Highlights
- Fireplace
- Live music
oChef » Dumpling kitchen – San Francisco
Dumpling kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling kitchen
Dumpling kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1076 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#66 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
229
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh dumplings
- Inviting patio
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Dish quality issues
- Overpriced perception
The Chinese restaurant Dumpling kitchen – Noe Valley, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers a delightful escape. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the inviting atmosphere, especially with the promise of live music to enhance your dining experience.
This spot is perfect for a casual meal, whether you’re grabbing small plates or enjoying a full dinner. It’s a place where you can relax and savor authentic flavors in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling kitchen
Dumpling kitchen offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating the fresh dumplings and a diverse menu. Guests often highlight the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere, especially the inviting back patio.
It seems to be a comfortable spot for various occasions. However, some visits to Dumpling kitchen have been marred by inconsistent service, with reports of staff prioritizing delivery orders over in-person guests.
There are also occasional concerns about certain dishes not meeting expectations, and a few find the overall offering a bit overpriced.
Good
7.6
out of 10
229
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
39
negative
15
neutral
175
positive
Overall, Dumpling kitchen earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 76.4%. This indicates a generally positive reception, supported by 175 positive remarks compared to 39 negative ones across 229 customer observations.
The culinary offerings, particularly the Food (8.1), stand out as a strong point, often described as tasty and fresh. The Ambience (8.5) also receives high marks, with many enjoying the comfortable and inviting setting.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly strong. Service (6) registers as average, suggesting some inconsistencies in guest attention.
Similarly, Value (5) is perceived as average, with some finding the pricing a bit steep for the portions or overall experience.
What people like
- Fresh, tasty dumplings
- Inviting outdoor patio
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, poor service
- Specific dish quality issues
- Perceived as overpriced
With a strong 8 for recommendation, Dumpling kitchen generally delivers a good experience, especially if you prioritize flavorful food and a pleasant setting. It’s a place that often leaves a positive impression, particularly for those seeking a comfortable spot with good dumplings.
If you’re in the mood for a casual meal and appreciate a nice patio, it’s worth a visit. Just be mindful that service can be a mixed bag, and some dishes might not hit the mark, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling kitchen
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a strong score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 82.3%, its clear diners are loving what's on offer. Many rave about the delicious dumplings, including pan-fried soup dumplings and XLB, along with flavorful options like Dan Dan noodles and Szechuan fish fillet.
The fresh ingredients and quality preparation truly shine, with 107 positive remarks. However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone. Out of 130 comments, 12 pointed out some areas for improvement.
A few found the mapo tofu tasted like soap, and some boiled dumplings had issues with their skin. There were also instances where vegetarian orders mistakenly included shrimp, which is definitely something to watch out for.
Food
130
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
11
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fresh dumplings
- Flavorful noodle dishes
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Mapo tofu taste
- Boiled dumpling quality
- Dietary request errors
Often praised
- dumplingsThe ambiance outside in the courtyard was amazing, and the service was great. The food was pretty good; the dumplings were fresh and nice. While the mains were nice, they were a little oily.
- foodAll the food I tried was very tasty.
- soup dumplingsI tried the soup dumplings, pork baos, and the pork and shrimp shumai. All of them were great, but the shumai were so good that I'm already thinking of coming back just to get those again. The service was quick, and the staff were lovely.
- Dan Dan noodlesDan Dan noodles... Both were great.
- basil beefThe barbecue pork buns and shrimp har gow were hot and soft, very fresh! We thought it would be nice if the basil beef had the option to come with rice, but it was delicious on its own. I am really glad that Noe Valley finally has a dumpling restaurant!
- fresh dumplingsLove the fresh dumplings
- menuAn expansive menu with really superb choices
- 4 things and teaWe got 4 things and tea and it was $60
- Black fungusthe Black fungus was smooth and soft
- Chinese yam with Black FungusThe Signature Crab meat Claypot rice didn't have as much crab meat as anticipated, however, the flavors were very aromatic and pleasant, and the claypot rice inside was nice and crispy. The Chinese yam with Black Fungus was a great idea for a plate of greens; the yams were good quality, and the black fungus was smooth and soft. I would recommend this location for larger group sizes to take advantage of the variety of dishes, as the price to portion ratio felt slightly to be desired.
Frequently criticized
- boiled dumplingsThe boiled dumplings: The skin definitely broke
- boiled wontonsI had a great dinner here and ordered the basil beef, boiled wontons in chili oil, steamed barbecue pork buns, and the steamed shrimp har gow dumplings. Everything was SUPER tasty, though the boiled wontons in chili oil were not my preference. The barbecue pork buns and shrimp har gow were hot and soft, very fresh!
