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oChef » Dumpling Story – San Francisco
Dumpling Story - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Story
Dumpling Story at a glance
San Francisco Pacific Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#388 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
370
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent dumplings
- Prompt service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Cleanliness issues
- Loud music
The restaurant Dumpling Story is a Chinese restaurant nestled in the vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the casual and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
Dumpling Story – Fillmore offers a delightful experience, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, with a focus on delicious small plates and a selection of beverages.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Story
Dumpling Story generally offers a satisfying dining experience, with many guests praising the quality of their main dishes. The food often comes out quickly, and the overall atmosphere is frequently described as cozy and inviting.
It’s a place where you can expect a good meal. However, some aspects might give you pause.
While the service is often prompt, there are occasional reports of it being slow or less engaging. Additionally, guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value and certain aspects of the restaurant’s cleanliness.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
370
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
44
negative
12
neutral
314
positive
Overall, Dumpling Story achieves a solid 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 84.9%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 314 positive remarks against 44 negative ones, out of 370 total customer observations. The Food (8.8) is clearly a standout, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and variety.
Service (8.4) also performs well, with many appreciating the staff’s attentiveness and efficiency. While the Ambience (7.4) is generally considered pleasant, offering a comfortable setting, the Value (4.6) aspect presents a notable area for consideration, with some guests finding the pricing high or portions small.
What people like
- Excellent dumpling quality
- Prompt, attentive service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High pricing, hidden charges
- Cleanliness concerns
- Loud music, parking difficulty
Dumpling Story, with a solid 8.3 recommendation score, is a strong contender if you’re primarily seeking well-prepared dumplings and efficient service. It delivers on its core promise of quality food in a generally pleasant setting, making it a worthwhile visit for many.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests find it on the higher side, and consider the potential for a lively atmosphere. If these factors align with your expectations, you’ll likely find a satisfying meal here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Story
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With an excellent score of 8.8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 90.6%, its clear that most diners are absolutely thrilled. Out of 233 comments, a whopping 211 rave about the delicious offerings, especially the amazing dumplings, standout Xiao Long Bao, and irresistible juicy pork bao, all bursting with incredible flavors.
However, a few of the 14 less enthusiastic comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes, like the Dan Dan noodles, to be a bit underwhelming or even bland, with others noting small portion sizes or an occasional dish being too oily. One even mentioned finding a hair inside a dumpling, which is definitely a rare but notable concern.
Food
233
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
211
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing dumplings
- Flavorful broth
- Authentic taste
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Small portions
- Too oily
Often praised
- foodindication that the food must be great
- dumplingsThe food here is always delicious, and the service is just as reliable, with a warm welcome each time. If you’re looking for consistently excellent dumplings, this is the place to go.
- FoodEverything we tried was excellent
- soup dumplingsthe boiled dumplings, soup dumplings and bun are our favorites
- cucumber saladEverything was delicious. Tried the cucumber salad
- XLBXLB and shengjianbao were the best they had
- Xiao Long BaoXiao long baos are their specialty and it is worth the wait time
- dan dan noodlesI highly recommend it. I had the numbing spicy pork bao (fried), steamed numbing spicy steamed dumplings, pork wontons in sesame and spicy sauce, and dan dan noodles. The serving sizes were large, and they even tried to talk me into ordering less, as they were worried I was ordering too much.
- green beansgreen beans, which were a standout with their perfect seasoning
- Dim SumMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a delicious spot for Dim Sum. We were seated right away and the food came fairly quickly.
Frequently criticized
- Dan Dan noodlesThe Dan Dan noodles were a bit overcooked
- Xiao Long BaoFirst, the food was incredibly bland. I've never tasted Xiao Long Bao so tasteless; the meat lacked any flavor or spices. The fried dumplings suffered from the same issue.
- bottomdidn’t care for how thick and chewy the bottom gets from frying
- dan dan noodlesthe dan dan noodles tasted odd
- dry spicy noodleNot good: dry spicy noodle
- dumplingsthe dumplings lack flavor
- fish-flavored eggplant dishthe fish-flavored eggplant dish was so tiny
- foodthe food was mediocre at best
- fried dumplingsfried dumplings had the same flavor problem
- fried eggplantPro tip: try the spicy soup dumplings and ask for their chili sauce, drizzle it on top for that extra kick 🔥. I also tried their fried eggplant and that was too oily. Service is quick, but expect a ~20 minute wait during peak hours.
