We came upon the recommendation of a chef from Chicago, and were lucky to squeeze in without a reservation on a busy weekend night. Everything was fresh and delightful! We especially loved the scallop vermicelli, small bites and the abundant garlic pea shoots. Above all, the service was outstanding with a welcoming and attentive host, and a kitchen that was willing to kindly make some adjustments for food sensitivities. A lively and comfortable atmosphere. Will return to taste more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Green Beans, Scallop Vermicelli, Cucumber Salad, Small Plates and Dishes, Roasted Peanuts, Chicken Wings
Susan
The restaurant was not worth the hype and we were underwhelmed. The fried squab and the escargot with milk bread were delicious and tasty. The claypot rice with Chinese sausage was too salty and the fish fragrant eggplant was heavy on the sauce.
Ashley C
We dined at Four Kings on January 29 and had been really looking forward to it. Overall, the food was strong and our server was knowledgeable, patient, and good at explaining the dishes and answering questions throughout the meal.
The only issue came at dessert. There was a misunderstanding around the sesame douhua and what it actually was. It was described to us as being similar to a tofu soufflé, but what arrived was a plain bowl of tofu topped with a black, tar-like sauce. It was noticeably unappetizing and very inconsistent with the presentation and quality of the rest of the meal. We didn’t eat any of it.
When a staff member who was tall, with dark hair and glasses, abruptly brought our check, he asked how everything was. We calmly said everything had been great except the dessert, which was not at all what we expected. His response immediately made the situation uncomfortable as he rolled his eyes, took the bill back, and said in a begrudging tone that he would “see what he could do.” Although he removed the dessert from the bill, he then openly scolded our server in front of us, again rolling his eyes toward us, before returning the check with a strong, dismissive attitude.
All of this happened right in front of us, and it made the situation deeply uncomfortable for everyone involved. Our server later came back to apologize, which wasn’t necessary...we made it clear this wasn’t her fault. Unfortunately, the intensity of that interaction put a damper on what had otherwise been a really enjoyable evening.
Mistakes happen, and kitchens have off nights. But how feedback is handled matters just as much as the food. The server was great. The way this was handled at the end of the meal ultimately spoiled the night more than the dessert itself.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Gracie
Wow. Four Kings. First of all - 100% worth the hype. I went for my birthday celebration with four voraciously hungry friends. We ordered most of the menu and not one dish failed to impress us. We started with the humble cabbage and snap peas from the small plate menu and were so absolutely delighted by them that we ordered another round. Whoever is blanching the vegetables at this restaurant takes their job seriously and perfectly cooks each vegetable with great care. The sauces, the generous use of chili crisp, the crispiest breading on a whole deep fried rabbit, the kind, attentive and fun service, the casual atmosphere humbling playing back up singer to the glorious food... I'm rambling now but like, just go, ok?
Stacey
ally scored a coveted table on a Saturday night! Super friendly staff, and not just our specific server but everyone bustling around. Five stars on the hydration, kept refilling our waters and bringing more beer. Mapo spaghetti- we were warned it's spicy but it's not unbearable. It's a slow deep burn, not a palate busting, ruin everything else kind of dish. Lots of rich ground meat sauce, thick perfectly cooked noodles. XO Escargot with milkbread- yum. Soaking the bread in XO sauce, you kind of forget those are snails in those huge shells. Yum. Wanted to bring home the left over sauce but BF said I wouldn't be happy seeing it at breakfast. Maybe oily? But yum. Peruvian chicken fried rice - this was crack. Rice was soaked in a rich dark caramelized broth, tons of chicken, popping colorful sauces on top and just to amuse, crinkle fries sitting atop a rich green aioli like sauce covering substantial dome of rice. This came last, when we were stuffed but we dug in and ate most of it. Fish fragrant eggplant- BFs favorite dish of the night smoky eggplant in a rich dark caramelized sauce with fish flakes over the top. Nice but I preferred the mapo spag. Service was fast, menu not descriptive but that's some of the fun. Pacing was odd, last dish came out as we were finishing. It's an upscale dive spot with great food. Will return.
jeff mulock
Had an incredible dinner at Four Kings in downtown San Francisco. Four of us walked in without a reservation and were seated immediately, which felt like a win on its own. Carlo killed it from the door to the check.
We ordered a little of everything and honestly didn’t have a single bad bite. Standouts were the salt & pepper tiger shrimp, pepper steak, fried rice, and green beans all cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Even dessert hit. Everything was just really, really good. *Pro tip: let “Oat” order for you, she was on point.
