Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Today Food – San Francisco
Today Food - San Francisco
Photo from Today Food
Today Food at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#308 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#51 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
414
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Dumplings
- Efficient Service
Frequently criticized
- Small Space
- Value Concerns
The restaurant Today Food in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood is a casual spot where you can enjoy a delightful meal. You’ll find a focus on fresh, organic dishes and an inviting atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience, this restaurant offers a diverse menu of small plates designed to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Today Food
Today Food offers a genuine culinary experience, particularly noted for its well-prepared dishes. Guests frequently praise the dumplings for their delicate and balanced flavors, alongside a quick and efficient service.
The staff are often described as friendly, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. While the overall experience is positive, some aspects could see improvement.
The dining space is often described as small, with limited attention to decor. There are also occasional concerns regarding hygiene in food handling and some mixed feedback on value.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
414
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
48
negative
24
neutral
342
positive
Today Food generally earns high marks, reflected in its strong Restaurant Score of 8.4. This positive sentiment is echoed by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.6%, indicating a largely contented clientele.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring particularly well (8.7), drawing significant positive comments from 342 patrons out of 414 total remarks. The Service also performs commendably (8.6), often described as efficient and welcoming.
However, the Ambience (7.4) receives a good but slightly lower score, with some finding the space a bit constrained. The primary area for consideration is Value (5.9), which falls into the average range, suggesting some guests feel the pricing could be more competitive.
What people like
- Authentic, balanced dumplings
- Quick, friendly service
- Genuine atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small dining space
- Value concerns
- Occasional hygiene issues
Today Food presents a compelling option if you’re seeking well-crafted, authentic dishes, particularly their renowned dumplings, served with commendable efficiency. The overall experience leans strongly positive, reflected in a solid Recommendation Score of 8.6.
However, be prepared for a potentially snug dining area and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations. If you prioritize flavorful food and prompt service over spacious surroundings or budget-friendly options, this spot is certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Today Food
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food at this spot truly shines, boasting a fantastic score of 8.7 and an impressive 87.8% customer satisfaction. Based on 231 positive remarks out of 263 total, diners consistently rave about the incredible handmade dumplings and chive pancakes, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and authentic Chinese flavors. It's clear the culinary care makes a big difference here.
However, a smaller number of 22 negative comments point to a few areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes bland or too doughy, with mentions of an unsatisfying pork texture or a dry T Burger. While these critiques are few, they offer a balanced perspective on the overall food experience.
Food
263
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
22
negative
10
neutral
231
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade fresh dumplings
- Authentic Chinese flavors
- Fresh ingredients used
What people don't like
- Some dishes bland
- Doughy texture noted
- Dry T Burger
Often praised
- foodThe Pork Filled Dumplings were a standout. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5. The meal was lunch, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- dumplingsLocated in the heart of picturesque Chinatown, it immediately wins you over with its genuine atmosphere and the visible preparation of dumplings, made fresh daily right behind the glass. The menu is essential, focusing mainly on dumplings, offered in various versions, among which those served in broth stand out: delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The service is quick and efficient, with friendly and welcoming staff who contribute to making the experience even more pleasant.
- cucumber saladThe food itself was very authentic and truly amazing! We enjoyed the dumpling soup, green onion pancakes, potstickers, and the cucumber salad. The waiter's assistance in adjusting our dipping sauce to the perfect level of spiciness was a highlight, resulting in a perfect meal!
- potstickersThe food itself was very authentic and truly amazing! We enjoyed the dumpling soup, green onion pancakes, potstickers, and the cucumber salad. The waiter's assistance in adjusting our dipping sauce to the perfect level of spiciness was a highlight, resulting in a perfect meal!
- chive pancakeWe ordered dumplings, chive pancake, and t-burger. Incredible food!
- chive pancakeschive pancakes... everything was absolutely delicious
- pork and cabbage dumplingsI ordered the pork and cabbage dumplings and the cucumber salad, and I'm still thinking about both. The dumplings were absolutely perfect—plump, juicy, and wrapped in delicate, chewy skins that taste unmistakably handmade. The filling had just the right balance of savory pork and cabbage, and the dumplings came bathed in a light, fragrant broth, topped with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- soup dumplingssoup dumplings were all fantastically flavored
- FoodAbsolutely amazing food!
