Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » U:Dessert Story – San Francisco
U:Dessert Story - San Francisco
Photo from U:Dessert Story
U:Dessert Story at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍰 Dessert Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 136 of the guests
#1512 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Dessert Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
734
Reviews
69.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative desserts
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant U: Dessert Story, a delightful dessert restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, offers you an exceptional culinary experience. You’ll discover why it’s celebrated for its great dessert, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving a sweet escape.
This cozy and casual establishment invites you to unwind and enjoy its trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely treat.
Overview: Introducting U:Dessert Story
U: Dessert Story offers a visually appealing experience, with many finding the desserts to be quite delightful, especially items like the shaved ice and Thai tea crepe cake . The presentation often receives praise, making for an attractive treat.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the actual quality of certain dishes and the overall portion size for the cost. The atmosphere is generally considered pleasant, though it can sometimes be a bit loud.
Good
7.2
out of 10
734
Reviews
69.6%
Satisfaction
179
negative
44
neutral
511
positive
U: Dessert Story garners a respectable 7.2 overall score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 69.6%, indicating a somewhat mixed reception where some aspects clearly shine while others leave room for improvement.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 734 customer observations, with 511 positive remarks outweighing 179 negative ones. The Food (7.7) is a strong point, often praised for its creative offerings, though some find the quality inconsistent.
Ambience (7.0) also contributes positively, described as a cute spot with good vibes . Service (6.8) is generally efficient and welcoming.
The primary area for concern is Value (3.4), which many customers perceive as quite high for the offerings.
What people like
- Creative, delicious desserts
- Appealing presentation
- Pleasant, cute ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, low value
- Significant hygiene issues
- Loud music, crowded
If you’re seeking a visually appealing dessert experience with a generally pleasant setting, U: Dessert Story could be a worthwhile stop. The Recommendation Score of 7.6 suggests that many leave feeling satisfied, particularly with the unique sweet treats on offer.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and some variability in food quality. While the service is often quick, the value proposition might not align with everyone’s expectations.
It’s a place to consider for a specific dessert craving, but perhaps not for an everyday indulgence.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Dessert Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
487
85%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
196
78.1%
- $$
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.5
out of 10
out of 10
342
75.4%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.3
out of 10
out of 10
569
72.1%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
460
67%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
464
64.4%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on U:Dessert Story
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, theres a lot to love, with a good score of 7.7 and 77.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests, totaling 358 positive remarks, rave about the sheer creativity and variety of desserts, from delicious crepe cakes to amazing bingsu. The beautiful presentation and often balanced flavors, avoiding excessive sweetness, truly stand out, making every dish a delightful experience.
However, based on 77 critical comments, some experiences werent as sweet. A few found dishes to be overly sweet or, conversely, lacking in flavor, with issues like raw mangoes or an artificial taste. There were also serious concerns about potential allergic reactions, suggesting inconsistencies in ingredient handling or labeling.
Food
462
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
77
negative
27
neutral
358
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, varied desserts
- Beautiful presentation
- Balanced flavors
What people don't like
- Can be too sweet
- Inconsistent flavor
- Allergic reaction risk
Often praised
- foodWe went as a party of 4 and found that 3 platters were the perfect amount. The service is quick and the food is great. The dining area is small and can feel a bit crowded, but since it's more of a quick stop, it's understandable and not a major complaint.
- dessertsThe service was quick and the atmosphere was not cramped, providing a comfortable dining experience. They served delicious desserts like shaved ice, waffles, and cakes.
- FoodFood:5
- Thai tea crepe cakeThai tea crepe cake was one of the best cakes I have had in my life
- presentationI would have preferred more fruit, and I sorely missed the caramelization of bananas that other desserts offer. However, the bread was perfectly toasted and the presentation was beautiful. Initially, I was considering a three-star rating for atmosphere due to the freaky and unreasonably loud music.
- shaved icethe way the shaved ice looked like a work of art
- dessertI do love the dessert here, and the taste always hits the spot
- mango sticky rice bingsoomango sticky rice bingsoo was very delicious
- portionsportions are extremely shareable
- bingsuThe bingsu was so delicate and it struck e right balance
Frequently criticized
- dessertsThere's definitely a huge wow visual factor with the dishes. However, for the price, I'd go somewhere else for better desserts. If you do decide to come here, the croffle is probably skippable, especially the salted egg yolk version, as it didn't have much impact and the salted egg flavor was super washed out.
- portion sizeThe positive reviews are from then. Portions are less than half of what they were and the price has gone up a ton. I paid $50 for a small bowl of flavorless mango sticky rice bingsoo and a slice of pie.
- FoodFood:1
- amount of sugarThe portions are massive, but this seems to be a crutch for a lack of flavor, as they rely heavily on a massive amount of sugar to make the desserts palatable. The sheer amount of sugar in everything is offensive to the palate. While large portions can be a positive, here they felt like a way to mask underlying issues.
- bobaboba is fried heavily in butter
- foodthe food doesn’t taste good at all
- qualityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the Thai tea crepe dish, which was super pricey yet of mediocre quality. I will not be returning.
