Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » United Dumplings – San Francisco
United Dumplings - San Francisco
Photo from United Dumplings
United Dumplings at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#1524 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#137 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
425
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Delicate dumplings
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Price concerns
- Loud ambiance
The restaurant United Dumplings, a beloved Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, invites you to savor its delightful small plates. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, whether you’re dining in or opting for convenient takeout.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming vibe, offering a true taste of Chinese culinary tradition.
Overview: Introducting United Dumplings
United Dumplings seems to have a clear focus on its culinary offerings, with many appreciating the quality and preparation. Guests often highlight the delicate skin of their signature items and the overall satisfaction with the dishes.
The fast service and friendly waiter experiences also contribute positively to the dining impression. However, the experience isn’t uniformly smooth.
Some diners have encountered issues with waiting time and perceived a lack of attention from staff, particularly during busy periods. Concerns about price hike and portion sizes also surface, suggesting that value can be a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.1
out of 10
425
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
110
negative
23
neutral
292
positive
Looking at the bigger picture, United Dumplings earns a respectable 7.1 on the overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a significant number of positive remarks, with 292 favorable comments out of 425 total.
The Food (7.7) clearly leads the way, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and preparation. The Ambience (6.6) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting for many guests.
However, the Service (5.8) and Value (5) aspects show room for improvement, with some guests noting inconsistencies. Despite these areas, customer satisfaction sits at 68.7%, which falls into the mixed category.
While many leave content, the 110 negative comments suggest that not everyone’s expectations are fully met, particularly concerning service attentiveness and perceived pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Delicate dumpling preparation
- Friendly, fast service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Value for money concerns
- Loud dining environment
United Dumplings offers a culinary experience that truly stands out, particularly for its well-crafted dishes. If you prioritize flavorful food and appreciate expertly made dumplings, this spot is certainly worth considering.
The overall 7.4 recommendation score suggests many leave satisfied with their meal. However, be mindful that service can be a mixed bag, and some find the pricing a bit steep for the portions.
It’s a good choice for a focused meal where the food takes center stage, but perhaps less so if you’re seeking an extended, quiet, or budget-conscious dining experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Chinese Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
221
94.1%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
285
95.4%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
286
93.7%
- $$
- Seacliff
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
269
91.4%
- $$
- Jordan Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
480
91.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
77
90.9%
- $$
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on United Dumplings
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.3%. With 216 positive remarks out of 283 total, many rave about the delicious xiao long bao and other dumplings, praising their great flavor and how freshly made everything is. Youll find plenty to love on the menu.
However, some diners noted issues with cold and soggy dishes, particularly dan dan noodles, and thick dough on some dumplings. Concerns about small portion sizes and occasional bland flavors were also mentioned among the 49 negative comments, suggesting theres still room for improvement in consistency.
Food
283
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
49
negative
18
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious XLB
- Freshly made dumplings
- Great overall flavor
What people don't like
- Dishes served cold
- Thick dumpling dough
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodWhen people arrived, they were greeted with numerous pizza boxes on the table, and you could see they were less than enthused. However, when they opened the boxes and saw the food, garnished with beautiful flowers, their mood immediately picked up. Use United Dumplings for your next party, and you will have made a great decision.
- dumplingsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the food! They serve the best dumplings, wontons, and Xiao Long Bao. They were incredibly juicy and didn't break easily.
- FoodThe lunch specials were also great, and the wontons in chili oil were a standout. The service was excellent, and the food was top-notch.
- potstickersMy only wish was that they were bigger and there were more of them. I think the potstickers were my favorite. I would definitely recommend this place.
- Dan Dan noodlesThe service was incredibly friendly, and the food came out fast, freshly made, and piping hot. I particularly loved the potato salad, silken tofu, string beans, pork soup dumplings, Dan Dan noodles, and pork potstickers, all enjoyed with a pot of jasmine tea.
- XLBdelicate and thin XLB skin, they don’t get more delicate than here
- green beansWhile the menu has fewer items than some larger establishments, they offer the classics I crave, and their execution is spot on for all dishes, not just the dumplings. My usual order includes XLB, spicy wontons, green beans, and typically a noodle and meat dish. A notable point is the delicate and thin XLB skin, which is a true sign of skill.
