Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Dumpling Union – San Francisco
Dumpling Union - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Union
Dumpling Union at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍜 Asian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 77 of the guests
#1398 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Asian Restaurant out of 22 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
339
Reviews
72.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Fast service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Bland dishes
- Poor service
- Dirty areas
The restaurant Dumpling Union invites you to experience authentic Asian flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood. This casual Asian restaurant is your go-to spot for delicious small plates and a quick bite, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Union
Dumpling Union offers a mixed experience, with many patrons praising its flavorful food, especially the noodles and dumplings. However, some find the overall dining experience, particularly the service, to be a bit impersonal, relying heavily on self-ordering.
Despite some minor drawbacks in ambience and perceived value, the restaurant maintains a reputation for quick service and a menu that largely satisfies. It’s a spot that aims for efficiency, which sometimes comes at the cost of a more traditional dining interaction.
Good
7.3
out of 10
339
Reviews
72.6%
Satisfaction
71
negative
22
neutral
246
positive
Dumpling Union achieves a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally positive reception from its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 72.6%, suggesting that most diners leave content with their experience.
This feedback is drawn from a substantial 339 customer observations, with 246 positive remarks outweighing 71 negative ones. The Food (7.8) clearly leads the way, consistently earning high marks for its quality and taste.
While Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.3) are rated as good, they don’t quite reach the same heights. Value (6.2) is considered average, reflecting a balanced view on pricing relative to the offering.
What people like
- Delicious Dan Dan Noodles
- Quick, friendly service
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Impersonal QR service
- Unclean dining areas
If you’re seeking a quick and flavorful meal, Dumpling Union is often a solid choice, especially for its well-regarded food. The efficient, app-based ordering system means you can get in and out without much fuss, making it suitable for a casual stop.
With a strong recommendation score of 7.7, it’s clear many find it worth a visit. Just be prepared for a more functional service style and manage expectations regarding the consistency of all dishes and the upkeep of certain areas.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Asian Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
354
96.6%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Asian Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
630
95.1%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Asian Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
940
84.7%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Asian Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
268
87.3%
- $$
- Polk Gulch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Asian Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
575
80.9%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Asian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
401
77.8%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Union
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.8 score and a solid 79.4% customer satisfaction. With 177 positive remarks out of 223, diners frequently rave about the delicious food, especially the wide variety of dumplings, flavorful Dan Dan Noodles, and tasty chow mein. Many found the quality great and portions generous.
However, some experiences weren't as stellar, with 33 negative comments pointing to issues like bland taste in certain dishes, overly salty beef, and problems with dumpling skins being too thick or breaking. A few found some items mass-produced or dry, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
223
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
33
negative
13
neutral
177
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Great dish variety
- Flavorful noodle dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Bland or salty food
- Dumpling skin issues
Often praised
- foodWe tried the Dan Dan Noodles, the chicken and three favor dumpling, the siu mai, and the Xiao Long Bao. Everything was extremely good; I especially enjoyed the noodles, which were very spicy but so tasty. I will definitely come back.
- dumplingsDumpling Union is a small place located in a lively and pleasant neighborhood, perfect for a casual stop. The menu is centered on dumplings, offered in various versions, alongside some other typical Chinese dishes. You can conveniently order from your table via a dedicated app, which makes the experience quick and intuitive.
- green beansThe veggie version of the dandan noodles was solid. The green beans were well cooked and seasoned. Overall, it's a fine experience at a good value.
- FoodTheir chrysanthemum tea and scallion pancakes were great, too! The food was a definite highlight, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- dishesshared four dishes, which was perfect
- Dan Dan Noodleshighly recommend this restaurant if you like dishes like Dan Dan Noodles
- fried riceFried rice and fried noodles are very tasty.
- Dan Dan noodlesmy favorites are the Dan Dan noodles
- EverythingEverything was fresh and delicious
- beef chow meinwagyu and chicken dumplings, green beans, beef chow mein, and custard buns. Every dish was solid.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was lackluster as well. Everything was BLAH.
- dumplingsfilling was too watery, which resulted in a bland taste
- ricethe rice and the kung pao chicken taste like chemicals
- Beef Fried RiceOrdered the Beef Fried Rice for $13. Absolutely full of sweetcorn.
- Beef dumplingsBeef dumplings were a little bland
- Cucumber saladCucumber salad was too saucy
- Kimchi Fried RiceI didn't like the kimchi fried rice
- Kung Pao ChickenKung pao chicken was dry AF
- Mongolian beefMongolian beef and noodles beef. Both are way too salty.
- Tan tan noodlesTan tan noodles had the wrong noodles and zero Szechuan pepper
If you're craving delicious dumplings and a good variety of Chinese dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might be inconsistent in flavor or texture, so stick to the highly praised specialties for the best experience.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Overall, service here is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.6 with 62.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 70 customer comments, theres a clear split in experiences. Many guests praise the crazy fast service and quick seating, often highlighting the attentive and friendly staff.
