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oChef » House of Dim Sum – San Francisco
House of Dim Sum - San Francisco
Photo from House of Dim Sum
House of Dim Sum at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 148 of the guests
#2328 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#270 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
4.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
827
Reviews
39.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quick service
- Affordable options
- Tasty items
Frequently criticized
- Unclear pricing
- Poor hygiene
- Rude staff
The Chinese restaurant House of Dim Sum invites you to a casual dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You can enjoy a quick bite or small plates, perfect for any time of day.
This spot is known for its authentic offerings and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for both locals and visitors exploring the city’s culinary scene. Whether you’re craving lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, you’ll find delicious options here.
Overview: Introducting House of Dim Sum
House of Dim Sum offers a straightforward approach to dim sum, where the food often receives praise for its taste and generous portions. Many appreciate the friendly service and quick delivery, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.
The establishment is often noted for its value for money, providing an affordable option for many diners. However, some experiences at House of Dim Sum have been less positive, particularly concerning unclear prices and instances of perceived overcharging.
The ambience can be a mixed bag, with mentions of cleanliness issues and a generally unfussy atmosphere. Service, while often quick, has also faced criticism for rudeness or attempts to upsell.
Average
4.8
out of 10
827
Reviews
39.2%
Satisfaction
420
negative
83
neutral
324
positive
House of Dim Sum holds a Restaurant Score of 4.8, placing it in the average category. However, its Customer Satisfaction sits at a poor 39.2%.
This notable divergence suggests that while some aspects are acceptable, a significant portion of diners leave feeling dissatisfied. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 827 customer opinions, with 324 positive and 420 negative remarks.
Delving deeper, the Food (5.1), Service (5.7), and Ambience (5.8) all hover in the average range, indicating they meet basic expectations but rarely exceed them. The most significant area for improvement is Value (2.9), which registers as poor.
This suggests that despite some positive mentions of affordability, many customers feel the pricing or overall offering doesn’t quite measure up, contributing to the lower satisfaction.
What people like
- Quick, efficient service
- Affordable for some
- Specific tasty items
What people don't like
- Unclear, high pricing
- Poor hygiene concerns
- Rude staff, upselling
With a Recommendation Score of 4.8, House of Dim Sum presents a mixed experience. It could be a convenient stop if you prioritize quick service and are looking for specific dim sum items that some customers enjoy.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in both pricing transparency and overall food quality. Ultimately, this establishment might suit those seeking a no-frills, fast meal and are willing to overlook some of the reported issues.
For diners who value clear pricing, consistent quality, and a pristine environment, it might be wise to explore other options to avoid disappointment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on House of Dim Sum
Food (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to unpack! With 183 positive remarks out of 458 total, many customers enjoyed the handmade and delicious dim sum, praising its freshness and variety. While the overall score sits at an average 5.1, theres definitely a bright side to the culinary offerings.
However, the food experience isnt without its challenges, reflected in a mixed 40% customer satisfaction. With 215 negative comments, some found the food often cold, bland, or oily, citing concerns about poor quality and inconsistent taste. It seems theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
458
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
215
negative
60
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dim sum
- Fresh, handmade food
- Great variety
What people don't like
- Food often cold
- Bland, oily taste
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodMy wife is from Shanghai and she knows her stuff. I highly recommend this place as she raved about the food.
- dim sumMy experience at House of Dim Sum was great! It's a cute little dumpling shop specializing in all the delicious plates of dim sum we love. I tried a few items as I walked through Chinatown in downtown San Francisco.
- dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great spot with delicious dumplings and so much more on the menu. The prices were reasonable, and my daughter even voted it the best boba.
- Dim SumThis is a cute little spot with a variety of ready-made Dim Sum. The plain noodles were so tasty and paired well with the chicken the cashier recommended.
- noodlesI particularly appreciated the noodles, which were truly flavorful
- FoodFood:5
- portionsThe portions are also quite large
- shrimp dumplingsWhile the ambiance isn't the most refined, its charm lies in its no-frills, traditional approach to Cantonese cuisine. They offer a variety of dim sum staples, including shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and siu mai, all prepared fresh and served promptly. I really appreciated the friendly service and quick turnover, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal without a lengthy wait.
