Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Yank Sing – San Francisco
Yank Sing - San Francisco
Photo from Yank Sing
Yank Sing at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1232 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#99 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
693
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious dim sum
- Attentive service
- Cart experience
Frequently criticized
- Premium pricing
- Crowded space
- Brusque service
The Chinese restaurant Yank Sing in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers you an authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, ensuring a perfect pairing for your meal. From small plates to full entrees, you’re invited to explore a menu rich with flavor and tradition.
Overview: Introducting Yank Sing
Yank Sing offers a notable dim sum experience, often praised for its consistently delicious offerings and a unique push cart experience that many patrons appreciate. The overall atmosphere is generally clean and inviting, setting a pleasant stage for your meal.
However, potential visitors should be aware of certain aspects. While the culinary experience is a strong point, some find the pricing to be on the higher side, and the service can occasionally be perceived as a bit too quick or brusque, especially during busy periods.
Good
7.4
out of 10
693
Reviews
70.9%
Satisfaction
151
negative
51
neutral
491
positive
Yank Sing maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 70.9% , both indicating a good dining experience. This positive sentiment is drawn from 693 customer observations, with 491 positive remarks outweighing 151 negative ones.
The Food stands out with a strong (7.8) score, and Service also performs well at (7.2) . While the Ambience scores a respectable (6.9) , it’s worth noting that Value comes in at an average (5) .
This suggests that while many aspects are well-received, the cost-to-portion ratio or overall pricing structure might not meet everyone’s expectations for the experience.
What people like
- Delicious, consistent dim sum
- Attentive, friendly service
- Engaging push cart experience
What people don't like
- Premium pricing
- Crowded dining space
- Occasional brusque service
If you’re seeking a classic dim sum experience with high-quality dishes and appreciate the traditional cart service, Yank Sing is a strong contender. Be prepared for a bustling environment, especially during peak hours, and consider making reservations to ensure a smoother visit.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6 , it’s a place worth considering if delicious dim sum is your priority and you don’t mind paying a premium. However, if budget is a primary concern, you might find the overall value less compelling.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yank Sing
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a solid 77.1% customer satisfaction. With 310 positive remarks out of 402, many rave about the delicious dim sum staples, the amazing flavor, and the overall freshness and quality of the traditional Chinese food, highlighting a great variety of options. However, not every dish is a winner.
Some diners noted concerns about small portion sizes and occasional blandness. There were also mentions of cold food and a limited menu, with a few even encountering issues like undercooked meat, which certainly takes away from the experience.
Food
402
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
66
negative
26
neutral
310
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- High food quality
- Great dish variety
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent quality
- Cold/bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe last time we ate here was over 10 years ago, and my wife and I still remember this place because the food was very delicious. We just had to come back since we are visiting SF with the family.
- dim sumI've eaten here several times over the years and it's probably the best dim sum in the area. On my last visit, I was impressed with how well the bread bun was prepared, noting that the filling didn't overpower the overall taste, unlike in other establishments.
- Dim SumMy experience at Yank Sing on Stevenson Street was a real delight. We enjoyed superb Dim Sum and excellent service. The dishes we savored included the shrimp dumpling, Phoenix tail prawns, Shanghai Kurobuta Pork Dumplings, Long Life Noodles, and Eggplant with Hunan sauce.
- dumplingsLove to come here for dumplings lunch feast
- sesame ballssesame balls with lotus paste. Those were perfect in every way
- soup dumplingsthose are the Shanghai kurobuta pork dumplings and are their number one seller, that came with a vinegary sauce and I’m thinking thinly sliced radish. It was amazing
- eggplantThe best dumplings I have ever eaten, and they are all vegan! Not to mention the eggplant. If I lived in San Francisco, I would be here at least once a week.
- qualitythe quality is always consistent
- vegetarian optionsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. On the positive side, there were quite a few vegetarian options available, and the savory veg and snowpea dumplings were quite delicious. However, the portion size was small.
