Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » United Dumplings – San Francisco
United Dumplings - San Francisco
Photo from United Dumplings
United Dumplings at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#945 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#49 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
514
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dumpling quality
- Attentive staff
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Parking difficulty
- Cleanliness issues
- Extended waits
The Chinese restaurant United Dumplings in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District offers you a delightful culinary journey. You’ll find yourself in a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and diverse dumpling offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or even brunch, United Dumplings provides a welcoming setting for you to savor every dish.
Overview: Introducting United Dumplings
United Dumplings often earns praise for its core offerings, with many finding the dumplings and other dishes to be genuinely delicious food. Guests frequently commend the friendly service, noting the staff’s attentiveness and welcoming approach.
The overall dining experience often leaves a positive impression. However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with the service which can sometimes fall short.
While the food generally satisfies, a few find certain items underwhelming. Additionally, finding Parking can be a challenge, impacting the overall convenience for some visitors.
Good
7.7
out of 10
514
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
91
negative
18
neutral
405
positive
Looking at the overall picture, United Dumplings holds a solid 7.7 score, backed by a strong 78.8% customer satisfaction rate. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners.
The Food (7.9) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and flavor, as evidenced by a high volume of positive comments. Value (8) also stands out, with many appreciating the reasonable pricing for what’s offered.
The Service (7.4) is generally well-regarded, though some experiences vary. The Ambience (6.8) provides a pleasant, comfortable setting, even if it’s not the primary draw.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 514 customer observations, with 405 positive remarks outweighing 91 negative ones, offering a credible snapshot of the dining experience here.
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Friendly service
- Good value
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Hygiene concerns
- Long wait times
With a strong 8 recommendation score, United Dumplings is certainly worth considering, especially if you appreciate well-crafted dumplings and good value. While the food and pricing generally impress, be mindful that service experiences can vary.
It’s a place that often delivers on its core promise of tasty fare. If you’re seeking a casual spot with a cozy atmosphere and don’t mind potential parking challenges, you’ll likely find a satisfying meal here.
It’s a solid choice for a flavorful and affordable dumpling experience, making it a reliable option for many.
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Verdict: Our expert take on United Dumplings
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.9 score and a strong 80.2% customer satisfaction. With 264 positive comments out of 329, diners frequently rave about the delicious dumplings, freshness, and authenticity. Many find the portions satisfying and the food super fresh, offering a delightful variety of flavorful dishes that often feel like a home-cooked meal.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some found portions small, and a few mentioned thick or doughy dumpling wrappers. There were also comments about food being too salty or oily, or occasionally bland.
A handful of experiences noted food that wasn't fresh or had a strange taste, with some sauces feeling watered down.
Food
329
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
49
negative
16
neutral
264
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh dumplings
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Generous, satisfying portions
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Doughy dumpling wrappers
- Salty or bland food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly memorable, thanks to the exceptional service provided by Steven and the yummy food. The Sichuan dumplings and Grandma potstickers were absolutely to die for.
- dumplingsOnly minor things to nitpick about. Marina has a lot of food options, but we'd definitely come back for the dumplings. Especially when it gets colder!
- Dan Dan noodlesabsolutely get the Dan Dan noodles if you can tolerate the mild spiciness
- FoodFood came out hot and fresh
- XLBI found the best Chinese food in the Marina. The XLB were juicy and the green beans were good. As a celebration for the long weekend, they even gifted us 6 free sesame balls.
- chicken soup dumplingsI posted this for the Oakland location by mistake, just wanted to attach it to the right location 😀 Totally by chance we stopped in here after walking around the area for a bit. We had the Dan Dan Noodles, chicken soup dumplings, and the Korean beef dumplings. Service was good, the staff seemed a little terse but it's just their personality.
- delicious foodEach bite was bursting with flavor, and the quality was top-notch. I highly recommend this place to anyone who appreciates delicious food and excellent service. You won't be disappointed!
- dim sumaddicted to dim sum, and this place can't be missed
- everythingMy son also enjoyed their veggie dumplings, and he usually does not like veggie dumplings. Essentially, you can’t go wrong; everything was delicious! Their chicken truffle dumplings were amazing!
- menuBe prepared for a wait to be seated, as there is always a wait. The menu is very interesting, and the food is authentic. We enjoyed various sea food dishes, which were all really good.