- pea shootsshrimp turkey dumplings plus the pea shoots were excellent
- shrimp toastWe ordered the dan dan noodles, green beans, and shrimp toast. Everything was delicious, though the noodles could have used a bit more chili. I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, and Steven, our server, was so charming and personable.
- soup dumplingsthe soup dumplings. Both exceeded expectations
Frequently criticized
- foodAdding insult to injury, the bag didn’t include any napkins, utensils, soy sauce, or chili oil. My $100 went to waste on a meal that was both cold and soggy by the time I got it. The most baffling part?
- food qualitySeriously declined in quality
- portionsthe portions are slightly conservative
- Chili wontonsChili wontons:. Just a bit boring, which is surprising.
- Turkey shrimp dumplingsTurkey shrimp dumplings:. ... just did not like at all.
- bunsbuns are dry, overcooked, and bland
- chicken and veggie wonton soupnoticed green things with legs on them and they appear to be insects
- chili oilMy favorite was actually the beef noodle soup; the broth had just the right hint of chili oil and it reminded me of similar soups in Taiwan. The spicy Sichuan dumplings themselves were not bad; I wish they had more chili oil and a little less soy sauce. We could barely taste the truffle in the other dumplings.
- chilli oileven the chilly oil lacked flavor and spice
- cold and soggysitting there getting cold and soggy
If you're craving delicious dumplings and fresh Chinese fare, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially for their standout XLB. Just be mindful that some dishes might lack warmth or have smaller portions, so choose wisely.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the friendly waiter and attentive staff for their prompt service and kind interactions. Out of 82 opinions, 44 were positive, showing a good effort. While the overall score sits at an average 5.8, many found the service to be a highlight, contributing to a 53% mixed customer satisfaction.
However, its not always smooth sailing. Some experiences were marred by slow service, feeling ignored by staff, or encountering a generally poor service attitude. Issues like long waiting time and a lack of attention were mentioned in 38 negative opinions, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
83
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
38
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Prompt service
- Attentive waiters
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Ignored by staff
- Rude attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe service was super fast, friendly, and attentive
- ServiceThe lunch specials were also great, and the wontons in chili oil were a standout. The service was excellent, and the food was top-notch.
- staffamazing staff and even more amazing food. Fast service, and super awesome staff.
- SteveThis guy Steve was there. He was a gem.
- StevenSteven our server was so charming and personable
- come backWill always come back whenever I visit the bay area
- deliveryheld up to the delivery
- foodfood came out so quickly
- friendly waiterloved our friendly waiter!
- great decisionyou will have made a great decision
Frequently criticized
- waiterWhen I started checking the names on the bags, I found out my order had actually been ready for a while, just sitting there getting cold and soggy. When I pointed this out, the waiter just shrugged and walked away. Adding insult to injury, the bag didn’t include any napkins, utensils, soy sauce, or chili oil.
- waiting timeThe food was truly excellent, earning a perfect score. However, the service was a challenge; you really have to know how to get a server's attention, otherwise, you might find yourself waiting for a long time. The atmosphere was rated as average.
- serverOur server just looked at us while we ordering
- servicethe service, Was not at all ok
- attentionAs a delivery man, my experience at this restaurant was that they do not pay much attention to me. They treat us as if we did not exist in the restaurant.
- attitudeThey have a dont care attitude
- basic decencyno training on basic decency
- closing timewe were being rushed
- food deliverynothing till 15mins
- horrible servicemainly due to the horrible service
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and quick service, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of slower attention or feeling overlooked, as experiences seem to be a bit of a mixed bag here.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here offers some real bright spots, with 23 positive comments out of 37 total. Many guests raved about the cozy atmosphere and the convenience of indoor and outdoor seating. The cleanliness and even the thoughtful lighting were often highlighted, creating a generally pleasant vibe.
While customer satisfaction is a 62.2% mixed bag, the ambience score of 6.6 suggests its leaning towards a good experience for many. However, its not all sunshine and roses, with 11 negative observations. Some found the atmosphere cold and sterile, while others noted issues with the lighting being too bright or the space being quite loud.
There were also mentions of uncomfortable outdoor seating or the restaurant being too cold at times, which definitely put a damper on the experience for some.
Ambience
37
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Indoor/outdoor seating
- Great cleanliness
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Can be cold
- Uncomfortable outdoor seating
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and the service, both were amazing.