- T burgerT burger – everything was absolutely delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was completely disappointing, bland, oily, and insipid
- T burgerT burger though expecting a xi’an rou jia ma. Taste nothing like it’s suppose to
- fillingThe texture of the pork was unsatisfying, and the meat wasn't as fragrant as I expect from handmade dumplings. The filling wasn't that juicy, and the sauerkraut wasn't very flavorful or sour. Overall, the food was okay, but not extraordinary.
- T BurgerThe T Burger (pork sandwich) I don’t recommend
- breadI expected the bread to be fried and flaky.
- dim sumThe kind of dim sum you want to drown in soy sauce
- handmade dumplingsI really enjoyed the shrimp and chive dumpling soup, but unfortunately, the pork and cabbage dumplings and pork and sauerkraut potstickers were a bit underwhelming. The texture of the pork was unsatisfying, and the meat wasn't as fragrant as I expect from handmade dumplings. The filling wasn't that juicy, and the sauerkraut wasn't very flavorful or sour.
- pork and cabbage dumplingsMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I really enjoyed the shrimp and chive dumpling soup, but unfortunately, the pork and cabbage dumplings and pork and sauerkraut potstickers were a bit underwhelming. The texture of the pork was unsatisfying, and the meat wasn't as fragrant as I expect from handmade dumplings.
- pork and sauerkraut potstickersMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I really enjoyed the shrimp and chive dumpling soup, but unfortunately, the pork and cabbage dumplings and pork and sauerkraut potstickers were a bit underwhelming. The texture of the pork was unsatisfying, and the meat wasn't as fragrant as I expect from handmade dumplings.
- pork sandwichI found the pork and cabbage dumplings to be delicious, especially with soy sauce and the chili oil. However, I do not recommend the T Burger (pork sandwich) as it was a little too dry.
If you're craving delicious, authentic Chinese food, especially handmade dumplings and chive pancakes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Despite a few minor critiques about texture or seasoning, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a truly satisfying meal awaits you.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the service here! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction hitting a fantastic 88.3%, its clear most diners are having a great experience. Out of 77 comments, 68 highlight the friendly people, kind service, and impressive speed of service, often leading to a quick reliable dinner.
Many praise the staff as super nice, attentive, and welcoming. However, it's not entirely without its bumps. The 8 negative comments mention a few concerns, such as issues with restroom access, occasional order accuracy problems, and some staff attention lapses.
There were also a couple of hygiene worries regarding food handling, which is definitely something to be mindful of.
Service
77
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, fast service
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Restroom access denied
- Order accuracy issues
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceThe menu is essential, focusing mainly on dumplings, offered in various versions, among which those served in broth stand out: delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The service is quick and efficient, with friendly and welcoming staff who contribute to making the experience even more pleasant. An ideal spot for those who wish to enjoy a simple but authentic meal, immersed in the lively atmosphere of one of the city's most iconic areas.
- staffThe menu is essential, focusing mainly on dumplings, offered in various versions, among which those served in broth stand out: delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The service is quick and efficient, with friendly and welcoming staff who contribute to making the experience even more pleasant. An ideal spot for those who wish to enjoy a simple but authentic meal, immersed in the lively atmosphere of one of the city's most iconic areas.
- ownerI enjoyed the authentic atmosphere and the delicious food. The owner was very kind and welcoming, contributing to a very good experience. I highly recommend their authentic Chinese food!
- peoplethe people there were so friendly
- wait timeThe dumplings were exceptional, truly some of the best I've had. The service was also great, with no wait time, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Overall, a highly recommended spot for a delicious meal.
- ServiceThey let my wife keep those so we got a free order of those too.
- service speedEverything was served quickly
- waiterThe waiter was absolutely amazing with describing the different dishes
- cashierThe cashier was so friendly
- customer servicecustomer service was very friendly and prompt
Frequently criticized
- ServiceThey made a mistake with the potstickers and brought out chicken ones.