Frequently criticized
- foodI cannot find anything positive about the food here
- baoThe bao we're in little aluminum cups and I think were heated from frozen
- dumplingsweakest dumplings we've had in the city on both flavor and skin texture
- sauceswe were disappointed by them as they tasted a little too vinegary
- Chinese restaurantreal Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. Not these pretendos
- Curry fried riceLeast favorite is Curry fried rice
- Dan Dan noodlesDan Dan noodles, and they were bland, inaccurate
- Mongolian Beefand Mongolian Beef
- XLBI don’t recommend the XLB
- beef dumplingschicken mushroom truffle dumplings and beef dumplings. Just not tasty at all
If youre looking for fresh, authentic, and flavorful dumplings with good variety, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or occasional issues with seasoning or wrapper texture. Overall, its a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.8%. With 89 positive remarks out of 119 total, many guests rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and fast service, often highlighting attentive servers like Steven who go above and beyond. However, not every experience is perfect.
Some diners encountered issues with long wait times, feeling rushed, or even disinterested servers. A few instances mention a rude waiter or being turned away before closing, suggesting there's still room for improvement in consistency, based on 29 negative comments.
Service
119
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
29
negative
1
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional customer care
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disinterested servers
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoyed the grandmas potstickers. What truly stood out was the service; the staff went above and beyond to accommodate our dietary needs, making dishes non-spicy for me and providing chili oils on the side for my husband. Furthermore, the restaurant is dog friendly!
- staffMy experience at United Dumplings was hands down one of the best dining experiences I've had. The service was exceptional, with the staff being incredibly friendly and attentive. They really made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in.
- serverIt's a small and cozy spot compared to their other branches, but the food is fresh and served quickly. The server was attentive and checked in on us multiple times. We ordered quite a few dishes to try a bit of everything.
- ServiceOn the other hand, the Korean BBQ beef dumplings were a unique twist; the bulgogi flavor was well-integrated, making it a tasty option. Service was impressively swift, and the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. While the dumplings were satisfactory, they didn't quite reach exceptional status.
- friendly serviceGreat friendly service too
- hospitalityI also loved the Pork dumpling soup, especially the flavorful soup inside, making it a personal favorite. Thank you for the hospitality and delicious food!
- waiterThe waiter was exceptional, very friendly and engaging.
- StevenSteven is so good with guests
- attention for the customerthere's attention for the customer
- call of dutygoing beyond the call of duty
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was a significant letdown
- waitersingle waiter they had was incredibly rude to everyone
- billrudely yelling "huh" when I asked for the bill
- checkwaiting a long time for our check
- delivery waitwait another 30 mins
- disinterestedlooked disinterested in serving
- feeling rushedat times, we felt a bit rushed.
- hand washingShe blew her nose, never washed her hands
- long waitmay have to wait for quite a while
- menuTook forever to get a menu
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience, often marked by friendly and efficient staff. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or less attentive moments, the good outweighs the bad, making it worth a visit if you value good customer care.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a respectable 6.8 and boasting a 74% customer satisfaction. Many folks loved the cozy place and Atmosphere, often praising the chill vibe and the flexibility of indoor and outdoor seating. With 37 positive comments out of 50, it seems most guests find the setting quite enjoyable.
However, not everything is perfect. Some guests raised concerns about parking difficulties and a small location. A few even mentioned a questionable hygiene situation in the kitchen and dirty glasses/silverware/table, which is definitely a bummer.
These 12 negative remarks suggest there's room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
50
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, chill vibe
- Indoor/outdoor seating
- Kid/dog friendly
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Questionable hygiene
- Dirty tables/utensils
Often praised
- atmosphereI appreciated that I was not rushed to leave, and the atmosphere was comfortable and happy. Overall, a comfortable happy atmosphere.
- restaurantThe restaurant is small but nice
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- accessibilityaccessible by public transport, walk or, of course, driving
- area of the restaurantthe area of the restaurant is a nice street when it's sunny
- charming spacesuch a charming space
- chill vibeThe patio had a chill vibe.
- comfortable and clean seatsmaking sure we get comfortable and clean seats
- cozy placeThis is a nice cozy place located on a busy street. Be prepared for a wait to be seated, as there is always a wait.
- dog friendlyAnd dog friendly!
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking around that area is difficult
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereatmosphere were severely lacking
- glassesOur glasses and silverware were dirty.
