and satisfying portions. The Peking duck, in particular, is a favorite, delivering a crispy, flavorful experience that has become a signature dish for the establishment.
Despite its prime location, some diners note that Peninsula Seafood Restaurant can be on the pricier side. However, many guests feel that the quality of the food justifies the cost. The dim sum selection, including shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and shrimp stuffed mushrooms, stands out for its freshness and taste. Although the dishes are slightly expensive, especially during dinner hours, lunch-time visitors can enjoy a more affordable menu.
The restaurant is spacious, offering both a lively main dining area and a quieter back hall, ideal for larger groups. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, with a special charm during rainy evenings in Chinatown. The service is generally attentive, with friendly staff like Joyce, who has earned praise for her excellent service.
While the menu can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors, the food quality, especially dishes like fried spareribs and fried fish, makes Peninsula Seafood Restaurant worth returning to. The fried spareribs, resembling a unique chef's special, are particularly memorable, and the fried fish offers a comforting twist on the classic fish and chips.
The restaurant’s a la carte pricing, with added costs for tea and rice, might catch some off guard, but the overall dining experience is enjoyable, with a pleasant atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Peninsula Seafood Restaurant Reviews
Went to the Great Star theatre for a comedy show last night. It was 8:40pm when we got out and this restaurant was right across the street. Sign said they close at 9 but the kind waitress still chose to seat us and brought us the menus. Husband and I both love dim sum so were glad to hear they would serve it! We got the har gao(shrimp dumpling), siu mai (pork), shrimp stuffed mushroom, shrimp and chive dumplings, salt and pepper chicken wings and the red bean sesame bun. While waiting for our food to arrive I read some Yelp reviews and one of them cautioned about this place being expensive. Oh well we were hungry and had already ordered. Since it was almost closing time I wondered if any of the food would be good but was beyond surprised at the taste, freshness and quality of all the dishes we ordered. Joyce the waitress had such a nice demeanor and we appreciated her service and talking to her . The place is huge inside and one wouldn't know from just sitting in the main hall. It was only when walking to the restroom that I saw that they have a big hall in the back, which I'm sure has seen some very busy weekend lunches. Price-wise, each dim sum dish was $10 and the wings were $16. Certainly not cheap but considering how expensive everything is these days, I actually didn't mind paying for the amazing taste. Joyce did mention that the dishes cost less at lunchtime so I'm definitely gonna come back during lunch hour. Also special mention of the vibe in Chinatown during a raining Saturday evening!
I had the pleasure of eating at a fundraiser with beautiful music and beautiful dedicated people. The tables were packed. We were late. The soup got cold. The tablemates were so kind to save us the soup. My favorite dishes were the fried spareribs and fried fish. I am dreaming of eating some more. The chicken was crispy skinned. The lotus root with dried meat was awesome. Whoever picked the dishes did a great job. This was banquet style. The taro tapioca finished us off. I thought the restaurant had way too many negative reviews. It would be great for restaurant to clearly indicate on their menu that tips are automatically added and that tea and rice are extra charges. These are rough times. Zip airways makes everyone pay a la carte. Olden days, everything was included. Wait staff should explain and be upfront, but their English isn't quite good. I hope everybody tries their fried spareribs, finger in length long, like soaked in coffee. I am not talking about peking spareribs. Not that. Sorry no picture. Too busy eating. Their fried fish reminds me of fish and chips without the chips. Their fryer must be super big in the kitchen. Addendum: went back today to get the ribs to go. They are not on the menu. Secret chef special. Called "shern heung kunk" garlic signaturel rib dish. Unfortunately they ran out today. The chef has to marinate overnight. Tomorrow they will have it. Cost $22, to go. Addendum: they do add automatic tip. We went back tonight and they did have ribs, but it wasn't marinated enough. So, i have to go back a 3rd time another time. I had the fresh fish tofu $33 claypot and the mustard grerns. At night, tea and water is free.
Rating was for food only. Food was delicious. Waitstaff very unfriendly or still asleep at the open of the restaurant.
Enormous portions. Delicious foods. Must orders: Peking duck, surf clams, lobster noodles. 69/69