Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Dumpling Story – San Francisco
Dumpling Story - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Story
Dumpling Story at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#707 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#40 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
321
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dumpling quality
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Inconsistent flavors
The restaurant Dumpling Story, a vibrant Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s bustling Mission District, invites you to experience a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving small plates or a full dinner, this spot offers a welcoming setting for everyone, including families with kids. It’s a fantastic choice when you’re exploring the city and looking for authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Story
Dumpling Story offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the attentive and proactive nature of the staff. You’ll find the atmosphere comfortable and well-decorated, creating a cozy setting for your meal.
It’s a place where the overall vibe contributes positively to your visit. While the food receives high marks, particularly for its signature dumplings, some diners have noted inconsistencies in other dishes.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the overall value, with some finding the pricing a bit steep and encountering unexpected charges.
Good
7.9
out of 10
321
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
50
negative
18
neutral
253
positive
Dumpling Story achieves a solid overall score of 7.9, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. This aligns well with a customer satisfaction rate of 78.8%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 321 customer observations, with 253 positive remarks outweighing 50 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (8.4), particularly for its well-crafted dumplings.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively, providing a comfortable setting. Service (7.6) is generally good, though some experiences vary.
However, Value (4.8) is an area that appears to need attention, as it falls into the average range.
What people like
- Exceptional dumpling quality
- Attentive, efficient service
- Comfortable, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden fees
- Inconsistent dish flavors
- Unpleasant ambient issues
If you’re seeking expertly made dumplings and appreciate a comfortable setting with generally attentive service, Dumpling Story is certainly worth considering. The focus on quality ingredients in their core offerings shines through, making it a reliable choice for those specific cravings.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and there have been mentions of additional charges. While the food is often a highlight, prepare for potential inconsistencies in non-dumpling dishes.
It holds a strong recommendation score of 8.2, suggesting that for many, the positives outweigh these considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Story
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food here! Its clear from the buzz that the culinary experience is a real hit, with a solid 8.4 score and an impressive 85.4% customer satisfaction. Out of 192 pieces of feedback, a whopping 164 were glowing, praising everything from the amazing xiaolong bao and spicy wontons to the quality of their noodles.
However, not every dish hit the mark for everyone, with 16 comments noting some areas for improvement. A few folks found certain dishes, like some vegetarian options, to be bland or too sweet, and there were also some concerning quality issues mentioned, alongside feedback that some noodles could be just average.
Food
192
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
12
neutral
164
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing dumplings
- High food quality
- Bold flavors
What people don't like
- Quality concerns
- Bland seasoning
- Dishes too sweet
Often praised
- foodThis new restaurant boasts cozy digs and amazing interior decor. It's freshly opened, so you can likely walk in without a reservation, and the food is delicious enough to warrant a revisit. With a full bar coming soon, I will definitely be coming back!
- dumplingsIf you're a fan of dumplings, Dumpling Story is a must-visit! This place has mastered the art of dumpling making, and their xiaolongbao are a true testament to this. Each dumpling is a little pocket of heaven—perfectly steamed, with a delicate, thin wrapper that effortlessly holds a rich and flavorful broth inside.
- soup dumplingsThis place is a true hidden gem on Valencia Street. I was incredibly impressed with their amazing soup dumplings and the great spicy wonton dish. While the noodles were just okay and a little soggy, I highly recommend their dumplings.
- FoodThe Food was excellent
- brothThe interior space was beautiful, and the service was friendly and attentive. I particularly loved the wonton soup; it had a generous amount of wontons and seaweed, and the broth was subtly flavored, which I prefer as it wasn't too salty. I ate at the bar, which was great for a casual solo dinner.
- chicken xiao long baoMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the food. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including fresh cucumber with garlic sauce, numb and spicy pork xiao long bao, chicken xiao long bao, vegetarian pan fried baos, and sauteed jalapeno with dried tofu. Everything was so good, with the numb and spicy pork xiao long bao and vegetarian pan fried baos being particular standouts.
