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oChef » Dumpling Time – San Francisco
Dumpling Time - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Time
Dumpling Time at a glance
San Francisco Mission Bay
- π Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31β$40
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#1940 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#21 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
454
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Unique decor
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Poor cleanliness
The restaurant, an inviting Asian eatery in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood, offers a fantastic spot to catch some sports action. When you step into Dumpling Time, you’re greeted by a trendy yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or a lively gathering.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a dynamic dining experience, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or just some small plates with friends.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Time
Dumpling Time offers a culinary experience centered around its well-regarded food quality, which many find satisfying. Guests often appreciate the generally pleasant atmosphere and unique decoration that contributes to a comfortable dining setting.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall price point, feeling that portions might be small for the cost. There are also occasional remarks about cleanliness in certain areas, suggesting room for improvement in maintaining the dining environment.
Good
6.6
out of 10
454
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
145
negative
35
neutral
274
positive
Overall, Dumpling Time receives an average 6.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a mixed 60.4%. This indicates a generally acceptable experience for many, though not consistently outstanding.
The restaurant garners a significant amount of feedback, with 454 customer remarks, showing a good level of engagement from its patrons. The Food (7.0) is clearly a strong point, often praised for its quality and variety.
Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.2) are considered average, providing a functional but not always exceptional experience. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.8), which many customers find to be a notable drawback, often citing concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Friendly service staff
- Unique interior decoration
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent service speed
- Restroom cleanliness issues
With a recommendation score of 6.9, Dumpling Time presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize flavorful food and a distinctive setting, it could be a worthwhile visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and a price point that some find steep for the portion sizes. Ultimately, your experience may vary, but the culinary offerings are generally well-received.
Consider it for a casual meal where the dumplings are the star, but manage expectations regarding overall value and the occasional lapse in operational details.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Time
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like there's a lot to love, with a solid score of 7 indicating a generally good experience. Many diners raved about dishes like the lamb dumplings, shrimp toast, and Wagyu fried rice, praising the unique flavors and great presentation. Out of 256 comments, 165 were positive, highlighting a strong appreciation for the culinary offerings.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.5%, suggesting some areas for improvement. A number of the 63 negative opinions mentioned issues with thick dumpling wrappers, bland food, and small portions. The Beijing noodles also received criticism for lacking flavor, indicating that not every dish hits the mark for everyone.
Food
256
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
63
negative
28
neutral
165
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Flavorful fried rice
- Great presentation
What people don't like
- Thick dumpling wrappers
- Bland flavors
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodI've eaten at their other location and ordered from them a shocking number of times, and it's as good as ever. They make literally zero things I don't likeβit's all so good! My favorites are the Tom Yung soup dumplings and any of the Xi'an dumplings, but honestly, it's all tasty.
- dumplingsIf you are in love with dumplings, I highly recommend this place!
- shrimp toastfavorite being the shrimp toast - truly an awesome and unique balance of flavors
- FoodFor dessert, the Sweet Bao is definitely a plus. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- drinksThe service team at Dumpling Time are so kind. Liz is quick to help with any special requests, and Jose makes some awesome drinks, full of personality and flavor, making every meal a memorable night. Thank you Cindy and team for your hospitality and welcome to us!
- green beansgreen beans were a nice pallet cleanser
- lamb dumplingsWe ordered a bunch of dishes to share family-style, which is definitely the way to go since there are so many goodies to try. My go-tos are the pork XLB, lamb dumplings, and the trio of buns for dessert, but tbh everything Iβve had here has been solid.
- Beijing Noodlesthe Beijing Noodles were flavorful and refreshing
- Chili Pork DumplingsHighlight: Chili Pork Dumplings - Hong You Shui Jiao
- chicken gyozahighly recommend chicken gyoza
Frequently criticized
- foodfood being inedible and it was gross and seemed old
- Beijing NoodlesBeijing Noodles (tasteless and I do not recommend at all)
- dumplingsI was initially considering a return visit, but a conversation with my waiter significantly soured the experience. I pointed out that the dumplings were easily broken, suggesting a potential quality issue, and that they would be better served with soup spoons as the foil cup was too weak to hold the soup. The waiter seemed surprised I didn't have a spoon, and it turned out mine was missing, despite every table supposedly having one.