- crab dumplingsThe crab dumplings were very bad
- dietary restrictionsbeware. We told our server that one of us was vegetarian
- dumplingscouldn’t tell which dumplings were which
- foodfood I couldn’t eat and was worried would make me ill
- mapo tofuMapo tofu tasted like soap
- rib dishNot a big fan of the new rib dish
- riceThe mapo tofu tasted like soap. I couldn't tell which dumplings were which, the bao was fine I guess, and the rice was weirdly chewy. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things, but wow, it's been a while since I received food I couldn't eat and was worried would make me ill.
- shrimpTwo of the three things he brought her had shrimp in them
If youre craving delicious, fresh dumplings and flavorful Chinese dishes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of specific dietary requests, especially for vegetarian options, and perhaps steer clear of the mapo tofu if youre sensitive to strong flavors. Overall, it's a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests raved about the incredibly friendly and helpful staff, with special shout-outs to the welcoming owner, Sherry. Folks often experienced excellent and even impeccable service, making them feel right at home.
With a score of 6 and 51.9% customer satisfaction, its a mixed bag, but 28 positive remarks highlight the great experiences with the staff and owner. However, its not all smooth sailing. Some diners faced challenges with slow service and a noticeable lack of attention, especially regarding refills or getting the waitstaffs eye.
There were concerns about staff prioritizing Doordash orders over in-person guests, leading to long waits and even a few instances of a less-than-pleasant attitude. These 23 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement.
Service
54
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Welcoming owner
- Impeccable service moments
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Prioritizes delivery orders
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceThe food was described as yummy and authentic, which is great for the neighborhood. Although it was a soft opening, and the service had some kinks to work out, the staff was superbly friendly and hospitable. The atmosphere, with its neighborhood-restaurant feel, was also a plus.
- staffthe staff were incredibly friendly and helpful
- ownerThe owner is very friendly
- ServiceQuick service
- everyoneeveryone was friendly and helpful
- excellent serviceWell, it did not disappoint. We found flavorful options, excellent service, and a nice atmosphere. We would definitely return.
- fur babiesaccommodating to my fur babies
- impeccable servicereceived impeccable service
- owner Sherryshe was really welcoming
- soft openingMy experience at the restaurant was excellent, especially with their plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. If they hadn’t told us it was their soft opening, we wouldn’t have known. Everything seemed smooth and seamless.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the terrible service. If you're looking to dine in, forget about it.
- staffbeing told by a staff member: "just go, sit"
- Doordash orderscare much more about Doordash orders
- attentionvery hard to get attention and refills on drinks and water
- attitudea cashier with a terrible attitude
- cashiera cashier with a terrible attitude
- chipped tea cupmy tea cup was chipped
- guests in the restaurantthan they do about guests in the restaurant
- ignoredThe staff seemed to prioritize Doordash orders and answering the constantly ringing phone over attending to guests in the restaurant. I waited nearly 10 minutes at an empty host stand, and after being seated, I was ignored for another 10 minutes before I decided to leave. This occurred even though the place was nearly empty and shouldn't have been overwhelmed.
- in person customersignores in person customers
So, should you go? The service here is a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly staff and excellent attention, be prepared for the possibility of slow service or feeling overlooked, especially if theyre busy or focused on delivery.
Its worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent 95% customer satisfaction! Based on 38 positive comments out of 40, guests frequently rave about the inviting heated patio and its clever patio integration, often describing it as a back patio oasis. Many also appreciate the dog-friendly outdoor space and the overall ambiance and decor, making it a delightful spot for any occasion.
However, a couple of comments (2 out of 40) did note some discomfort on the patio due to a biting wind, leading to a miserable and cold experience for a few. While the outdoor areas are generally fantastic, it seems they might occasionally be subject to the whims of the weather, so choosing your spot wisely could enhance your visit.
Ambience
40
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Heated, integrated patio
- Dog-friendly outdoor space
- Lovely ambiance, decor
What people don't like
- Windy patio discomfort
Often praised
- atmosphererestaurant layout is the same to what it was like previously as Bacco, aka a very neighborhood-restaurant feel
- back patioMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The dumplings were incredible, and the comfy back patio provided a great atmosphere. It's a wonderful place for babies and kids if you visit for an early dinner.