- adamant that I didn’t payadamant that I didn’t pay
- cashierthe cashier was very rude
- handling foodI was impressed that they use organic ingredients and offer vegan-friendly options, which is a big plus. The only downside I observed was seeing the owners use their hands while handling food, which raises some hygiene concerns.
- order accuracymessed up adding item I didn't order
- restroom accessrefused for my husband and kid to use their restroom
- staff attentionGuy that took my order was more concerned about his phone than my order
- take outI ordered take out based on the very high rating
If youre seeking a spot with genuinely friendly staff and impressively quick service, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be minor, isolated issues with order accuracy or specific requests, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely leave happy.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
This spot offers a truly charming experience when it comes to ambience! Many customers rave about the authentic atmosphere, character and authenticity, and overall cleanliness, often highlighting its convenient location and homey-ness. With a good score of 7.4 and a respectable 60.4% customer satisfaction, it's clear the vibe resonates well, as seen in 32 positive remarks out of 53 total.
However, not everyone is completely won over. Some find the small place a bit challenging, noting limited indoor seating and a general lack of attention to decor. There were even a few mentions of a dirty outdoor table.
These points, accounting for 10 negative opinions, suggest that while the core atmosphere is loved, the practicalities of the dining space could use some improvement.
Ambience
53
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
10
negative
11
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Spotless environment
- Cozy, homey feel
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Small dining room
- Sparse decor
Often praised
- atmosphereThe place is very small, but full of character and authenticity. Located in the heart of picturesque Chinatown, it immediately wins you over with its genuine atmosphere and the visible preparation of dumplings, made fresh daily right behind the glass. The menu is essential, focusing mainly on dumplings, offered in various versions, among which those served in broth stand out: delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentThe products were fresh and the staff were extremely smiling. The ravioli were made right in front of me in an extremely clean environment. The dining room was the only downside, with only three tables and little attention paid to the decor.
- authentic atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed the authentic atmosphere and the delicious food. The owner was very kind and welcoming, contributing to a very good experience.
- character and authenticityThe place is very small, but full of character and authenticity. Located in the heart of picturesque Chinatown, it immediately wins you over with its genuine atmosphere and the visible preparation of dumplings, made fresh daily right behind the glass.
- cleanlinessEverything so fresh and clean
- convenient locationSuper convenient that the bus is right next to this restaurant
- cute little shopcute little shop and they even have martinellis apple juice
- everythingLiterally everything about this place is perfect
- experienceTop experience!!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- decorThe ravioli were made right in front of me in an extremely clean environment. The dining room was the only downside, with only three tables and little attention paid to the decor. However, the essential was on the plate ❤️🤤.
- dining roomThe ravioli were made right in front of me in an extremely clean environment. The dining room was the only downside, with only three tables and little attention paid to the decor. However, the essential was on the plate ❤️🤤.
- dirty outdoor tableeat at a dirty outdoor table
- disposable plastic utensilseating in disposable plastic utensils takes away from the experience
- indoor seatingThe indoor doesn't have enough tables.
- restaurantThe restaurant is a bit small
- room to sitPlace is small inside not much room to sit
- seatIt might be hard to find a seat.
- tablesThe ravioli were made right in front of me in an extremely clean environment. The dining room was the only downside, with only three tables and little attention paid to the decor. However, the essential was on the plate ❤️🤤.
If youre seeking an authentic, cozy spot with character and dont mind a potentially small space, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if ample seating and elaborate decor are high on your priority list, you might find it a bit cramped.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the prices quite reasonable, often highlighting good value for the price and affordable prices. Some even noted that a $20 meal felt generous enough for two people, making it a great deal. With 11 positive remarks out of 21 total, there's a clear appreciation for what you get for your money, contributing to a 52.4% customer satisfaction.
However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.9. While many found the price fair, others felt certain items were too expensive or not worth it. Concerns about USD to AUD conversion issues and feeling like they scam you due to billing errors, like being charged me for a Coke instead of water, were also raised in 8 negative remarks.
