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oChef » Dumpling Union – San Francisco
Dumpling Union - San Francisco
Photo from Dumpling Union
Dumpling Union at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#715 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
368
Reviews
79.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Hidden charges
- Ordering difficulties
- Food quality concerns
The restaurant, a delightful Chinese eatery in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere. At Dumpling Union, you’ll find a trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving lunch or dinner, this welcoming establishment offers a comfortable setting where you can enjoy delicious food.
Overview: Introducting Dumpling Union
Dumpling Union generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the friendly service and the overall quality of the dishes. The atmosphere is often described as bright and clean, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the value, particularly with automatic charges on the bill. While ordering via QR code is simple for many, it has occasionally led to frustration for others.
Good
7.9
out of 10
368
Reviews
79.9%
Satisfaction
48
negative
26
neutral
294
positive
Dumpling Union earns a solid overall score of 7.9, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 79.9%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 368 customer comments, with 294 positive remarks outweighing 48 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Service (8.2) and Food (8) categories clearly stand out as strong points, consistently earning high marks.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively to the experience. However, Value (4.8) presents a notable area for improvement, with some guests expressing reservations about pricing and billing practices.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Fast, friendly service
- Clean, bright setting
What people don't like
- Unexpected bill charges
- QR code ordering issues
- Occasional food inconsistencies
Dumpling Union generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize well-regarded dishes and attentive staff. With a recommendation score of 8, it’s certainly a place many find worth visiting for its core offerings.
However, be mindful of potential billing practices and the digital ordering system. If these aspects don’t deter you, you’ll likely enjoy the bright setting and flavorful food, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dumpling Union
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 79.8%, its clear that most diners are very happy. Out of 218 comments, a whopping 174 were positive, praising delicious items like spicy dumplings, soup dumplings, and Dan Dan Noodles, often highlighting the freshness and flavor.
However, it's not entirely perfect, with 22 negative remarks. A few guests reported feeling food nausea or found the xiao long bao broke apart too easily. Some dishes were described as under seasoned, and the mala dumplings occasionally lacked their signature spice.
Overall, these seem to be minor hiccups in an otherwise good culinary experience.
Food
218
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
22
negative
22
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh dumplings
- Flavorful noodle dishes
- Authentic Asian cuisine
What people don't like
- XLB broke easily
- Some dishes under seasoned
- Reported food nausea
Often praised
- foodI'm really glad that my spouse found such a nice place! We both enjoyed the food.
- dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the pleasure of enjoying fabulous dumplings and a cold beer. The Kung Pao dumplings were delicious, and the hot & sour soup was tasty.
- FoodFood:5
- Dan Dan NoodlesDan Dan Noodles are unctuous and well-spiced
- cucumber saladThe cucumber salad had a lot of sesame oil on it, and was a nice contrast
- soup dumplingsThis was a great find and even better soup dumplings. I love that they come individually in a foil cup to get every drop of the soup broth.
- spicy dumplingsThe spicy ones and tom yum dumplings both had a good flavor.
- kimchi fried ricekimchi fried rice... Everything was delicious
- noodlesThe dumplings, noodles and rice dishes were great!
- soupAll the food we tried was great. The soup was nicely sized, the jajang mien was good and mixed for us, and their Xiao long baos were juicy. I definitely enjoyed eating here and would return.
Frequently criticized
- foodWe visited at night and they kept the door open, resulting in a freezing cold atmosphere throughout the entire meal. The food tasted really off to me, and I suspect it caused mild food nausea. While I love to support local businesses, I am disappointed to say that I will not be returning.
- dumplingsthe dumplings were very small
- Chow Meinskip the Chow Mein
- Sichuan dan-dan noodles textureThe spicy siu mai was unique and not overly spicy, but it tasted more like American breakfast sausage with fennel, sage, and thyme than traditional Chinese pork with chilies. The Sichuan dan-dan noodles were the best dish in terms of flavor, offering just enough heat to make me sweat slightly, though the texture was definitely too oily. The fresh spinach leaves were a welcome addition, providing a nice crunch and color.
- dumpling placesoverall there are better dumpling places in the city
- feeling sickOur neighbors highly recommended this place, and while the service was great, the food was good. However, my husband and I both felt sick later that night and the next day after our dinner here. Sorry to say that I can’t recommend.