Service was top-notch the entire night: attentive, welcoming, and engaging without being overbearing. Highly recommend getting the sake it’s first class and pairs perfectly with the food.
Outstanding experience from start to finish. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: HK Black Pepper Steak, Garlic Green Beans, Cucumber Salad, Beef Chow Fun
Christopher
Exceptional and memorable meal! The food was great, the menu is a perfect size, price felt appropriate. We will be back!
Hairuo Fu
Food was awful…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Evan
It is a nice concept. More of a Northern snack space than a HK cuisine. Still enjoyed our meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Squab, XO Escargot and Milk Bread, HK Black Pepper Steak, Scallop Vermicelli, Garlic Green Beans, Salted Egg Squash Croquette, Popcorn Chicken, Pig Head, Cucumber Salad, Roasted Peanuts, Snails, Tofu Dessert
Was wondering what the hype was all about and it didn’t disappoint. The Claypot rice was really good. They do it a little differently where they already put in the soy sauce instead of doing it ourselves, but it was delicious. We also tried the fried rice and the sesame tofu pudding. Great atmosphere and they also put on some classic HK music!
If you wanna eat here without reservation, better get here around 5 to put your name down !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jiasen W
A friend of ours wanted to check this place out. They specialize on a modern/fusion/new take on Chinese (mostly HK) cuisine.
We didn't have a reservation. We waited ~20 mins outside before the restaurant opened and didn't have any issues getting a seat immediately.
The ambience and decorations of the space is fantastic. If you're a Chinese/HK movie buff you will surely recognize many of the movie posters of golden age HK cinema. The space is on the cozier side, and tables a bit smaller than ideal for sharing plates.
Don't come expecting traditional flavors! For example, the fish fragrant eggplant is dashi on top of more of a smoky/charred flavor in a clay pot. Dishes overall didn't hit the spot for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Rodrigo Mathias
The restaurant has a very nice cozy and cool vibe. The service was nice and the staff was helpful about the menu. It is a nice touch for a restaurant to bring some bites for you to have before, and both the salted peanuts and the smash cucumbers were delicious. About the dishes we ordered, we felt the smaller dishes were more remarkable than the main dishes, but overall the dishes were all tasty.
1. Mapo Spaghetti: I understand that this dish is pretty much adding the spaghetti to a famous tofu dish and the combination is interesting. The sauce is powerful, numbing due to the sichuan pepper and spicy. I really liked the combinations but the spaghetti was not very impressive. It felt that the restaurant didn’t make the pasta dough and it felt store bought (but I might be wrong). I feel that the combination of pasta with the sauce interesting but wouldn’t order again. 3/5
2. XO Escargot with Milkbread: probably the best dish we ordered. The milkbread is to die for, so fluffy and flaky, the perfect vessel for the escargot and the XO sauce - that was spicy and full of umami. The “earthiness” of the escargot matched perfectly with everything else. 5/5
3. Claypot Rice with Chinese sausage and bacon: The rice was well cooked and the rice that sticks to the claypot is perfect, but the combination with the sausage and bacon was pretty average. Wouldn’t order this again. 3/5
4. Fried Squab: We were wondering if we should order this or not as the looks of it are a bit different than what we are used to since it is the entire bird there, with beak and all. When we asked, they said they had a smaller version that day that they were charging $35, and since we were questioning, we decided to go with the smaller version as it is the most famous dish of this restaurant and we didn’t regret. The squab skin is amazing and the seasoning just kept me going back. Is is probably more to the salty side but I loved how the combination of spices balanced it and kept me wanting more. 4/5
5. Mango pudding: Amazing desert and not very sweet. The combination of textures is interesting, while I wish there was something more crunchy. The ice cream is very good. 4/5
In a nutshell, we liked the experience and overall the food was enough for two people. The total was around $180 with tax and tip.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
ariana
Waited in their walk-in line 10min before opening and got seated right away. The black pepper steak and garlic pea shoots were the standouts of the night. The black sesame tofu pudding wasn’t my favorite though - the black sesame paste was too thick and the tofu pudding wasn’t smooth/silky enough which didn’t eat well together. But overall, great flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Grace S
Snagged a last min reservation and was super excited to try. I’d say overall we enjoyed most of dishes, but like others reviewers said, their food is on the saltier side than the standard saltiness you’d expect eating out. Everything would’ve been great if it was either less salty or less oily.
One dish I didn’t care for was the rabbit. The breading was so thick and taking multiple bites didn’t do the trick, so I had to cut it off using a knife.
