Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Yank Sing – San Francisco
Yank Sing - San Francisco
Photo from Yank Sing
Yank Sing at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#1683 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#165 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
688
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dim sum variety
- Pleasant ambiance
- Efficient service
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Inconsistent service
- Flavor concerns
The Chinese restaurant Yank Sing (Spear St.), nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood, offers you an authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly exceptional dining experience, renowned for its fantastic dim sum and an impressive, great tea selection that perfectly complements every dish.
This trendy yet casual spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, inviting you to savor traditional flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Yank Sing
Yank Sing offers a notable dining experience, particularly for those seeking a diverse selection of dim sum . Many guests appreciate the quality and variety of offerings, often highlighting the balanced flavors and impressive range of choices available.
However, the experience isn’t without its considerations. While the ambiance is generally pleasant, some find the overall value to be a point of contention, with concerns about pricing for the portions received.
Service can also be a mixed bag, impacting the flow of the meal.
Good
6.9
out of 10
688
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
194
negative
48
neutral
446
positive
Overall, Yank Sing holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good category. However, Customer Satisfaction sits at 64.8%, indicating a more mixed reception from diners.
This divergence suggests that while many aspects are well-regarded, there are areas that leave some customers wanting more. These insights are drawn from 688 customer opinions, with 446 positive remarks contrasting with 194 negative ones.
Delving into the specifics, the Food (7.5) stands out as a strong point, consistently earning high marks for its quality and selection. The Ambience (7) also contributes positively to the dining experience, often described as pleasant.
Service (6.5) is rated as average, suggesting it’s generally competent but can be inconsistent. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.1), which falls into the average range and is a frequent source of customer dissatisfaction.
What people like
- Diverse dim sum selection
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Efficient cart service
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Flavorless food concerns
If you prioritize a wide array of well-prepared dim sum and a pleasant setting, Yank Sing is likely to satisfy. The Recommendation Score of 7.3 suggests it’s a place many would recommend, especially for its culinary offerings and atmosphere.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point and service that can vary. It’s a solid choice for a focused dim sum experience, but those seeking exceptional value or consistently flawless service might find it a less ideal fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yank Sing
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.5 score and a solid 73.1% customer satisfaction. With 277 positive comments out of 379 total, many rave about the great food, especially the Dim Sum, praising its high quality food and variety of dumplings, making for a truly enjoyable meal. However, not everyone is completely won over, with 79 negative comments noting some dishes were salty, had thick dough, or were not hot and not flavorful.
A few felt the food quality had declined, and some found portion sizes to be on the smaller side, suggesting room for improvement.
Food
379
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
79
negative
23
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Dim Sum
- High food quality
- Wide variety
What people don't like
- Food sometimes bland
- Dishes not hot
- Salty, thick dough
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food and atmosphere. The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere a 4, indicating a very enjoyable dining environment. However, it's essential to book in advance to avoid a long wait time.
- dim sumWith clear roles for ushers, waiters, and cart attendants, the seamless flow of numerous guests and a wide variety of dim sum is always impressive and satisfying. Dim Sum: The variety of dim sum is truly impressive. Beyond the classics like Siu Long Bao, Har Gow, and Shumai, they offer unique items like chicken feet and bean curd sheets, often found only in Hong Kong.
- Dim SumMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best Dim Sum I've ever tasted, with a large variety to choose from. The service was excellent, and I highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for Dim Sum.
- soup dumplingsSoup dumplings & rice noodle dumplings with shrimp were also good
- dishesThe restaurant is located in an interesting location within the open area of a business complex. I was served amazing dim sum, and all of the dishes were good. However, the egg tarts were the highlight; they were probably the flakiest I've ever had.
- dumplingsFrom the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted and promptly seated. The wonderful cart ladies stopped by our table, offering delicious dumplings, wontons, and rice cakes. Our party of four was completely AMAZED by the entire experience.
- flavorsThis seemingly small detail eliminates the hesitation of having to eat overly large portions, making each piece a perfect, bite-sized delight that feels almost elegant. The taste is also 'petite' – relying less on MSG than typical Chinese restaurants, the flavors are balanced, allowing the ingredients' natural taste to shine through, resulting in a subtle yet deeply satisfying umami. Must-Try Dim Sum: 1.