- Mango Sticky Rice BingsuMango sticky rise bingsu was theoretically suppose to be good, but we had raw mangoes - so it was sour!
- Monster ToastI got the monster toast this time and in the description it’s suppose to come with snickers and ferrero rocher but I did not taste or see any on the dessert.
- Thai tea crepe dishThai tea crepe dish...mediocre quality
If you're seeking unique, visually stunning desserts with a wide array of creative options, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might lean towards the sweeter side or have inconsistent flavors, and those with allergies should exercise caution.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The service here generally gets a 6.8 score, which is good, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62.5%. Many guests, in 75 positive remarks out of 120, rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick seating. You can often expect fast service, warm greetings, and helpful recommendations from the team.
However, some experiences, noted in 38 negative comments, point to challenges with ordering via apps or QR codes, leading to communication breakdowns. There have also been instances of long wait times, unprofessional waitress attitudes, and issues with mandated tips, suggesting service quality can sometimes be inconsistent.
Service
120
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
38
negative
7
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, fast service
- Warm greetings
What people don't like
- Digital ordering issues
- Inconsistent communication
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceHowever, I was sorry to see what appeared to be a smaller portion for a higher price than my last visit last year. The service was excellent (5/5) and the food quality was also top-notch (5/5). The atmosphere was rated 4/5.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The variety of desserts they offer is amazing, and the staff is just so nice and helpful. I was particularly impressed with the dessert selection, and the service made the visit even more enjoyable.
- ServiceService is quick
- serverour server was attentive and kept refilling our waters
- serversthe servers are nice
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- chefStarting from the dessert to the drink, I thought I was back in Asia. Props to the chef who made me felt back home in SF. You should give it a try!
- customer servicecustomer service from staff is very welcoming
- fast servicethe service is fast
- greeted warmlyThe restaurant was adorable, with several tables of happy customers enjoying tea and desserts upon my arrival. I was greeted warmly and waited upon immediately. I ordered a slice of the young coconut pandan crepe cake to go.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and generous portions. While the dessert was a bit pricey and the service was a tad slow, I would definitely come back again.
- ServiceService:1
- communicationIt is a bit confusing and would've been remedied by better communication.
- staffTwo noticed us but for some reason decided to not come over to help.
- QR codeI doubt they have physical menus, and you'll need your phone to access theirs, potentially using a touchscreen outside in the cold. It's crucial to use the correct QR code for your table. The prices are also a bit high, though that's typical for San Francisco, and you are paying for the presentation.
- Yelp waitlistthe yelp waitlist stuff doesn't work, or, at least, they didn't honor it
- collect their tipasked to close us out so they could collect their tip
- deliberate effortseemed like a deliberate effort
- digital menusthey have digital menus but didn't want to use it because it set off my anti virus
- food to come outIt took a bit for our food to come out
Overall, the service can be a pleasant experience with friendly, attentive staff, making it worth a visit. However, be prepared for potential hiccups with digital ordering or occasional inconsistencies in speed and communication, which might disappoint some.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, earning a 7 for its good atmosphere. With 76 positive remarks out of 115 total, many customers praise the cozy place, cute spot, and Instagram worthy aesthetic. Reviewers often highlight the inviting atmosphere and clean space, making it a popular spot for friends and special occasions.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.1%, reflecting some notable downsides from 31 negative comments. Concerns frequently arise about tight seating, a loud environment, and crowded conditions. Patrons also mentioned parking difficulties and past hygiene issues, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
115
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
31
negative
8
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Cute aesthetic
- Instagram-worthy
What people don't like
- Tight seating
- Loud environment
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good service and the pleasant atmosphere. The food had a unique taste, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a bite of sweetness.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spacethe space itself is spacious and well-maintained
- cozy placeIt is a cozy place
- cute spotreally cute spot to come with friends
- vibesThe food was great, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5. Overall, a wonderful experience with great vibes.
- Instagram worthyvery Instagram worthy!
- aestheticplace has a nice aesthetic
- ambianceIt's a cute ambiance but seating can be a bit tight.
- ambienceAmazing ambience
Frequently criticized
- musicthe music freaky but it was unreasonably loud
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- conversationit’s kind of hard to hold a conversation though.
- parkingVery challenging to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chairschairs were not the comfortable
- crowdedcan get really crowded
- flashing LED lightsToo many flashing LED lights
- floorrats and roaches on the floor
- food prep traysrats and roaches on the food prep trays
If you're seeking a cute, cozy, and Instagrammable spot for desserts and good company, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tight seating, a lively (read: loud) atmosphere, and some parking challenges, especially during peak hours.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests (2 out of 37 comments) found some silver linings, noting that the pricing was fair and offered good portions. It seems a small number of diners appreciated the overall price point for what they received. However, the overwhelming sentiment (33 comments) points to significant concerns.
With a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a mere 5.4%, value is clearly a major sticking point. Many felt items were pricey or on the expensive side, especially desserts, and the mandated 20% tip was a frequent complaint, leading to an overall feeling of being overpriced.