Too good to be mad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came upon the recommendation of a chef from Chicago, and were lucky to squeeze in without a reservation on a busy weekend night. Everything was fresh and delightful! We especially loved the scallop vermicelli, small bites and the abundant garlic pea shoots. Above all, the service was outstanding with a welcoming and attentive host, and a kitchen that was willing to kindly make some adjustments for food sensitivities. A lively and comfortable atmosphere. Will return to taste more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Green Beans, Scallop Vermicelli, Cucumber Salad, Small Plates and Dishes, Roasted Peanuts, Chicken Wings
The restaurant was not worth the hype and we were underwhelmed. The fried squab and the escargot with milk bread were delicious and tasty. The claypot rice with Chinese sausage was too salty and the fish fragrant eggplant was heavy on the sauce.
We dined at Four Kings on January 29 and had been really looking forward to it. Overall, the food was strong and our server was knowledgeable, patient, and good at explaining the dishes and answering questions throughout the meal.
The only issue came at dessert. There was a misunderstanding around the sesame douhua and what it actually was. It was described to us as being similar to a tofu soufflé, but what arrived was a plain bowl of tofu topped with a black, tar-like sauce. It was noticeably unappetizing and very inconsistent with the presentation and quality of the rest of the meal. We didn’t eat any of it.
When a staff member who was tall, with dark hair and glasses, abruptly brought our check, he asked how everything was. We calmly said everything had been great except the dessert, which was not at all what we expected. His response immediately made the situation uncomfortable as he rolled his eyes, took the bill back, and said in a begrudging tone that he would “see what he could do.” Although he removed the dessert from the bill, he then openly scolded our server in front of us, again rolling his eyes toward us, before returning the check with a strong, dismissive attitude.
All of this happened right in front of us, and it made the situation deeply uncomfortable for everyone involved. Our server later came back to apologize, which wasn’t necessary...we made it clear this wasn’t her fault. Unfortunately, the intensity of that interaction put a damper on what had otherwise been a really enjoyable evening.
Mistakes happen, and kitchens have off nights. But how feedback is handled matters just as much as the food. The server was great. The way this was handled at the end of the meal ultimately spoiled the night more than the dessert itself.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wow. Four Kings. First of all - 100% worth the hype. I went for my birthday celebration with four voraciously hungry friends. We ordered most of the menu and not one dish failed to impress us. We started with the humble cabbage and snap peas from the small plate menu and were so absolutely delighted by them that we ordered another round. Whoever is blanching the vegetables at this restaurant takes their job seriously and perfectly cooks each vegetable with great care. The sauces, the generous use of chili crisp, the crispiest breading on a whole deep fried rabbit, the kind, attentive and fun service, the casual atmosphere humbling playing back up singer to the glorious food... I'm rambling now but like, just go, ok?
ally scored a coveted table on a Saturday night! Super friendly staff, and not just our specific server but everyone bustling around. Five stars on the hydration, kept refilling our waters and bringing more beer. Mapo spaghetti- we were warned it's spicy but it's not unbearable. It's a slow deep burn, not a palate busting, ruin everything else kind of dish. Lots of rich ground meat sauce, thick perfectly cooked noodles. XO Escargot with milkbread- yum. Soaking the bread in XO sauce, you kind of forget those are snails in those huge shells. Yum. Wanted to bring home the left over sauce but BF said I wouldn't be happy seeing it at breakfast. Maybe oily? But yum. Peruvian chicken fried rice - this was crack. Rice was soaked in a rich dark caramelized broth, tons of chicken, popping colorful sauces on top and just to amuse, crinkle fries sitting atop a rich green aioli like sauce covering substantial dome of rice. This came last, when we were stuffed but we dug in and ate most of it. Fish fragrant eggplant- BFs favorite dish of the night smoky eggplant in a rich dark caramelized sauce with fish flakes over the top. Nice but I preferred the mapo spag. Service was fast, menu not descriptive but that's some of the fun. Pacing was odd, last dish came out as we were finishing. It's an upscale dive spot with great food. Will return.
Had an incredible dinner at Four Kings in downtown San Francisco. Four of us walked in without a reservation and were seated immediately, which felt like a win on its own. Carlo killed it from the door to the check.
We ordered a little of everything and honestly didn’t have a single bad bite. Standouts were the salt & pepper tiger shrimp, pepper steak, fried rice, and green beans all cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Even dessert hit. Everything was just really, really good. *Pro tip: let “Oat” order for you, she was on point.