- drinksDrinks were fresh, unique, and fairly priced
- food qualityService, food quality, and prices are all a solid 5
- green beansThe wontons and green beans are great
- noodlesThe scrambled egg is a nice touch. Most importantly, the noodles have this nice doughy texture that gives a great chew, and not too thick. The noodles are also not too dry and not too soupy.
Frequently criticized
- FoodFood:1
- XLB shrimpXLB shrimp was too thick
- bugs in beef noodle soupfound bugs in the in the beef noodle soup
- cabbage fillingsHowever, my vegetarian dumplings were quite disappointing and bland. The cabbage fillings were undercooked, and there wasn't enough seasoning. For the price point, I expected better.
- chicken XLBThe numb & spicy pork bao had a good texture but lacked the anticipated spicy kick. The chicken XLB was overly sweet and lacked depth, with the dishes generally leaning too sweet for my personal taste. However, the real issue arose with hidden fees.
- compostable takeout containersCompostable takeout containers would be great to see
- dishesdishes leaned too much on the sweet side
- foodI used to find the food here really tasty. However, on my recent visit, the food was pretty bland and not flavorful. For instance, you can barely taste the spice in the numb and spicy pan fried buns.
- noodlesThe noodles are pretty average
- numb and spicy pan fried bunsbarely taste the spice in the numb and spicy pan fried buns
If you're a dumpling enthusiast, especially for xiaolong bao and spicy wontons, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some dishes might miss the mark on seasoning or sweetness, the overall food quality and flavor are highly praised, making it a strong contender for your next meal.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid 75.4% customer satisfaction. Many of the 52 positive comments out of 69 total rave about the attentive staff, who are often described as fast, friendly, and accommodating, making for an excellent dining experience. Guests frequently highlight the great service, quick wait times, and helpful servers.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 16 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered a main waiter who was perceived as not polite or impatient, while others felt rushed out, with plates taken too soon or details forgotten by the wait staff. Issues like unrefilled waters and defensive staff were also mentioned.
Service
69
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Accommodating seating
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Forgotten details
- Impolite staff
Often praised
- servicethe service was friendly, focused and efficient
- staffEvery item was very delicious. During the entire meal, the staff was so very attentive, proactive, and receptive. I like dumplings, but this place blew my expectations out of the water.
- ServiceThe Service was equally impressive
- wait timeBarely a wait time even though we had a party of 6.
- SarahI highly recommend sitting at the bar and trying one of their cocktails. A special thank you to Sarah for making our night out so special! 🙏
- accommodating and seatingso fast with accommodating and seating us
- accommodating staffsuch accommodating staff make you feel especially tended
- bartenderSarah was the best bartender, and showed us all the work
- big groupable to get a big group in last minute
- customer serviceeven better customer service
Frequently criticized
- servicerude services should not be allowed
- checkWe were only there for an hour, and they even took my plate away before I was finished eating. They brought us the check immediately and then started clearing the table while there was still food on it. They didn't bother refilling our empty water glasses because they want everyone out within an hour maximum.
- confusionclarify my confusion
- customer servicecustomer service is key
- defensiveshe was extremely defensive
- foodfood is also served slowly
- forgot some detailsIt's an expensive place. The waitresses were friendly, but they seemed new and forgot some details. For example, they didn't bring out toothpicks of different sizes, and they were supposed to bring us a menu but didn't.
- itemthought we were missing and item
- main waiterour low review is to the main waiter
- ordernot patient with our order
Overall, the service at this spot is generally a strong point, making for a pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional hiccups with feeling rushed or minor oversights, the attentive and friendly staff usually ensure a great visit. If you value good service, it's definitely worth checking out.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here is a real standout, boasting a strong 7.9 score and an impressive 77.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 31 positive remarks out of 40, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, decor, and interior decor. Many found the seating comfortable and loved the cozy, welcoming vibe, making it a delightful spot for a memorable dining experience.
