Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Dumpling Specialist – San Francisco
Dumpling Specialist - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Specialist
Dumpling Specialist at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#1100 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#76 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
384
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- dumpling quality
- efficient service
- budget friendly
Frequently criticized
- small space
- waiting time
- card fees
The restaurant Dumpling Specialist is a beloved Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Parkside neighborhood. When you’re craving authentic flavors and a satisfying meal, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. Whether you’re dining solo or with family, you can expect a welcoming experience that focuses on delicious, expertly prepared dishes.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Specialist
Dumpling Specialist offers a delightful experience for those seeking authentic flavors, particularly their excellent dumplings which many find comparable to those from China. The friendly fast service further enhances the visit, making it a reliable spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
However, be prepared for a more casual setting. While the small space can feel intimate, it also means limited seating.
The restaurant is known for being quite affordable, though some practicalities regarding payment and dining space are worth noting.
Good
7.5
out of 10
384
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
66
negative
48
neutral
270
positive
Overall, Dumpling Specialist earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 70.3%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 384 customer observations, with a clear majority of 270 positive remarks outweighing 66 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.8).
Service also performs well (7.6), ensuring a smooth visit. While Value (6.6) is considered fair, the Ambience (6) is perceived as more average, suggesting it’s a functional rather than a luxurious setting.
The scores align well, showing a consistent experience.
What people like
- Excellent dumplings
- Friendly, fast service
- Great value
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Potential long waits
- Credit card surcharge
With a strong 7.9 recommendation score, Dumpling Specialist is a solid choice if you prioritize delicious, authentic dumplings and quick, friendly service over a spacious dining room. It’s particularly well-suited for a casual meal or takeout, offering good value for money.
However, be mindful of the potential for a wait and the small dining area. If you’re seeking a quick, affordable, and flavorful dumpling fix, this spot is certainly worth considering, especially if you’re prepared for a no-frills experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Specialist
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.6%. With 203 positive remarks out of 265 total, many rave about the amazing dumplings, pan-fried pork buns, and the flavorful beef noodle soup, often highlighting the fresh taste and generous portions. However, not everything is a home run, as indicated by 36 negative comments.
Some diners found certain noodles underwhelming, the sticky rice roll occasionally disappointing, or the sheng jian bao lacking its signature crispiness. A few also noted issues with soup flavor or consistency, suggesting some dishes might be a bit hit-or-miss.
Food
265
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
26
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing dumplings
- Exceptional food quality
- Flavorful beef noodles
What people don't like
- Inedible general chicken
- Flavorless dim sum
- Bland soup
Often praised
- dumplingsHowever, the excellent dumplings made the wait worthwhile. I found them to be easily as good as dumplings you'd get in China. I particularly enjoyed the Potstickers, vegetable dumplings, and sticky rice filled options, all of which were major Yummo.
- foodthis place is delicious and the food here is tastes like home
- Shanghai dumplingsShanghai dumplings have soup inside as most good places do.
- sticky rice rollpan-fried pork buns and sticky rice roll was delicious
- FoodFood:5
- XLBXLB - very thin skin, tasty soup, tasty filling
- potstickersThe potstickers was also flavorful but the bottoms could have been more brown and crisp.
- rice rollCrunchy cruller in the middle, pork floss and some salty pickled vegetable enrobed in warm, soft sticky rice
- ItemsItems are cheap, tasty, and in just the right amount
- PotstickersPotstickers, vegetable dumplings, sticky rice filled, all major Yummo
Frequently criticized
- har gaoSkip the har gao
- noodlesThe five spice beef noodle soup also had issues. Although the beef was good and tender, the noodles were too doughy, and the soup was bland.
- rice rollSometimes contained hard rice grains in the past
- sticky rice rollThe green beans were the best of the ones we tried. Pass on the pork and cabbage rice cakes and the sticky rice roll covered in hot Saran Wrap (eeek).
- Five Spice Beef Stew Noodle SoupA bit bland for me
- FoodFood:2
- Shanghai dumplingsShanghai dumplings I received was hard on top and all dried out
- aromait was not very aromatic
- beefthe beef are overcooked and it tastes strange
- beer or wineno beer or wine
If you're craving delicious dumplings and hearty noodle soups, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its standout items. Just be aware that a few dishes might not live up to the high standards set by their best offerings, so choose wisely!
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a good 74.4%, diners frequently praise the speedy and friendly service, especially for takeout. Out of 43 total opinions, 32 highlight positive experiences, often mentioning fast service, quick order ahead options, and even being seated immediately.
