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oChef » Dumpling Time – San Francisco
Dumpling Time - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Time
Dumpling Time at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 126 of the guests
#1791 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#180 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
693
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious dumplings
- Great atmosphere
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Expensive prices
- Extra charges
- Small portions
The restaurant Dumpling Time, located in San Francisco’s South of Market, is the renowned Dumpling Time Design District. You’ll discover a delightful Chinese dining experience here, complete with a casual and trendy atmosphere.
Perfect for quick bites and small plates, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or even brunch in this vibrant setting.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Time
Dumpling Time offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere. The service often stands out, with staff providing helpful recommendations and ensuring a smooth visit.
It’s a place where many find their culinary expectations met. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall value, feeling that portions might be smaller for the price.
There are also occasional remarks about inconsistent food seasoning or specific dishes not quite hitting the mark, suggesting room for improvement in certain areas.
Good
6.8
out of 10
693
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
194
negative
48
neutral
451
positive
Overall, Dumpling Time achieves a solid restaurant score of 6.8, indicating a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction sits at 65.1%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
These insights are drawn from a substantial number of customer observations, with 451 positive remarks against 194 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the dining experience. Delving deeper, the Ambience (7.2) is a clear strong point, often praised for its pleasant setting.
Both Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) also perform well, contributing significantly to positive visits. However, Value (4.6) appears to be a more contentious area, with some guests finding the pricing less appealing compared to the overall offering.
What people like
- Flavorful Dumplings
- Pleasant Ambiance
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- High Pricing
- Hidden Fees
- Portion Size Concerns
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Dumpling Time generally earns a nod for a visit. If you prioritize a lively setting and well-executed dumplings, coupled with attentive service, this spot could be a good choice.
It’s worth considering for a casual outing. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it on the higher side, and portion sizes might not always meet expectations.
If budget is a primary concern, or if you seek strictly traditional, no-frills dim sum, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Time
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to savor! With a 6.9 score, indicating a good culinary experience, and a 65.8% customer satisfaction, many diners praise the tasty dumplings and perfect balance of flavors. Out of 448 comments, 295 were positive, highlighting the variety and overall food quality as delightful.
However, the food experience isnt without its mixed reviews. The 118 negative comments often mention thick, doughy wrappers, dishes being greasy or bland, and small portions. This suggests some inconsistency in execution and areas where the kitchen could definitely improve.
Food
448
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
118
negative
35
neutral
295
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty dumplings
- Great variety
- Good food quality
What people don't like
- Thick wrappers
- Bland flavors
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. We ordered 5 plates and enjoyed them all. My fiancé, who is Chinese, also loved it, which is a great testament to the food's authenticity and quality.
- dumplingsI had the XLB, Maine lobster siu mai, and the trio of buns for dessert. As soon as I ate the first dumpling, my stomach knew that it was dumpling o’clock! I ate all of them before being able to take a picture.
- shrimp toastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a variety of great food, including seafood gyoza, shrimp toast, and shrimp balls. There were tons of other tasty options available, and the prices were reasonable.
- FoodFood:5
- seafood gyozaseafood gyoza... were amazing freshly made, very flavorful
- soup dumplingsIf you ever wanted to try soup dumplings, look no further.
- Beijing noodlesWe drove straight from SFO for lunch and enjoyed a wonderful meal. We had the cucumber & chili salad, edamame with Szechuan pepper, Beijing noodles, chili pork dumplings, soup dumplings, and sesame balls. My daughter enjoyed the chrysanthemum tea, and I had a Sapporo.
- chicken gyozaThe service was very good as well. We ordered Vegetable dumplings, shrimp Har gow, and chicken gyoza, and crispy sesame tofu squares.
- dim sumpicking and choosing their own dim sum out of the bamboo steamers buffet style
- crispy sesame tofu squaresThe service was very good as well. We ordered Vegetable dumplings, shrimp Har gow, and chicken gyoza, and crispy sesame tofu squares.
Frequently criticized
- dumplingsdumplings were cooked to perfection but they seem to under season the protein
- foodI really wanted to be impressed by the food, but felt overwhelmingly meh about everything. We ordered a lot for two people!
