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oChef » Dim Sum Bistro – San Francisco
Dim Sum Bistro - San Francisco
Photo from Dim Sum Bistro
Dim Sum Bistro at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#1146 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#82 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
405
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Affordable dim sum
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- No seating
- Crowded space
The restaurant Dim Sum Bistro invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. If you’re craving delicious small plates, a quick bite, or even late-night food, this Chinese restaurant has you covered.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a variety of traditional and modern dim sum dishes.
Overview: Introducting Dim Sum Bistro
Dim Sum Bistro offers a bustling experience, often praised for its flavorful dim sum and particularly popular baked pork buns. While the food generally hits the mark, some find the offerings, including certain shrimp dumplings, can be inconsistent or feel pre-prepared.
The atmosphere leans towards functional, with many noting the lack of seating and often crowded conditions. However, the efficient service and value often balance these aspects, making it a practical choice for a quick bite.
Good
7.5
out of 10
405
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
66
negative
47
neutral
292
positive
Overall, Dim Sum Bistro earns a solid 7.5 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a 72.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
The establishment clearly excels in delivering on its core offerings, making it a reliable spot for many. Digging deeper, Value stands out with a strong (8) score, closely followed by the highly regarded Food (7.9).
While Ambience (6.6) and Service (6.4) are perceived as average, they don’t significantly detract from the overall appeal. These insights are drawn from 405 customer comments, with 292 positive remarks against 66 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent dim sum selection
- Great value for money
- Convenient ordering system
What people don't like
- No seating available
- Often crowded
- Inconsistent food quality
With a strong recommendation score of 7.9, Dim Sum Bistro is a compelling choice for those prioritizing flavorful dim sum and excellent value over a traditional dining experience. It’s particularly well-suited for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
If you’re seeking a sit-down meal with attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere, this might not be your ideal destination. However, for efficient takeout or a bustling, authentic bite, it certainly warrants a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dim Sum Bistro
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it looks like youre in for a treat! With a good score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a solid 78%, many diners are raving. Out of 246 total comments, a whopping 192 highlight delicious items like "dim sums, " "shrimp dumplings, " and "bbq pork buns, " often praising their "freshness" and authentic taste.
However, its not entirely perfect, as 31 less favorable remarks indicate some areas for improvement. Concerns sometimes pop up regarding overall food quality, with some finding dishes cold, bland, or even undercooked. So, while the highs are high, there might be a few bumps along the way.
Food
246
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
31
negative
23
neutral
192
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dim sum
- Fresh, hot food
- Great variety
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great for decades. It's inexpensive, tasty, and fast. While the staff can be quick to hurry you along, it's all part of the unique experience.
- dim sumI had a fantastic experience at this restaurant, which I believe offers the best dim sum in Chinatown. My top recommendations are the pork dumpling, chive shrimp dumpling, and shrimp dumpling.
- baked pork bunsyou have to get their baked pork buns
- shrimp dumplingsshrimp dumplings were a standout—expertly steamed with tender wrappers and a rich, juicy filling
- BBQ pork bunsMy top recommendations are the pork dumpling, chive shrimp dumpling, and shrimp dumpling. The BBQ pork buns are also a must-try. Their wontons and lo mai gai are really good too; I suggest getting the wontons frozen to prepare noodles at home.
- Dim SumMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the single best place to get Dim Sum. I rate my experience a 15/10 and would go there every day if I could.
- FoodFood:5
- Shrimp and Chive Dumplingsshrimp and chive dumplings, was flavorful
- bbq pork bunsExcellent bbq pork buns
- bunsorder 2 dozens of each buns
Frequently criticized
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. It felt like a very touristy place, and the dim sum was frozen, brought in and then steamed. The taste was very average, and the pork was undercooked and chewy.
- spring rollMy experience at this restaurant was not special. I couldn’t taste the filling in the spring roll, which had a crispy texture but an oily taste. The har gow tasted bad because it traveled for an hour in 50-degree weather.
- Rice Noodle Roll itemsRice Noodle Roll items we ordered: Shrimp, Pork, and Beef were disappointing
- acidityIf you like sweet rice cake, you must come here to give them a try. I love sweet rice cake, but everywhere else would give me an aftertaste of acidity. This is truly the only place that doesn't have that.
- baked bbq bumaccidentally dropped a baked bbq bum
- bread optionsAll the noodle and dumpling dishes are delicious and offer excellent value for money. However, the bread options are a bit lacking.
- chicken feetThe chicken feet are salty (not recommend)
- corn thingcorn thing and it was pretty bland
- deep fried glutinous wrappingdrowned by the deep fried glutinous wrapping. Greasy, bland, disappointing
- deep fried pork puffsdeep fried pork puffs were truly awful
If you're craving authentic dim sum with plenty of fresh, tasty options, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few diners have experienced inconsistencies with food temperature or quality, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a lot going for it! Many customers, with 53 positive remarks out of 93 total, praise the friendly staff and the convenience of their online ordering and kiosk ordering systems. Folks appreciate the modern technology that makes placing orders easier, and often find the service quite fast when things arent too hectic.
