Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sum Dim Sum – San Francisco
Sum Dim Sum - San Francisco
Photo from Sum Dim Sum
Sum Dim Sum at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#2244 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#261 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Average
5.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
507
Reviews
46.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty dim sum
- Quick service
- Affordable specials
Frequently criticized
- Poor cleanliness
- Payment difficulties
- Rude staff
The Chinese restaurant Sum Dim Sum in San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood offers you a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, ensuring a perfect pairing for your small plates. Whether you’re planning brunch, lunch, or dinner, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Sum Dim Sum
Sum Dim Sum offers a dining experience with some notable highs and lows. Many patrons appreciate the flavorful food, with particular praise for the dim sum offerings.
However, the overall atmosphere and certain aspects of the dining environment have drawn criticism from others. While the quick service is often a positive, some guests have raised concerns about cleanliness and the use of disposable tableware.
The value proposition also appears to be a point of contention, with mixed opinions on pricing and portion sizes.
Average
5.5
out of 10
507
Reviews
46.7%
Satisfaction
204
negative
66
neutral
237
positive
Sum Dim Sum holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.5, placing it in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 46.7%, indicating a mixed reception among guests.
With 507 opinions considered, including 237 positive and 204 negative remarks, it’s clear there are areas of both appreciation and concern. Looking closer, Food stands out with a score of (5.9), often described as tasty and a pleasant surprise.
Service (4.8) is generally seen as efficient, with quick delivery. However, Ambience (5.5) and Value (4.6) receive more balanced feedback, with some finding the atmosphere lacking and prices sometimes a point of contention.
What people like
- Tasty dim sum
- Quick service
- Affordable lunch specials
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Payment difficulties
- Rude staff
Sum Dim Sum presents a mixed bag, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 5.7. If you’re seeking a quick, reasonably priced meal with some enjoyable dim sum, it might be worth a visit.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in the dining environment and service interactions. Consider your priorities before heading over.
While the food can be a pleasant surprise, issues with cleanliness, payment methods, and occasional staff rudeness could detract from the overall experience. It’s a place that has its moments, but also its drawbacks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sum Dim Sum
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction rating of 51.1% across 305 customer remarks. Many diners praised the sublime culinary experience and real taste of Chinese cuisine, highlighting delicious dishes and fresh vegetables. Positive comments often centered on the variety of dumplings and the generous portion size.
However, the food's overall score sits at an average 5.9, with 107 negative observations pointing to concerns. Common complaints included frozen food with no flavor and a rubbery texture, suggesting items were not fresh. Some found the quality to be low, with issues like undercooked or burned elements.
Food
305
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
107
negative
42
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Sublime culinary experience
- Real taste of Chinese
- Delicious, fresh food
What people don't like
- Frozen, reheated food
- No flavor, rubbery
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodMy wife and I visited for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the food. We didn't expect anything fancy, but the food was on point. We tried the beef chow fun, which was delicious.
- dumplingsIt’s a peaceful and welcoming spot, perfect for enjoying a meal without feeling rushed. I ordered the chow mein with pork and shrimp, along with dumplings, jasmine tea, and apple juice. While many Chinese restaurants offer a “House Special” chow mein, this place doesn’t list it on the menu.
- noodlesWe ordered noodles, popcorn chicken, and a rice plate. Our kids enjoyed everything except the rice plate, which we found unappealing due to its unfamiliar taste. The ambiance and atmosphere are excellent, with an efficient "order and occupy" table concept where food is promptly delivered to your table.
- dim sumour first dim sum experience and it was a great one
- soup dumplingsI tried the Curry chicken with rice, popcorn chicken, soup dumplings, and bbq bao, along with a passionfruit tea. Everything was really good, though I wasn't a super fan of the bao, finding a bakery down the street to be better. Overall, I would definitely come back!
- teathe tea very tasty
- Dim SumDim Sum were very fresh and all variants with good taste
- Mongolian beefenjoyed the Mongolian beef
- beef chow funHighly recommend the beef chow fun
- fried bunsfried buns with condensed milk were my favorite
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was shocking. After just two bites of our food, we decided to leave. I don't have words to describe this food experience.