However, it's not entirely without its minor issues, with 7 negative comments. Some folks mentioned challenges with parking space and a few noted an odd smell or even fruit flies. The music choices occasionally missed the mark, and a handful found the restaurant a bit crowded or loud at peak times.
Ambience
40
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Elegant decor
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Fruit flies
- Ill-fitting music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Dumpling Story was always great. The restaurant offers a nice atmosphere, making it a good place to take friends when visiting. The food is good, and the team is nice.
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere was also top-notch
- decorWe received our food rather quickly, and the servers were cordial and polite. The environment is comfortable and well-decorated, though the music choices were ill-fitting; pop songs didn't serve the atmosphere well. It's a bit on the expensive side, but considering it's a novel type of restaurant, the food is high quality, and it's located in San Francisco, I believe it earns the price.
- seatingseating is also quite comfortable
- barate at the bar which was great
- bathroomsnumber of bathrooms
- contemporary interiorContemporary interior which is appropriate to host guests
- cozy, welcoming vibeThe restaurant itself has a cozy, welcoming vibe
- dining experienceWhile the dry-fried buns were just okay, the small appetizers were packed with flavor and felt really refreshing. The seating was also quite comfortable, which added to the overall pleasant dining experience.
- environmentThe environment is comfortable
Frequently criticized
- ACAC could've been stronger though.
- fruit fliesmany fruit flies flying around the restaurant
- loudthere's a lot of sound
- music choicesthe music choices are... ill-fitting
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurant crowdedMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, marked by delicious food and efficient service. While the ambiance was decent, the restaurant was a bit crowded. Thankfully, the fast and efficient service made up for it.
- smellWhat kind of smell is coming from inside the hotel?
If you're looking for a place with a generally great atmosphere, comfortable decor, and a welcoming feel, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and maybe some interesting music choices, but overall, the vibe is a big win.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
The value here has some bright spots, with a score of 4.8, placing it in the average range. Many customers appreciate the low prices and find items like drinks to be reasonably priced, often noting incredible quality for the low prices. Based on 6 positive remarks, some feel they get good bang for their buck.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 30%, indicating a poor experience for many. Out of 20 total comments, 11 negative remarks highlight concerns about being overpriced or on the pricier side. Issues like hidden fees, service charge, and a general lack of transparency in billing practices also left a sour taste for some.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Low prices offered
- Reasonably priced drinks
- Incredible quality for price
What people don't like
- Dishes feel overpriced
- Hidden service charge
- Billing lacks transparency
Often praised
- PricesThe place is clean, cozy, with fast and friendly service. Prices are reasonable for the portion size and quality. Whether you're craving classic Chinese dumplings or a big bowl of comforting noodles, Dumpling Story delivers on taste, warmth, and satisfaction.
- drinksDrinks were fresh, unique, and fairly priced
- low pricesincredible quality for the low prices
- priceNot very expensive
- pricesService, food quality, and prices are all a solid 5
- reasonably pricedand reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- price pointthe price point for many of the dishes is a bit high
- billimmediately she handed over the bill
- billing practiceslack of transparency around billing practices is unacceptable
- expensiveIt's an expensive place
- hidden feeshit with a 4.3% SF Mandate service charge
- overpriceda bit overpriced compared to other peers
- payment terminalpulled out the payment terminal
- pricier sideon the pricier side relative to other dumpling restaurants
- service chargefailed to disclose this fee on the menu
- tipdeceptive to recommend tip based on subtotal PLUS tax
If youre seeking genuinely low prices and good quality, you might find some pleasant surprises here. However, be prepared for potential hidden fees or a bill that feels overpriced for the overall experience, especially given the low customer satisfaction. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Dumpling Story?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 58 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.