- heated patiothe heated patio was warm and cozy
- outdoor seatingTON of outdoor seating in the back in a really nice setting
- patioGreat place with a lovely patio
- ambianceamazing ambiance outside in the courtyard
- ambiance and decorVery nice ambiance and decor too
- babies and kidsGreat for babies and kids
- back patio oasisThe staff were so friendly, and the service was great. The delightful back patio oasis added to the overall positive experience.
- casual meetupsThe atmosphere was friendly, the space was clean, and it’s apparently a favorite of SF big names. Perfect for group lunches or casual meetups. Highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- biting windbiting wind blowing thru plastic tent.
- patioSat in patio, miserable and cold.
If you're seeking a restaurant with a fantastic vibe and inviting outdoor spaces, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful of the weather if you plan to sit on the patio, as it can occasionally get breezy. Overall, it promises a lovely setting for your dining experience.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a mixed bag, but some diners found reasons to smile. Based on 2 positive comments, many appreciated the reasonable prices, especially for dumplings. One person even noted a total of $60 with tip, suggesting a fair overall cost.
The general sentiment around prices was often seen as acceptable, contributing to an average score of 5. However, not everyone felt the same way. With 2 negative remarks, some guests felt the experience was a bit of a letdown, describing the place as overrated and overpriced'.
This sentiment contributes to a customer satisfaction of 40%, which is in the mixed range, indicating that while some found it fair, others clearly expected more for their money.
Value
5
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable dumpling prices
- Fair total cost
What people don't like
- Can feel overpriced
- Perceived as overrated
Often praised
- $60 with tipit was $60 with tip
- pricesReasonable prices for dumplings
Frequently criticized
- overpricedThe place is overrated & over priced.
- overratedThe place is overrated & over priced.
If youre looking for a spot with potentially reasonable dumpling prices, it might be worth a try. However, be aware that some guests felt it was overpriced and didnt quite live up to expectations, so manage your budget accordingly.
How are the prices at Dumpling kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 35 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend in this $21–$30 range, though there’s a mix of slightly cheaper and more premium experiences too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling kitchen
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Good Food, Terrible In-Person Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the terrible service. If you're looking to dine in, forget about it. The staff seemed to prioritize Doordash orders and answering the constantly ringing phone over attending to guests in the restaurant.
I waited nearly 10 minutes at an empty host stand, and after being seated, I was ignored for another 10 minutes before I decided to leave. This occurred even though the place was nearly empty and shouldn't have been overwhelmed. It's a shame because we've enjoyed their food (which is good!) a few times via Doordash, but I cannot tolerate a restaurant that neglects its in-person customers.
- food8
- service1
- Doordash orders2
- guests in the restaurant1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Will Return!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Every dish we ordered was delicious. The wonton soup was our favorite.
We will definitely be back soon!
- wonton soup10
- dishes9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious Dumplings, Mixed Feelings on Ribs
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. The pan fried soup dumplings were absolutely delicious, and I particularly loved the crab meat things. The vegetarian bean curd was also a great choice.
However, I wasn't a big fan of the new rib dish.
- pan fried soup dumplings10
- crab meat things9
- vegetarian bean curd8
- rib dish3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the soup dumplings to be super yummy. The General Tso's Chicken and Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin were also great.
I enjoyed the tasty green tea. The service has been great every time we've visited. I highly recommend this place!
- soup dumplings10
- General Tso's Chicken9
- Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great neighbourhood spot with friendly service
I love having this place in the neighbourhood. My experience was great, with solid dumplings and crab roe rice. The staff were so friendly, and the service was great.
The delightful back patio oasis added to the overall positive experience.
- dumplings9
- crab roe rice9
- staff10
What Dumpling kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Dumpling kitchen - Noe Valley offer?
At Dumpling kitchen – Noe Valley, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They provide convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with no-contact delivery available. You can also opt for outdoor seating, table service, or even catering for your events. Lunch, dinner, and dessert are all served.
Is Dumpling kitchen - Noe Valley accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Dumpling kitchen – Noe Valley is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For families, it’s a great choice as they are good for kids, offer high chairs, and have changing tables. Plus, you can even bring your dog to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Dumpling kitchen?
Dumpling kitchen holds a good overall score of 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 76.4%. Food (8.1) and Ambience (8.5) are highly rated, while Service (6) and Value (5) are considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Dumpling kitchen?
Many customers appreciate the fresh and tasty food, especially the dumplings. The comfortable and inviting back patio, along with the generally friendly and welcoming staff, are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Dumpling kitchen?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, occasionally feeling ignored or that delivery orders are prioritized. There are also mentions of specific dishes not meeting expectations and a perception that some items are overpriced.