- Xiao Long BaoMy experience at this restaurant was a true dim sum heaven! I indulged in a variety of delicious items, including the Shanghai dumpling, ha gau, stuffed mushroom, pork bun, and Xiao Long Bao. The beancurd roll was also a delightful addition.
Frequently criticized
- dim sumsome dim sum is delivery from other locations and heating up
- foodBelow average food that tastes like American-Chinese dimsum
- flavorsI went in expecting top-tier dim sum but found it underwhelming, especially compared to my local Dallas spot, which is both tastier and more affordable. The food was a big disappointment, lacking the vibrant flavors and freshness I anticipated—I'd rate it a 2 out of 5. The restaurant itself is well-maintained and has a pleasant design, so I’ll give the atmosphere a 4 out of 5.
- food qualityThe food quality is poor and not what it used to be.
- freshnessI went in expecting top-tier dim sum but found it underwhelming, especially compared to my local Dallas spot, which is both tastier and more affordable. The food was a big disappointment, lacking the vibrant flavors and freshness I anticipated—I'd rate it a 2 out of 5. The restaurant itself is well-maintained and has a pleasant design, so I’ll give the atmosphere a 4 out of 5.
- portion sizeThe food was served in small quantities
- BBQ pork buns3 little bbq pork buns for $14+
- Mushroom Dumplingneither could be detected
- Peking Duckthe Peking Duck was dry
- Peking Duck with Bunreceived a single bao bun which I don't care for
If you're looking for a place with generally good dim sum and a wide selection, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might come in smaller portions or occasionally lack the expected warmth or flavor, so choose wisely.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.2. Many guests rave about the attentive staff, friendly service, and efficient service, often highlighting the unique cart experience. With 106 positive remarks out of 152 total opinions, its clear that the team often goes above and beyond, ensuring a pleasant and quick dining experience.
However, the 69.7% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag, suggests theres room for improvement. Some diners reported feeling rushed, experiencing wait time issues, or encountering rude staff and disorganized service. These 39 negative comments indicate that while many have great experiences, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
152
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
39
negative
7
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Efficient, quick service
- Outstanding overall service
What people don't like
- Service felt rushed
- Rude staff interactions
- Disorganized service issues
Often praised
- serviceServing dim sum is an art, much like sushi craftsmanship; it is delicate, unforgiving, and beautiful, all wrapped up in rice noodles. Yank Sing excels in all these aspects, complemented by a beautiful location and wonderful service. An extensive menu and great drink choices complete the perfect total package.
- staffThe staff was very friendly and helpful
- wait timeWe were able to be seated for 4 people for lunch on a Tuesday without reservations, though we were one of the last parties to be seated with minimal wait. We enjoyed all the dim sum options, which were made with high quality ingredients.
- service speedFast. Delicious. Large variety.
- Edgarone server Edgar who was the only one who seemed to care and was kind
- ServiceThe restaurant itself is well-maintained and has a pleasant design, so I’ll give the atmosphere a 4 out of 5. Service was solid and deserves a 4 as well, but several menu items were unavailable, adding to the letdown. Overall, while the ambiance and service were decent, the food and limited menu options didn’t live up to the hype, and I wouldn’t go out of my way to return.
- attention to detailFrom delicate steamed dumplings to crispy fried delicacies, every dish was a work of art, boasting harmonious flavors and perfect ingredient balance. The service was truly outstanding, with attention to detail and genuine care. Yank Sing's elegant ambiance and cleanliness added to the overall experience, exuding sophistication and comfort.
- outstanding serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the outstanding service. I accidentally left my bag under the table, and Lina kindly stored it safely in her locker.
- reservationsMake reservations in advance, if you can
- StaffStaff was helpful and nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy complaint with the service is that they are too pushy
- cartsMy experience at the restaurant was very good. While I miss the carts, the food was still delicious. My favorites were the Shanghai dumplings and steamed bbq pork buns.
- staffthe staff was super rude to my group as soon as we walked in
- waitI don't understand the hype surrounding it. It was definitely not worth the wait and the parking hassle was significant. The food was just okay; nothing special.