Looking at the spread, we see a good number of diners spending in the $21–$30 range, but also a significant group going up to $41–$50. So, while the average is 40 $, there’s a nice mix of experiences, from a more budget-friendly mid-range to slightly more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers flexibility, catering to different spending levels within a comfortable mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Story
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Phenomenal Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! The food had bold flavors, and we experienced barely any wait time, even with a party of 6. They were incredibly fast with accommodating and seating us, even on a Saturday night.
Our food orders were also super quick, and the atmosphere was great too! I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- wait time9
- accommodating and seating10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem for Dumplings!
My experience at Dumpling Story was fantastic! This place is a true hidden gem on Valencia Street. I was incredibly impressed with their amazing soup dumplings and the great spicy wonton dish.
While the noodles were just okay and a little soggy, I highly recommend their dumplings. Parking can be a bit challenging in front of the store, but there was no wait on a Saturday at 6 pm. The vibes were good and the drinks were also good.
I highly recommend trying them out! Overall, I highly recommend this place for everyone!
- soup dumplings10
- spicy wonton dish9
- noodles5
- parking3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Food Great, Service Terrible
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delicious food and incredibly poor service. While the food was great, our experience was significantly marred by our main server, Sarah R. She was rough and not patient with our order.
When we thought an item was missing, she became extremely defensive and impolite, insisting our order was complete and even referencing the menu to prove it. Despite our polite inquiry, her approach was rude. When I asked if we could exchange dumplings we hadn't even opened, she refused, which was fair, but her demeanor throughout was unpleasant.
Later, she disruptively asked if we wanted to order more, and upon our refusal, immediately presented the bill. She then rushed us to pay, which felt like we were being pushed out. I had to explicitly ask her to wait so I could check the bill.
This kind of inhumane and rude service should not be tolerated, especially at a place with such delicious food. I hope this feedback leads to constructive training for the server, as customer service is crucial for retention. Unfortunately, due to this bad experience, we will never return.
- food9
- dumplings5
- main waiter1
- service1
- order2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Good Food, Service, but Music Misses Mark
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. We received our food rather quickly, and the servers were cordial and polite. The environment is comfortable and well-decorated, though the music choices were ill-fitting; pop songs didn't serve the atmosphere well.
It's a bit on the expensive side, but considering it's a novel type of restaurant, the food is high quality, and it's located in San Francisco, I believe it earns the price.
- food9
- servers10
- environment8
- music choices3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food & Drinks, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing, with the soup dumplings and green onion pancakes being particularly delicious. The drinks were also a highlight – fresh, unique, and fairly priced.
Our bartender, Sarah, was the best; she showed us all the work that went into the drinks and absolutely made our evening. Overall, I highly recommend this place!
- soup dumplings10
- green onion pancakes10
- drinks9
What Dumpling Story offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Dumpling Story - Valencia?
At Dumpling Story – Valencia, you can look forward to a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite. They offer lunch, dinner, and even dessert, with table service available. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s considered good for kids.
Does Dumpling Story - Valencia offer convenient service options and accessibility features?
Yes, Dumpling Story – Valencia provides various service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with no-contact delivery also available. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Dumpling Story?
Dumpling Story has a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.9** and a Customer Satisfaction of **78.8%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (8.4), **Ambience** (7.9), and **Service** (7.6), though **Value** (4.8) is noted as an area for improvement.
What do customers like most about the food at Dumpling Story?
Customers frequently highlight the deliciousness of the dumplings, especially the xiaolongbao, noting their delicate wrappers and flavorful broth. Many find the food quality to be a significant draw, with some specific dishes like chicken xiao long bao and spicy wontons receiving praise.
Are there any common complaints about the service or pricing?
While service is often described as friendly and efficient, some negative experiences include feeling rushed, plates being cleared prematurely, and water glasses not being refilled. Regarding pricing, several customers mention that dishes can be expensive, and there are concerns about hidden fees and a lack of transparency in billing practices.