Not everyone is into Christmas. Growing up, my Jewish family regularly forbade holiday trees or wreaths in our home. No honey ham or Santa coming down the chimney, although we almost always visited grandparents for nondenominational festivities. I’ve come to learn mom and dad go out to Chinese food now that the kids moved away and said grandparents are no longer with us. And why not? Holiday traditions are more about togetherness than a singular activity.
I personally prefer a Chanukkah-looking bush and some gift opening.
If you’re forgoing the standard red-and-green twinkle lights and chopping down trees, there are plenty of places in San Francisco that will take you in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I personally called all of these just today, but you should double-check their hours before attending.
Mamahuhu
517 Clement St. and 3991 24th St., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 742–2958 for Clement, (415) 374–7012 for 24th St.
Visit their website
Mamahuhu has been running a “Jewish Christmas” for at least three years at its San Francisco and Bay Area locations. They partnered with Wise Sons Jewish Deli to create the Hong Kong Challah Toast, a twist on a beloved Hong Kong teahouse favorite. They cover a sweet slice of Wise Sons’ challah in peanut butter condensed milk, candied nuts, mandarin zest, and butter for a sweet and salty bite. Try the recipe at home or in person — because yes, they’re open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
House of Nanking
919 Kearny St., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 421–1429
Visit their website
We love House of Nanking for its sesame chicken, potstickers, and the Nanking sesame beef. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and bold flavors, and it’s even had its own TV show on the Food Network.
Hang Ah Tea Room
1 Pagoda Place, open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 982–5686
Visit their website
Hang Ah Tea Room is the country’s oldest dim sum tea house in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Established in 1920, its rich history is flavored by traditional Chinese dim sum and tea service.
Hang Ah Tea Room offers a variety of steamed dumplings, buns, spring rolls, and other small, flavorful dishes. The menu features a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dim sum items.
Yank Sing
101 Spear St., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 781–1111
Visit their website
Yank Sing brings to San Francisco an extensive menu of dumplings, buns, rolls, and other bite-sized delights. Some popular items include shrimp dumplings, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, and egg custard tarts. Looks like they fill up fast in the holiday season; call ahead for a reservation.
Z & Y Restaurant
655 Jackson St., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 981–8988
Visit their website
Recognized by some very famous people (ahem, former President Barack Obama), this restaurant is ready to make your Christmas dinner one for the books. From its garlic crab specialty to pea sprouts with ham to sweet sticky rice soup, this Sichuan cuisine joint knows how to add a little spice to your life as nearly every dish is adorned with chilies. Try the Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan Boiled Fish, and various noodle dishes.
Old Mandarin Islamic Restaurant
3132 Vicente St., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 564–3481
Visit their website
Imagine wandering into a dimly lit treasure trove where Peking Duck reigns supreme, and every dumpling is a bite-sized chapter in an epic gastronomic novel. The skin, crisp and golden, crackles like a seasoned actor delivering a memorable performance. Each bite unfolds a nuanced narrative, leaving patrons on the edge of their seats, savoring the interplay of flavors.
This is the only local spot that serves halal-friendly Chinese food, making it a good one and rare find this holiday season.
Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant
2626 San Bruno Ave., open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
(415) 468–9333
Visit their website
Imperial Garden Seafood Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a culinary escapade. The interior combines a sophisticated ambiance with a diverse menu, from classic Cantonese-style lobster to innovative seafood combinations. They told me they’re only open until lunch on Christmas Day, albeit this may be true for several of the others on this list, so call ahead!
San Tung
1031 Irving St., open Christmas Eve only and closed Christmas Day
(415) 242–0828
Visit their website
The standout dish at San Tung is obviously dry-fried chicken wings. These wings are known for their crispy exterior, flavorful seasoning, and a slightly sweet and tangy glaze. The dish has become iconic, drawing food enthusiasts from across the city. But there’s also tons of other food here, from noodles and rice dishes to seafood and vegetable options.
They are open on Christmas Eve only.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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