The QR code ordering system is frequently mentioned for making the process smooth and efficient, ensuring food comes out quickly and contributes to an enjoyable experience. However, 23 negative remarks point to areas needing attention. Some customers reported issues with employees demeanor and attitude from the representative, noting poor communication skills.
There were also complaints about zero service experiences, particularly regarding the self-ordering process and unceremonious food drop-offs.
Service
70
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, efficient service
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Easy online ordering
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Minimal interaction service
- Poor communication skills
Often praised
- serviceI ordered dumplings, vegetarian dandan noodles, and green beans. The service was quick, even during dinner time. The dumpling portions were good, but the filling was too watery, resulting in a bland taste.
- ServiceTheir chrysanthemum tea and scallion pancakes were great, too! The food was a definite highlight, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- staffI will definitely come back. Additionally, the staff was very friendly and welcoming.
- serverour server was super nice and welcoming
- QR code orderingeverything came out quickly and the process was easy
- accommodatingaccommodating of my gluten allergy
- apologizelearned to apologize and tell them what’s happening
- appThe menu is centered on dumplings, offered in various versions, alongside some other typical Chinese dishes. You can conveniently order from your table via a dedicated app, which makes the experience quick and intuitive. The service is fast and efficient, ideal for those looking for a tasty meal without long waits.
- attentive and friendly staffThis is THE spot! You can count on this place for quick seating, crazy fast service, and attentive and friendly staff. Of course, the delicious food is a highlight, and the prices are very reasonable too!
- crazy fast serviceThis is THE spot! You can count on this place for quick seating, crazy fast service, and attentive and friendly staff. Of course, the delicious food is a highlight, and the prices are very reasonable too!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the zero service. The process involved a QR code for self-ordering, an unceremonious food drop-off, and the expectation to box your own leftovers.
- attitudehorrible attitude. They were just slightly rude
- attitude from the representativegot so much attitude from the representative
- box leftoversMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the zero service. The process involved a QR code for self-ordering, an unceremonious food drop-off, and the expectation to box your own leftovers. The food itself was mass-produced, with watery soup and a gloppy corn starch sauce on the dishes.
- communication skillsneed to work on their communication skills
- customer service principlesthey just lack basic customer service principles
- delivery guysnot responsible for the delivery guys
- employees' demeanordisappointed that we went out of our way to eat here:( We didn’t like the coldness of the employees demeanor.
- food drop-offMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the zero service. The process involved a QR code for self-ordering, an unceremonious food drop-off, and the expectation to box your own leftovers. The food itself was mass-produced, with watery soup and a gloppy corn starch sauce on the dishes.
- food takes longthe food takes a long time to come
If you prioritize speed and efficiency, especially with app-based ordering, this place could be a great fit. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent staff interactions and a more hands-off service style that might not suit everyone.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
Based on 36 customer remarks, with 20 positive observations, the ambience here presents a bit of a mixed picture. While the overall score is an average 6.3, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 55.6%, many appreciate the atmosphere and clean feel. Guests often enjoy the vibe inside and the pleasant neighborhood location, making it a nice spot for a casual stop.
However, there are some notable downsides. Some patrons have found the restaurant chilly due to an automatic door that frequently opens, and the decor has been called blah. More critically, reports mention filthy walls and vents needing a thorough cleaning, which can certainly detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
36
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Nice vibe inside
- Pleasant neighborhood location
What people don't like
- Filthy walls/vents
- Chilly restaurant
- Automatic door issues
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere was cheery and bright inside, outside is quiet and intimate
- AtmosphereTheir chrysanthemum tea and scallion pancakes were great, too! The food was a definite highlight, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- WashroomWashroom is pretty clean
- chill vibeschill vibes
- cleanVery clean
- cleanlinessplace is nice and clean
- kidsMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially because it's easy to go with kids. You can simply order as you go from your table.
- locationSituated on a tree-lined, twinkling lit section of Union street
- neighborhoodDumpling Union is a small place located in a lively and pleasant neighborhood, perfect for a casual stop. The menu is centered on dumplings, offered in various versions, alongside some other typical Chinese dishes.
- placeThe best place in San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere wasn't too great
- automatic doorthe automatic door keeps opening
- bathroomsBathrooms- untidy and needed to be cleaned. BLAH.
- child friendlyit is not very child friendly
- decorDecor. Blah.
- greasy oilarrived dripping greasy oil out of the bottom of the bag
- guests complainsome guests complain angrily
- packagingIt’s also poorly packaged and arrived dripping greasy oil
- restaurantpretty chilly in the restaurant
- restaurant cleaningThe cucumbers were disappointing, so I would suggest skipping those. On a more concerning note, the restaurant itself needs a good cleaning. The walls were filthy and dusty, and the vents were packed shut with dirt and lint.
If you're seeking a casual spot in a lively neighborhood and can overlook some cleanliness inconsistencies or a potential draft, this place could work. But if a consistently pristine and comfortable environment is crucial for you, the ambience here might leave you wanting more.
