Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Dumpling Kitchen – San Francisco
Dumpling Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Kitchen
Dumpling Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#1023 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#73 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
347
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- App problems
The restaurant, a vibrant Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s Mission District, offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Imagine savoring delicious small plates while experiencing the unique highlight of live music. Dumpling Kitchen provides a memorable dining experience, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Kitchen
Dumpling Kitchen presents itself as a reliable spot for those seeking fresh, delicious fare, with many appreciating the promptness of food preparation. The restaurant often receives praise for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable choice for a casual outing.
While the staff generally receives positive remarks for being accommodating, there have been instances of less attentive service or issues with delivery apps. Despite these minor hiccups, it remains a popular option for many diners.
Good
7.6
out of 10
347
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
55
negative
26
neutral
266
positive
Overall, Dumpling Kitchen earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 76.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 347 customer observations, including 266 positive remarks against 55 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable impressions. Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) stands out as a key strength, consistently delivering on taste and quality.
The Ambience (8.2) also receives high marks, creating a pleasant setting for meals. While Service (7.0) is generally good, and Value (6.8) is considered fair, these areas show a bit more room for refinement compared to the culinary and atmospheric highlights.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh dumplings
- Pleasant, cozy atmosphere
- Good value, affordable prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Delivery app issues
With a 7.8 recommendation score, Dumpling Kitchen is generally a solid choice, especially if you’re seeking well-prepared dumplings and a comfortable setting. It offers a pleasant dining experience that many find satisfying for a casual meal.
If you prioritize fresh, flavorful food and a good atmosphere, it’s worth a visit. Just be mindful that service can sometimes be a bit uneven, and consider ordering directly to avoid potential issues with third-party delivery apps.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
221
94.1%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
285
95.4%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
286
93.7%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
269
91.4%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
480
91.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
77
90.9%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Kitchen
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this restaurant generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.3%. With 171 positive remarks out of 224 total, many rave about the delicious dumplings, authentic Chinese dishes, and the overall flavor explosion. You can also expect massive portions that leave you fully satisfied.
However, not every dish is a guaranteed hit, as 36 comments indicate. Some found specific items like the chilly chicken dry or crab XLB underwhelming, while others noted a burnt-oil aftertaste in certain dishes. There were also mentions of inconsistent quality and surprisingly tiny portions for a few selections, so choose wisely.
Food
224
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
17
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic dumplings
- Generous portions
- Flavor explosion
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Some dishes underwhelming
- Mediocre at best
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a solid option for fresh, delicious dumplings and other Chinese offerings. It's conveniently located in the heart of the Castro district.
- dumplingsMy experience at Dumpling Kitchen was fantastic! It's a great addition to The Castro, offering excellent dumplings and Shanghai-style Chinese cuisine that's hard to beat. The quality remains great months later.
- soup dumplingsthe soup dumplings and the pan fried Shanghai buns which are delicious
- FoodFood:5
- portionsportions were good size
- steamed dumplingsdumplings Shanghai style with meat, truly I don't know which was better
- Mongolian beefgot the Mongolian beef (not pictured, but delicious)
- baoThe bao and soup dumplings were delicious
- dim sumlooking for dumplings, boas, and dim sum
- fried pork bunsWe obviously overate on all the massive portions. We enjoyed the braised tofu, fried pork buns, and dry-fried chicken. We left very happy.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the place is more modern and feels cleaner, the food isn't as great as the Taravel branch, and there were less options. However, the staff there was great and very accommodating.
- dumplingsvariety of dumplings... were pretty mediocre
- Sichuan fried chickenSichuan fried chicken is the only dish I wouldn't write home about
- Sichuan spicy chickenthe Sichuan spicy chicken was the weakest link in the dishes we tried.
- chefthe chef may use an upgrade
- chicken and corn dumplingsThe chicken and corn dumplings were too sweet
- chicken and crab onesEven Dumpling House would've been a better choice. While our server was very sweet and patient, the dumplings left a lot to be desired, especially the chicken and crab ones. The highlight of our meal was the seaweed salad.
- chicken with broccolichicken with broccoli were pretty mediocre
- chili wontonsI would pass on the chili wontons next time
- chilly chickenChilly chicken is so dry
If you're craving delicious, authentic Chinese food, especially dumplings, this place is definitely worth a visit. While most dishes are highly praised, be aware that a few items might not consistently meet the same high standards.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7 score indicating a good experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 75.4%. Many of the 52 positive remarks out of 69 total praise the friendly staff, quick service, and accommodating team, often noting how attentive and helpful the wait staff are, making for a pleasant visit. However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 16 negative comments point to some areas needing attention.