Service was top-notch the entire night: attentive, welcoming, and engaging without being overbearing. Highly recommend getting the sake it’s first class and pairs perfectly with the food.
Outstanding experience from start to finish. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: HK Black Pepper Steak, Garlic Green Beans, Cucumber Salad, Beef Chow Fun
Exceptional and memorable meal! The food was great, the menu is a perfect size, price felt appropriate. We will be back!
Food was awful…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
It is a nice concept. More of a Northern snack space than a HK cuisine. Still enjoyed our meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Squab, XO Escargot and Milk Bread, HK Black Pepper Steak, Scallop Vermicelli, Garlic Green Beans, Salted Egg Squash Croquette, Popcorn Chicken, Pig Head, Cucumber Salad, Roasted Peanuts, Snails, Tofu Dessert
Restaurantji Recommends
Was wondering what the hype was all about and it didn’t disappoint. The Claypot rice was really good. They do it a little differently where they already put in the soy sauce instead of doing it ourselves, but it was delicious. We also tried the fried rice and the sesame tofu pudding. Great atmosphere and they also put on some classic HK music!
If you wanna eat here without reservation, better get here around 5 to put your name down !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A friend of ours wanted to check this place out. They specialize on a modern/fusion/new take on Chinese (mostly HK) cuisine.
We didn't have a reservation. We waited ~20 mins outside before the restaurant opened and didn't have any issues getting a seat immediately.
The ambience and decorations of the space is fantastic. If you're a Chinese/HK movie buff you will surely recognize many of the movie posters of golden age HK cinema. The space is on the cozier side, and tables a bit smaller than ideal for sharing plates.
Don't come expecting traditional flavors! For example, the fish fragrant eggplant is dashi on top of more of a smoky/charred flavor in a clay pot. Dishes overall didn't hit the spot for me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
The restaurant has a very nice cozy and cool vibe. The service was nice and the staff was helpful about the menu. It is a nice touch for a restaurant to bring some bites for you to have before, and both the salted peanuts and the smash cucumbers were delicious. About the dishes we ordered, we felt the smaller dishes were more remarkable than the main dishes, but overall the dishes were all tasty.
1. Mapo Spaghetti: I understand that this dish is pretty much adding the spaghetti to a famous tofu dish and the combination is interesting. The sauce is powerful, numbing due to the sichuan pepper and spicy. I really liked the combinations but the spaghetti was not very impressive. It felt that the restaurant didn’t make the pasta dough and it felt store bought (but I might be wrong). I feel that the combination of pasta with the sauce interesting but wouldn’t order again. 3/5
2. XO Escargot with Milkbread: probably the best dish we ordered. The milkbread is to die for, so fluffy and flaky, the perfect vessel for the escargot and the XO sauce - that was spicy and full of umami. The “earthiness” of the escargot matched perfectly with everything else. 5/5
3. Claypot Rice with Chinese sausage and bacon: The rice was well cooked and the rice that sticks to the claypot is perfect, but the combination with the sausage and bacon was pretty average. Wouldn’t order this again. 3/5
4. Fried Squab: We were wondering if we should order this or not as the looks of it are a bit different than what we are used to since it is the entire bird there, with beak and all. When we asked, they said they had a smaller version that day that they were charging $35, and since we were questioning, we decided to go with the smaller version as it is the most famous dish of this restaurant and we didn’t regret. The squab skin is amazing and the seasoning just kept me going back. Is is probably more to the salty side but I loved how the combination of spices balanced it and kept me wanting more. 4/5
5. Mango pudding: Amazing desert and not very sweet. The combination of textures is interesting, while I wish there was something more crunchy. The ice cream is very good. 4/5
In a nutshell, we liked the experience and overall the food was enough for two people. The total was around $180 with tax and tip.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Waited in their walk-in line 10min before opening and got seated right away. The black pepper steak and garlic pea shoots were the standouts of the night. The black sesame tofu pudding wasn’t my favorite though - the black sesame paste was too thick and the tofu pudding wasn’t smooth/silky enough which didn’t eat well together. But overall, great flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Snagged a last min reservation and was super excited to try. I’d say overall we enjoyed most of dishes, but like others reviewers said, their food is on the saltier side than the standard saltiness you’d expect eating out. Everything would’ve been great if it was either less salty or less oily.
One dish I didn’t care for was the rabbit. The breading was so thick and taking multiple bites didn’t do the trick, so I had to cut it off using a knife.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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