- green beansgreen beans were sitting on the floor
- hygiene situationthe hygiene situation in the kitchen is questionable
- kitchenthe hygiene situation in the kitchen is questionable
- kitchen hygienedisgusted by the lady who actually shapes/makes dumpling
- locationSmall location
- parkingParking is a problem
If youre looking for a spot with a generally good vibe and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this place could be a great fit. Just be aware that some past visitors have noted hygiene issues, so keep that in mind. It's worth a try for the atmosphere, but perhaps manage expectations on cleanliness.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8, indicating a good performance, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.8%, its clear most diners are happy. Many rave about the prices being perfect for the quantity, finding it genuinely affordable with a great quantity-price ratio.
Plus, the happy hour deals are a definite crowd-pleaser, as noted in 15 positive remarks. However, its not entirely without its critics. Out of 16 total comments, just one person felt the price was too high, describing an experience as expensive.
This isolated feedback suggests that while generally well-received, there might be rare instances where the cost doesn't align with expectations.
Value
16
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good quantity ratio
- Excellent happy hour
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- pricesIt's hard to find good dumplings at stomachable prices, but United Dumplings seem to be it! I went a little crazy with the orders for two, but I'm a growing boy.
- priceI had a very tasty lunch, and the service was very good. The price was reasonable, and I will definitely return.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordablereally affordable
- costdecent serving size for the cost
- happy hourHappy hour is from 11:30-6:30 and $2 mimosas
- quantity-price ratiothe quantity-price ratio was good (8 for ~$12)
- valueBest value and meal for Chinese food
Frequently criticized
- pricebland, inaccurate and expensive. For $20
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, especially with their generous portions and happy hour specials, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While one person found it pricey, the overwhelming sentiment is that youll get great bang for your buck here.
How are the prices at United Dumplings?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 92 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.
Most guests spend between 11 – 30 $, with a big chunk landing right around the $21–$30 mark, showing a pretty consistent pricing sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a good choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about United Dumplings
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Sui Mai, Watch the Salt
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The pea shoots were a favorite, though I recommend asking for less salt as they can be too salty. The Sui Mai was also good.
My least favorite dish was the Curry fried rice. The service received a rating of 5, atmosphere a 4, and food a 4.
- pea shoots8
- Sui Mai7
- less salt4
- Curry fried rice3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Delicious Discovery - Will Return!
I found this restaurant by chance and I'm so glad I did. I'll definitely go back. Everything I tried was delicious and I want to try the rest of the things on the menu.
The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5/5. The service was excellent, receiving a 5/5 rating as well.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
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
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
We loved our dinner at this restaurant. We were seated immediately around 8 pm on a Friday night with two adults and two teenagers. The service was quick and kind.
We enjoyed a variety of dishes including soup, truffle chicken dumplings, ginger wings, mapo tofu, and pork buns. All were delicious. The hot chai tea was also tasty.
The food came quickly and was served super hot and fresh.
- dinner9
- seating10
- service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Long Wait, Neglected Service
My dad and I experienced a significant wait of 20 minutes, during which no staff member checked on us at all. While the food was decent (rated 3/3), the service and atmosphere were severely lacking (rated 1/1 for both).
- food8
- waiting time2
- service1
- atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Vegetarian Dumplings and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I was impressed by the authentic dumplings and the wide variety of choices for vegetarians. The dining area is small, but the service was friendly.
They also offer convenient take away and school lunches for children. The vegetarian options include veg dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes, making for a large vegetarian selection. The atmosphere, service, and food all received a 5-star rating.
- authentic dumplings9
- vegetarian choices10
- friendly service10
What United Dumplings offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options does United Dumplings provide?
United Dumplings offers a range of convenient service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. You can enjoy your meal with table service, or choose outdoor seating. They cater to all dining occasions, from brunch and lunch to dinner, and also provide catering services.
What dietary options are available and what's the atmosphere like at United Dumplings?
United Dumplings caters to various dietary needs with both vegan and vegetarian options, plus small plates. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, offering a comfortable and stylish setting for your meal. You can also enjoy a selection of alcohol, wine, and beer to complement your dining experience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for United Dumplings?
United Dumplings has a strong overall score of **7.7** and a customer satisfaction rate of **78.8%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (7.9) and **Value** (8), with **Service** (7.4) and **Ambience** (6.8) also contributing positively to the experience.
What kind of food is recommended at United Dumplings?
Many customers highly recommend the **dumplings**, including specific mentions of Sichuan dumplings, Grandma potstickers, and chicken soup dumplings. The Dan Dan noodles are also a popular choice for those who enjoy mild spiciness.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at United Dumplings?
The restaurant generally offers **friendly service** and a **cozy place** with a comfortable atmosphere. However, some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in service and that parking can be difficult in the area, sometimes leading to long wait times.