- qualitysuper dependable place in terms of quality
- great foodMy experience at this restaurant was an exciting dining experience with great food and a great atmosphere. The prices were reasonably priced given the value.
- turnip cakeThe potstickers, chicken feet and turnip cake are also great.
Frequently criticized
- foodI had heard a lot about this place, so I finally made it in for brunch. My experience was quite disappointing as everything I ordered was honestly pretty flavorless. This included the pork buns, soup dumplings, and Peking duck.
- dim sumMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was slow and the dim sum was overpriced. I've had a much better dim sum experience at Harborview.
- dumplingsIt is overpriced. I don't know how people are paying $15 for 4 dumplings that taste like 💩💩💩💩. Are people that desperate for recognition?
- soup dumplingsThe food was very good, but the price was much higher than it should have been. For example, $16 for 6 soup dumplings felt excessive. I would consider coming back, but only if it were on someone else's expense.
- pork bunspork buns, soup dumplings, Peking duck, etc. It was quite expensive
- waterWe were there for over an hour, and the staff hardly came to our table. They never brought us the water we kept asking for.
- Chinese menuNothing tasted bad, but it was far from the best dim sum in the city. I was also disappointed that they didn’t have a Chinese menu. The service and atmosphere both received a rating of 4, indicating a generally pleasant experience in those areas.
- Dan TatPotstickers and $3.50 each Dan Tat are no better than those found in Chinatown
- MSGI also did feel the aftermath of MSG
- Peking duckpork buns, soup dumplings, Peking duck, etc. It was quite expensive
If you're seeking a place with generally delicious and high-quality Dim Sum, especially for its variety, this restaurant is a strong contender. However, be mindful that some experiences mention blandness or temperature issues, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 and customer satisfaction at 63.7%, indicating an average yet somewhat mixed experience. Out of 157 comments, 100 highlighted positive aspects like lightning-quick cart service, fast food delivery, and accommodating staff who went above and beyond, especially with reservations and modern ordering systems. However, 51 negative comments point to areas needing improvement.
Some guests experienced slow service, unpredictable dim sum cart frequency, and issues with the ordering system. Others felt rushed, struggled with water refills, or found staff unresponsive, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall service experience.
Service
157
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
51
negative
6
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick cart service
- Fast food delivery
- Easy reservations
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cart frequency
- Unresponsive staff
- Confusing ordering system
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant is conveniently located inside the mall, and its dining area extends into the mall itself, creating a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The service at Yank Sink is efficient, with dim sum carts making rounds for patrons to choose from. They also offer the option to order some items via QR code, adding a modern touch to the dining experience.
- waitI visited the restaurant right at 11: 30 AM, and it was perfect with no wait. This was a new experience for me, as I had only been to the Stevenson Street location years ago.
- ServiceService:5
- cartsIf you visit this Yank Sing location, be sure to sit inside for the best experience—service is frequent, and the carts come around often. Sitting outside in the Rincon Center significantly diminishes both the service and atmosphere.
- reservationone of the few dims sum places you can make a reservation.
- staffWe all agreed that this is now our go-to place for Chinese food. The delicious food and amazing staff made for a memorable meal.
- dim sum cartdim sum cart service meant we had food within minutes
- reservationsdefinitely make reservations
- wait timeThe wait time was non-existent
- EnglishStaff speak enough English.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at Yang Sik on Christmas Day was one of overflow capacity with a somewhat truncated menu and service barely equipped to serve over a thousand guests. While normally offering cart-service Dim Sum amidst contemporary confines, the same signature Chili Pepper Sauce created in the 1940s is available on every table.
- serversI was also impressed by the wide variety of options, including many for vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets. The only drawback was that some of the servers were a little short with us. Overall, this was the best dim sum I've had, even surpassing Din Tai Fung.
- checkAsked for the check 4 times. No one responded
- Water or TeaSlow to refill Water or Tea
- customer needsNobody cares what customer needs.
- declined access to the bathroomdeclined access to the bathroom by the owner
- declining serviceGreat food but declining service
- delaysA lot of delays
- dim sum cartThe food is okay, but there are better options in the city. Some of the corner tables don’t get the dim sum cart very often, which detracted from the fun of dim sum. I feel I wasted the calories by eating here.
