Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Dumpling Kitchen – San Francisco
Dumpling Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Kitchen
Dumpling Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1476 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#129 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
638
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Dumpling Kitchen invites you to experience authentic Chinese cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Parkside neighborhood. This casual Chinese restaurant is your go-to spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering a delightful array of small plates and classic dishes.
You’ll find it’s a perfect place to enjoy a flavorful lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Kitchen
Good
7.2
out of 10
638
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
133
negative
68
neutral
437
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Kitchen
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.4 score and a 71% customer satisfaction rate, both considered good! Out of 417 remarks, 296 were positive, praising the delicious and authentic flavors. Many rave about the excellent dumplings, especially the pan-fried pork buns and Shanghai-Style Steamed Pork Dumplings, noting their freshness and variety.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 78 negative comments highlighting some inconsistencies. A few diners found certain dishes, like the scallion pancake, lacked flavor or were overly salty. There were also specific complaints about some dumplings having thick skins or lacking the expected broth, and some felt the portion sizes could be small.
Food
417
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
78
negative
43
neutral
296
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent dumplings
- Flavorful dishes
- Authentic taste
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dumpling quality
- Overly salty dishes
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is a great place to go for great food, atmosphere, and service for a group of friends or family. Waiters provided instant and great service, providing us with a fantastic experience.
- dumplingstasted their sweet vinegar ribs and their dumplings, they were really good
- soup dumplingsTried soup dumplings... all turned out great
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef is tender and has a nice touch of sweetness
- XLBsEverything else was slightly under-salted for my preference. The XLBs were decent and appeared to be hand-wrapped, which is a rarity these days. I do wish they provided ginger, but I didn't ask, so ¯_(ツ)_/¯.
- noodlesThe noodles and dumplings are delicious and authentic
- FoodFood:4
- Shanghai-Style Steamed Pork DumplingsWe tried the BBQ pork buns, which offered a surprising and delightful unusual flavor addition. The Shanghai-Style Steamed Pork Dumplings were also a highlight. The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere a 4, making for a very enjoyable dinner experience.
- everythingeverything was very good
- hot and sour souphot and sour soup had a little kick to it
Frequently criticized
- XLBXLB was also a letdown since only about 4 out of 10 actually had soup in them
- soup dumplingsThe prices have started to get too high, and it's no longer the good deal it used to be. I wish they would bring back $10 soup dumplings. Additionally, I had to wait way too long for my order of soup dumplings, even though it wasn’t very busy.
- braised pork bellybraised pork belly is not good quality meat too much fat
- dumplingsthe dumplings and the chicken entree I ordered were inedible
- food qualitythe food quality is medium low scores
- pan fried bunsThe meat in pan fried buns is so salty and they put so much the soy sauce in it, it is just overwhelming
- pan fried pork bunsthe pan fried pork buns were drier on the inside
- portion sizesthe portion sizes are a bit small
- qualityThe pea sprouts used to be more flavorful. I hope they can bring back the quality and prices from 4-5 years ago.
- skinThe skin of steamed pork dumplings is so thick
If you're craving flavorful and authentic Chinese food, especially dumplings, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might be a bit salty or have inconsistent dumpling quality, so choose wisely.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.7 score, leaning towards good, and a solid 75 positive comments out of 115 total. Guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, often noting fast service and great recommendations. Expect a warm welcome and kind, efficient team.
However, the 65.2% customer satisfaction suggests a mixed experience for some. A notable 30 negative comments highlight issues like long wait times, rude servers, and a perceived lack of attention or forgotten orders. While many enjoy excellent service, be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Service
115
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
30
negative
10
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are friendly
- Service is fast
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Servers are rude
- Orders forgotten
Often praised
- serviceThis restaurant is a great place to go for great food, atmosphere, and service for a group of friends or family. Waiters provided instant and great service, providing us with a fantastic experience. Will definitely be coming back again!
- staffWe ordered 3 kinds of dumplings and they were absolutely delicious. The staff was very lovely and very fast, even though it was busy on a Saturday afternoon. We found a table, and everything was clean.
- ServiceThe beef soup was comforting and rich, though it leaned a bit salty. Service was friendly and efficient, but the pacing of dishes could have been smoother. The ambiance is no-frills but welcoming, allowing the food to take center stage.
- friendly serviceFast, friendly service
- waitTheir dumplings are handmade and truly amazing. This explains the longer line, but it's totally worth the wait. If you come on weekdays, there are most likely some open tables available.
- MichaelMichael was so nice and helped me place a new order.
- attentivevery attentive and provided forks and plastic cup and straw with water for our toddler
- customer serviceThe customer service is good
- excellent servicealong with excellent service
- experienceThis restaurant is a great place to go for great food, atmosphere, and service for a group of friends or family. Waiters provided instant and great service, providing us with a fantastic experience. Will definitely be coming back again!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe lack of service was understandable but disappointing
- waiting timeWe ordered steamed pork buns, hot and sour soup, and har gao. The soup arrived quite quickly, but the steamed pork buns and har gao took a really long time to come out. We had finished the soup and were waiting a considerable amount of time for the rest of our food.
- apologyNo apology
- orderForgets one of our order and blame it on us
- serversThe servers were definitely lacking in service and quality
- wait timeI wish they would bring back $10 soup dumplings. Additionally, I had to wait way too long for my order of soup dumplings, even though it wasn’t very busy. The pea sprouts used to be more flavorful.
- attentionpass by you and clean the table next to you 5 times than to greet you
- checkout staffthey were very pushy and aggressive
- front personthe front person was extremely rude
- hustleNo hustle from the staff
If youre looking for generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely be pleased. However, be mindful that some patrons have experienced significant delays or less-than-stellar interactions. So, patience might be required during busy times.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7 for ambience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.7%. Many of the 46 positive opinions out of 67 total appreciate the comfortable seating and lively atmosphere, noting the clean, modern feel inside. However, it's not all smooth sailing.