- ribsThe ribs were not worth the wait, an hour for them to be hard and chewy
- soup dumplingsboth of us really disliked the fact they steam the dumplings
- tastedoes not taste as good as the original
- AlfredoWoopdidoo. Iβm confused as to why they donβt just call it an Alfredo.
- American Wagyu fried ricewagyu was disgusting- basically uncooked skirt steak
- Beijing noodlesWasn't a big fan of the Beijing noodles
- Maine lobster siu maiThe main lobster wasβ¦bland
If you're looking for delicious dumplings and flavorful fried rice with great presentation, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have thicker wrappers or smaller portions, and not everything on the menu is a guaranteed hit.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Based on 112 customer remarks, the service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 and 60.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests raved about the fast service, attentive wait staff, and friendly servers like Jose and Liz. The helpfulness of managers and quick seating also earned high praise, making for some great dining experiences.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. A significant number of comments pointed to slow service, rude staff attitudes, and inattentive waiters who sometimes forgot water refills or struggled with orders. Long waiting times for seating or food also popped up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
112
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
44
negative
0
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, efficient service
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive wait staff
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude staff attitude
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceWe've been to this restaurant many times, as it's a pleasant 20-minute walk from our home, making it a perfect weekend lunch destination. Everything we've tried has been great, complemented by friendly and efficient service. We love going there, knowing we'll have a satisfied treat.
- ServiceFor the price of a chicken tenders meal at Chase, you can get a tastier dish here. Service was good, and while the restaurant was a bit cramped, it was good that they could accommodate a lot of people.
- JoseThe service team at Dumpling Time are so kind. Liz is quick to help with any special requests, and Jose makes some awesome drinks, full of personality and flavor, making every meal a memorable night. Thank you Cindy and team for your hospitality and welcome to us!
- customer serviceThe customer service is amazing
- serverhe and the food runners and busses were incredibly kind
- servicesThe food is delicious, tasting natural and not greasy, with no MSG. The services are super friendly and fast. Today, the manager, Ben, was exceptionally helpful in adjusting the menu to accommodate my friend's strict vegetarian needs.
- staffThe staff is flexible for our often large groups
- wait staffkind Wait staff willing to go above and beyond in their service
- Cindy and teamLiz is quick to help with any special requests, and Jose makes some awesome drinks, full of personality and flavor, making every meal a memorable night. Thank you Cindy and team for your hospitality and welcome to us!
- LizThe service team at Dumpling Time are so kind. Liz is quick to help with any special requests, and Jose makes some awesome drinks, full of personality and flavor, making every meal a memorable night. Thank you Cindy and team for your hospitality and welcome to us!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant offered a good ambiance and view. However, the service was a little distracted, as our main course was brought before the appetizers. Additionally, the portion sizes were small.
- waiterI had to hound the waiter down a couple of times to take our order and also to pay the bill.
- orderMaybe it was an off day, but we waited ages to be seated. We had to flag someone down to order, and then flag someone down again 40 minutes later to get the check and cancel the third dish we ordered but never received. The Beijing Noodles, normally my son's favorite dish, didn't taste like anything and he only took two bites.
- serversNone of the waiters or waitresses greeted us or seated us; we had to ask the bartender for assistance. Once seated, the servers intentionally kept avoiding our table and provided incomplete or incorrect orders. Due to the poor service, I will not be returning to this restaurant.
- waiting timeDon't bother with this location; it's awful, especially since we love the Design District location. Maybe it was an off day, but we waited ages to be seated. We had to flag someone down to order, and then flag someone down again 40 minutes later to get the check and cancel the third dish we ordered but never received.
- waitressWaitress asked me 10 times what drink I wanted
- ServiceService was terrible (like laughable)
- arrogancethe arrogance was enough for me to not come back again.
- bus boysBus boys quite intrusive when taking empty dishes away
- checkMaybe it was an off day, but we waited ages to be seated. We had to flag someone down to order, and then flag someone down again 40 minutes later to get the check and cancel the third dish we ordered but never received. The Beijing Noodles, normally my son's favorite dish, didn't taste like anything and he only took two bites.