If youre craving excellent dumplings and flavorful Chinese cuisine, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark on spice or portion size, the overwhelming majority of diners leave happy, especially with the signature dumplings. Just manage your expectations on some of the side dishes, and youll likely have a fantastic meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Youre in for a treat when it comes to service, which boasts a good score of 8.4 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 86.8%. With 59 positive remarks, many guests highlight the quick service, attentive staff, and friendly servers. Expect minimal wait times and a warm welcome, often getting seated right away, making for a smooth dining experience.
However, a few of the 68 comments, 8 to be exact, point to some hiccups. Occasionally, the service can feel a bit slow or even like a fast food' experience. There were also rare instances where servers seemed uninterested or, surprisingly, asked guests to leave to turn tables, which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Service
68
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, prompt service
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Minimal wait times
What people don't like
- Asked to leave
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unwelcoming staff
Often praised
- serviceI paired my meal with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which was a match made in heaven—the crisp, refreshing wine complemented the rich, savory dumplings perfectly. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. If you're a dumpling fan or simply desire a delicious and satisfying meal, Dumpling Story is the place to go.
- staffWhile the Pork Bao were decent, they didn't quite reach the same level of excellence as the dumplings. The service was a bit slow on this particular day, but the staff were very polite and attentive. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that I highly recommend!
- ServiceWill definitely come back to this or the Valencia location to try the pork options. Service was prompt, and this location has nice outdoor seating. I also appreciated that they provide large spoons so most of the precious soup in the dumplings doesn't end up wasted on a plate.
- wait timeMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had 10/10 dumplings, and the wait time was minimal even on a Saturday night. The juicy pork baos are absolutely to die for.
- seatingwe got seated right away
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- careLoved their care.
- deliverythese were spectacular
- everythingeverything came out fast
- food arrivalI found it to be a delicious spot for Dim Sum. We were seated right away and the food came fairly quickly. I’d absolutely go back!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was slightly slow that day
- fast food serviceJust like a fast food kind of service
- serversThe servers are not interested in talking about the menu items
- turn the tableserver asked us to leave because he wanted to turn the table
- warm welcomingnothing like warm welcoming
Overall, the service here is generally excellent, making your dining experience smooth and pleasant. While there are a few isolated reports of slower or less attentive moments, the vast majority of guests praise the quick and friendly staff. So, if efficient and welcoming service is high on your list, you'll likely be very happy here.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally offers a good experience, scoring a solid 7.4. Customer satisfaction also looks good at 74%, suggesting most people enjoy the vibe. Many appreciate the cute aesthetics, great atmosphere, and quiet noise levels, with 37 positive remarks highlighting the cozy seating, relaxed atmosphere, and modern decor that create a comfortable environment.
However, there are some areas that could use a little polish, with 12 negative comments. Some guests were put off by cleanliness issues, including dirty aprons and stained teapots. Other concerns include difficult parking, loud music that makes conversation tough, and the inconvenience of having only one toilet, which can lead to lines.
Ambience
50
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Modern decor
- Quiet environment
What people don't like
- Cleanliness issues
- Difficult parking
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereI paired my meal with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which was a match made in heaven—the crisp, refreshing wine complemented the rich, savory dumplings perfectly. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. If you're a dumpling fan or simply desire a delicious and satisfying meal, Dumpling Story is the place to go.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentenvironment is comfortable
- Chinese restaurantssets the really high standard
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- aestheticsvery cute aesthetics
- cozy seatingcozy seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere
- decorThe price point is reasonable, with most dishes around $10-$15, offering great value for the quality. The decor is modern and simple with cozy seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The service was fast and friendly.
- interiorThe interior and overall atmosphere are great
- kid-friendlinessour thirteen month old loved his food so much
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessNow about cleaness of this place… I completely lost my appetite
- EMD MusicThe EMD Music is really awful
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- chef apronchef coming out of their kitchen wearing the dirtiest apron
- floorsFloors are a bit sticky near the bathroom
- lively atmospherethe loud music and ‘lively atmosphere’ make it a little hard to chat
- loud musicthe loud music and ‘lively atmosphere’ make it a little hard to chat
- parkingParking can be hard around the area
- tea potThe tea pot had old stains
- toiletthey have only one toilet with a constant line
If youre looking for a place with a generally cozy and modern feel, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and some minor cleanliness quirks, and maybe avoid it if you're sensitive to loud music or need pristine facilities.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the price point quite reasonable, describing dishes as affordable and offering great value for the quality. With 7 positive opinions out of 19 total, there's a sense that you can find good deals here. The overall score for value sits at an average 4.6, suggesting a mixed bag.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 36.8%, indicating a poor experience for many. A significant number of 10 negative opinions highlight concerns about the prices being high, even overpriced, and the cumulative service charges adding up unexpectedly. Some felt the bill was shockingly high for what they received.