Issues like terrible service, slow speed, and rude staff occasionally pop up, with some customers also experiencing frustrating problems with the delivery app, which can definitely sour an otherwise good meal.
Service
69
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Rude staff
- Delivery app issues
Often praised
- serviceThe XLB tasted just as good as Din Tai Fung, and the veggie dishes were generously portioned. The food came out fast, and the service was gracious, though a little short-staffed, which wasn't a big deal. It's a great addition to the Castro for a tasty and not-that-expensive night out.
- staffWhile the place is more modern and feels cleaner, the food isn't as great as the Taravel branch, and there were less options. However, the staff there was great and very accommodating.
- ServiceService:5
- wait staffThe wait staff was polite and right on point
- SharonaSharona was very pleasant & attending
- big smilesAfter walking around the Castro in support of Pride Month, we decided we needed a bite. We came upon the Dumpling House and entered the small, quaint restaurant, where we were greeted with big smiles. There were so many dumplings to choose from; I wish there were more in our party so we could get a bigger selection.
- dine-in or takeoutworth a visit for dine-in or takeout
- dish timingeach dish expertly timed
- foodThe XLB tasted just as good as Din Tai Fung, and the veggie dishes were generously portioned. The food came out fast, and the service was gracious, though a little short-staffed, which wasn't a big deal. It's a great addition to the Castro for a tasty and not-that-expensive night out.
- food preparationmy food was made quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI suspect the dumplings were taken to the wrong table, a situation I've observed in other culturally diverse restaurants. Due to this poor service and the lack of an apology, I will not be returning and will choose to eat elsewhere.
- staffturned her back ignored me
- HungryPanda appThe restaurant also features a beautiful indoor patio with heated lamps. Update: I'm really sorry to have to drop my review, but I had a terrible experience with the HungryPanda app they use for delivery. Please avoid it as much as you can.
- appI honestly believe this app to be a scam
- chilli oilasked for chilli oil she said ten cents
- customer serviceCustomer service is everything today
- food arrivalIt's one of our favorite dumpling spots in the city, truly comparable to Dumpling Home. We visited on a busy night, which unfortunately meant our food took 40 minutes to arrive. Despite the wait, the pea shoots and chicken wings were our favorites and absolutely delicious.
- get the right dishit took a while to get the right dish
- hung upthey just hung up
- knowledgeable enoughdid not even bother having anyone knowledgeable enough
Overall, you can expect a generally good experience with friendly and quick service. While there are occasional reports of slow or rude interactions, especially concerning delivery apps, the positives largely outweigh the negatives. It's worth a try for a pleasant dining experience, but be mindful of potential app-related hiccups if ordering out.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive customer satisfaction of nearly 89.2%, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Out of 37 total opinions, a whopping 33 were positive, highlighting a "cozy and comfortable" feel, a "bright and cheerful" setting, and a lovely "patio" area that many enjoyed.
Whats even better? There were absolutely no negative comments about the ambience! This means you can walk in with confidence, knowing that the restaurant's setting is consistently praised and contributes positively to the overall dining experience.
Ambience
37
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
0
negative
4
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy and comfortable
- Bright and cheerful
- Nice patio
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereExtremely great atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeplace is more modern (and feels cleaner too)
- locationAnd located smack dab in the middle of the Castro.
- back patioThe back patio is a very nice secluded spot
- bright and cheerfulthe restaurant was bright and cheerful
- comfortable and spaciousit's comfortable and spacious
- cozy and comfortablerestaurant is cozy and comfortable
- crowdNice crowd
- cute, warm, cozy restaurantThis was my first time at this cute, warm, cozy restaurant, introduced by relatives. The staff were very accommodating, and the crowd was nice.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a spot with a fantastic atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its cozy and inviting vibe, coupled with great customer satisfaction, makes it a solid choice for a pleasant meal.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Lets talk value! Many diners (10 out of 17 comments) are quite pleased, highlighting the inexpensive options and the fantastic lunch special as real standouts. They often mention getting a great price for generous portion sizes, making it feel like a steal.
This positive sentiment contributes to a solid score of 6.8 for value. On the flip side, a few experiences (3 comments) werent as rosy, with some feeling the offerings were overpriced or simply not worth the price. One particularly frustrating instance involved being charged twice.
While the overall customer satisfaction for value is a bit mixed at 58.8%, these concerns suggest there's still room for improvement.
Value
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive options
- Great lunch special
- Fair portion sizes
What people don't like
- Feeling overpriced
- Charged twice
Often praised
- pricesThe waitress was very friendly and kind, and answered all our questions. The prices are very affordable, and the variety of dishes is sure to please everyone.