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy quick and friendly service from an attentive team. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower, less attentive interactions, especially during busy times. Its a bit of a gamble, but the positives are strong enough to make it worth a try if you're not in a rush.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to the ambiance, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, scoring 6.2. Many guests rave about the convenient location, appreciating the overall vibe and atmosphere. With 37 positive remarks out of 64 total, people often highlight the clean environment, comfortable group seating, and pleasant outdoor seating options, making it a great place for various occasions.
However, customer satisfaction for the ambiance is a bit mixed at 57.8%, largely due to some noticeable downsides. A significant number of the 20 negative comments point to issues with the bathrooms, describing them as messy and having non-flushing toilets. Other concerns include dirty floors and tables and sticky tables, suggesting a need for more consistent upkeep.
Ambience
64
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Great vibe
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Dirty restrooms
- Sticky tables
Often praised
- atmosphereI visited Dumpling Time on January 1, 2024, marking my 4th visit within a week, which truly shows how much I adore this restaurant. The interior boasts a simple yet very unique decoration, creating a classic and comfortable atmosphere. The food is delicious, tasting natural and not greasy, with no MSG.
- locationThis location by Chase Center is super convenient
- AtmosphereFor dessert, the Sweet Bao is definitely a plus. The food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was great.
- environmentit was a good environment
- placeCute place
- ambianceGood ambiance and view
- cleanvery clean
- decorationI visited Dumpling Time on January 1, 2024, marking my 4th visit within a week, which truly shows how much I adore this restaurant. The interior boasts a simple yet very unique decoration, creating a classic and comfortable atmosphere. The food is delicious, tasting natural and not greasy, with no MSG.
- experienceIt feels like you just had a warm hug after you eat it
- great timeHe's a true mixologist who makes amazing drinks; just tell him your spirit of choice and let him create something special! We had such a great time that this place became our official after-party spot for the rest of the weekend. The food is also really good.
Frequently criticized
- toiletThe toilet that I was in wasnβt flushing on itβs own and the button was broken
- atmosphereit's also rather quiet
- Mother's Day lunchSo $25 for 3 pork buns and two bites of noodles. Never again, it ruined what was supposed to be a chill Mother's Day lunch with some of our favorite foods.
- ParkingWe would definitely return for the Lobster Siu Mai. Parking is HORRIBLE.
- area focusbasketball is the main focus of this area, not the food
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were utterly a mess
- countersthe counters had standing water on them
- cupsthe cups are stained
- dirty napkinsDirty napkins were left on our table
- floor and tablesThe floor and tables were kind of dirty
If youre looking for a place with a great location and a lively atmosphere, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. Just be prepared that the cleanliness, especially in the restrooms, might not always meet expectations.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the ouch side. While a few diners appreciated the fair price and noted that there wasn't too much markup, especially if you find a cheaper option or visit during off-peak hours, these positive sentiments are quite rare, based on only 4 positive observations. However, the overall sentiment paints a clearer picture, with a poor score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 18.2%.
Many of the 22 total comments, with a significant 18 negative ones, frequently mention the high price, expensive menu, and dishes being generally overpriced, often citing an additional 6% fee on top of everything. It seems many feel the portions are tiny for the cost, making it a tough sell for your wallet.
Value
22
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair price for location
- Reasonably priced food
What people don't like
- Tiny portions for price
- Overpriced dishes
- Additional 6% fee
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially when visiting during off-peak hours. I enjoyed the great food, which was reasonably priced, and the good clean atmosphere.
- cheaper optiona 2x cheaper option is so much better
- markupwasn't too much markup
Frequently criticized
- priceWe ordered the Beijing Noodles and Pork Xiaolongbao to split between four people. The dishes were flavorful and refreshing, but the portions were teeny tiny for the price. I wouldn't eat here again out of consideration for my wallet.
- billtime to pay bill
- 6% feecharge a 6% fee on top of everything else
- dishesall of the dishes are around 10-20
- dumplingsfor the price I paid I thought the dumplings were a little too small.