Value
37
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
33
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small portions
- Mandatory tip
Often praised
- priceGood portions for the price
- pricingThe pricing was also fair
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was delicious as always. However, I was sorry to see what appeared to be a smaller portion for a higher price than my last visit last year. The service was excellent (5/5) and the food quality was also top-notch (5/5).
- dessertThe presentation is 10/10. I would say this place is on the pricey side when it comes to dessert, with ~$15 for a small slice of cake being on the $$$ side. However, all the flavors are very unique and delicious.
- pricestheir prices are kinda pricey for dessert
- priceydelicious deliciousness pricey
- PricesPrices are kind of pricey for what you get
- billTwo desserts and a matcha drink came out to about $60. It’s definitely not worth it
- expensive sideThe cafe is more on the expensive side
- mandated 20% tipappalled to see the mandated 20% tip
- overpricedit’s still overpriced
- pricyIt's a bit pricy
If you're sensitive to price, this spot might be a tough sell, as many found it overpriced for the portions and quality. Be prepared for potentially high costs, especially for desserts, and a mandatory tip, which could disappoint those seeking good value.
How are the prices at U:Dessert Story?
On average, you’ll spend around 25 per person – from 136 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Dessert Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While 25 is the average, we see a good mix of spending habits; many guests opt for the $11–$20 range, but a significant number also enjoy the $21–$30 bracket, showing a nice spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 136 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Dessert Restaurant in San Francisco, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It offers options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range appeal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about U:Dessert Story
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Decent Late-Night Sweet Treat
I visited for a quick dessert and ordered the chocolate matcha lava cake. While it wasn't bad, the center was very gooey but surprisingly not warm, which was a bit of a letdown. It was served with a scoop of matcha ice cream, which was just okay.
Overall, the experience was fine, but I found it a bit overpriced for the size of the dessert. Personally, I wouldn't return, but if you're craving something sweet late at night, it's a decent place.
- chocolate matcha lava cake5
- matcha ice cream5
- center4
- size of the dessert4
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Bing Soo and Friendly Staff
My experience at the restaurant was for a company event. The Bing soo was super good! The staff is friendly and kind, especially with nut allergies.
- Bing soo10
- staff9
- nut allergy9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Delicious Crepe Cake and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite positive. I tried the coconut pandan crepe cake, which was good with a perfect ratio of cream and crepe. The service was very friendly, and the staff were attentive, frequently refilling water.
However, the music inside was a bit loud, making it somewhat difficult to hold a conversation.
- coconut pandan crepe cake8
- ratio of cream and crepe10
- service9
- music4
- conversation4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Mixed Feelings on Dessert Menu
Our experience at U: Dessert Story, a dessert-only establishment, started on a positive note. The service was welcoming and polite, and the space itself is spacious and well-maintained, including a clean and accessible restroom. However, where we found room for improvement is the menu structure.
The dessert offerings vary dramatically in portion size. Some items are large enough to be shared by a small group, while others are modest, single-person servings. The confusing part is that the portion size seems entirely disconnected from the price.
A small, delicate dessert might carry a similar price tag to a much larger, shareable one, which makes it difficult to gauge value when ordering. Overall, the welcoming service and pleasant environment are definite strengths. However, the inconsistency in the menu's pricing relative to portion size is a significant drawback that could lead to customer confusion or disappointment.
As ordinary consumers, we are not paid or compensated in any way for this review. We offer this feedback in the hope that it can help both the business and future patrons.
- service9
- space8
- portion size5
- menu structure3
- price3
- value3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Thai Tea Treats!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The thai tea lava toast, thai tea crepe cake, and potato wedges definitely hit the spot! 🙂↕️
- thai tea lava toast9
- thai tea crepe cake9
- potato wedges9
What U:Dessert Story offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at U:Dessert Story?
When you visit U:Dessert Story, you’ll find a wonderfully cozy and casual atmosphere. It’s also known for being a trendy spot in San Francisco’s Duboce Triangle, perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a sweet treat in a comfortable setting. You’ll feel right at home.
What service options are available at U:Dessert Story?
U:Dessert Story offers you a variety of convenient service options. You can enjoy onsite services, dine-in, or opt for outdoor seating. Takeout and delivery services are also available, ensuring you can savor their great desserts and coffee wherever you are. Reservations are accepted for your planning convenience.
What are the main strengths of U:Dessert Story?
Customers frequently praise the creative and delicious desserts, often highlighting their beautiful presentation. The ambiance is also generally considered pleasant and inviting.
What are the common concerns customers have about U:Dessert Story?
The most frequent concerns revolve around the high prices and perceived low value for money. Some customers also note issues with noise, crowding, and significant hygiene concerns.
How does U:Dessert Story generally score with customers?
U:Dessert Story holds a **7.2** overall score, indicating a good experience for many. **Food** scores well at (7.7), as does **Ambience** (7.0) and **Service** (6.8). However, **Value** (3.4) is a notable area for improvement.