- priceThe food came out fast, and the service was gracious, though a little short-staffed, which wasn't a big deal. It's a great addition to the Castro for a tasty and not-that-expensive night out.
- great pricefills me up for a great price
- inexpensivefood is delicious and inexpensive
- lunch specialThe lunch special is an amazing deal
- lunch special priceMy experience at the restaurant was quite pleasant, especially considering the reasonable lunch special price. I enjoyed the Mongolian beef, which was pleasantly spicy and served with rice.
- portion sizesthought the prices were pretty reasonable for the area and portion sizes.
Frequently criticized
- priceoverall it’s too overpriced
- charged twicethey charged us twice for our dinner
If youre hunting for a good deal, especially with their lunch specials, youll likely find some great value here. Just keep an eye on your bill to avoid any potential double charges, as that's a snag to watch out for.
How are the prices at Dumpling Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 55 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 what people usually spend, most diners are indeed in this $21–$30 sweet spot, but theres also a good mix of folks spending a bit less (around $11–$20) and some venturing into the $31–$40 range. So, while the average is clear, theres flexibility for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, not pushing into the premium bracket but definitely a step up from budget options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Kitchen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Service, Delicious Bao & Soup Dumplings
My experience at the restaurant was great! We arrived close to closing, and they were still accommodating enough to let us order. The bao and soup dumplings were delicious.
However, I would suggest passing on the chili wontons next time.
- service10
- bao9
- soup dumplings9
- chili wontons4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Food okay, service terrible
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, rating around a 7/10. However, the service was terrible.
We were charged twice for our dinner. When we called the next day to resolve the issue, they hung up on us because we couldn't speak Chinese.
- food7
- service1
- charged twice1
- hung up1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Astonishing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly astonishing. The food was the BEST we have ever had. I highly recommend the sesame chicken and the pork bao buns.
We arrived just 45 minutes before closing, and the staff were very accommodating. I urge you to do yourself a favor and come here; it's a definite must eat at. Once again, the experience was simply astonishing.
- food10
- sesame chicken10
- pork bao buns10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Dumplings and Noodles!
After walking around the Castro in support of Pride Month, we decided we needed a bite. We came upon the Dumpling House and entered the small, quaint restaurant, where we were greeted with big smiles. There were so many dumplings to choose from; I wish there were more in our party so we could get a bigger selection.
We decided on the soup dumplings, Szechuan noodles, and combination fried rice (I know, sounds boring). We were amazingly surprised! The noodles were obviously house-made with all their lovely imperfections for the wonderful sauce to grab onto.
The rice came sizzling, straight from the wok, with a delicious, savory smell that made our mouths water. We finished everything! Sharona was very pleasant and attentive.
- soup dumplings9
- Szechuan noodles10
- house made noodles10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Chinese Food in Castro!
As an Italian, I didn't have high expectations for the food at this small restaurant in the streets of Castro. However, I must say it was exceptional! It's one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever eaten at.
We ordered the Shanghai-style steamed dumplings with meat, noodles with vegetables, and sesame chicken. I honestly can't say which of the three dishes was the best. Additionally, the price is absolutely honest compared to American standards, especially considering the very generous portions.
The total was $51, including drinks. SUPER!
- food10
- steamed dumplings10
- noodles10
What Dumpling Kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and offerings can you find at Dumpling Kitchen - Castro?
At Dumpling Kitchen – Castro, you’ll enjoy a casual atmosphere for lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service. They offer a variety of small plates, alongside full meals, with excellent vegan and vegetarian options. You can also pair your food with a selection of beer, wine, or cocktails from their onsite bar.
What service and accessibility features does Dumpling Kitchen - Castro provide?
Dumpling Kitchen – Castro offers dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery, plus outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The venue is fully accessible with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find a gender-neutral restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Dumpling Kitchen?
Dumpling Kitchen offers a good overall dining experience with a Restaurant Score of **7.6**. Its **Food** (7.7) and **Ambience** (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (7.0) and **Value** (6.8) are also considered good.
Are the dumplings at Dumpling Kitchen highly rated?
Yes, many customers praise the delicious and fresh dumplings, including soup dumplings and bao. However, some specific items like certain chicken dumplings have received mixed reviews.
How is the atmosphere and service at Dumpling Kitchen?
The restaurant boasts a pleasant and cozy atmosphere, often described as bright and cheerful, with a nice back patio. Service is generally gracious and accommodating, though some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies or issues with delivery apps.