Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Broadway Dim Sum – San Francisco
Broadway Dim Sum - San Francisco
Photo from Broadway Dim Sum
Broadway Dim Sum at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#1570 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#135 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
417
Reviews
68.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh Dim Sum
- Great Value
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Hidden Charges
- Poor Bathroom
- Language Barrier
The restaurant Broadway Dim Sum is a delightful Chinese Restaurant located in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a full meal.
One of its standout features is the great tea selection, ensuring a perfect pairing for your small plates. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Broadway Dim Sum
Broadway Dim Sum offers a compelling experience for those seeking traditional flavors, with many praising the dim sum for its freshness and authentic taste. Guests often find the overall value to be a significant draw, making it an appealing choice for an affordable meal.
However, the dining experience can be a mixed bag. While some appreciate the casual atmosphere, others have noted concerns regarding cleanliness and occasional slow service.
It’s a place with character, but one where expectations for comfort might need to be adjusted.
Good
7.1
out of 10
417
Reviews
68.6%
Satisfaction
80
negative
51
neutral
286
positive
Broadway Dim Sum garners a respectable overall 7.1 score, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.6%. This slight divergence suggests that while many find it worthwhile, a notable portion of diners leave with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 417 customer remarks, comprising 286 positive and 80 negative observations. The Food (7.9) clearly stands out as the star, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and taste.
Value (6.8) also performs well, suggesting that diners feel they get a good return for their money. However, Service (6.2) and Ambience (5.5) hover in the average range, indicating areas where the experience can be inconsistent or fall short for some patrons.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful dim sum
- Exceptional dining value
- Friendly, accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Hidden tea charges
- Unpleasant bathroom conditions
- Communication challenges
Broadway Dim Sum, with a solid recommendation score of 7.5, is a place to consider if your priority is authentic, well-priced dim sum. It’s a spot that delivers on its culinary promise, offering a taste of tradition without breaking the bank, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
However, be prepared for a no-frills environment and potential inconsistencies in service or unexpected charges. If you prioritize a pristine setting and seamless communication, you might find aspects of the experience less appealing.
It’s best suited for those who value substance over polish.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Broadway Dim Sum
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.3%. Many of the 184 positive opinions praise the fresh and tasty dishes, highlighting the authentic Chinese food and dim sum as standout choices, particularly the dumplings and generous portions that leave diners satisfied. However, not every dish is a winner, with 24 negative remarks pointing to some inconsistencies.
Concerns include bland fried rice, undercooked shrimp dumplings, and mentions of low quality ingredients in certain items. While the menu offers variety, some found specific dishes like sticky rice disappointing.
Food
235
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
24
negative
27
neutral
184
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, tasty food
- Authentic Chinese fare
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland fried rice
- Undercooked dumplings
- Low quality ingredients
Often praised
- foodthe food was superior to any other Chinese restaurants
- dim sumdim sum was steamed fresh and was genuinely tasty and good
- sesame ballsThe sesame balls are perfection and were served hot!!
- Dim Sumbest Dim Sum I've had in a really long time
- FoodFood:5
- siu maithe siu mai, which was terrific: pork tender, good portion of shrimp, tasty
- fried dumplingsfried dumplings (warms the heart every time)
- green teaThe service was so warm and kind. Thanks for the green tea and for sneaking in the dessert dumpling; it was delicious! :)
- portionsThe portions are generous
- shrimp dumplingsIt's a small, quaint and friendly establishment, conveniently open after 5pm. We enjoyed the fried egg roll, steamed meat, shrimp dumplings, udon chicken soup, and fried udon noodles. We had intended to return the next night, but unfortunately, they are closed on Tuesdays.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe dim sum was excellent, and the noodles were also delicious. However, for a foreign palate, the food was a bit salty. Personally, I found the fried rice to be the most delicious dish.
- dim sumMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative, primarily due to the dim sum. I can honestly say it was the worst dim sum I ever had. I definitely will not come back again for dim sum.
- Dim Sum cafeNot a real Dim Sum cafe
- FoodFood:2
- bok choythe bok Choy was just not good
- custard bunscustard buns barely had any filling
- fried ricetheir fried rice was just so bland and tasteless
- hakawhakaw is not pure shrimp 😢
- ingredientsHowever, it doesn't seem like a place you absolutely need to go to, similar to many restaurants in Chinatown. The ingredients used seem to be of low quality overall. The noodles were particularly difficult to eat, and I ended up leaving them all behind.
- items we wantedSome things we wanted on the menu they didn't have
If you're seeking fresh, authentic Chinese food and delicious dim sum with generous portions, this spot is generally a good bet. Just be mindful that some specific dishes, like the fried rice or certain dumplings, might be a bit inconsistent, so choose wisely.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction at 59.3%. Many guests rave about the incredibly friendly and accommodating staff, often highlighting the fast service and attentive waitresses who go the extra mile, especially for regulars or those with specific requests. Based on 48 positive remarks out of 81 total, it seems many appreciate the personal touch and quick delivery.
