Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Xiao Long Bao – San Francisco
Xiao Long Bao - San Francisco
Photo from Xiao Long Bao
Xiao Long Bao at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#1960 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#208 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
315
Reviews
58.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Affordable prices
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Rude staff
- No seating
- Billing issues
The restaurant Xiao Long Bao offers you an authentic Chinese dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. This casual Chinese restaurant is a fantastic spot when you’re craving delicious small plates or simply need a quick bite.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family, making it a local favorite for its straightforward charm and tasty offerings.
Overview: Introducting Xiao Long Bao
Xiao Long Bao offers a quick and affordable option for those craving dim sum. Many appreciate the speedy service and the generally delicious food, making it a convenient stop.
However, be prepared for a bustling environment, as some experiences point to a somewhat chaotic ordering process and occasional issues with staff demeanor. While the value proposition is strong, with many finding the offerings fairly priced, there are notes about inconsistent food temperatures and occasional discrepancies in billing.
It’s a place that prioritizes efficiency and affordability over a leisurely dining experience, which is important to keep in mind.
Good
6.5
out of 10
315
Reviews
58.4%
Satisfaction
84
negative
47
neutral
184
positive
Xiao Long Bao holds an overall restaurant score of 6.5, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 58.4%. This assessment comes from a considerable 315 customer opinions, comprising 184 positive remarks against 84 negative ones.
It suggests a place with clear strengths, but also areas that could benefit from refinement. Looking closer at the specifics, Food stands out with a good score of (7.4), indicating it’s a primary draw.
However, Service (4.9), Ambience (5), and Value (5.3) all fall into the average range. While the food generally satisfies, the other aspects suggest a more functional experience rather than a polished one, aligning with the mixed satisfaction.
What people like
- Delicious dim sum offerings
- Generally affordable prices
- Efficient, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff demeanor
- Limited dining space
- Occasional billing issues
With a recommendation score of 7, Xiao Long Bao is a solid choice if you’re seeking a quick, value-driven dim sum experience. It’s particularly well-suited for takeout or a speedy bite, where the focus is squarely on the food rather than a leisurely sit-down meal.
However, if a comfortable dining atmosphere, consistently warm dishes, or impeccable service are high on your priority list, you might find it falls short. Approach it with the right expectations for a convenient and generally tasty, yet no-frills, meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Xiao Long Bao
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're looking at a pretty solid experience! With a good score of 7.4 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 69.7%, many diners rave about the delicious, freshly made items. Out of 198 comments, 138 were positive, often praising the fried dumplings, signature dim sum, and overall quality.
However, not everything hits the mark. While many items are loved, some find the XLB can be disappointing, and there are occasional complaints about thick/doughy skin on certain dumplings. A few experiences mentioned items being soggy or simply not hot, indicating some inconsistency in preparation among the 29 negative remarks.
Food
198
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
29
negative
31
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Freshly made food
- Delicious dim sum
- Wide selection
What people don't like
- Thick, doughy skin
- Soggy fried items
- Inconsistent XLB
Often praised
- foodI ended up purchasing a lot of their delicious food, including Chasiubow, chives and shrimp filled dimsums, and their tasty sweet sesame balls. SHIAO BAO's food is very delicious and fairly well-priced. My only wish is that they would make their Chasiubow larger, like they did at Clement BBQ.
- dim summy favorite dim sum in the neighborhood
- dumplingsIt is truly hard to beat, and has beaten out similar places in NYC/Seattle/Portland as far as taste/consistency and price. Cash is preferred and “an order” is three pieces of dumplings. Their pancakes are especially stellar.
- bunsMy favorites are the buns
- scallion pancakeslike the scallion pancakes. They need to be hot and crispy.
- Dim SumBest Dim Sum in the city
- Xiao long baoNoted for good Xiao long bao
- baosThere was a lot of wonderful filling! My favorite were the baked ones, as the steamed ones were too mushy. I even get requests for them when I fly out to Wisconsin!
- everythingeverything is delicious
- fillingVery little fat globs in filling
Frequently criticized
- dim sumnot very fresh mediocre take out dim sum
- foodusually luke warm and tastes like it has been sitting for a while
- food qualityMy experience at the restaurant was quite expensive, and the overall quality of the food was not great. However, there were some highlights.
- sesame ballsThe prices were pretty decent, slightly below average. However, the sesame balls were a letdown; they weren’t very crispy and seemed oily inside. I can’t speak to the dumplings or bao, but if it’s in the name, I’d assume they’re good.