Value
21
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Prices too high
- Billing issues
- Feeling scammed
Often praised
- pricesThe prices were also amazing
- priceThe price and speed if servig were great
- value for moneyGreat value for money
- $20$20 felt like enough food for at least 2 people
- good value for the priceGood value for the price
Frequently criticized
- USD to AUD conversionUSD to AUD conversion made the 2 items $48
- charged me for a CokeMy girlfriend ended up paying again to resolve the situation and get our food. Later, when I went to pay for a water bottle (as they don't offer free water), she charged me for a Coke, claiming it was the same price, which made no sense. Overall, the place felt mediocre, and I felt like they were trying to scam customers.
- charged me for me and my girlfriends foodShe charged me for me and my girlfriends food
- paid againMy girlfriend went ahead and paid again
- potstickersnot worth $11
- priceThe price is a little too high.
- scallion pancake$6 seems steep for the size.
- scam youthey try to scam you
Overall, this spot offers a mixed bag on value. While many find the prices quite reasonable and portions generous, others have encountered issues with perceived overpricing or confusing billing practices. If you're seeking generally affordable prices and good value for money, it might be worth a try, but keep an eye on your bill.
How are the prices at Today Food?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, most diners stick to this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing a clear preference for value around the average price.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a restaurant in San Francisco. It hits a sweet spot that offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Today Food
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Flavors and Prompt Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything was served quickly, fresh, and hot. I particularly enjoyed the chive pancake, dumplings, and soup dumplings, all of which were fantastically flavored.
While I appreciated trying the potato salad, I wasn't a fan of its texture, finding it quite vinegar-based. The customer service was very friendly and prompt! I would recommend this place to anyone!
- chive pancake9
- dumplings9
- soup dumplings9
- potato salad4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Fresh Food, Limited Space
I had a very good experience at this small restaurant. The products were fresh and the staff were extremely smiling. The ravioli were made right in front of me in an extremely clean environment.
The dining room was the only downside, with only three tables and little attention paid to the decor. However, the essential was on the plate ❤️🤤.
- products9
- staff10
- ravioli9
- dining room3
- tables3
- decor4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Chive Pancake and Soup Dumplings!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend stopping here to get the chive pancake. Slathering it in chili oil made it even more delicious.
The soup dumplings were also incredible. For $20, I felt like I received enough food for at least two people, and every bite was delicious!
- chive pancake10
- soup dumplings9
- enough food8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Chinatown Dumpling Gem
Following the positive Google reviews, we visited this restaurant and were definitely not disappointed. It's a true 'hole in the wall' establishment in the heart of Chinatown. We watched two ladies prepare the dumplings fresh right before our eyes.
The three different kinds of dumplings we tried were amazing. In a neighborhood with hundreds of small restaurants, this one truly stands out for its quality and taste. We highly recommend it.
- dumplings10
- quality9
- taste9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Veggie Dumplings!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the veggie dumplings. They were filled with carrot, tofu, and rice noodles, and were incredibly tender and flavorful. I highly recommend pairing them with the chili crunch and soy sauce.
:)
- veggie dumplings10
- chili crunch9
- soy sauce9
What Today Food offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Today Food in San Francisco?
At Today Food, you can enjoy a full range of dining options throughout the day. The restaurant serves delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile choice for any time you’re looking to eat out.
Is Today Food a suitable restaurant for families with children?
Yes, Today Food is considered a good option for kids. Its casual atmosphere and diverse menu, including quick bites and small plates, make it a welcoming environment for families dining together in Union Square.
How does Today Food generally rate among customers?
Today Food holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 82.6%. Its Food (8.7) and Service (8.6) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.4) is good, and Value (5.9) is considered average.
What are the standout dishes at Today Food?
Customers frequently praise the dumplings, describing them as delicate, balanced, and authentically prepared. Other popular items include the cucumber salad and green onion pancakes.
Is Today Food suitable for a comfortable dining experience?
While the atmosphere has character, many guests note the dining space is quite small with limited seating and decor. It might be better suited for a quick meal rather than a leisurely one.