- chickenThe chicken here is worth the walk
- chicken feeteverything was below mid besides the chicken feet
Frequently criticized
- foodThe service was also not great; multiple people cut in front of me, and the workers didn't intervene until those who cut had already ordered. While I understand that Chinatown establishments may not always be super clean or new, the bare minimum is for the food to not be spoiled and to be served properly. I paid $17 and couldn't even eat the food due to concerns about getting sick from the meat.
- dim sumI was craving dim sum and expected Chinese cuisine to excel at it. Unfortunately, the dim sum did not taste good at all, which was very disappointing. The soy sauce lacked the expected saltiness, tasting more like water, and even after dipping a dim sum, the flavor was almost nonexistent.
- food qualityWe couldn’t finish so much food because we were led to believe that dishes come in groups of 4/6/8 and thus that was what we had to order. There’s no point packing away as the food is not good anyway and we wouldn’t want to eat it again. So it’s such wastage of food AND money.
- dumplingsWe ordered two dumplings and were told to pay $27 instead of $10.
- soy saucethey only give their watered down version of soy sauce they refuse to give you packets
- food temperatureSo, be careful and stay away because you'll be ripped off! Also, not all the food was as warm as it should have been. The service was good, but they always try to upsell you extra items, and in the end, you just order too much food that ends up in the bin.
- fried ricesix fried dumplings and a small plate of fried rice and it was $18
- plates100 for 4 plates. We didn’t even finish it cause-yuk
- soy milkThis led us to believe the portions were small, and we ended up over-ordering, only to find out the portions were actually huge. To make matters worse, the prices were shocking: $7 for soy milk and $20 for a bowl of wonton noodles. The wonton noodles were served in a powdered soup base, not a proper bone broth.
- Shanghai dumplings1 Shanghai dumplings (served in qty 3, instead *4 as the Google menu mentioned)
If you're seeking a quick, varied dim sum experience with some standout fresh options, you might find something to enjoy. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as many found the food to be cold or lacking in flavor.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 56.8%. Many guests, about 79 out of 139 comments, praised the friendly staff, quick service, and helpful suggestions, often noting efficient delivery and take-out options. However, 57 comments pointed to areas needing improvement.
Some experiences included aggressive upselling, issues with dishonest pricing or receipts, and occasional rude staff interactions, with long lines also being a concern for some.
Service
139
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
57
negative
3
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick service
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Aggressive upselling
- Pricing/receipt issues
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThey offer a variety of dim sum staples, including shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and siu mai, all prepared fresh and served promptly. I really appreciated the friendly service and quick turnover, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal without a lengthy wait. Despite its simplicity, House of Dim Sum truly delivers on taste and value, earning its spot among the top dim sum destinations.
- staff" He's right; the chicken here is worth the journey, no matter how far you're coming from. The staff are great, and I love this joint. Don't expect a 5-star catered experience; instead, expect banger Chinese food served Subway style.
- ServiceThe flavors were delicious! Service was quick! And I got all of the food for $60, which provided lunch for a few days afterwards too.
- deliveryDelivery is very fast
- EveryoneEveryone is super nice
- calm energyhad calm energy
- card acceptanceaccepts card!
- credit cardsTakes credit cards
- customer servicegenuine customer service is so hard to find
- employeesThe employees were so kind and helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceAdding to the negative experience, there were no prices on the menu, which made it difficult to gauge value. While the service was good initially, it soured at the end when we felt tip-shamed. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4 out of 5, but it couldn't compensate for the poor food and service.
- staffI don’t know if it’s something with my race/language, since she was talking properly to other customers before me. I just wanna say, I will NEVER come back to this store, not only because of their dishonesty with the price, but also for their rude attitude. I don’t usually leave negative comments, cuz I understand things happen.
- servershe gave me a stank look, then threw the extra packets
- long lineThis is a restaurant where they sell fast food that is already prepared, but the line is long and sometimes you can be waiting about 20-30 minutes to order. There is an area where the savory food is displayed, and at the end, the sweet desserts and the cashier to pay.