- dishesone of the dishes we ordered took so long to come out
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. If you prioritize quick cart service and appreciate modern ordering, you'll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially during busy times, which might impact your visit.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. Many folks loved the "intimate and fancy vibe, " praising the "concept of carts" for an exciting dining "experience" and appreciating the "spacious locations" and "great atmosphere.
" Based on 83 customer remarks, with 57 positive observations, it seems the restaurant often delivers a beautiful and clean environment for dining. However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.7%, suggesting theres room for improvement. Some found the atmosphere less relaxing, noting it could get crowded and felt like a makeshift section in a mall or a cold atrium.
With 18 negative comments, it's clear that while many enjoy the setting, others wish for a more consistently comfortable and serene environment.
Ambience
83
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
18
negative
8
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Unique cart concept
- Spacious and clean
What people don't like
- Can get crowded
- Less relaxing vibe
- Makeshift dining areas
Often praised
- atmosphereThey offer a nice variety of dim sum, both steamed and fried, that's sure to please dim sum enthusiasts. The restaurant is conveniently located inside the mall, and its dining area extends into the mall itself, creating a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The service at Yank Sink is efficient, with dim sum carts making rounds for patrons to choose from.
- parkingThe food was a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere were both a solid 4. It's a great spot for families with free parking, although the validated lot can be full on workdays. The wait time was non-existent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationinteresting location in the open area of a business complex
- placethe place is very nice-looking
- restaurantThe restaurant was spotless and beautiful.
- ambianceThe ambiance was great
- bathroomsClean bathrooms!
- beautiful placeIt is a beautiful place
- cartslove the carts. Just going to start with that and think that it really adds to the experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt is a little bit pricey, and I wish it had a more relaxing atmosphere. The time I went there, it was crowded.
- Asian peopleneed more relaxed moment..
- ParkingAtmosphere:2
- Parking spaceate in the cold atrium
- cold atriumoverflow capacity with a somewhat truncated menu
- disposable paper coverconstant replacement of the disposable paper cover
- fun of dim sumit didn’t give me the fun of dim sum
- makeshift sectionliterally 0 Asian people eating here
- non-service dogSitting outside...significantly diminishes both the...atmosphere
- overflow capacitywish it was more relaxing atmosphere
If youre looking for an exciting, bustling dim sum experience with a unique cart concept and dont mind a lively, sometimes crowded atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. However, if a quiet, intimate, and consistently relaxing meal is your top priority, you might find some aspects a bit less appealing.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, particularly with the convenient parking validation and parking deals that made the experience more affordable. Many felt it was reasonably priced and offered good value for money, especially for the quality. With 12 positive remarks out of 69 total, these points highlight where the restaurant shines, contributing to an average 4.1 score.
However, a significant number of guests, with 46 negative remarks, felt the restaurant was quite overpriced and pricey for what they received. Concerns about the total cost, confusing parking validation policy, and an added surcharge left many feeling disappointed. This sentiment is strongly reflected in the very low customer satisfaction of just 17.4%, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
69
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
46
negative
11
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Parking validation offered
- Reasonable pricing
- Good value
What people don't like
- Food is overpriced
- Confusing parking policy
- Added surcharges
Often praised
- pricevery nice but also expensive but you get what you pay for
- ParkingParking was validated and free. That’s amazing
- affordabilityMy family and I had a delicious and satisfying experience at Yank Sing after a long flight. The food was so good, and it was relatively affordable. Yank Sing is a must-do if you live in the Bay Area.
- bill splitthe bill split evenly was not bad at all
- experience and qualitypaying more for the experience and quality
- parking dealThe parking deal is easy and exceptional
- parking feereimburse your parking fee
- parking validationThey valid our parking and garage charge $15/hr and you only pay $2/hr with the validation
- pricesThey also offer the option to order some items via QR code, adding a modern touch to the dining experience. One of the best parts about Yank Sink is its reasonable prices. For just $70, two people can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- reasonably pricedReasonably priced given the value
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I cannot believe that for a dim sum restaurant with such reviews and history of success, they charge so much for poor quality dim sum with the smallest portion sizes. I would never recommend this place to anyone looking for good dim sum in the city.