However, its not always smooth sailing. The service score sits at an average 6.4, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 57%, reflecting some bumps in the road. There are 24 negative comments pointing to significant waiting times and long waits, sometimes up to an hour.
Some also found the ordering process confusing or experienced communication issues.
Service
93
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
24
negative
16
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Efficient ordering tech
- Fast service sometimes
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Confusing ordering process
- Communication issues
Often praised
- staffOtherwise, I'd seek out a proper dim sum restaurant. The staff was nice, and they had a large IPAD for ordering with pictures, which was a nice touch.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a rare gem in Chinatown, offering great food and friendly service. I particularly enjoyed their fish and beef dishes, which were perfect.
- waitMy experience at Dim Sum Bistro was a stellar dim sum experience. I visited for lunch on a weekday, and there was a significant line, but I'm glad I waited because the food was absolutely worth the wait. I enjoyed a variety of dumplings, including shumai, potstickers, and chili wontons, along with a pork bun.
- ServiceService:5
- online orderingconvenient online ordering system, available in both English and Chinese
- order aheadIt can be quite busy at times (aren't good places usually?). You can order ahead if you know what you want and can't wait (I saw quite a few people do that and pick up quickly). They are usually very busy, so the kitchen has to work hard to keep up the pace at the counter, which also means the food stays fresh and hot.
- waiting timeI didn't wait too long like 5 mins max
- IPAD for orderingthey had a giant IPAD for ordering with pics!
- accept credit cardA plus that they accept credit card
- automated systemtheir automated system made it even easier to order
Frequently criticized
- servicethey ignore you even if you asking for your turn
- waiting timeLong and long and long...waiting . 30-40mins
- 40 minutestook 40 minutes to get 4 buns
- amount of peoplecan't handle the amount of people to serve
- bad experiencenever have a bad experience here
- call in orderDon't bother to call in ur order ahead of time
- communicationcommunication is not easy
- food to goDo not get your food to go.
- homeless ladyhomeless lady yell at me and then sit on me
- kioskThe kiosk kind of suck in how it works
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind using modern ordering tech, this place can be a solid choice, especially if you order ahead. But be prepared for potentially long waits during busy periods, which might test your patience.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many customers find a lot to love, with 14 positive remarks out of 27 total. People often describe it as feeling like home or a family-owned find, appreciating the view and open space and calling it a hidden gem. The overall atmosphere contributes to a great experience for many.
Despite these warm sentiments, the score for ambience sits at an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a rather mixed 51.9%. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A significant point of contention is the no seating situation, with several comments noting the place can get very crowded, especially during peak hours.
Some describe it as a touristy place or a store front' lacking frills. These 6 negative observations suggest that while some embrace the bustling vibe, others find the lack of space and crowds a definite drawback.
Ambience
27
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
6
negative
7
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Feels like home
- Hidden gem vibe
- Open space views
What people don't like
- No seating available
- Gets very crowded
- Small storefront feel
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were also top-notch
- chairsborrow chairs so we could eat out on the sidewalk
- cool screenThe two of us were stuffed for around $17. Bustling place with a cool screen where you can order and self pay. I will be back.
- experienceit's all part of the experience
- family-owned findfamily owned find
- favorite placesone of my favoritos lugares para comer
- great placeGreat place
- hidden gemThis spot is a hidden gem
- homeReminds me of home
Frequently criticized
- crowdedgets very crowded, especially during the peak lunch hours
- no seatingIt's worth the visit. There's no seating currently, but it's only 2 blocks from St. Peter and Paul church, where there are plenty of views and open space.
- placeThe soup dumplings had a good taste, but I don’t think any of us were fans of the texture. The place is very small and was crowded when we entered, so we had to find a corner to review the menu. FYI: there is no seating.
- seatingThe place is very small and was crowded when we entered, so we had to find a corner to review the menu. FYI: there is no seating. While standing in line, a lady attempted to cut us and place her order.
- store frontIt’s a not frills or thrills store front.
- touristy placeVery touristy place
If youre looking for a cozy, sit-down experience, this might not be your spot due to the frequent crowds and lack of seating. However, if you appreciate a lively, authentic hidden gem with a unique atmosphere and dont mind standing or taking your food to go, it's definitely worth a visit.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 84.6%, its clear guests are thrilled with the affordability. Many of the 33 positive comments highlight the low prices, excellent value for money, and budget-friendly options, making it a go-to for delicious meals without breaking the bank.
However, a few of the 5 negative remarks suggest some minor hiccups. A couple of guests felt unfairly charged for an order or for small extras like a lemon charge. ' Parking costs in the area were also a concern for some, and one person had an issue with incorrect change.
These are minor points, but worth noting.
Value
39
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food
- Great value
- Budget-friendly
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Parking costs
- Incorrect change
Often praised
- priceMy experience was with a restaurant that offers very good food at an extremely affordable price. It's important to note that this is a takeout-only establishment, with no dine-in facilities.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was like stepping into a movie scene in Chinatown. The food was very good and the prices were very reasonable. It's a great spot for lunch with a price per person of $1–10.