- receiptthey dont give you a receipt
- upsellclerk trys to upsell you
- waitressWaitress was attentive but kept on upselling us
- businessesbusinesses that treat customers this way
- cancel dishesintentamos cancelar algunos platos a lo que no accedió
- charged for somethingthey even charged us for something we didn’t buy.
Overall, if you're looking for quick service and friendly faces, you might find it here. Just be prepared for potential upselling or pricing confusion, and perhaps avoid peak times if you dislike waiting.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.8 score putting it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 54.8%, indicating a mixed reception. Many appreciate the diverse seating options, including indoor, outdoor, and upstairs areas, often noting the cleanliness of tables and restrooms.
The atmosphere is frequently described as pleasant and quiet, with some enjoying the open kitchen view, based on 40 positive remarks. However, there are definite areas for improvement. With 21 negative comments, concerns about hygiene are prominent, with reports of dirty bathrooms and sticky tables.
Some found the overall place to be old and not well-kept, leading to a less-than-ideal atmosphere for those seeking a pristine environment.
Ambience
73
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
21
negative
12
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Diverse seating options
- Clean restrooms available
- Pleasant, quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene concerns
- Dirty bathrooms reported
- Old, dirty appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereIf the proprietor recommends a dish, I strongly advise taking their recommendation, as it's a great way to discover hidden gems. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pleasant and quiet, making it easy to talk. While the price per person was on the higher side ($100+), the quality of the food made it a worthwhile experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- bathroomBathroom available for paying customers is a huge bonus
- bathroomsTo make matters worse, 2 out of 4 orders had an incorrect item, and the pricing was not clear. On a positive note, the staff was friendly, and the bathrooms were clean.
- cleanlinessIt was clean inside too
- dim placeVery popular dim place
- experiencethe experience unique!!
- extra seatingupstairs little area with some extra seating
- favorite spotit's our favorite spot ever
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was not fancy
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were so dirty
- parkingparking is already so hard in San Francisco but in this location, it’s so difficult to find a park
- placeThey offered a good variety of dishes, which was a great plus. However, the place itself is quite small, which meant we couldn't eat inside and had to take the food to go. Despite this, it was still a great experience.
- huge ratA huge rat passed under our feet
- hygieneThe hygiene is really gross
- insectslittle insects roaming on table
- not well keptIt’s not well kept
- old and kinda dirtyThe place is old and kinda dirty
- rainthe rain was unexpected
If you're looking for a place with varied seating and a generally pleasant, quiet vibe, you might find something to like here. However, be prepared for potential cleanliness issues, especially in the restrooms and on some tables, which could detract from your experience.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
Some diners found real serious deals and appreciated the amount of food for the price, noting it could be cheap and affordable. Based on 22 positive remarks, a few experiences highlighted good value for money. However, the overall sentiment around value is quite poor, with a score of 2.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 14%.
Many of the 127 negative comments expressed frustration over expensive prices, feeling overcharged due to no prices on menu and unexpected service fees, often calling it a scam.
Value
157
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
127
negative
8
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- No menu prices
- Overpriced items
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! If you're looking for something that will make your taste buds happy without breaking the bank, this is the place. The food was delicious and tasty, and the overall experience was superb.
- pricesfinally reduced the prices more than half
- affordabilityvery affordable
- affordable placesmuch better affordable places to eat
- amount of foodPretty affordable for the amount of food we got
- cheapMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, served fast, and was very cheap. The staff were helpful, making it a perfect grab n go spot.
- good valueGood value
- real serious dealsStockton is generally where real serious deals are at
- valuedelivers on taste and value
- value for moneyWhat a great experience at this restaurant in Chinatown! It offers a very good value for money. We had the option to eat on the outdoor terrace, which was a nice touch.
Frequently criticized
- priceI don’t know if it’s something with my race/language, since she was talking properly to other customers before me. I just wanna say, I will NEVER come back to this store, not only because of their dishonesty with the price, but also for their rude attitude. I don’t usually leave negative comments, cuz I understand things happen.
- pricesIt's supposed to be a cheap spot, but by not displaying prices on any menu, they charge whatever they want. In our case, it was an outrageous amount. We considered calling the police, and eventually, they reduced the prices by more than half.
- billYou should just leave if that happens. In the end, the bill does in fact have the price of ONE item multiplied by 4/6/8, so effectively, customers are being LIED to. It’s just not honest business.
