Chinese New Year SF: Where to Celebrate the Year of the Monkey

What: Enjoy special steamed buns, long life noodles and whole crispy fish, and monkey-inspired cocktails like the Brass Monkey with pineapple rum. Every table receives a lucky red envelope with the possibility to win a golden ticket, good for dinner for two at the restaurant. And on Saturday, February 20 there will be traditional Chinese lion dancers, after the parade.
When: Friday, February 5 through Saturday, February 20
Where: 314 Sutter St.

Image credit: E&O Kitchen and Bar

What: Enjoy Chinese afternoon tea in The Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton with small plates like peking duck, shrimp with sichuan pepper, cured mandarin lotus buns, oolong madeleine cookies and caramelized pineapple custard tarts for $75 per person.
When: Saturday, February 6 and Saturday, February 20
Where: 600 Stockton St.

Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton

What: There’s a new eight-course (lucky number) menu inspired by dishes made by executive chef Tony Wu’s grandmother. Roast duck, whole fish, fried chicken and long life noodles are just some of the dishes on the $38 menu meant for six or more people.
When: Friday, February 5 through Saturday, February 20
Where: Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St.

Image credit: M.Y. China

What: Specials at both locations (Fillmore and Valencia) include spicy sichuan prawns ($16) and crispy lamb or paneer chow mein ($17).
When: Sunday, February 7 through Thursday, February 11 at dinner only
Where: 1700 Fillmore St. and 995 Valencia St.

Image credit: Dosa

What: You have to have ten or more people in your party, but if you do, there’s a $68 per person prix fixe menu of traditional dishes like roast duck, yusheng (prosperity salmon with shredded vegetables) and more. Plus, each table will get a red envelope with potential prizes like a $100 gift card, voucher for a free drink or mochi dessert and more.
When: Monday, February 8 through Monday, February 22
Where: 4 Embarcadero Center #1

Image credit: Crystal Jade

What: Co-owner and executive chef Kathy Fang just became a "Chopped" champion on a Chinese New Year-themed episode, so it’s only fitting that she serves her winning dessert at her eponymous restaurant. The "lucky rice pudding" is made with coconut milk and topped with winter melon mint salad and pulverized lucky dragon candy.
When: Friday, January 22 through Monday, February 8
Where: 660 Howard St.

Image credit: Fang

What: This one will cost you, but for $138.88 per person, there’s a special menu with dishes meant to "bring luck, joy and prosperity in 2016." That includes double-boiled fresh ginseng and chicken soup, diced wagyu beef, a dim sum platter, wok-fried lobster in spicy truffle sauce and more.
When: Friday, January 22 through Monday, February 22
Where: 1 Kearny St.

Image credit: Hakkasan San Francisco

What: Special a la carte dishes like vegetable dumplings, smoked and braised oxtail steam buns and sichuan dungeness crab noodles are all on offer to ring in the new year.
When: Monday, February 8 through Thursday, February 11
Where: 563 Ruger St.

Image credit: Presidio Social Club

What: This hot pop-up is throwing a brunch party with traditional Vietnamese New Year dishes like sticky rice and pork cakes, fried mochi dumplings and pho French dip.
When: Saturday, February 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: PizzaHacker at 3299 Mission St.

Image credit: Andria Lo Photography

What: It would be remiss to not include the city’s main event, which while technically is not food-focused, will have many restaurants lining the route open and offering up New Year specials. Take your pick.
When: Saturday, February 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Chinatown

Image credit: David Yu Photography