- food nauseathink it gave me mild food nausea
- hot teaHot tea was luke warm
- mala dumplingsmala dumplings had no actual spice or numbing
- porkthe pork was still raw
If youre looking for a place with generally delicious and fresh food, especially dumplings and noodles, this spot is definitely worth trying. While there are a few minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Overall, its looking pretty good with a solid 8.2 score and a strong 81.9% customer satisfaction. Many folks raved about the friendly and attentive staff, often praising the fast service and the convenience of QR code ordering.
Out of 83 comments, a whopping 68 were positive, highlighting smooth digital experiences and helpful restaurant attendants. However, it wasnt all sunshine and rainbows. There were 12 negative remarks, with some guests experiencing slow service or finding it hard to get servers attention.
A few also mentioned website difficulties with the QR code system or encountering an unfriendly waiter. ' So, while generally positive, there are a few areas that could use a little polish.
Service
83
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Easy QR ordering
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Staff can be unresponsive
- QR code issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by super fast and friendly service. I tried the Shrimp Toast and the Tom Yum XLB, both of which were lovely.
- ServiceI was disappointed that tea wasn't included, but I appreciated the small pitcher of water, which eliminated the need to constantly ask for refills. Service was quick and friendly, although it was odd that we were directed to scan a QR code for the menu while the table next to us received paper menus. The restaurant itself is big and bright, creating a very pleasant setting.
- staffThe staff was incredibly friendly
- QR code orderingordered using a QR code and it was extremely simple and user friendly
- waitressThe food was great, and the dining area was very clean. I was served by a very nice waitress, and the service was fast. I ordered my food using a QR code.
- QR codeOrdering via QR code
- StaffStaff very, very nice
- attentivereally attentive and friendly
- attentive ladythe lady helping us was extremely attentive
- bathroomMy experience at the restaurant was great! The staff were really chill, and I appreciated being able to use the bathroom for free. The interior was also very nice!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was good until we received our bill
- Brushes offBrushes off wrongly on you
- QR code orderingThe atmosphere was nice and bright, giving it a pleasant cafe vibe, especially during lunchtime. Unfortunately, the QR code ordering system at the tables was really annoying; I lost my order twice due to website difficulties. Despite the tech issues, it was a nice lunch for a Monday afternoon.
- ServiceService could have been better...
- answering questionsDoesnt seem interested in answering question
- dishdidn’t even comp the dish
- serversHard to get the servers to come to you, we had to flag them each time
- soup spoonThey didn't even offer me a soup spoon for the dumplings
- waiterVery unfriendly waiter.. doesnt thank or say goodbye
- website difficultiesThe atmosphere was nice and bright, giving it a pleasant cafe vibe, especially during lunchtime. Unfortunately, the QR code ordering system at the tables was really annoying; I lost my order twice due to website difficulties. Despite the tech issues, it was a nice lunch for a Monday afternoon.
If youre looking for generally quick and friendly service, youre likely in for a good experience here, especially with their easy digital ordering. Just be aware that a few guests have hit snags with slower service or tech hiccups, so keep that in mind.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.9 and boasting a 85.5% customer satisfaction! With 47 positive remarks out of 55, guests frequently praise the inviting atmosphere, modern decor, and overall cleanliness. Many appreciate the bright vibe, great street views, and unique touches like the dumpling-making window and festive Christmas tree.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks, with 8 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. A few found the atmosphere generic or wished it was more upscale, while others felt the lighting was too bright or harsh for dinner. There were also mentions of temperature issues, with some finding it too cold due to an open door, or too hot.
Ambience
55
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, bright space
- Unique decor
- Charming details
What people don't like
- Harsh lighting
- Generic atmosphere
- Temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereincredibly satisfying, starting with the atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationConveniently located near several good bars
- restaurant cleanlinessThe restaurant was spotlessly clean
- seatingThe hot sake was also good, and the waitress was both kind and efficient. The place itself is nice and big, offering plenty of seating, with a second floor that overlooks the first. It's conveniently located near several good bars in the lower Haight.
- Christmas treeA highlight was the see-through window outside where you can watch someone making fresh dumplings—such a charming touch! And to top it off, there’s a beautiful Christmas tree inside, adding to the festive atmosphere. 🎅✨ 🌲 Highly recommend for a delightful and cozy dining experience!