- expensiveI thought it was a bit expensive
- Price per personI paid $17 and couldn’t even eat the food
- menu pricesNo prices shown on the menu so you cannot see how much it costs
- pricingWe ordered and immediately sat down, only to find that everything was cold. To make matters worse, 2 out of 4 orders had an incorrect item, and the pricing was not clear. On a positive note, the staff was friendly, and the bathrooms were clean.
- moneyNot worth the money
- overchargethey will try to overcharge you
- tipWhen we protested being charged more than we ordered, they absurdly stated it's because we are in San Francisco. They also charge a $2 service fee per person and then double-dip by asking for a tip at checkout. ****************************************** Looking at other customers' reviews, it seems similar incidents have been happening continuously.
If you're considering this spot for its value, proceed with extreme caution. While a few found it affordable, the overwhelming majority felt the pricing was unclear and excessively high. Be prepared for potential surprises on your bill, as many customers reported feeling overcharged.
How are the prices at House of Dim Sum?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 148 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.
While the average hovers around 27, our data shows a pretty wide spread. Many guests enjoy meals in the $11–$20 range, but a good number also opt for more premium experiences, even up to $41–$50.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 148 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a casual meal and those willing to spend a bit more for a special experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about House of Dim Sum
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Smiling Staff and Delicious Dim Sum!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was particularly impressed by the service, with May, Ling Ling, and Wendy always smiling and making me laugh. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dim sum.
The overall experience was very positive, with high ratings for service, atmosphere, and food.
- service10
- dim sum10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Delicious Food, Small Space
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the delicious food and its affordability. They offered a good variety of dishes, which was a great plus. However, the place itself is quite small, which meant we couldn't eat inside and had to take the food to go.
Despite this, it was still a great experience. A point to note is that the staff doesn’t really speak English, so be prepared for that.
- food10
- affordability9
- variety of dishes8
- place4
- staff3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Dim Sum with Quick Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed delicious Dim Sum with quick service. There was ample seating, with some near the entrance and more upstairs.
Everything we ate was delicious and well cooked. The selection of dishes was great, and the portions were good sized. The popularity of the place was evident, with many people picking up take-out.
- Dim Sum9
- service9
- seating7
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Wrong Food, Sucked, Overcharged
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. They brought out the wrong food, and what we did receive kinda sucked. To top it off, they ended up overcharging us.
- wrong food2
- food3
- overcharge2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Expensive Chinatown Bakery
My experience at this restaurant was that it was appallingly expensive compared to other Chinese bakeries in the neighborhood. I purchased six fried dumplings and a small plate of fried rice, which cost $18 and was not a filling lunch for me. I found that going up the hill to Stockton offered the same food at about 1/3 the price.
While SF Chinatown is a gem, Stockton generally has better deals, especially for storefronts closer to the main tourist drag of Grant Ave. , which seem to carry higher prices.
- real serious deals8
- price2
- fried dumplings4
- fried rice4
What House of Dim Sum offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking readily available when you visit House of Dim Sum in Chinatown?
Finding parking near House of Dim Sum can be challenging, as is common in busy areas like Chinatown. You will likely encounter paid parking lots or paid street parking options. Planning ahead for your visit is recommended to ensure a smooth experience.
What dining options and accessibility features does House of Dim Sum offer?
House of Dim Sum provides a range of dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can choose between dine-in, takeout, or delivery services. The restaurant also ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for House of Dim Sum?
House of Dim Sum has an average Restaurant Score of 4.8, with Customer Satisfaction at a poor 39.2%. While Food (5.1), Service (5.7), and Ambience (5.8) are rated as average, Value (2.9) is a significant area of concern.
What do customers generally like about House of Dim Sum?
Many customers appreciate the quick and friendly service, finding it a convenient spot for a fast meal. Some also highlight specific tasty items like dumplings and noodles, and for certain diners, it offers good value for money.
What are the main concerns customers have about House of Dim Sum?
Key concerns include unclear and inconsistent pricing, with some reports of overcharging. Additionally, issues with hygiene, such as dirty bathrooms and pest sightings, along with instances of rude staff and upselling, are frequently mentioned.