Value
19
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price point
- Very affordable
- Great value for quality
What people don't like
- Shockingly high price
- Often overpriced
- Beware service charges
Often praised
- price pointThese are definitely must-tries! The price point is reasonable, with most dishes around $10-$15, offering great value for the quality. The decor is modern and simple with cozy seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
- pricesPreiswerter als an vielen anderen Stellen in San Francisco.
- affordablevery affordable
- menu pricesThe menu prices are fair for dining in SF
- value for qualityoffering great value for the quality
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price was shockingly high
- pricesIt's an upscale dim sum place offering a wide variety of options. While the prices were a bit high, everything we tried was delicious. A significant plus was the abundance of vegan and vegetarian options.
- additional tipprompted to add an additional tip
- billthe bill came to $120, and we left hungry
- cumulative charges20% + 7%+ 18% = a ripoff
- overpricedit was a bit overpriced
- portion of green beanstiny portion of green beans $17
- service chargesBEWARE of all the service charges
If youre looking for a good deal, you might find some affordable options, but be prepared for potentially high prices and unexpected service charges. Its worth trying if youre careful with your order, but it could disappoint if youre not mindful of the cumulative cost.
How are the prices at Dumpling Story?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 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 32, most guests actually spend a bit less, with prices clustering strongly around the $21–$30 range. This means you can find good value, though there are also options for a slightly higher spend.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, with many guests finding excellent value in the $21–$30 bracket, while still catering to those who want to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Story
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Shanghai Dumplings Rivaled!
Having grown up in Shanghai for 17 years, I can confidently say the dumplings here rival, if not surpass, the ones I had there. It was an amazing experience.
- dumplings10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Dim Sum and Red Bean Pancakes
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing dim sum, and was particularly pleased with the great non-pork options available. The red bean pancakes were also amazing.
- dim sum9
- non-pork options8
- red bean pancakes9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Enjoyable Food, Great Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was thoroughly enjoyable, despite bordering on pricey. The XLB were bigger than I expected, and the food was delicious. The vibe was really nice, and we experienced no wait on a Wednesday night, even though the place was still crowded.
The service and food were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to a great atmosphere.
- XLB9
- food10
- vibe9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Tasty Veggie Dumplings and Baos
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I tried the veggie steamed dumplings and the pan fried vegetable baos, which were both very tasty. The service was quick, and the overall vibes were nice.
- veggie steamed dumplings9
- pan fried vegetable baos9
- quick service10
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 Great Service
I stopped in for lunch while in the City, drawn by the restaurant's good reviews and our craving for dumplings. We were not disappointed! The service was great, and the menu was easy to read and make choices.
We appreciated the flexibility to order 4 or 8 dumplings and the choice between steamed or pan-fried. The bao arrived steaming hot in a basket. It was excellent food!
We will definitely be back next time we are in the Bay Area.
- service9
- menu8
- dumplings9
What Dumpling Story offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Dumpling Story - Fillmore?
At Dumpling Story – Fillmore, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service and seating, and you can even grab a dessert. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal in Pacific Heights.
Does Dumpling Story - Fillmore offer convenient service options and accessibility?
Yes, Dumpling Story – Fillmore provides outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall rating for Dumpling Story and what contributes to it?
Dumpling Story has an overall score of **8.3** out of 10. This is largely driven by its excellent **Food** (8.8) and good **Service** (8.4), supported by a pleasant **Ambience** (7.4), though **Value** (4.6) is an area for improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at Dumpling Story?
Guests frequently praise the **dumplings**, especially the soup dumplings and Xiao Long Bao. Other popular items include dan dan noodles and green beans, though some found certain dishes bland or oily.
Is Dumpling Story considered good value for money?
While some customers find the pricing reasonable for the quality, the **Value** score of 4.6 suggests that many perceive it as expensive, with concerns about high prices, small portions, and additional service charges.