- affordabilityThe Banh Bao Xiu Mai was particularly memorable; the bun was just soft and tasty. The shrimp dim sum was also delicious and so affordable. Even the chicken feet were yummy, though a bit salty.
- value for moneyThis restaurant only offers takeout; dine-in is not available. All the noodle and dumpling dishes are delicious and offer excellent value for money. However, the bread options are a bit lacking.
- Credit cardThe iPad inside the shop is helpful with photos. Credit card is accepted. We highly recommend the Shrimp dumplings (though they are best eaten the same day), Shu mai (shrimp & pork), Shark's fin dumplings, and the Rice noodles (crepe) with dried shrimp, which are generally available on weekends.
- Great priceGreat price too
- affordable authentic Chinese foodbest affordable authentic Chinese food in the area
- affordable foodwanted affordable food
- best deal in townAnother place that is considered the best deal in town!
- budget-friendlydelicious food on a budget
Frequently criticized
- changeshe foolishly thought I’d be ok with taking $13.00 as change
- charged for an ordercharged for an order but it didn’t go through
- lemon chargeMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I was charged $2 simply for asking for a lemon to go with my food, which I found ridiculous. The food itself was just so-so.
- moneydon't want to throw money away
- parkingParking in Chinatown is difficult and expensive. Please keep this in mind when visiting.
If youre seeking delicious food that wont empty your wallet, this spot offers fantastic value. It's a great choice for a budget-friendly meal, though be aware of potential minor extra charges or parking expenses.
How are the prices at Dim Sum Bistro?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 65 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 15, a significant number of guests actually spend in the $1–$10 range, suggesting a good mix of budget-friendly options and slightly higher-priced dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese spot in San Francisco. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a little more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dim Sum Bistro
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Bites in Chinatown!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I tried snacks at four different places in Chinatown, and this one was the best. The food was incredibly delicious and fresh.
It was the best snack I had in Chinatown.
- food10
- fresh food10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Dim Sum Bistro: A Gem Worth Discovering!
My experience at Dim Sum Bistro was fantastic! The shrimp dumplings were a standout, expertly steamed with tender wrappers and a rich, juicy filling that hit all the right notes. The shrimp siu mai didn’t disappoint either, packed with bold flavor in every bite.
Dim Sum Bistro is a gem worth discovering, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
- shrimp dumplings10
- shrimp siu mai9
- Dim Sum Bistro9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Great Dim Sum, Salty Chicken Feet
My experience at the restaurant involved ordering several dim sum dishes: cha siu bao, chicken feet, shrimp dumplings, and siu mai. While the chicken feet were salty and not recommended, the other dishes were great. The service received a 3-star rating.
- cha siu bao8
- shrimp dumplings8
- siu mai8
- chicken feet2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Food Quality and Wait Times Have Declined
I used to consider this my go-to spot, but I'm unsure what has happened lately. The food quality has significantly declined over the past few months. Additionally, the wait times are atrocious; what's advertised as a '30-minute wait' often turns into over an hour.
They should consider stopping orders if they cannot manage the volume of customers. If you don't want to waste your money, I suggest trying another dim sum restaurant.
- food quality2
- wait times1
- amount of people2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Taishan Big Bun in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their Taishan Big Bun, which I believe is the best Taishan Big Bun in San Francisco's Chinatown. 😋 This spot is a hidden gem 💎✨️. The bun is filled with chicken, pork, egg, and Chinese sausage, all encased in a sweet white fluffy bun.
It arrived hot and fresh! 🔥 They tend to sell out quickly, so I was fortunate to arrive on time. It's truly the best in the city!
🤗
- Taishan Big Bun10
- hidden gem9
- chicken, pork, egg, and Chinese sausage9
What Dim Sum Bistro 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
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Can you make a reservation at Dim Sum Bistro?
Yes, you can easily plan your visit to Dim Sum Bistro as they accept reservations. This is particularly convenient if you’re planning a dinner or brunch with a group, ensuring you secure your spot in this popular North Beach Chinese restaurant. You can also enjoy various service options like takeout or delivery.
What dining options does Dim Sum Bistro offer?
Dim Sum Bistro provides a wide array of dining options to suit your schedule and cravings. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile spot for any meal. They also offer catering services for your events and delicious desserts to complete your meal. Don’t forget their late-night food offerings!
What is the overall rating for Dim Sum Bistro?
Dim Sum Bistro holds a solid overall score of 7.5, driven by strong scores in Value (8) and Food (7.9). Ambience (6.6) and Service (6.4) are considered average.
What are the standout food items at Dim Sum Bistro?
Customers frequently praise the baked pork buns and various shrimp dumplings for their flavor and quality. However, some mention occasional inconsistencies with certain items.
Does Dim Sum Bistro offer dine-in seating?
No, Dim Sum Bistro is primarily a takeout establishment with no dedicated seating. It can also get quite crowded, especially during peak hours.