Dinner at Mister Jiu's, A Michelin-Starred Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco
Mister Jiu’s was one of my first forays back into fine dining during year 2 of the global pandemic. It was Spring 2021 and the number of Covid cases dropped drastically in California. The state had “reopened” months prior but I simply wasn’t sold on the idea (capitalism) and wanted some time to pass before I stepped out. I had been inside for over a year and needed a change of scene. My sister had recently moved to the Bay and the thought of visiting somewhere else thrilled me. Having traveled to San Francisco since I was a child, I’ve witnessed many iterations of the foggy city. As a kid, I was obsessed with the two-story Sanrio store in SF, as a teen I’d travel to the city for anti-war rallies and would always eat at the guru-led restaurantAnanda Fuara. Now in my 30s, I travel to San Francisco on occasion to enjoy the best gastronomical offerings the city has to offer along with its many galleries and museums.
I was in desperate need of a nice meal and came across Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s in my research. The sound of Cantonese cuisine prepared with hyper-local California produce piqued my interest immediately. Learning that the restaurant was located in historical Chinatown made the excursion even more appealing. From NYC to LA to SF, Chinatowns across America are etched in my mind with the utmost fondness. I am so grateful for the memories I’ve made there.
Having been born and raised in San Gabriel, California which is 61% Asian and Asian American, eating and learning about Asian cuisine has been a part of my lifeblood. Chinese food, diverse in its many regions, has played a major role in my palate development over the decades. Dining at Mister Jiu’s was an entirely different experience from what I am accustomed to at home. As a design-focused individual, I loved the airy dining area, which was naturally lit with sunlight beaming through a wall of tall glass windows. Contemporary brass lotus chandeliers, sourced from the previous restaurant Four Seas, hung from the ceiling creating a gorgeous focal point in the main dining area. A vibrant display of lush plants alongside Danish dark woods, marble, and plush green velvets adorned the stylish space.
Chef and owner Brandon Jew is a native of San Francisco and it’s impressive to see what he and his wife, Anna Lee, have created in Chinatown. In 2016, six months after the restaurant opened, Mister Jiu’s received its first Michelin star, making it the first Chinese restaurant in San Francisco to achieve this accolade.
The Food
Mister Jiu’s cuisine is inspired by Chef Brandon Jew’s deceased grandmother, whose Cantonese recipes he “mastered and recorded.” [source] His dishes combine traditional Cantonese flavors with a contemporary California twist. Each menu item is served a la carte and family-style, with seasonality being of utmost importance. We were especially enthusiastic about our dining experience and went in ordering the Sourdough Scallion Pancake, Xinjiang Lamb Belly Skewers, Martin’s Asparagus, Silken Mapo Tofu, Star Route Farm Caroselli, Potstickers, andStemple Creek Chow Fun. For dessert, we sampled both the Almond Milk Jelly and the Black Sesame Chocolate Cream.
I was partial to the Sourdough Scallion Pancake which was accompanied by a dollop of sour cream topped with caviar. It was the perfect way to begin our meal. Scallion pancakes are a forever favorite and I appreciated the nod to the Bay with the sourdough element. My partner who is crazy about lamb did not leave a shred of evidence behind on his skewers, he was taken aback by its flavor. Although the Caroselli was a stunning creation for the eyes, it wasn’t my favorite of the selection although still delicious. Noodles are a must and I was wowed by the Chef Jew’s spin on the classic Cantonese dish of chow fun. The refinement started with the quality of the meat and continued through with exquisite vegetables that tasted as if they were just pulled from the ground.
A moment of silence for the Almond Milk Jelly which was one of the most interesting desserts to ever pass my lips. As a texture queen, I was enthralled by the various elements found in this tiny bowl. Each bite offered a different sensation – crunch, pop, snap, slurp – sometimes all at once. What an absolute revelation.
The Scene
Contemporary Chinese American cool. Mister Jiu’s pristine design takes you on a journey through Chinatown examining both past and present the moment you enter the front door. The sun-flooded dining room establishes an elegance that is consistent throughout. It’s a beautiful restaurant but never stuffy. Reservations are highly encouraged as tables are in high demand. With creative libations and excellent food, Mister Jiu’s makes for a lovely date night, family celebration, or destination for those serious about their food.
Price & Service
Cocktails $15, Plates $7 - $75
As it should be with any Michelin-starred restaurant, the service was impeccable. I’d dare say it was the best dining experience in terms of hospitality that I experienced last year. The staff was über knowledgeable, kind, and astonishingly attentive. If you appreciate discovering the taste of a restaurant by ordering as many things as you can from its menu, $100 per person (not including tip) sufficed in a generous sampling for our party of 3.
Location
Mister Jiu’s
28 Waverly Place
San Francisco, CA 94108
+1 415 857 9688