- Chasiubowwish they would make their Chasiubow Larger
- XLBXLB was terrible
- Xiao long baoXiao long bao from Din Tai Fung you'll be disappointed
- dumplingsdumplings were pre made and not hot
- fried Chinese doughsmell like a hard bleach
- fried shrimp puffsfried shrimp puffs are soggy
Overall, if youre looking for a wide selection of generally delicious and fresh dim sum, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some specific items, like certain XLB or dumplings with thicker skins, might be a hit or miss. Go for the popular fresh items, and youll likely leave happy!
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers appreciate the speed and efficiency, especially for takeout. With 19 positive remarks, folks often highlight the fast dim sum and overall service speed, noting that staff are often friendly and they conveniently accept credit card. If youre in a hurry, youll likely find the service quick enough to get you in and out.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 25 negative comments pointing to significant issues. Many describe the service as rude, inconsiderate, and often chaotic, with long lines and instances of missing items or incorrect orders. The overall customer satisfaction sits at a poor 36.5%, suggesting theres considerable room for improvement despite an average score of 4.9.
Service
52
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
25
negative
8
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Efficient takeout
- Accepts credit card
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Chaotic service
- Missing items
Often praised
- serviceWhile these dishes were good, none of them truly "hit the spot" or delivered a "wow" factor. On the positive side, the prices are fair, and the service is speedy. They also conveniently accept credit card.
- ServiceService:5
- English & Chinese language friendlyit's both English & Chinese language friendly for ordering
- StaffNice Staff
- credit cardthey accept credit card
- fast dim sumGreat for fast dim sum to go.
- fast on and outvery fast on and out
- line of around 5 peopleI was in a like of around 5 people. That’s how you know the place is good.
- ordering processchaotic ordering, but that makes it a fun experience
- service speedThe curry chicken bao has become one of my staples when I come by here. It's reasonably priced and very quick. I highly recommend giving this shop a try.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the service was quite rude. The reviewer noted, "The ruder the service, the better the food. 😬" They also advised, "Just don't stutter when you get to the counter.
- staffrude and belligerent staff try to hurry you
- cashier workersBEWARE, the cashier workers aren’t honest, just hungry for the $$. Visa requires a minimum of $20, which I met, but the lady asked for $6 more!
- cashiersCashiers rip you off.
- chaotic serviceput up with the chaotic service lost my appetite
- folks don’t have patiencefolks don’t have patience w/ you
- front deskthe front desk didn’t get the right order
- lineThere's usually a line
- long lineLong line for not very fresh mediocre take out dim sum
- missing itemsthings were missing.
If you prioritize speed for a quick dim sum takeout and can tolerate potentially rude or chaotic interactions, this spot might work for you. However, if you value friendly service and accuracy, you might find the experience disappointing.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 5, and customer satisfaction is a rather low 29.4%, some folks did find a silver lining. Based on 17 total opinions, with 5 positive remarks, some customers appreciated the nice little spot and even mentioned a great vibe. A few even highlighted sanitation as a positive, which is always a plus!
However, the majority of the 8 negative comments paint a different picture. Many were disappointed by the lack of seating, describing it as a to go place and even misleading for those expecting a dining experience. Concerns about cleanliness issue and the kitchen were also raised, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Ambience
17
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice little spot
- Great vibe
- Good sanitation
What people don't like
- No seating available
- To-go only
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- great vibeGreat vibe
- sanitationbest for sanitation
- spotthis was a nice little spot
Frequently criticized
- ambianceYou can go here and spend $12 and walk out with more than enough food. If you’re going there for the ambiance and nice dining experience, you’re going to the wrong place. Ambiance: C, Wait time: B, Staff: B-.
- cleanliness issuethe cleanliness issue (too many red flags)
- kitchena not very clean kitchen
- misleadingIt's disappointingly misleading
- no seatingsBut there are not seatings.
- restroomthey have a restroom right next to the counter but they won't let you use it
- seatingNo seating.
- to go placethis is a to go place
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind a to go place with a great vibe for a moment, you might find it acceptable. However, if seating and a clean, comfortable dining atmosphere are important to you, this spot might disappoint.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag. With a score of 5.3, it lands squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 45.8%. Many patrons rave about the affordable price and GREAT value, finding the prices very reasonable for a tasty lunch.
There are 22 positive remarks highlighting it as a fantastic deal and reasonably priced. However, the experience isn't always consistent, with 22 negative remarks indicating some significant concerns. Some customers felt overcharged or that the pricing was a bit high, especially compared to other places.
Issues like a cash only policy and unexpected charges, such as a Visa minimum, have left some feeling like they were double ripped off.
Value
48
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
22
negative
4
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Reasonably priced
What people don't like
- Often overcharged
- Cash only policy
- Expensive for dim sum
Often praised
- priceWe concluded that this was the best place overall. The food is really good and super affordable! While the food isn't as hot as you'd get at a sit-down restaurant, at this price, it's still very much worth it.