However, some experiences suggest there's room for improvement, with 26 negative comments pointing to slow service and long waiting times to order and receive food. A few customers also noted issues with unresponsive staff or communication barriers, particularly regarding online orders or when asking questions. It appears consistency can be a challenge, sometimes leading to a less-than-ideal experience.
Service
81
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unresponsive staff
- Communication issues
Often praised
- serviceThe menu offered a good mix of Americanized Chinese food and what appeared to be more traditional options. Our food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The waitress was very attentive, ensuring our complimentary hot tea was refilled before it was even half empty.
- ServiceService:4
- regularsthey definitely have their stream of regulars coming in & out
- staffthe staff are all nice
- waitabsolutely worth the wait
- accommodate little changesso hard to find places that accommodate little changes like this
- businessenough business for a 2-3 people operation
- customer serviceCustomer service is outstanding and friendly
- customize any dishThey customize any dish to your needs
- eating in the restaurantI recommend eating in the restaurant
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a cramped location and understaffed conditions, leading to very slow service. The service was very bad and unresponsive, with only one waitress and one cook.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a cramped location and understaffed conditions, leading to very slow service. The service was very bad and unresponsive, with only one waitress and one cook.
- EnglishDoesn‘t speak english at all
- cookonly one cook
- customer treatmentTwenty minutes after leaving empty-handed, I received a call stating the order was just canceled, which was 20 minutes after its scheduled ready time. This was a really poor way to treat a customer.
- customerswith other Chinese customers she was more friendly
- experienceWe left before we could even order. It was a truly horrible experience.
- foodshe did the same with the food
- gentleman who took our orderIt's definitely a hole in the wall place, and I believe there are many other good options for dim sum in Chinatown. Initially, the gentleman who took our order didn't speak any English, and some items we wanted from the menu were unavailable. However, communication improved when a lady came out, and we were able to interact with her better.
- menusshe threw the menus at our table
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm, personalized service and fast food delivery, its worth a try. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be slow or inconsistent, especially during busy periods or if you have specific communication needs.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a charming side that many customers appreciate. With 29 positive remarks out of 63 total, many describe the atmosphere as small, quaint and friendly, often feeling like home or a cozy family joint. It aims for a welcoming vibe, even if the overall score of 5.5 suggests its just average.
However, the experience isnt universally glowing, with 21 negative observations. Some found the restaurant dirty, particularly mentioning the bathroom and even flies in the dining area. There were also comments about limited seating, indicating that while it has its charms, there's definitely room for improvement in cleanliness and space, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 46%.
Ambience
63
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
21
negative
13
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quaint, friendly atmosphere
- Feels like home
- Suitable for groups
What people don't like
- Restaurant cleanliness issues
- Disgusting bathroom
- Flies in dining
Often praised
- atmospherevery casual and authentic family run restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessPlace is kept clean
- experienceoverall great friendly experience in a small mom and pop shop
- hole in the walla bit of a hole in the wall, but it's definitely one of the best
- placeI had the BBQ pork dim sum and chicken fried rice, which were both delicious and perfect for sharing between two people. The place is small, so table space is limited, but overall it was a great place to have lunch.
- communityFeels like she keeps her community very welcome
- family jointGreat quaint family joint that won't let you down
- felt like homeFelt like home and eating at the fanily table
- group sizeSuitable for all group sizes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis seemed like a place where neighborhood grandpas would come in just to gab rather than to eat.
- bathroomThe bathroom, the walls in the dining room
- fliesGot flies flying around the dining area
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- restaurant cleanlinessthe restaurant wasn't very clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroom doorthe bathroom doesn’t even have a frickin door!!
- bathroom smellthe bathroom smell is so strong
- flapthe flap that the waitress touches with her probably dirty gloves
- locationCramped location
If youre looking for a quaint, homey feel and dont mind a hole in the wall vibe, this place might charm you. However, be prepared for potential issues with cleanliness, especially in the bathroom, and possibly limited seating. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits a good note, boasting a 6.8 score. Many diners rave about the affordable prices and reasonably priced menu items, often highlighting the incredible value and quantity for the price you get. With 25 positive remarks out of 38 total, it seems many find their wallets happy here.
However, the experience isnt always perfectly smooth, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 65.8%. Some guests have expressed frustration over unexpected tea charges and confusing tea policy details, sometimes feeling pressured regarding tip expectations or even being asked to pay in cash'. These 9 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement in transparency.
Value
38
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected tea charges
- Mandatory cash payment
- Demanding tip policy
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The setting was simple, but the food was very good and at an exceptional price. We relied on other reviews to make our decision and were quite pleased with the outcome.