- XLBXLB stuck to their tiny tin containers too with no broth whatsover. Gross
- Beijing noodlesthe Beijing noodles were the blandest noodles I've ever had
- dim sumpurely looking for actually good dim sum
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was not as flavorful as I had anticipated and hoped. Most dishes fell pretty flat on the palate. We also ordered the XLB, and it was never served to us.
- dumpling skinThe tom yum XLB was delicious, and the siu mai was pretty good. However, the truffle XLB was just okay, with a thick dumpling skin. Similarly, the har gow also had, in my opinion, a thicker skin.
- food qualitydecline in food quality
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food quality remains good, I've noticed a significant decrease in portion sizes, which is quite disappointing. For example, the green beans have become noticeably smaller.
- soup dumplingssad excuse of "soup dumplings" that have no liquid
If youre seeking a place with generally good food and a wide variety of tasty dumplings, its worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have inconsistent quality, with occasional issues like thick wrappers or bland flavors.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a lot going for it, with a solid score of 6.9. Many guests, accounting for 91 positive remarks out of 136 total comments, raved about the friendly staff and exceptional service. They often highlighted how the team provided fast service, offered great recommendations, and even went above and beyond to make their experience special.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.9%, indicating there's still room for improvement. About 42 negative comments pointed to issues like slow service and rude staff. Some felt the waiters were overwhelmed, leading to long lines and delays, while others experienced problems with delivery orders or perceived dismissive attitudes.
Service
136
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
42
negative
3
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional service
- Friendly staff
- Staff goes extra mile
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceEverything tasted amazing and was incredibly fresh. The service was spot on. I highly recommend checking them out if you are in the area.
- staffThe staff is amazing and provides great recommendations
- ServiceService friendly and fast
- experienceMy experience at Dumpling Time was fantastic, largely thanks to our server, Hunter. He was absolutely amazing, incredibly friendly, and super down-to-earth, which made our whole experience way more fun. Hunter truly went above and beyond, significantly enhancing our meal.
- fast serviceThere were tons of other tasty options available, and the prices were reasonable. We experienced no wait for weekend brunch, enjoyed the outside seating, and appreciated the fast service.
- HunterHe was absolutely amazing!
- catered appropriatelyThey were a good size, moist, and tender. We had a large group attend, and they catered appropriately for us. While I wasn't paying, I know the quality of the food was worth whatever the cost was.
- complimentary dessertsgave my bro TWO complimentary desserts
- customer serviceCustomer service was also good
- deliverygetting delivery, I know that the food will be great and fast
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was tasty, but I felt it was overpriced considering it's essentially dim sum. The portion size and service also contributed to this feeling. However, the restaurant has a cool vibe, so if you don't mind the premium check, it's worth checking out.
- serversservers looked unhappy and only rushed
- staffWhen the bill came, as usual it was placed next to him and they once again asked him to verify everything looked correct. Train your staff and do better. At least acknowledge the woman at the table and do not make assumptions about who will be paying (because I did).
- waitressMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a distinctly unwelcoming initial service. The waitress did not treat me very warmly upon entering, and after a lengthy wait, I still hadn't received my order. It was a male waiter who eventually took my order.
- Asian womanvery rude
- ServiceService:1
- assumptionsTrain your staff and do better. At least acknowledge the woman at the table and do not make assumptions about who will be paying (because I did).
- bill paymentwhen I paid the bill, the moment I finished swiping my card, I thought she would just hand it to me
- checksent us the check before we had finished ordering… and then sent us another one after we ordered dessert
- delivery driversdelivery drivers are treated very badly
Overall, the service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential delays or occasional less-than-stellar interactions, especially during busy times. If you value quick, personalized attention, you might find it hit or miss.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.2 and a solid 78.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the inviting atmosphere, especially the great outdoor seating with heat lamps, making it perfect for a casual date or family dining. The vibe is often described as cool and welcoming, with clean bathrooms and a kid/baby friendly environment also frequently praised among the 56 positive remarks.
However, not everyone finds the ambience perfect. Out of 71 total opinions, 12 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere unwelcoming or noted cleanliness issues, like dusty bowls.
Others mentioned the restaurant could be noisy inside or that the bathroom setup was a bit awkward, lacking changing tables for families.