A common concern among the 12 negative opinions is the tricky parking situation, often exacerbated by street construction. Some also found the place could get quite loud, especially during peak hours, which might affect your overall comfort.
Ambience
67
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
12
negative
9
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean and spacious
- Good for groups
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Can get loud
- Street construction issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food, atmosphere, and service were mostly good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceService was friendly and efficient, but the pacing of dishes could have been smoother. The ambiance is no-frills but welcoming, allowing the food to take center stage. Dumpling Kitchen is a fantastic neighborhood spot for satisfying Shanghai flavors, with just a few tweaks needed for perfection.
- neighborhoodIt’s in a quiet neighborhood
- parking" I didn't try the steamed pork bun, but the har gao tasted pretty standard, nothing to write home about. There is only street parking, but it's easy to find free residential parking nearby.
- placewhole place is cute, clean, and well-maintained
- ambienceWell lit place with solid wood tables and chairs
- busyit was so busy starting at 530~
- cleanvery clean
- cleanlinessclean, homey
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- parkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- street parkingonly street parking.
- bug zapperthe bug zapper that was really loud
- find parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- loudit can get quite loud during peak hours.
- outside of the placethe outside of the place is not as appealing
- parking spotshard to find parking spots
- street constructionCurrently has major street construction going on
If youre looking for a lively spot with a generally good atmosphere and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential noise during busy times, but the overall vibe is often quite enjoyable.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot lands squarely in the average zone with a score of 6.1, and customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 51.3%. However, many diners appreciate the 20 positive remarks out of 39 total, highlighting affordable and reasonable prices, especially for family meals. Guests often find the price per person to be quite fair, and some even enjoy a cash discount.
On the flip side, 13 comments highlight some concerns. Guests have noted issues with a dishonest service charge and a lack of breakdown of charges. Some feel the prices have started to climb, making it less of a deal than before, especially when they charge more for credit card payments or have a debit card or cash only policy for dine-in.
Value
39
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Cash discount offered
- Reasonable per-person cost
What people don't like
- Hidden service charges
- Prices increasing
- Credit card surcharge
Often praised
- priceThe price was also affordable
- pricesDelicious food at great prices
- affordablecomforting dumplings that are affordable, this is your place
- Price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- cash discountMy bill has 3.3% discount options if you pay cash
- credit cardThe restaurant is taking Credit card 💳 now!!!
- expensiveNot too expensive
- family dinnerMy family of 3 ate dinner for $39
- price per personThe price per person was reasonable
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesTheir version is very thick and fluffy without the flaky layers, more like a puffy flatbread. It’s best to go to this place with a group because the prices are a bit on the high end if dining solo or ordering for takeout.
- priceprice is on the higher side and the quality can't justify it
- billsurprised to have been overcharged... by 6¢
- breakdown of chargesdon't provide the breakdown of charges
- charge moreCharge more if you pay for the bill by credit card
- debit card or cash onlyDebit card or cash only if you dine in
- lunch specialslunch specials for $13 but no menus
- regular menuonly give you the regular menu which is more expensive
- service chargedishonest/sneaky on the service charge
- tipdo not cross out the tip
Overall, this place offers a mixed bag on value. If you're looking for an affordable meal and are prepared to pay with cash to avoid extra charges, it could be a good pick. However, be mindful of potential service charges and price increases that might make it less of a deal than expected.
How are the prices at Dumpling Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 106 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.
Looking at the full picture, most guests actually spend between 11 – 30 $, with the biggest group landing right in that $21–$30 sweet spot. So, while there are a few higher spenders, the core experience is definitely mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 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 hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Kitchen
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Lunch Specials Hidden, Food Just Okay
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. They offer lunch specials for $13, but this information isn't readily available as there are no menus for them. You have to specifically ask about the specials, and they will recite them verbally.
Otherwise, you're only given the regular menu, which is more expensive. The food itself was typical Dim Sum, nothing special. The service score was 3, atmosphere was 4, and food was 3.
- Dim Sum5
- lunch specials3
- regular menu3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fantastic Experience with Great Food and Service
This restaurant is a great place to go for great food, atmosphere, and service for a group of friends or family. Waiters provided instant and great service, providing us with a fantastic experience. Will definitely be coming back again!
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Delivery
10
Excellent Service and Delicious Food!
My experience was great! I accidentally placed my pickup order over DoorDash to the wrong location. Michael was so nice and helped me place a new order.
The food was delicious and I might be wrong but I feel like I was given more dumplings than normal? Lots of food and we shared it with a kind stranger at the beach. 10/10 will be back.
- Michael10
- food10
- dumplings9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious food with one minor issue
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with the dumplings, peashoots, garlic, and rice cakes all being delicious. However, the salt and pepper fried ribs had too much batter, which was a minor drawback. Overall, the food quality was high, and the service and atmosphere were rated well.
- dumplings9
- peashoots9
- garlic9
- salt and pepper fried ribs3
- batter3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Xiaolongbao and Pork Belly
My experience at this restaurant was not as good as the other location. The Xiaolongbao were not as good, and the braised pork belly was made with not good quality meat, having too much fat.
- Xiaolongbao3
- braised pork belly2
What Dumpling Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Dumpling Kitchen offer?
Dumpling Kitchen provides flexible dining and service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy a relaxed dine-in experience with table service for lunch, brunch, or dinner. For convenience, takeout and delivery services are also available. They also offer catering for your special events.
Is Dumpling Kitchen family-friendly and accessible?
Absolutely! Dumpling Kitchen is good for kids, offering high chairs to accommodate younger guests. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.