- pricesHowever, the service was slow, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite the wait, the delicious food at low prices made it worth it. The atmosphere was rated a 4 out of 5, and the food a perfect 5 out of 5.
- billbill didn't hurt my wallet
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable pricesprices were very affordable
- cheap and tasty foodYou come here for cheap and tasty food. Don't expect presentation or service.
- economic Chinese foodpursuit of authentic, tasty, and economic Chinese food
- food is affordableThe custard bun also looked and tasted different from what I've had elsewhere. However, I would try this place again because the food is affordable, and the chow mien from a neighboring table looked very appetizing 😅.
- incredible valueMy experience at Broadway Dim Sum Cafe was incredible. The taste of the food was amazingly good, offering incredible value. We discovered this gem thanks to Google and wanted to share the favor.
- mealabout 9.00 for a meal
Frequently criticized
- tipwe needed to pay a tip of $15 and our bill was only $88
- billit’s charged per person
- mealI paid $52.24 in total, including a $45.24 tip for this meal
- pay in cashNon ho apprezzato il fatto che ci abbia obbligati a pagare in contanti
- teaThey added tea to our bill which we didn’t order
- tea chargenot tell us that we will be charged 1.75 per person for the tea
- tea policyscammy part of the thing is they say if you order entree you get free tea, but if you order both entree and dim sum you are slapped with $1.25 per person for tea
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, especially for tasty food, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful of potential extra charges like tea or specific payment methods to avoid any surprises. Its a solid choice for budget-conscious diners, but a little awareness can go a long way.
How are the prices at Broadway Dim Sum?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 81 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (a whopping 49 out of 81!) stick to the $11–$20 bracket, with a good chunk also spending a bit more in the $21–$30 range. This tells us the pricing is quite consistent around that mid-range sweet spot, rather than being a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a good choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Broadway Dim Sum
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bad Service, Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the terrible service. While the food was decent, not great, the staff's attitude significantly detracted from the meal. The server was unfriendly and seemed rushed, even when the restaurant wasn't busy.
She threw menus and food onto our table, which was unprofessional. I also felt there might have been racial bias, as she appeared more friendly towards other Chinese customers. To make matters worse, we were charged for tea we didn't order, and the tip was demanded at a minimum of 15% despite the poor experience.
I cannot recommend this place.
- food6
- service1
- menus1
- customers1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Fresh and Tasty BBQ Fried Rice
We visited this restaurant to try their bbq fried rice. Although it's called a dim sum cafe, many patrons seemed to be ordering a la carte dishes. The restaurant had a typical, unfussy appearance for the area and was quite busy.
Our bbq fried rice was fresh and tasty. It was a simple but satisfying meal that was also reasonably priced.
- bbq fried rice9
- fresh and tasty9
- simple but satisfying8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Dim Sum, Amazing Service, Great Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Dim Sum was incredibly tasty, and the overall food quality was excellent. I was particularly impressed by the incredibly courteous manager and staff, who provided exceptional service.
The prices were also incredibly affordable, making it a great value. I highly recommend this place!
- Dim Sum10
- food9
- manager and staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the dim sum. I would avoid it at all costs, even considering its affordability. The shrimp dumpling was a letdown; it was undercooked and mealy inside, yet somehow overcooked on the outside.
- affordability5
- dim sum1
- shrimp dumpling1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Dim Sum, Great Value!
My experience at this dim sum restaurant was fantastic! The dumplings were freshly made and incredibly flavorful, and the other dishes we tried were also very tasty. We had dinner with a group of 8 people, and despite eating a lot, the bill was less than $30 per person, offering great value for the quality.
To top it off, they generously provided free desserts on the house! I highly recommend this place and will definitely return when visiting SF.
- dumplings10
- other dishes8
- value for quality9
What Broadway Dim Sum offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Broadway Dim Sum?
At Broadway Dim Sum, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with table service available. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Does Broadway Dim Sum offer delivery or takeout services?
Yes, Broadway Dim Sum provides multiple convenient service options. You can opt for no-contact delivery, standard delivery, or takeout if you prefer to enjoy your meal elsewhere. Dine-in is also available for a casual experience.
How does Broadway Dim Sum generally score with customers?
Broadway Dim Sum holds an overall score of **7.1**, indicating a good experience for many. Its **Food** (7.9) is highly rated, while **Value** (6.8) is also strong. **Service** (6.2) and **Ambience** (5.5) are considered average, suggesting areas for potential improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Broadway Dim Sum?
Diners frequently praise the fresh and genuinely tasty dim sum, often highlighting specific items like siu mai and sesame balls. The value is also a significant draw, with many finding the prices affordable and the portions generous.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted issues with cleanliness, particularly concerning the bathroom, and a cramped ambience. There have also been mentions of unexpected tea charges and occasional communication difficulties with staff.