However, it's not without its quirks. While many enjoy the efficiency, 7 opinions point to potential downsides like significant wait times and long lines, particularly during peak hours. Some also wish for later last orders and find the cash-only policy a bit inconvenient.
Service
43
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly service
- Great takeout experience
- Quick order fulfillment
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Early closing times
- Cash-only payments
Often praised
- serviceThe dumpling skins were amazing, and the bao were heavily filled with spot-on seasoning. This, paired with friendly and speedy service, made for the perfect little spot. It's a small and intimate, not-too-formal setting on Taraval, next to a park, which is great if one prefers takeout.
- ServiceService:5
- folksvery nice and attentive folks
- takeoutIt's also important to note that there are three other restaurants with 'dumpling' in their name on this street; this one is the "specialist. " Given the seating constraints, I'd recommend this place for takeout.
- Orders come fastBe prepared for a wait time of about 30 minutes to 60 minutes, but it's definitely worth the wait as the foods really taste good. Orders come pretty fast once you're seated. I would definitely eat again.
- fastFor my drink, I was served hot tea in a disposable coffee cup, which I found a bit odd for a dine-in experience. Overall, the experience was super fast, super cheap, and the food was solid.
- fast servicefast service
- father-daughter duoPaul Yu and his daughter Rebecca own and operate the business together as a father-daughter duo
- friendly fast serviceFriendly fast service
- kitchenKitchen was fast
Frequently criticized
- wait timeThe wait time is about 30 minutes to 60 minutes
- ServiceService:2
- cash-onlyTaking away one star for being cash-only
- last orders7:15 last orders is too early
- linesLines are out the door
- open later for dinnerwish they open later for dinner
If youre looking for a quick, friendly meal, especially for takeout, this place shines. Just be prepared for potential lines and wait times if youre dining in, and remember to bring cash!
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here presents a bit of a mixed bag. While it scores an average 6, customer satisfaction lags significantly at a poor 36.6%, indicating that while some aspects hit the mark, others fall short. Many appreciate the cozy and intimate setting, often highlighting its convenient location and the ease of parking.
Theres also positive buzz around the return of indoor seating and the clever use of extended space. However, based on 41 customer observations, with 15 positive remarks versus 11 negative ones, several issues dim the experience. Patrons have noted the very small space for dining and limited seating capacity, with only a few tables available.
The past to-go only' situation was a major point of contention, and a few alarming reports even mentioned mice, which is certainly a concern.
Ambience
41
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
11
negative
15
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Cozy, intimate setting
- Indoor seating available
What people don't like
- Mice observed
- Limited dining space
- Very few tables
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere both receiving a perfect 5/5
- locationin a convenient location
- indoor seatingglad to see they opened up the indoor seating again
- parkingMy experience at the restaurant was great, especially with the location. It was in an area where parking was not an issue. The food was a highlight; I finally found a decent bowl of salty soy milk on this side of the pacific!
- regularsnumber of regulars pack into the tiny, no-frills space
- settingsmall and intimate not-too-formal setting
- spaceglad they are using next door to extend their space
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- indoor diningIt is January of 2023, but still no indoor dining here. I prefer to eat my noodle soups at the restaurant because noodles in soup are not good for to-go.
- limited hoursvery small neighborhood place with very limited lunch and dinner hours
- miceplace has mice! I’ve walked by and have observed a mouse inside their building
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- plastic wasteI prefer to eat my noodle soups at the restaurant because noodles in soup are not good for to-go. It also adds to plastic waste. They do put the soup and noodles in separate containers so that the noodles don't get saturated.
- seating capacityseating capacity only about 15-20 people
- space for diningVery small space for dining in
- tablesonly 4 tables for eating in restaurant
- to-go onlyRestaurant is to-go only
If youre looking for a quick bite in a convenient spot and dont mind a potentially tight squeeze, the location and cozy feel might appeal. However, if ample dining space, guaranteed indoor seating, or a pristine environment are high on your list, you might want to consider other options.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, but leans towards affordability. With a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 57.1%, its clear many find the prices reasonable. Folks often rave about the "reasonably priced" items, "affordable" options, and "low prices, " calling it a "deal" for what you get.
Out of 35 total comments, 20 were positive, highlighting the good bang for your buck. However, theres a catch that can impact the overall value. A significant number of customers, 12 to be exact, expressed frustration over surcharge issues, particularly credit card fees and extra charges for non-cash payments.
Some even mentioned a cash only policy, which can definitely be a deal-breaker if you're not prepared.