Ambience
71
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Inviting atmosphere
- Family-friendly vibe
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming atmosphere
- Cleanliness issues
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereSome examples include lower XLB quality than before, same with the siu mai and Beijing noodles (not pictured). Overall, the prices are good though and the atmosphere is good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceMore of a ambiance than authentic dumplings but if you’re looking for a vibe
- outdoor patioTheir outdoor patio is great where you can spend some quality time
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating had a garden theme and was perfect
- BathroomsBathrooms were well kept.
- areaThe area felt modern and clean
- bathroomsClean bathrooms
- casual dateThis is one of our favorite dumpling spots! It's a great place for families with kids or babies, suitable for groups, and perfect for a casual date. The service is consistently great.
- cool vibeCool vibe
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- ambienceAmbience is barebones
- atmosphereatmosphere is not great. It's not clean, and frankly, it's gross
- bathroomtried to use the bathroom and they say it is for customer only
- bathroom setupThe bathroom setup is also a bit awkward
- changing tablesFinding parking wasn't difficult, as there was free street parking available. The restaurant is family friendly and they do have high chairs, though there are no changing tables in the bathroom. Overall, a great meal with excellent food and service.
- cleanlinesslook how dusty my bowl was🤢
- inclusivitySpecifically, the XLB (Xiao Long Bao) were a letdown; they stuck to their tiny tin containers with no broth whatsoever, which was frankly gross. I also felt there was an unwelcoming atmosphere, as the review stated, 'If you're Asian, don't come here. ' This is a significant concern regarding inclusivity.
- noisyThe food is good as well. Have eaten inside and the covered patio a few times but the patio is a bit cramped and inside it can get a bit noisy. But still a good place to dine in.
- power shortageran into an issue with power shortage
If youre looking for a place with a generally good vibe, especially with its inviting outdoor seating and family-friendly appeal, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have experienced issues with noise, cleanliness, or an unwelcoming atmosphere, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.6 indicating an average performance. Despite this, some diners found the value to be quite good, praising the price per person as reasonable and noting great price for SF. With 9 positive remarks, these guests felt the prices were fair, especially when considering their budget requirements.
However, the customer satisfaction for value sits at a poor 23.7%, largely due to 22 negative comments out of 38 total. Many felt the price was expensive and overpriced, often mentioning hidden fees and a card fee that added to the final bill. This suggests that for a significant number of patrons, the cost simply wasnt worth it.
Value
38
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good price for SF
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden fees
- Not worth it
Often praised
- pricesSome examples include lower XLB quality than before, same with the siu mai and Beijing noodles (not pictured). Overall, the prices are good though and the atmosphere is good.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had excellent dumplings that were worth the price. Everything tasted amazing and was incredibly fresh.
- budget requirementsexplore budget requirements
- price per personthe price per person was reasonable
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
- valueBut very worth it
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price is expensive for how little you get
- pricesFor example, the green beans have become noticeably smaller. I understand that prices may need to increase, but serving smaller portions while raising prices feels like a step in the wrong direction. On the positive side, the service and atmosphere were excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- Priced highPriced high
- SF Health Mandate SurchargeThey also charge a 5% SF Health Mandate Surcharge
- SF Mandate feedeceptively and unfairly adds a fee called "SF Mandate"
- affordable dim-sumdon’t expect affordable dim-sum
- billI don't recommend it; it was also super expensive. We were 4 people, and the bill was over $110.
- card feea 5% fee for card
- expensiveI will never come here again. I don't recommend it; it was also super expensive. We were 4 people, and the bill was over $110.
- hidden feesgave us some hidden fees including a 5% fee for card
Overall, the value here is a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices reasonable, a larger number of guests feel its overpriced, especially with unexpected fees. If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Dumpling Time?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – from 126 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a little higher.
While the average hovers around 33, it’s interesting to see that most diners actually spend in the $21–$30 range, suggesting there are plenty of affordable options. However, a good number also venture into the $41–$50 bracket, indicating a nice spread of choices from more budget-friendly to slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 126 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets while still providing a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Time
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Noodles and XLB!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The Beijing noodles were delicious, and the combo XLB was a definite win. For dessert, the chocolate XLB was 😽🤌.