- overpricedWe didn't even get a table inside the restaurant; it was a makeshift section in a shopping/retail space. It's incredibly overpriced. The food tastes decent, but I can't believe I paid that much.
- pricesHigh quality food. However, prices are much higher than normal and servings are less.
- priceyI think this is the best dumpling place in San Francisco. It is a little bit pricey, and I wish it had a more relaxing atmosphere. The time I went there, it was crowded.
- billmy bill was around $80 USD
- premium pricesLotus Leaves filled with Rice, Pork and Mushrooms had a lot to offer, while Spring Rolls and fried Shrimp were each fairly bland. Ordering Noodles via QR Code, this and a few other items made fresh at premium prices, Taro Dumplings were crisp on the outside but undercooked at the center. Potstickers and $3.
- valuefood that is worth its value but come on
- 18 percent tipDespite terrible service, 18 percent tip is minimum.
- California overpayingAm so tired of California overpaying
- ChinatownPotstickers and $3. 50 each Dan Tat were no better than those found in Chinatown at half the cost.
If youre considering a visit, be aware that while some appreciate the parking benefits and find it reasonably priced, a large number of guests feel its quite overpriced. Expect to pay premium prices, and be sure to clarify any parking validation policies to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Yank Sing?
On average, you’ll spend around 50 per person – from 103 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while many diners spend in the 31 – 50 $ range, there’s also a good number of guests enjoying more premium experiences, showing a nice spread of prices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, with room for those who want to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yank Sing
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
6
Good food, poor service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was nice, but the service was lacking due to understaffing. We often felt ignored, and the options available were fewer than what was listed on the menu.
- food7
- service3
- options4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Classic Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was that of a classic dim sum place. The dim sum was very good and served from push carts, which added to the authentic feel. However, this classic approach means that the vegetarian choices are fairly small.
The food received a perfect score of 5, while service and atmosphere were rated a solid 4. Reservations are recommended, and the price per person is between $30–50. For vegetarians, I would somewhat recommend this place.
- dim sum9
- food10
- service8
- vegetarian choices4
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Tasty Portions at Spear Street
My experience at the restaurant was great! It's an old favorite, and while they have multiple locations, the one on Spear Street is a particular favorite. The portions are standard size, but the flavors are extra tasty!
- portions7
- flavors9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Yank Sing: A 3-Decade Favorite
I've been going to Yank Sing since I was 4 years old, and still hits hard 3 decades later. My experience has been consistently excellent, with food, service, and atmosphere all receiving a perfect 5/5. It's a place that has maintained its quality and appeal over many years.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Rushed Service, Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite rushed, even though it wasn't busy. We had barely sat down when the cart was there. We asked to order drinks first and look at the menu, but we were only given one menu.
The server couldn't take our drink order, and I had to flag someone down for drinks and later for the check. It felt like we were being rushed, and I prefer a more relaxed moment where drinks come before food. The food was fine, but the overall experience was not what I'm looking for.
I won't be going back.
- food6
- drinks order2
- check2
- rushed2
What Yank Sing offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available and is Yank Sing (Spear St.) accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll usually find plenty of parking, including paid street parking options nearby. Yank Sing (Spear St.) is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options does Yank Sing (Spear St.) offer, and do I need a reservation?
Yank Sing (Spear St.) provides a wide array of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with catering and table service available. While walk-ins are welcome, lunch and brunch reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular San Francisco Chinese restaurant.
How does Yank Sing rate overall, and what are its strongest and weakest areas?
Yank Sing has an overall Restaurant Score of 7.0, indicating a good dining experience. Its strongest area is Food (7.5), followed by Ambience (7). Service (6.5) is considered average, and Value (4.1) is its weakest point.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Yank Sing?
Customers frequently praise the impressive variety of dim sum, including unique items, and the balanced flavors that allow natural ingredients to shine. Many find the quality of dishes, such as soup dumplings and egg tarts, to be very good.
Is Yank Sing considered good value for money?
Customer opinions on value are mixed, with a score of 4.1. While some feel the price is justified by the experience and quality, many find it to be expensive or overpriced, especially for the portion sizes.