- ambienceThe food, ambient, service, are all great
- beautiful little gemtry this beautiful little gem
- cafe vibeNice bright cafe vibe
- casual dinnerThis is a great new addition for a casual dinner near the Lower Haight. We had some of the most flavorful Dan Dan Noodles we’ve ever tried!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit felt like we were eating in Costco, so many bright lights!
- lightingOverall, the food was good and the service was great. However, I agree with others that the restaurant is way too bright for dinner. Our household would dine here more often if the lighting weren't so harsh and uncomfortable.
- doorkept the door open, so was freezing cold
- hotIt was hot in the restaurant
If youre looking for a clean, bright, and uniquely decorated spot with some charming details, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. However, if you're sensitive to bright lighting or prefer a more intimate, upscale atmosphere, you might find it a bit too casual or glaring.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.8 and customer satisfaction at a 41.7%, also in the mixed range. Still, 5 positive comments out of 12 total appreciate the quality price ratio, noting good prices and even a no tipping policy, especially for downtown San Francisco. On the flip side, 6 negative remarks frequently mention issues with the bill and tip percentage.
Many were unhappy about mandatory service charges or tips added without consent, leading some to feel the price' was a little high for the offering, particularly for Chinese food.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality-price ratio
- Fair downtown prices
- No tipping policy
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charges
- Unexpected tip additions
- Pricy for some
Often praised
- pricesPrices are fair for downtown San Francisco
- good pricestasty dumplings at good prices
- no tippingno tipping though
- quality price ratioBuenas relación calidad precio.
Frequently criticized
- billreceived our bill with a 5% SF mandate + %18 tips without checking with us
- maximum amountwithdraw the maximum amount of your account
- priceA little pricy for what you get
- pricesprices high for Chinese
- tipIt included a 5% SF mandate and an 18% tip, which were added without checking with us. It should be our decision on how much we want to tip. Because of this, I won't be going back again.
- tip percentageclearly indicate the percentage of tip you would like to provide
If you're looking for decent prices and a good quality-price ratio, this spot might work for you. However, be sure to check your bill carefully for any unexpected service charges or mandatory tips, as this has been a point of frustration for some diners.
How are the prices at Dumpling Union?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 70 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, leaning slightly above average.
Most diners stick to this mid-range, showing prices cluster well around the average. However, there are also a few premium options, offering a mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 70 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with options if you want to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dumpling Union
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Slow Service, Lukewarm Tea
My experience at the restaurant was marked by slow service, which took two hours for food to arrive over a very long time. The food was ok, but the hot tea was lukewarm.
- food5
- service2
- hot tea3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Unique Dumplings, Bad Water & Hot Room
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The dumplings were good, offering a lot of unique flavors. However, the restaurant was uncomfortably hot, and the tap water tasted really bad 🤧.
Despite these drawbacks, I would overall recommend this place.
- dumplings8
- unique flavors9
- hot3
- tap water2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Great Food, Service, and Cleanliness!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the dining area was very clean. I was served by a very nice waitress, and the service was fast.
I ordered my food using a QR code. I would definitely come again!
- food10
- dining area10
- waitress10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem with Excellent Food and Service
This place might seem unassuming at first glance, but my experience was excellent! The service was top-notch, and the food was outstanding. I would absolutely recommend trying it out.
- service10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Undercooked Pork in Dumplings
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. I ordered the steamed pork, chive, and shrimp dumplings. Upon tasting one, I found it to be mushy.
Upon cutting open the next dumpling, I discovered that the pork was still raw. While the staff apologized multiple times, they did not offer to comp the dish.
- pork1
- dumplings2
- dish2
What Dumpling Union offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Dumpling Union Haight?
At Dumpling Union Haight, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service available. The atmosphere is designed to be cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a welcoming environment for your meal.
What service and accessibility features does Dumpling Union Haight provide?
Dumpling Union Haight offers flexible service options like no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Dumpling Union generally rate with customers?
Dumpling Union holds a good overall score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 79.9%. Its Service (8.2), Food (8), and Ambience (7.9) are highly rated, though Value (4.8) is an area where some customers have concerns.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Dumpling Union?
Many customers praise the friendly service and the quality of the food, especially the dumplings and Dan Dan Noodles. The clean and bright atmosphere also receives positive remarks.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Dumpling Union?
Some diners have expressed frustration with automatic charges on their bill and occasional difficulties with the QR code ordering system. A few have also noted inconsistencies with certain food items or the restaurant’s lighting.