- food qualityvery sad food experience, but the quality was also accordingly poor
- noodlesI paid $95 for just 4 bao buns, one lotus wrapped sticky rice, and noodles. To be honest, frozen dim sum from the grocery store tastes better. I would avoid this restaurant.
- dumplingsWhile the food was okay, I found plenty of better places around Chinatown. The most significant issue was the incredibly overpriced nature of the meal; I paid 30 dollars for 4 tiny trays of dumplings, which were not filling at all and felt more like a snack than an actual lunch. Overall, it was a lackluster experience.
- portionsthe portions are small
- chickenthe chicken had a strange texture
- dim sumthe dim sum to be the worst I have ever eaten
- flavorPanda Express has more flavor.
- orange chickenate the orange chicken was sooooo bad
- Chinese foodHas nothing to do with Chinese food
If you're looking for a quick bite with potentially authentic flavors and a good variety of dumplings, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as some dishes might disappoint with their quality and freshness.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed picture, landing an average score of 4.8, while customer satisfaction sits at a poor 39.6%. Many guests, however, did praise the quick service, attentive staff, and friendly waiters, often noting an efficient ordering process and how fast their food arrived. These positive experiences were highlighted in 42 comments out of 106 total.
On the flip side, a larger number of comments, 57 to be exact, pointed to some significant drawbacks. Customers frequently encountered slow service, unattentive staff, and frustratingly long waiting times. There were also mentions of rude employees and a general lack of good customer service, indicating a need for more consistent and professional interactions.
Service
106
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
57
negative
7
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick food arrival
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Efficient ordering process
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceThe chicken garlic noodle was absolutely bomb, with a super garlicky flavor and perfectly cooked chicken – crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Our server was incredibly attentive, providing great and fast service. I highly recommend this place, and we will definitely be back again.
- staffstaff was very accommodating and friendly
- serverThe server at the counter was helpful in choosing a couple of dishes.
- FoodFood came very fast
- arrivalit arrived in 7’
- cashierWe had the cashier pick out our order and she did a great job
- cooked everything really fastcooked everything really fast
- cool girl up frontThe atmosphere received a 3 out of 5. However, the service was a strong point with a 5 out of 5 rating, particularly the cool girl up front. The price per person was between $1–10.
- experiencehad an amazing experience
- foodThe food came out really quick
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great plates of food. However, the service was slightly slow, so it's advisable to plan accordingly as they tend to get busy. The recommended dish was Dim Sum.
- cleanerThe little guy with a missing tooth (cleaner) called me stupid in Spanish
- waiterThe waiter took quite a bit of time to take our order.
- waiting timesat there waiting for this food. Took forever
- customer serviceThe customer service was horrible, rude waiters
- orderthe order was incorrect
- staffThis restaurant is under new ownership and a new name and didn't honor my online order. The staff showed no interest in fixing this problem for future users, with responses like "it's not my problem" and "I'm not the manager. " Meanwhile, the old store still collects your money.
- waitThe wait is incredibly long
- Google MapsGoogle Maps still references dim sum corner
- acknowledgementdidn't even acknowledge our group
Service here can be a hit or miss; you might get quick, friendly attention, or you could face delays and less-than-stellar interactions. If consistent, top-notch service is crucial for your dining experience, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other places.
Ambience (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.5 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 45.6%. However, many guests appreciate the vibe, with 26 positive remarks out of 57 total. People often praise the atmosphere and find it a kid-friendly restaurant thats clean and spacious with colorful artwork, making it a comfortable and welcoming spot for families or quiet meals.
On the flip side, 20 negative comments highlight areas needing improvement. Concerns include disposable tableware and reports of dirty tables or floors. Some found the spartan decor and cafeteria-like atmosphere lacking, even feeling like a tourist trap' rather than an authentic experience.
The overall impression for these guests was often a lackluster or cheap feel.
Ambience
57
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and spacious
- Kid-friendly restaurant
- Colorful artwork
What people don't like
- Dirty tables/floor
- Disposable tableware
- Cafeteria-like atmosphere
Often praised
- placeI absolutely loved the har gow and the shui mai. I totally recommend this totally banger place. It was 10/10 yummy.