- pricesThey offer different varieties, and the takeout lunch specials, featuring their duck and crispy skin pork, are great. The prices are good too. I frequently get the takeout combo when in SF for lunch.
- GREAT valueGREAT value and simply good
- Good Mong KokGood Mong Kok is still the best deal in the city
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- cheap eatsCheap eats with an extensive menu.
- dealGreat deal
- delicioso valuelot of delicioso value at this place
- fairly pricedWe got there early and were very fast on and out. The food was very good, fresh, and fairly priced. Afterwards, we walked to the library around the corner and had a picnic on the benches.
Frequently criticized
- price50 more than the actual total. I was shocked by the price and only realized the discrepancy when I calculated it back home. While the food is good, I question whether I would return if I feel like I'm being robbed.
- chargeShe will randomly charge you something different price
- ATMs nearbyno reliable ATMs nearby
- Visa minimumVisa requires minimum $20 which I did and the lady asked for $6 more!
- actual totalcharged $5.50 more than the actual total
- cash only policyTheir cash only policy is beyond irritating
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was that it was the most expensive dim sum place I’ve been to. ☹️ I spent twice the $ and got half as much dim sum here compared to other places in SF. The best things there are fried shrimp puffs and anything with shrimp in my opinion.
- dim sum placeMy experience at this restaurant was that it was the most expensive dim sum place I’ve been to. ☹️ I spent twice the $ and got half as much dim sum here compared to other places in SF.
- double ripped offDouble ripped off.
- over purchaseIt’s easy to over purchase
If youre looking for a great deal, this place *can* deliver, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in pricing. Its worth trying if youre mindful of your order and payment method, but if youre sensitive to unexpected charges, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Xiao Long Bao?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 32 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 usually spend, most diners keep it under 20, with a good chunk even going for less than 10. There are a few who splurge, but the vibe is definitely more about affordable eats.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against 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 for those looking for a tasty meal without breaking the bank, with options for both budget-conscious diners and those willing to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Xiao Long Bao
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
6
Overcharged, then corrected
My experience involved purchasing 2 beef pancakes, 3 scallion pancakes, 4 panfried dumplings, and 3 steamed chive dumplings. I was in a hurry and paid with my card. Upon reaching my car, I noticed a charge of $52.
50. After calling to confirm the prices, I returned the food and received a $26 refund. Buyers beware!
- beef pancakes5
- scallion pancakes5
- panfried dumplings5
- charge2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
6
Mixed Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was not the best. While the Char sui bao and Shu mai were good, the Ha gao and Shrimp dry noodle were just okay.
- Char sui bao8
- Shu mai8
- Ha gao5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fast and Fresh Dumplings To-Go
My experience at this restaurant was focused on their dumplings, which were both fresh and readily available for to-go orders. The place operates with a no-nonsense, fast-paced approach. There is no seating available, so it's strictly for takeaway.
The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score, while the service was also very good. The atmosphere was rated as decent.
- dumplings10
- food10
- service8
- seating2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious and Reasonably Priced!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything I tried was delicious and tasted fresh. The prices were very reasonable, offering great value.
I'm so impressed that I'll be comparing other places to Xia Long Bao in SF from now on, as they just aren't as good.
- food taste10
- prices9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Lukewarm Food and Restroom Issues
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. When the food is fresh, it's pretty good. However, it's usually served lukewarm and tastes like it has been sitting for a while.
A significant issue was the restroom, which is located right next to the counter. Despite being a paying customer, I was denied access because it was "Out of order. "
- food4
- restroom2
What Xiao Long Bao offers
Crowd
- Tourists
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
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Xiao Long Bao in San Francisco?
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner at Xiao Long Bao. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or to enjoy several small plates, this Chinese restaurant in the Richmond District offers a comfortable setting for you to enjoy your meal.
What service options and accessibility features are available at Xiao Long Bao?
Xiao Long Bao offers both convenient dine-in and takeout options. You’ll find paid street parking nearby, and the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
What is the overall verdict for Xiao Long Bao?
Xiao Long Bao has an overall restaurant score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 58.4%. While Food scores well at (7.4), Service (4.9), Ambience (5), and Value (5.3) are considered average.
Is Xiao Long Bao a good option for a quick meal?
Yes, many customers appreciate the speedy service and find it great for “fast dim sum to go” or a “very fast on and out” experience, making it ideal for a quick and efficient meal.
What should I know about the dining experience at Xiao Long Bao?
Be aware that Xiao Long Bao is primarily a “to go place” with “no seatings,” so don’t expect a traditional sit-down dining atmosphere. Some customers also noted occasional issues with staff demeanor and cleanliness.