- cart servicecart service is a bit uncomfortable
- cart stop byIn the first 10 min we had the cart stop by at least 4 times
- check your foodcheck you food before eat
- clienteleWhile the food was exceptional, earning a perfect score, the service and atmosphere were disappointing, both receiving a score of 1. The clientele stole my umbrella due to the out of touch system they had.
- crowdit got packed quickly at lunch time with a huge crowd waiting
- female staff membersfemale staff members came across a little brusque
If youre looking for generally attentive and efficient service, youll likely be pleased here. However, be prepared for the possibility of a rushed feeling or occasional disorganization, especially during busy times. It's worth a try, but manage your expectations for peak hours.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Many guests rave about the restaurants ambiance, which scores a 6.9, often highlighting the elegant ambiance, clean environment, and the cool and authentic vibe of the push cart experience. With 63 positive observations out of 92 total, it seems many appreciate the overall atmosphere and upscale setting that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. However, customer satisfaction, sitting at a 68.5% mixed bag, reveals some areas for improvement.
A number of the 22 negative comments point to issues like parking hassle, crowded spaces, uncomfortable chairs, and a poor ambience' in certain areas, particularly the outside seating or cramped tables.
Ambience
92
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant ambiance
- Clean environment
- Authentic push carts
What people don't like
- Parking hassle
- Cramped tables
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great dumplings in a great atmosphere. It's worth noting that it gets very busy during lunch time on workdays, so reservations are needed.
- ambianceAs a food enthusiast, my visits leave an indelible mark. The warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for a memorable dining experience, with staff greeting me with genuine smiles and attentiveness. Their knowledge of the menu was commendable, guiding me through tantalizing options.
- placethe place is very clean and organized
- locationrestaurant's location in downtown SF
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- push cart experienceI love the whole push cart experience
- restaurant cleanlinessThis is a dim sum specialty restaurant on Stevenson Street. The restaurant is clean and the food is delicious. The fried items are tastier than the dim sum.
- 80s/90s dining hall decorThe restaurant's 80s/90s dining hall decor created a sense of reassurance
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Kid-friendlinessEverything kids will love it
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereLet me put it this way, if this place was opened in LA or Vancouver, I don't think it would survive. I would only recommend coming here if you want the nostalgia of push-carts. Otherwise, I suggest skipping and not be fooled by its inclusion in the Michelin Guide.
- ambiencePoor ambience
- areaneed to clean up the area
- bathroomplace us next to the bathroom, where people were going in and out
- crowdedit can get crowded
- doorHowever, the atmosphere was quite uncomfortable. They cram a bunch of tables into a small space and leave the door wide open, making it feel like you need a parka to sit inside or outside. The service was equally cold.
- limited seating areasmall, with limited seating area
- outside seating areaThe most disappointing aspect was the outside seating area
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- parking hasslenot worth the parking hassle
If youre seeking an upscale setting with a unique push cart experience and dont mind potential parking challenges or a bustling environment, the ambiance here could be quite enjoyable. However, if comfort and quiet are top priorities, especially for outdoor seating, you might want to manage your expectations.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found pleasant surprises, noting the reasonable price and feeling it was worth the quality. Many were pleasantly surprised by the value for money, especially considering the location. These positive sentiments, highlighting good price and value, were shared across 12 opinions.
However, the overall picture for value is quite a mixed bag, with a score of 5 (average) and customer satisfaction at a low 25.5%. Many felt it was pricey or overpriced, especially for the quantity of food. The mention of surcharge and 5% surcharge also left a sour taste, contributing to 24 negative opinions out of 47 total.
Value
47
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
24
negative
11
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Worth the quality
- Good value
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- High prices
- Unexpected surcharges
Often praised
- pricethe price definitely worth the quality
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing, and while it's a bit on the pricier side, it was definitely worth it. The service was also great!
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant offered decent dim sum at reasonable prices. While nothing particularly stood out, we sampled several dishes including the turnip cakes, bbq pork buns, and xiao long bao.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricingReasonably priced.
