Elaine's Kitchen, located at 434 Broadway in San Francisco, has cultivated a devoted following with its exceptional Chinese cuisine and warm hospitality. Patrons rave about dishes like the General Tso's Chicken, praised for its crispy texture and perfectly balanced spice, along with the Mongolian Beef, which boasts tender meat bursting with flavor. Customers highlight the generous portion sizes and affordable pricing, particularly enjoying dishes such as Mopu Tofu, Chow Mein, and their house special dumplings. The establishment's commitment to quality is evident in their fresh ingredients and the vibrant seasoning of even the simplest sides, like broccoli. Elaine's Kitchen stands out not just for its food but also for the personalized service, with staff known for their welcoming demeanor and thoughtful touches, such as complimentary soup for regular customers. This family-owned restaurant offers a taste of home that resonates deeply, evoking cherished memories of traditional Chinese meals. Those who visit are often left enchanted by the dining experience, making Elaine's Kitchen a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Chinese fare in the heart of San Francisco. With heartfelt reviews reflecting love for both the food and the ambiance, this restaurant appears poised to remain a cherished part of the culinary landscape.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Photos
Reviews For Elaine's Kitchen
William W. Johnsen
May 2,2025
I love this place - great food (General Tso's is soooo good) and the workers there are amazing. After going there a couple of times they asked me what I was doing for a living, and at the time I was a student, so every time I came in after that day, they gave me free soup with my meal. They are truly amazing there. I used to eat here several times before the pandemic broke loose, but I had to move cities after that. I really miss this place. First restaurant I will visit once I go back to SF.
Magdalena Nedelova
May 2,2025
Food was delicious, one of the best Chinese we've had! We got the Mopu Tofu, Chow Mein and Sesame Chicken and loved it all! Really good prices, great taste, big portions. The service was also very good and fast. Recommending it!
Brian J
Mar 24,2025
Better than House of Nanking/Fang - Shanghai born and raised GF says the dumplings remind her of breakfast back home. Some of the best she's had in the decade of SF living. The Wor Wonton soup was fantastic, I will warn you, the size I ordered was their largest size and cost 20, so a bit pricey for what you get BUT it was packed to the brim with food and it tasted GOOD! Real good. Just wanted more of the broth. The Mongolian Beef was the right amount of heat and the flavor was bursting at the seams. The beef was beyond melt in your mouth tender. We highly recommend people give this place a go. 10/10
SC
Mar 16,2025
As a family owned restaurant giving this place a 5 star for the great hospitality, delicious food and speed of service. Spring rolls, even though deep fried, however very fresh, crispy and done on fresh oil. Would highly recommend spicy basil chicken, which was surprisingly mouth drooling. At the end we’ve got complimentary desert. The owner was nice to step out and introduce herself. Thank you, Elaine, it’s pleasure to meet you and know you. Will see you next time.
Valeria Mendoza
Feb 24,2025
TLDR: - They’re currently takeout only. -(to me) not cheap (I don’t mind this def worth price) -HOLYYYY FLAVORRRR (better than any takeout I’ve had in SF -5 year span) - generous portions - insane quality - even the broccoli that accompanied the general tso was seasoned and bonkers tasty - 100% would recommend. I WANT TO CRY. It has been my mission to find my go to American-Chinese takeout establishment - I have been in San Francisco for 5 years with no successes. I grew up going to a Chinese restaurant with my family that won awards and was one of my fondest childhood memories. The place has since changed chefs and no longer tastes as good my my memories did. FAST FORWARD 15 years to spontaneously craving Chinese on my way home with ELAINES on the way. I’m floored, over the moon. The General Tso was crispyyyy perfectly spicy, seasoned to perfection, broccoli was not just steamed it had seasoningggg &&& was tasty. I’d like a smidge more salt in my noodles (but I’m a salt fiend) they were deep and rich in flavor. The spring rolls are as close to the egg roll flavor of my childhood 100% saved and will return many many times. Ty!!
Coy Sherk
Feb 20,2025
Best Chinese food I’ve had. We had fried rice, beef and broccoli, and orange chicken. All three were delicious. Great pricing, great portions, great food. Elaine was very nice and prompt with service. 10/10. Highly recommend. Delicious.
Yin
Feb 19,2025
Pretty good Chinese food, clean restaurant, and friendly and fast servers. The lunch special offered a solid number of options, with all your basics covered (General Tsos, Kung Pao, Sesame, etc). The lunch special comes with complimentary soup and they gave us free crab rangoon. Solid lunch option if you're craving good Chinese food!
Cynthia H. (Debbijaine 820)
Feb 17,2025
Elaine actually served us! Her food was hot and fantastic! I found parking right in the front of the restaurant. The walnut chicken and her Chow mein was excellent! We will definitely be back to see her. Her place is small, but excellent customer service! My new favorite place in San Francisco! Come visit her small restaurant you won't regret it!
Reviews For Elaine's Kitchen