- Chinese Food
- Chinese Restaurant
- California
- San Francisco County
- San Francisco
- Chinatown
- Chinese Restaurant in Washington Street
- Nam Yuen Restaurant
Nam Yuen Restaurant Photos








Hours
Monday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PMTuesday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About Nam Yuen Restaurant
Nam Yuen Restaurant is situated at 742 Washington St in the heart of San Francisco's historic Chinatown. Within the Chinese Restaurant category, Nam Yuen occupies a location steeped in the rich cultural and culinary history of this iconic neighborhood. Recent online feedback presents a somewhat conflicting picture regarding the restaurant's current operational status, requiring careful consideration for local users seeking dining options.
One of the most prominent pieces of feedback suggests a strong belief within the community that Nam Yuen Restaurant has permanently closed. This sentiment is explicitly stated by a reviewer who urges for a correction of this perceived misinformation, emphasizing that the restaurant "IS OPEN" and encouraging people to "come visit once more," particularly in light of the recovery of Chinatown following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This review serves as a crucial indicator that, contrary to some reports, Nam Yuen Restaurant is indeed currently operating and welcoming customers.
In contrast, another review paints a picture of a bygone era, suggesting that the "old world Chinese restaurant is long gone." This perspective focuses on the nostalgic memories of Nam Yuen during its "hey days," recalling a time when it offered incredibly affordable and popular dishes such as "$1.00 fried gulf prawns" and "$2.00 lobster Cantonese." The reviewer also reminisces about a more formal dining atmosphere, where "patrons wore dinner suits to a memorable Chinese dinner." According to long-time residents cited in this review, Nam Yuen was once considered "one of the restaurants to be in," implying a significant stature and reputation within the community.
The continued presence of the building and the restaurant's sign is acknowledged in the review that suggests its closure. This indicates that while the physical location remains, there is a perception that the essence or the quality of the dining experience may have changed significantly from its former glory. The reviewer's use of phrases like "long gone" suggests a considerable shift in the restaurant's offerings, ambiance, or perhaps even management since its more celebrated past.
Considering these contrasting viewpoints, it is essential for local users to interpret the available information carefully. The direct assertion that the restaurant "IS OPEN" from a recent commentator strongly suggests that Nam Yuen is currently serving customers at its Washington Street location. However, the nostalgic recollections of past patrons indicate that the current experience might differ considerably from what long-time residents remember as its peak.
Unfortunately, the provided reviews lack specific details regarding the current environment, services, features, or any promotional information for Nam Yuen Restaurant. The focus of the feedback is primarily on its operational status and historical significance. Therefore, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive introduction covering these aspects based solely on the available text.
To gain a clearer understanding of the current dining experience at Nam Yuen Restaurant, local users may need to visit the establishment themselves or seek more recent and detailed reviews from other sources. Information regarding the current menu, pricing, ambiance, and services would be valuable in forming a complete picture of what Nam Yuen offers today.
Given the historical significance mentioned in one of the reviews, Nam Yuen Restaurant may still retain some of its "old world charm" in its decor or atmosphere. However, this is speculative without more current descriptions. Similarly, the services offered, such as dine-in, takeout, or delivery, are not mentioned in the provided text. It is reasonable to assume that, as a traditional Chinese restaurant, it likely offers standard services, but this would need to be confirmed through direct contact or more recent reviews.
The features that once defined Nam Yuen, such as the exceptionally low prices on seafood dishes and the formal dining atmosphere, appear to be relics of the past. What currently distinguishes Nam Yuen in the competitive Chinatown culinary scene is not evident from the provided information. It is possible that it now focuses on more traditional Cantonese dishes or has adapted its menu and pricing to the current market.
No promotional information is available in the provided text. There are no mentions of special offers, discounts, or signature dishes being promoted. To learn about any current promotions or featured items, it would be necessary to check the restaurant's website (if available), social media presence (if any), or inquire directly.
In conclusion, Nam Yuen Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown appears to be currently open for business, despite some reports suggesting otherwise. While it holds a significant place in the memories of long-time residents as a once-prominent establishment with unique offerings and a formal ambiance, the current dining experience is not detailed in the provided feedback. Local users interested in visiting Nam Yuen may be drawn by its historical location and the possibility of experiencing a traditional Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. However, they should be prepared that the current atmosphere and offerings might differ significantly from its celebrated past. For up-to-date information on the menu, services, and ambiance, it is recommended to seek more recent reviews or contact the restaurant directly.
Nam Yuen Restaurant Location
742 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Customer Reviews
Many reports that the restaurant has closed permanently ~ obviously wrong.... please clean this up so people can see that the restaurant IS OPEN and come visit once more. Covid is over ~ Chinatown is open for busihess once more.
The building and sign is still there but this old world Chinese restaurant is long gone. Long gone are the $1.00 fried gulf prawns or the $2.00 lobster Cantonese of its hey days. Long gone are the days that patrons wore dinner suits to a memorable Chinese dinner. I’m told by the long time residents that this place was one of the restaurants to be in.
It was closed.
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