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the prices quite reasonable, with 5 positive remarks out of 10 total. Folks often mentioned finding a good price and fair deals, making for a fine experience. The overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.2, placing it in the average range, though customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 50%.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 3 negative comments. Some felt certain items, like cans of soda and other drinks, were a little pricey, and there were mentions of high delivery costs. This suggests that while the main dishes might offer good value, some extras can add up, contributing to the mixed 50% customer satisfaction.
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price found
- Reasonable prices offered
- Fair value experience
What people don't like
- Drinks are pricey
- Delivery costs high
Often praised
- priceService, food quality, and price are all A+
- good valuefine experience at a good value
- pricesthe prices were fair
- reasonable pricesYou can count on this place for quick seating, crazy fast service, and attentive and friendly staff. Of course, the delicious food is a highlight, and the prices are very reasonable too! I always walk away feeling so happy 🥰 Every dish is a hit, but my favorites are the kimchi fried rice, Dan Dan noodles, all soup dumplings, and the wagyu dumplings!
Frequently criticized
- cans of sodacans of soda were $4 each a little pricey
- drinksgouging a little on the drinks
- pricepaid over $40 for this food to be delivered
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many find the main dishes reasonably priced, watch out for the cost of drinks and delivery. If you stick to the food and dine in, you'll likely feel you got a fair deal, but extras can quickly add up.
How are the prices at Dumpling Union?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 77 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Asian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the prices really cluster around this average, with the vast majority of diners spending within the $21–$30 range. This tells us the restaurant offers a pretty consistent mid-range experience, rather than a mix of super cheap and super pricey options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 77 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Asian Restaurant in a city like San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Union
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Dumplings and Tea!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the seafood dumplings, which were absolutely delicious. Their chrysanthemum tea and scallion pancakes were great, too!
The food was a definite highlight, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch.
- seafood dumplings10
- chrysanthemum tea8
- scallion pancakes8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Grandma's Pork Dumplings
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the "grandmas pork" dumplings. The pork tasted raw and had an awful flavor. It was also evident that the dough was not made in-house.
I would not recommend this dish at all.
- grandmas pork dumplings1
- pork1
- dough2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Taiwanese Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We tried around a dozen dishes and enjoyed them all. I highly recommend the green beans, scallion pancake, and beef noodle.
The tastes were truly legitimate and reminiscent of Taiwan!
- green beans9
- scallion pancake9
- beef noodle9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Dependable Dumplings for a Quick Meal
My experience ordering takeout was positive. I chose the pork, cabbage, and onion dumplings, which traveled surprisingly well and remained soft and juicy upon arrival. The flavor was solid, offering a savory filling with a good balance between pork and cabbage, though it didn't completely exceed expectations.
Overall, this is a dependable dumpling spot for a comforting and straightforward meal. It's not fancy, but it definitely hits the spot. I would order again, especially for a quick and easy meal.
- pork, cabbage, and onion dumplings7
- soft and juicy8
- savory filling7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience, Lacking Service
Visiting from Atlanta, we decided to try this restaurant after seeing it mentioned by a YouTuber we follow. Unfortunately, our visit was a disappointment, and we regretted making the special trip. The employees' demeanor was cold; they were stoic, to-the-point, and not welcoming at all.
We were appalled by the apathy of the woman who yelled out at everyone entering, asking about party size and then instructing us to scan a code for the menu – a very hands-off approach. While the digital menu was fine, the lack of basic customer service principles was evident, which is crucial for any successful business. Consequently, I did not enjoy my experience.
The food was lackluster as well. Water served from the tap with no ice was just "BLAH. " Everything felt "BLAH" – the decor, the untidy bathrooms that needed cleaning.
We were not thanked after paying the check; the server simply took the money and walked away. The audacity of such a horrible attitude, with no kindness or gratitude shown to the customer, was striking. The staff were slightly rude, and the overall vibe was not good.
We would not recommend or return. My shrimp fried rice had undercooked shrimp and plain rice, just "BLAH. " A 2-star rating feels generous.
We wasted an afternoon finding this place when there are much better Asian restaurants in the area and near Japantown. The owner needs to invest in serious customer service training for their employees to teach them the value of connecting with customers and building community, as this goes a long way.
- employees' demeanor1
- food1
- decor1
What Dumpling Union offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Dumpling Union?
At Dumpling Union, you can enjoy a variety of service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For your dining pleasure, table service is available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating provided.
Is Dumpling Union suitable for families and accessible to all guests?
Yes, Dumpling Union is good for kids, offering high chairs for younger diners. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all patrons.
How does Dumpling Union generally rate with customers?
Dumpling Union holds a solid 7.3 overall score, with customers particularly appreciating the Food (7.8). Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.3) are rated as good, while Value (6.2) is considered average.
What are some popular dishes at Dumpling Union?
Many patrons enjoy the Dan Dan Noodles, often praised for being spicy and tasty. Other popular items include various dumplings, scallion pancakes, and green beans, noted for being fresh and delicious.
What is the service experience like at Dumpling Union?
Service is often described as quick and efficient, with many appreciating the QR code ordering system for its speed. However, some find the service impersonal due to the self-ordering model and occasional staff demeanor issues.