- atmosphereThe food was very tasty, and the prices were good. The open kitchen added to the atmosphere.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- spotI visited this restaurant in May and had an amazing experience. It’s a peaceful and welcoming spot, perfect for enjoying a meal without feeling rushed. I ordered the chow mein with pork and shrimp, along with dumplings, jasmine tea, and apple juice.
- Chinatowngreat little find while my family and I were visiting Chinatown
- accessible to everyoneWe went two days in a row! It's pet friendly and accessible to everyone.
- ambiance and atmosphereThe ambiance and atmosphere are excellent
- clean and spaciousClean and spacious
- colorful artworkplace is a vibe with its colorful artwork
- indoor seatingMy experience at Sum Dim Sum, which has rebranded from its previous name, was a solid value. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with plenty of indoor seating and a convenient bathroom. The staff was kind and helpful, providing excellent recommendations.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereleave the door wide open so the only way to fine comfortably is with your winter jackets on
- authenticityMy experience at this restaurant was just average. While the food was rated a 4 out of 5, and the recommended dish was Bao, the overall authenticity felt a little Americanized. The atmosphere received a 3 out of 5.
- experienceLackluster experience overall
- Einrichtungund an der Einrichtung (Hallenfeeling).
- cockroachDon’t forget the cockroach
- dirty tablestables are dirty
- disposableeverything disposable
- disposable tablewarein Wegwerfgeschirr😔 served
- dubious cleanlinessLocated in the heart of San Francisco's charming Chinatown, this restaurant, despite its spartan decor and dubious cleanliness, offers a sublime culinary experience. The food is very true to the real taste of Chinese cuisine.
- floorfloor is dirty
If youre seeking a casual, clean, and family-friendly spot with an average vibe and dont mind disposable items, this place could fit the bill. However, if authenticity and a polished dining experience are high on your list, you might find the atmosphere a bit underwhelming.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the restaurant's prices to be quite affordable and decent, especially praising the lunch specials and overall quality-price ratio. Out of 39 total experiences, 13 positive comments highlighted that you can find some good deals here, making it a place where you might snag an inexpensive meal. It seems there are moments of genuine affordability.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 33.3%, which is quite poor. Many of the 20 negative comments felt the food was pricey and overpriced for what was served, often citing portions as too small. The average score of 4.6 suggests a mixed bag, but the payment system also caused frustration for some, adding to the perception of poor value.
Value
39
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch specials
- Good quality-price
- Decent prices
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Portions too small
- Payment system issues
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are decent
- pricethis was tender steak pieces... so worth it.
- affordableit is affordable
- food pricefood is pretty cheap
- lunch specialsenjoyed the lunch specials, which are a great deal
- menuThis food place is lovely and suitable for all groups. The menu and pricing are straightforward and reasonable. We ordered noodles, popcorn chicken, and a rice plate.
- pricingThis food place is lovely and suitable for all groups. The menu and pricing are straightforward and reasonable. We ordered noodles, popcorn chicken, and a rice plate.
- quality-price ratiocalidad precio está genial
- quick, inexpensive dinnercome back for a quick, inexpensive dinner
- valueMy experience at Sum Dim Sum, which has rebranded from its previous name, was a solid value. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with plenty of indoor seating and a convenient bathroom.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by some really tasty dumplings and Bao buns. However, I would have appreciated a bit more dumplings per service for the price 😉.
- overpricedIncredibly overpriced
- MastercardMy experience at this restaurant was frustrating due to their payment policies. They were not accepting Mastercard and also refused cash. I felt like I was wasting my time trying to convince them to take my money.
- PricePaid $95 for 4 bao buns, one lotus wrapped sticky rice and noodles
- Price per personEach person spent around $20-$30 for frozen food essentially.
- cashwon't take my cash
- charge in advanceWe couldn’t eat anything we ordered. They charge you in advance, which is something to know before you go in and order.
