The restaurant’s name is a tribute to Jew’s roots, reflecting the original spelling of his family’s surname, altered during immigration. This personal connection echoes throughout the restaurant, where every dish and detail celebrates heritage and transformation.
Walking into Mister Jiu’s, it’s clear the space is as much a part of the experience as the food. The dining room blends tradition and modernity with finesse. Circular motifs and intricate gold accents nod to Chinese culture, while clean lines and neutral tones bring a contemporary sophistication. A dramatic chandelier commands attention at the center of the room, casting a warm glow across the elegant space. Expansive windows frame the bustling streets of Chinatown, adding an urban vibrancy to the dining experience.
The bar, with its handcrafted cocktails, mirrors the duality of the dining room. Drinks like baijiu-infused creations and herbal elixirs draw inspiration from Chinese flavors, offering an inventive prelude to the meal. Together, the design and ambiance create a space both rooted in tradition and unmistakably modern.
Jew’s journey to culinary stardom is as unique as his approach to food. Born and raised in San Francisco, Jew grew up surrounded by Chinatown’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. His path, however, didn’t begin in a kitchen. Starting as a biology major, Jew was fascinated with ecosystems and interconnectedness—ideas that would later inform his ingredient-driven philosophy.
After honing his craft in Italy and returning to work in celebrated Bay Area kitchens like Zuni Café, Jew envisioned a restaurant that would honor Chinatown’s traditions while pushing the boundaries of modern Chinese-American cuisine. With Mister Jiu’s, that vision came to life, blending technical mastery with storytelling to create a dining experience that’s both innovative and deeply personal.
At Mister Jiu’s, the menu is a masterclass honoring tradition while embracing reinvention. Signature dishes like five-spice Liberty duck, with its tea-smoked, perfectly crisp skin, and Dungeness crab cheong fun, a luxurious reinterpretation of a staple, showcase Jew’s ability to marry classic techniques with California’s freshest ingredients.
Family-style offerings like snapper with sizzling ginger and scallion epitomize the communal spirit central to Chinese dining traditions. Every plate is meticulously crafted, blending cultural roots with modern artistry. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and exciting, inviting diners to explore the possibilities of Chinese-American cuisine.
Mister Jiu’s has earned widespread acclaim since its debut. In 2017, it became the first Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown to earn a Michelin star, a historic achievement reinforcing its reputation as a trailblazer in modern Chinese cuisine. The accolades didn’t stop there. The restaurant was named one of Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants and has been featured in GQ and the San Francisco Chronicle for its groundbreaking approach to Chinese-American dining.
Jew himself has been recognized as a leading figure in the culinary world. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: California, solidifying his influence on the national stage. His cookbook, Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown: Recipes and Stories from the Birthplace of Chinese American Food, takes readers behind the scenes, offering insight into his creative process and the inspiration behind his dishes.
Mister Jiu’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark that bridges past and present. With its innovative menu, stunning design, and deep connection to Chinatown’s history, it invites diners to experience the complexity and creativity of modern Chinese-American cuisine. For anyone seeking a meal steeped in storytelling, artistry, and heritage, Mister Jiu’s is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring legacy of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