- foodThe food was overpriced
- menuexpensive with menu
- overpricedvery small and overpriced
- pricesPrices are a little high
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many find it quite expensive for what you get. However, if you catch it during off-peak hours or find a specific cheaper option, you might find some value. Otherwise, prepare for a potentially pricey experience.
How are the prices at Dumpling Time?
On average, youβll spend around 38 per person β from 78 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31β$40 category. For an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, thatβs comfortably mid-range, perhaps a bit on the higher side.
Looking at what people usually spend, we see a nice spread: while many diners enjoy options in the $21β$30 range, there are also quite a few who choose dishes in the $31β$40 bracket, and even some who go for more premium experiences. It’s not just one price point, but a menu that offers choices for various budgets.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Asian Restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It offers a good range of options, making it accessible while also providing choices for a more special meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Time
Price per Person
- $41β$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6β15 min.)
9
Unique XLB Flavors & Delicious Appetizer!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was yummy, especially the unique flavors of XLB (soup dumplings) like sinigang and pho, which were fun to try. The cucumber appetizer was also soooooo good, everyone at the table wanted more, dare I say better than the ones at Din Tai Fung.
We went on a weekday when it wasn't busy, so the service was fast and they were really nice. The atmosphere was also great, rated a 5!
- food10
- unique flavors of XLB9
- cucumber appetizer10
Price per Person
- $41β$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Okay Asian Food, Pricey Menu
My experience at this Asian restaurant was okay. The food was decent, but the menu was expensive for the small portion sizes. The dumplings were good, and it's a good stop before a game, as it gets busy about an hour beforehand.
- food5
- dumplings8
- before game7
- menu3
- portion sizes3
Price per Person
- $41β$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Solid Asian Option Near Chase
If you're craving Asian food before a game or concert at Chase, this is a solid spot. The food isn't something to write home about, but it does the job. For the price of a chicken tenders meal at Chase, you can get a tastier dish here.
Service was good, and while the restaurant was a bit cramped, it was good that they could accommodate a lot of people.
- Asian food6
- food5
- tastier dish7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Dumplings, Convenient Location
My parents were visiting SF and had never been to Dumpling Time, so I was looking forward to bringing them here and showing them around the area. This location by Chase Center is super convenient β easy to get to by public transit or other means. With other restaurants, shops, and (usually) events going on nearby, the neighbourhood is fun to explore, but it also means the restaurant can get predictably busy on game or event days.
Fortunately, this visit wasnβt one of those days, so we didnβt need a reservation (for 4). We ordered a bunch of dishes to share family-style, which is definitely the way to go since there are so many goodies to try. My go-tos are the pork XLB, lamb dumplings, and the trio of buns for dessert, but tbh everything Iβve had here has been solid.
- location9
- pork XLB10
- lamb dumplings10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Confused by Design District's Popularity
Iβm confused that the spot in the Design District is heavily lauded, but is not on DoorDash. I would like a response as to why, because the other favorites of SF are on DoorDash and still fantastic. Specifically, everything was so bland compared to your competitors.
Shanghai Dumpling King, which is a 2x cheaper option, is so much better. Sorry for the blunt feedback, but I want y'all to be better :)
- competitors5
- cheaper option8
- Shanghai Dumpling King9
- bland food2
What Dumpling Time offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options like when visiting Dumpling Time in Mission Bay?
When you plan your visit to Dumpling Time, you’ll find several paid parking options available, including a parking lot, garage, and street parking. It’s good to know that finding a space can sometimes be a bit challenging in the area.
Does Dumpling Time offer accessible facilities for all guests?
Absolutely! Dumpling Time is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons.
How does Dumpling Time generally rate among customers?
Dumpling Time holds an overall score of 6.6 out of 10, indicating an average dining experience. While Food (7.0) is a strong point, Service (6.4) and Ambience (6.2) are considered average, and Value (3.8) is a notable concern for many.
What do customers enjoy most about Dumpling Time's food?
Customers frequently praise the diverse and delicious food options, particularly the various dumplings , shrimp toast , and Chili Pork Dumplings , noting their natural taste and quality.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience?
Yes, some customers express concerns about the price and portion sizes, finding them to be on the higher side. Additionally, there are occasional remarks about cleanliness in certain areas and waiting time for service.