- valueThe value they bring is compared to none
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, not everything was deeply impressive. The portions felt a bit small for the price, and some of the female staff members came across as a little brusque. Considering the expensive price compared to other dim sum places, I rated it by fine-dining standards.
- expensivea bit expensive for what it is
- overpricedfood at Yank Sing is overpriced
- 5% surchargeby doing this 5% surcharge, less customers will be giving their tips
- Honey Baked SeabassHoly pricey for the portion size!?
- PotstickersPricey but they are of the larger variety
- health surchargethe so-called health surcharge
- item priceMost items are expensive
- locationpricy side because of the location
- pricesprices were much much higher
If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, this might not be your top pick, as many find it "pricey" for the portions. However, if you prioritize quality and dont mind spending a bit more, some feel it's worth it. Just be prepared for potential surcharges.
How are the prices at Yank Sing?
On average, you’ll spend around 49 per person – from 117 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While most diners cluster around this $41–$50 sweet spot, we also see a good number of guests enjoying options in the 21 – 40 $ range, showing a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Chinese Restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank, and also caters to those who want to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yank Sing
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delightful Dumplings and Great Chardonnay
I popped in for lunch and had a truly delightful experience. The restaurant offered a variety of delightful dumplings and dim sum, along with delicious fried rice. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a great bottle of Kistler Chardonnay.
The staff were very friendly, and I'd like to give a special thanks to Edgar for his excellent service.
- delightful dumplings9
- fried rice8
- Kistler Chardonnay9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Limited Options, Questionable Freshness
My experience at this restaurant, which seems to be a small Asian establishment, was mixed. During weekdays, it primarily caters to office workers. The food was just okay; some of the dim sum appeared to be delivery from other locations and was simply heated up, which made it wasn’t very fresh.
The variety of items was very limited, and most items were expensive. The atmosphere was rated low at 2, while service received a 4. Finding parking was somewhat difficult.
- food5
- service8
- dim sum3
- freshness2
- item variety3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Loved the authentic and tasty experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! From the moment we sat down, waiters with carts began offering us great dishes. Everything we ate was extremely tasty, and the whole vibe was very cool and authentic.
- great dishes9
- extremely tasty10
- cool and authentic vibe9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Impressive Dim Sum and Excellent Service
I visited Yank Sing for brunch with my father-in-law and we were both incredibly impressed. The food was absolutely delicious; every dim sum item was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. You can truly taste the high quality in every bite.
The service was also excellent – attentive, friendly, and efficient, even though the restaurant was busy. It was a truly great dining experience from start to finish. I highly recommend Yank Sing for anyone seeking top-notch dim sum and outstanding service!
- food10
- dim sum item10
- high quality9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Dim Sum with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the dim sum to be very tasty and authentic. The dining room was described as bright and clean, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
The service was good, and the overall experience made it a perfect place for entertaining guests. Reservations are recommended.
- dim sum9
- dining room8
- service8
What Yank Sing offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Yank Sing (Stevenson St.) offer?
At Yank Sing (Stevenson St.), you can enjoy various dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service and seating available. They also provide catering services. For your convenience, reservations are accepted and highly recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to ensure you secure your spot.
What kind of atmosphere and beverage options can you expect at Yank Sing (Stevenson St.)?
Yank Sing (Stevenson St.) welcomes you with a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. You’ll find a wide range of beverage options, including wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside coffee and a great tea selection. Vegetarian options and small plates are also available for you to enjoy.
How does Yank Sing rate overall?
Yank Sing holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 70.9% . Its Food scores (7.8) and Service (7.2) are strong, while Ambience is (6.9) and Value is (5) .
What are the standout food items at Yank Sing?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and consistent dim sum, with specific mentions of high-quality dumplings, including the Shanghai Kurobuta Pork Dumplings and Xiao Long Bao, as well as savory vegetarian options.
Is Yank Sing considered good value for money?
While the food quality is often lauded, the Value score of (5) indicates it’s considered average. Many customers find the portions a bit small for the price, describing it as expensive or overpriced, especially with additional surcharges.