A small Chinatown workhorse for quick, affordable Cantonese comfort food: expect generous plates, free tea, and a no-frills room, but also cramped seating and frequent service delays.
New Fortune delivers solid neighborhood Cantonese comfort food with strong food quality anchored by beloved wonton soup and chow fun, supported by exceptional value and a loyal following. However, inconsistent execution across dishes and uneven service in a cramped space prevent higher standing—this is reliable Chinatown fuel for regulars, not a destination restaurant.
New Fortune feels like one of those Chinatown rooms people return to when they want a fast, affordable bowl of something warm and familiar. Reviewers keep coming back to the same themes: free tea, big portions, and a tiny dining room that fills up fast. One diner called it a “simple clean dining room,” which is about right; this is a practical, busy neighborhood spot, not a place you come to linger and admire the wallpaper. The cooking leans classic Cantonese and Hong Kong-style comfort food: wonton soups, chow mein, chow fun, fried rice, stews, and a handful of vegetable dishes. The best feedback centers on the comforting, home-style stuff—especially wonton soup, pan-fried noodles, beef chow fun, and spareribs—while the weaker reviews tend to focus on bland noodles, dry rice, or inconsistent execution. If you want polished fine dining, keep walking; if you want old-school Chinatown fuel with a decent shot at deliciousness, this fits the bill. Families can do fine here because the menu is full of familiar kid-friendly options like fried rice, chicken chow mein, wonton noodle soup, and sweet-and-sour chicken rice. That said, the room is small, seating is tight, and busy periods can mean a long wait, so it’s better for flexible kids than impatient ones. There are also more adventurous dishes on the menu—like pork tripe, pigskin, and preserved egg porridge—so picky eaters should stick to the safer noodle and rice plates.
Area vibe: Bustling, tourist-heavy neighborhood with dense retail and many Chinese restaurants.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit in main corridors though pickpocketing and street-level nuisance crimes occur; be aware at night.
What's nearby: Adjacent to Union Square, near Grant Avenue, Portsmouth Square, and multiple Muni/BART connections.
Wonton noodle soup and the crispy pan-fried noodles are the safest bets, and congee is cheap and comforting.
Expect a tiny, busy room, long peak waits, and reports of auto-gratuity or card minimums.
Think lively, mom-and-pop canteen energy with shared tables and plain, crowded seating.