We will definitely be back and will bring reinforcements. We also plan to buy all your awesome shirts, which are $30-50 each. We ordered lots of dishes and dessert, left feeling full, and even got stickers.
The price range was $30-50 per person.
- Beijing noodles9
- combo XLB9
- chocolate XLB10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Overpriced and Underwhelming Dumplings
Honestly, I was shocked by all the hype surrounding this place. I found them to be the most mid dumplings I’ve had in SF, and for so much more money. While I love good food and am happy to pay for it, I felt we overpaid for the quality we received.
I was excited to try the innovative XLB, but the pork XLB was pretty standard. The pho XLB, kimchi jjigae XLB, and tom yum XLB all tasted exactly the same as the pork, lacking the distinctive flavors of their respective soups. It was disappointing that the accompaniments, like the mediocre grocery store kimchi, bean sprouts, and a sad wedge of lime, were also subpar.
The wagyu XLB was just alright, lacking a strong beefy flavor. The broccolini was overcooked and lacked wok hei, losing its delightful crunch. The jellyfish salad had nice Sichuan spice but looked like it had been sitting out too long.
The Beijing noodles were nice, with an interesting al dente twist. The service felt rushed and a little snarky. It's a shame, as San Francisco has so many world-class dumpling restaurants, and this is not one of them.
- wagyu XLB5
- jellyfish salad5
- Beijing noodles7
- dumplings2
- money2
- quality of food2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Soup Dumplings and Great Patio
If you're looking to try soup dumplings, this is the place to go. As someone new to this cuisine, I found their offerings to be perfect. We sampled several dishes, and they were all amazing.
The outdoor patio is a wonderful spot to spend quality time with friends and family.
- soup dumplings10
- offerings9
- dishes10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Deceptive Menu and Fake Pho
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to what I perceived as a deceptive menu and issues with the food. I was surprised to find that both the beef noodle soup and pho, listed as beef, were made with wheat noodles. This is a significant issue for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
I also ordered pork dumplings, which were served with cilantro, a garnish not mentioned on the menu. For me, cilantro tastes like soap, and I believe a competent Asian chef would offer it on the side. The refusal to acknowledge this or offer a solution felt dishonest.
I will not be back and dislike writing bad reviews, but this place deserves it. Fake pho is unacceptable for those in the know, and the menu is not honest.
- beef noodle soup2
- pho2
- wheat noodles2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Mixed Feelings on Dim Sum
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. While the seafood gyoza and shrimp toast were solid, the shrimp was a bit greasy. The BBQ pork bao was disappointing, comparable to a lower-quality offering, and the wagyu truffle XLB suffered from truffle overkill.
The ambience was barebones, which meant the food really had no excuse to not be better. The dress code is casual, and the atmosphere is quiet, making conversation easy. Service received a good rating, and food was rated well overall, but the lack of atmosphere detracted from the experience.
There are many better dim sum and dumpling options in San Francisco.
- seafood gyoza7
- shrimp toast7
- food6
- shrimp4
- BBQ pork bao3
- wagyu truffle XLB4
What Dumpling Time offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- 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
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining options are available at Dumpling Time Design District?
At Dumpling Time Design District, you’ll find a wide array of dining options to suit your schedule. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or even brunch, with table service available. They also offer catering services and comfortable seating for your meal.
Does Dumpling Time Design District cater to specific dietary preferences?
Yes, Dumpling Time Design District is mindful of various dietary needs. You’ll be pleased to find a selection of vegetarian options on their menu. Additionally, they incorporate organic dishes, ensuring fresh and quality ingredients for your meal.
How does Dumpling Time generally score with customers?
Dumpling Time holds an overall restaurant score of 6.8, with customer satisfaction at 65.1%. Its Ambience (7.2), Food (6.9), and Service (6.9) are well-regarded, though Value (4.6) receives a more mixed reception.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Dumpling Time?
Many customers praise the dumplings for being flavorful, fresh, and authentic, with specific mentions of XLB, seafood gyoza, and soup dumplings. The variety of tasty options is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing at Dumpling Time?
Yes, some customers find the prices to be on the higher side, noting that portions can be small for the cost. There are also mentions of additional charges like “SF Health Mandate Surcharge” and card fees.