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I found the dim sum to be the worst I have ever eaten, and it was also incredibly expensive. To make matters worse, the food wasn't even served hot and steamed, which is a fundamental expectation for dim sum.
- payment systemThe food was very tasty. However, when it came time to pay, their system went down, and they tried to charge us double. We showed them proof of payment on our bank app, and the bank confirmed the payment, but the cashier was very rude and even threatened to call the police.
- pricesprices were way over expensive
If youre looking for a quick, inexpensive lunch special, you might find a decent deal here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices for regular menu items and be aware of possible payment system issues. Its a bit of a gamble on value, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Sum Dim Sum?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is around 21, many guests actually spend a bit less, often in the 11-20 $ range. This suggests a nice blend of more budget-friendly options and those mid-range meals.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 97 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find something delicious whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more complete meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sum Dim Sum
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Great Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by great plates of food. However, the service was slightly slow, so it's advisable to plan accordingly as they tend to get busy. The recommended dish was Dim Sum.
- plates of food9
- service4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good food, but order was incomplete
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a score of 4 out of 5. However, there was an issue with the service as they forgot part of my order and didn't mention it.
This led to a less than ideal situation, impacting the overall experience. The service received a score of 2 out of 5 due to this oversight.
- food8
- service2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
1
Terrible Experience: Frozen Food and Rude Staff
My family and I visited for dinner, and from the start, things were not right. The waiter took a considerable amount of time to take our order. When the food arrived, it looked as though it had been frozen and then reheated in a microwave.
Each of us spent approximately $20-$30 for what was essentially frozen food. My sister was taking photos of the food to help promote the business, as there seemed to be a lack of promotion, when a cleaner with a missing tooth insulted my sister in Spanish, assuming we wouldn't understand. We brought this to the server's attention, who laughed along with the cleaner.
He offered no apology and acted oblivious to the situation. A couple who arrived shortly after we left also immediately departed due to poor service. I absolutely would not recommend this restaurant; there are definitely better options available.
- waiter2
- food1
- frozen food1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Terrible Service and Frozen Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I visited with my girlfriend and her sister. The waiter took forever to even offer us drinks, and the food did not seem to be made fresh at all.
The dumplings and pot stickers tasted and looked frozen. To make matters worse, the cleaner was making fun of my girlfriend for taking pictures of our food, which she intended to post as a positive review. However, after the way we were treated and the disgusting food, I don't believe they deserve business until they learn proper customer service skills and manners.
The employees are RUDE!
- waiter1
- food1
- dumplings1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Mid Food, Awful Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was generally mid, with the dumplings tasting frozen and the garlic noodles being too salty and borderline cold. The potstickers were the only decent item.
However, the service was incredibly weird and unprofessional. Despite the lack of other customers, the waiter took a long time to take our order. To make matters worse, a cleaner with a missing tooth called me stupid in Spanish for taking pictures of my food, and both he and the waiter laughed at me.
When we confronted the waiter, he feigned ignorance and offered no apology. Another couple witnessed this and left immediately due to the poor service. I would not recommend this place unless you're looking for mediocre food and a humiliating experience.
- potstickers7
- dumplings2
- garlic noodles3
- service1
What Sum Dim Sum offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Sum Dim Sum?
At Sum Dim Sum, you can enjoy a casual atmosphere perfect for various dining options. You’ll find seating available for brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile spot. They also offer outdoor seating, dine-in service, and convenient delivery for your preference.
Is Sum Dim Sum suitable for families, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Sum Dim Sum is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a family-friendly choice. When it comes to payments, you can easily settle your bill using credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free experience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Sum Dim Sum?
Sum Dim Sum has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 46.7%, indicating a mixed experience. While the Food (5.9) is often praised, Service (4.8), Ambience (5.5), and Value (4.6) receive more varied feedback.
Are there any common complaints about Sum Dim Sum?
Some customers have reported issues with cleanliness, including dirty tables and floors, and the use of disposable tableware. There have also been complaints about payment difficulties and occasional rude staff interactions.
Is Sum Dim Sum considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices decent and lunch specials affordable, others have described the restaurant as overpriced, citing small portions and payment system issues.