- cleanlinessImpeccably clean
- cozyVery cozy.
- cozy atmosphereI really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere
- experienceMy only complaint is that the portions are slightly conservative. Other than that, it was a 10/10 experience.
- fun atmospherefun atmosphere.
- indoor and outdoor seatingThere was indoor and outdoor seating available
- lightingMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The establishment was impeccably clean and brightly lit, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive; they even called the chef to explain the ingredients of the vegetarian pot stickers when we inquired.
- little spotSuper cool little spot
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere" However, the atmosphere is quite loud, making it difficult to hear conversations. The reviewer notes, "This isn't a place to linger for a while after eating, besides people are waiting :) it's pretty loud and at times we couldn't hear each other speak so if you want to hang out after eating, go find a quiet bar. " Despite the noise, the reviewer strongly recommends checking them out due to the great food, reasonable prices, and fantastic service.
- lightingLighting is perfect to see clearly all the screaming kids
- ambianceAmbiance = Lighting is perfect to see clearly all the screaming kids
- atmosphere outdoor seatingAtmosphere for outdoor seating was a little uncomfortable
- front doorsthey left both front doors open when it was 50 degrees outside
- pizza boxesThe green beans were a real hit, as were the assorted dumplings and steamed buns. When people arrived, they were greeted with numerous pizza boxes on the table, and you could see they were less than enthused. However, when they opened the boxes and saw the food, garnished with beautiful flowers, their mood immediately picked up.
- sitting outsideMy family gathered at the Cortland spot for my birthday. We were a bit chilly sitting outside, but honestly, we could care less! The food was divine, so fresh, precise, and distinct in taste.
If youre looking for a cozy spot with outdoor options and dont mind a potentially lively (or chilly) environment, it's worth a visit. However, if quiet intimacy and consistent comfort are your top priorities, you might find the ambience a bit hit-or-miss.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find the prices to be quite reasonable and affordable, especially for the quality of food. There are 9 positive remarks highlighting the good value for money, with some even calling it the best dumpling spot when considering price and quality. However, the overall sentiment around value is a bit mixed, reflected in a score of 5 and a 40.9% customer satisfaction.
There are 12 negative comments out of 22 total, with many frustrated by additional service charges, perceived price hikes, and smaller portion sizes that don't always justify the cost.
Value
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
What people don't like
- Hidden service charges
- Rising prices
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricesPea shoots were fresh and crunchy! Overall, it's a nice homestyle dumpling spot with decent prices. I'm also excited to see lots of vegetarian options available, so we'll be back whenever we have vegetarian friends visiting in town.
- Reasonable pricesTake out is great, but in-house dining is best for warmer food. Reasonable prices too!
- affordabledelicious and affordable
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was excellent, especially considering the value for money. It's the best dumpling place in SF when considering value as a function of price and quality. While the menu has fewer items than some larger establishments, they offer the classics I crave, and their execution is spot on for all dishes, not just the dumplings.
Frequently criticized
- priceswith these prices you're also gonna have to order several plates to feel full
- customersFor example, fried tofu was $6 a month ago and is now $9. It seems like they are taking advantage of customers during the inflation crisis. I understand they don't have much competition in Bernal Heights as they are the only Asian restaurant there.
- greedyI understand they don't have much competition in Bernal Heights as they are the only Asian restaurant there. But since they seem to be playing greedy, I will no longer be spending my money here. United dumplings should be ashamed of the price hike, and I hope this business loses customers to the upcoming Chinese restaurant opening in the neighborhood soon!
- locationI enjoyed the dumplings and potstickers, and I also liked the sauteed pea shoots and shrimp toast. However, you do pay a premium for the location in Bernal compared to other dumpling spots in the Sunset/Richmond.
- portion sizesportion sizes are on the smaller end compared to the prices
- priceAdding insult to injury, the bag didn’t include any napkins, utensils, soy sauce, or chili oil. My $100 went to waste on a meal that was both cold and soggy by the time I got it. The most baffling part?
- price hikeBut since they seem to be playing greedy, I will no longer be spending my money here. United dumplings should be ashamed of the price hike, and I hope this business loses customers to the upcoming Chinese restaurant opening in the neighborhood soon!
- price pointnot worth a repeat visit given the price point
- redundant chargeWhat a redundant charge to dine in here!