Value
35
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Affordable options
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Credit card surcharge
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceI had hot, fresh, good, and tasty Chinese food for lunch. The portions were huge, offering excellent value for the very good price. I recommend this place if you’re in the area!
- pricesat very reasonable prices
- ItemsItems are cheap, tasty, and in just the right amount
- Venmobut they also take Venmo!👍🏼
- affordableso affordable
- cash or Venmothey do take cash or Venmo
- cheapFor my drink, I was served hot tea in a disposable coffee cup, which I found a bit odd for a dine-in experience. Overall, the experience was super fast, super cheap, and the food was solid.
- dealone of the best deals in SF for takeout
- low pricesbelies the low prices
- menu priceThe menu price is reasonable
Frequently criticized
- cash onlycash only!
- credit cardtake credit card but there is a 4% fee
- credit card chargecredit card has extra charge
- credit card feecharge a 4% fee if you pay by credit card
- credit card surcharge4% surcharge on CC
- credit cardscredit cards have a 4% surcharge.
- credit or debit cardThey don't take credit or debit card
- extra chargeIt's a small and intimate, not-too-formal setting on Taraval, next to a park, which is great if one prefers takeout. There's an extra charge for cards, but they do take Venmo.
- feethere is a 4% fee
- priceNot worth $25 for 30 minute
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal and are prepared to pay with cash or Venmo, this place offers solid value, especially by San Francisco standards. However, if you prefer using a credit card, be aware of the potential surcharge, which might diminish the perceived affordability.
How are the prices at Dumpling Specialist?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 39 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 spend, most prices cluster around this mid-range, though you’ll find some options both a little cheaper and a little pricier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 39 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Chinese Restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It hits a sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Specialist
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Authentic Shanghai Flavors Found!
Having lived in Shanghai for two years, we found it challenging to locate many authentic Chinese dishes in the US. We were incredibly grateful to discover this restaurant, which offered delicious Shanghai dumplings, a flavorful hot and sour soup, and perfectly cooked rice. The food was a definite highlight, earning a perfect score.
- Shanghai dumplings10
- hot and sour soup9
- rice9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Chef is a dumping specialist!
If I could kiss the chef, I would. They truly are the dumping specialist 😌. My experience was fantastic, with the food and atmosphere both receiving a perfect 5/5.
The service was also excellent, rated 5/5.
- dumping specialist10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Dumplings and Rice Rolls!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the amazing dumplings. The XLB were on par with other well-known establishments, and the rice roll was exceptionally well-executed, a rare find. They also offer amazing vegetarian dumplings, which is a great option.
The Dan Dan noodle was great, and the Wan ton in chilli oil was a hit for some, though a miss for others. The 5 spice beef over rice was satisfying, and while the chow mein was just okay, the true stars are the dumplings, XLB, and rice rolls.
- dumplings10
- XLB9
- rice roll10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was not the happiest. The general chicken was inedible, and the dim sum was flavorless. The sticky rice roll was also a disappointment.
I would avoid this place.
- general chicken1
- dim sum2
- sticky rice roll1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Thin Skin XLB and Tasty Sheng Jian Bao
My experience at the restaurant featured some delicious dumplings. The XLB had a very thin skin and a tasty soup and filling. The Sheng Jian Bao also impressed with its thin bao skin, nice pan-frying, and tasty filling.
We also enjoyed the Sticky Rice Roll, giving it a 👍. The service was rated a 4, atmosphere a 3, and food a 1.
- XLB8
- Sheng Jian Bao8
- Sticky Rice Roll7
What Dumpling Specialist offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Table service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Dumpling Specialist?
At Dumpling Specialist, you have several convenient choices. You can enjoy a meal with table service for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. If you’re on the go, takeout and delivery are readily available, including no-contact delivery for your peace of mind.
Is Dumpling Specialist accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Dumpling Specialist is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great spot for family outings. Plus, a restroom is available for your convenience during your visit.
How does Dumpling Specialist rate overall?
Dumpling Specialist achieves an overall score of **7.5** out of 10. Its **Food** (7.8) and **Service** (7.6) are highly regarded, while **Value** (6.6) and **Ambience** (6) are seen as average.
What are the standout food items at Dumpling Specialist?
The **dumplings** are consistently highlighted for their excellent quality and authentic flavor, with items like Potstickers and XLB receiving particular praise.
What are the payment options and dining experience like?
While the restaurant offers great value, be aware of a 4% surcharge for credit card payments; cash or Venmo are preferred. Seating is limited, making it a popular spot for takeout.