- service chargeCharging a small party of 4 an additional 20 % service charge is ridiculous
If you're looking for decent food at what *can* be reasonable prices, it might be worth a try. However, be mindful of potential extra charges and recent price adjustments, as these have left some diners feeling less than satisfied with the overall value.
How are the prices at United Dumplings?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 68 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 tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a clear sweet spot for value. However, a few diners do opt for a more premium experience, with some spending much higher.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 68 most recent reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money 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, and the distribution shows it caters well to those looking for good value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about United Dumplings
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
1
Disgusted by Insects in Soup
I ordered from their ghost kitchen on DoorDash, called Noodle Therapy, and received the chicken and veggie wonton soup. I was concerned because I didn't see any vegetables in my wontons and hoped they weren't pork, as I cannot eat pork. After finishing, I noticed green things with legs, appearing to be insects, in my soup.
I am truly disgusted, especially since there was no description of the soup's ingredients or seasonings. There were many insects in the soup, and I want to know what they were. I do not suggest eating from this establishment and request that it be inspected.
This traumatic experience has left me feeling unwell, and I worry about potential health issues.
- chicken and veggie wonton soup1
- veggies in my wontons3
- insects in my soup1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Dumplings Miss the Mark, Atmosphere Lacks Warmth
As someone who loves good dumplings, my experience at United Dumplings was a letdown, especially given my high standards from living in Hong Kong. I tried four dishes: the grandma pork dumplings, Sichuan wontons, sui mai, and har gao. The grandma pork dumplings had a decent texture but were served with only soy sauce, lacking the necessary chili oil and chives or green onions to enhance their flavor.
Even the chili oil itself was bland and lacked spice. The Sichuan wontons were okay but also missed the mark on spice, which is surprising for a cuisine known for its heat. The sui mai and har gao were impressively large, but their size couldn't compensate for a lack of flavor; a classic case of 'less is more.
' The restaurant's atmosphere felt cold and sterile, needing some color or dimmer lighting to create a more warm and inviting space. Enhancing the flavors would also greatly improve the dining experience.
- Sichuan wontons5
- grandma pork dumplings3
- chilli oil2
- sui mai3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Ready for a Nap!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I picked up a meal for my other-half and me, and all I can say is, we're ready for a nap after inhaling nearly everything. The food is absolutely delicious.
- food10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Food and Service - A Hidden Gem!
What was your experience at the restaurant? This was a definition of a "hidden gem"! We visited on a whim while in SFO and were absolutely not disappointed.
The food was outstanding, and the service was great. We highly recommend the Mission Chicken Pot Stickers, Pork Soup Dumplings, and Vegetarian Stir Fry Noodles. It was a 10 out of 10 experience!
This is a super cool little spot, and we hope to visit again one day.
- food10
- service10
- Mission Chicken Pot Stickers10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
6
Inconsistent Service, Decent Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. If you're a takeout establishment, it's crucial to have staff who answer the phone. On Thursday, July 17th, 2025, around 7 pm, there was only one waiter on the floor who did not pick up after two attempts.
When I ordered in person, I requested noodles without onions, but they arrived with onions. After grocery shopping, I waited in the restaurant for another 15 minutes while my order sat on a table nearby. The waiter passed my order multiple times before noticing it.
The waiter's performance was terrible, but the food itself was fine.
- food7
- phone2
- waiter1
- noodles without onions3
What United Dumplings offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at United Dumplings?
United Dumplings provides flexible dining with dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery, including no-contact options. You can enjoy table service for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and catering is also available. Be sure to check out their dessert offerings.
Is United Dumplings accessible for all guests?
Yes, United Dumplings is committed to accessibility for all its guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access into the restaurant. Once inside, wheelchair accessible seating is available, and for your convenience, there is also a wheelchair accessible restroom.
How does United Dumplings rate overall?
United Dumplings holds an overall score of 7.1. Its Food is highly rated at 7.7, while Ambience scores 6.6. Service is rated 5.8, and Value comes in at 5.
What are the standout food items at United Dumplings?
Many guests praise the delicate and juicy dumplings, wontons, and Xiao Long Bao. Other popular items include Dan Dan noodles, potstickers, and fresh green beans.
Are there any common concerns about dining at United Dumplings?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service attentiveness and occasional long waiting times. There are also mentions of prices being perceived as high relative to portion sizes.