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Dumpling Home
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Dumpling Home
8.4
Hayes Valley standby specializing in hand-folded dumplings and soup buns made all day behind glass. Since 2020, it’s earned lines for clear, savory xiao long bao and reliably fast, efficient service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pan-Fried Juicy Pork Buns, Sesame Chili Wontons
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Handmade soup dumplings with unusually clear, balanced broth.
Who should go: Soup-dumpling fans and fast casual diners
When to visit: Arrive right at opening or mid-afternoon
What to order: Xiao long bao; pan-fried juicy pork buns; chili wontons
Insider tip: Go solo at off-hours for the shortest wait; order a second basket to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hayes Valley; metered spots fill quickly on weekends. The closest garage is the Performing Arts Garage (360 Grove St), about a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—most guests wear jeans and everyday wear. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—tables are close together, but you can carry a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes is common during peak hours, especially without joining the waitlist early.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; you can often be seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings and a few sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—options are mostly vegetable dumplings without broth, but broths and dough often include animal products.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; dumpling wrappers contain wheat, so choices are very limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates—the atmosphere is bustling and efficient rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Dumpling Home doesn’t take reservations, but you can usually get in by arriving early or adding your name to the waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy dumplings, but seating is tight and high chairs are limited. Best for families with older children rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Dumpling Home excels at consistently fresh, handmade soup dumplings with fast service in a casual setting.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a leisurely, upscale dim sum experience or need broad gluten-free options.
Dumpling Home
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Shanghai-style dumplings made to order in a compact Hayes Valley room. Locals line up for XLB and sheng jian bao that balance thin skins with well-seasoned fillings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Sheng Jian Bao, Spicy Wontons
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Made-to-order dumplings with Bib Gourmand-level value.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers and value seekers
When to visit: Late lunch or after 8pm to avoid lines
What to order: XLB; sheng jian bao; spicy wontons
Insider tip: Order a second steamer of XLB—waits return once the rush hits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited and competitive, especially evenings; paid garages available within 2–3 blocks on Gough and Franklin.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, sometimes longer during peak.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes depending on courthouse and office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings, noodle dishes, and a few sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 options such as veggie dumplings without egg, but menu leans meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most dumplings use wheat wrappers; rice-based sides possible but not dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date loves dumplings and casual vibes; it’s energetic and fun, though not private or fancy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Dumpling Home doesn’t typically take reservations. Expect a wait at peak times; arrive early or late for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy dumplings and noodles; high chairs available, though the space is compact and busy during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Made-to-order soup dumplings (XLB) and pan-fried sheng jian bao with excellent value compared to fancier dim sum houses.
Skip if: You want gluten-free dining, a quiet atmosphere, or a formal, upscale experience.
Dumpling Home
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Hayes Valley favorite focused on xiao long bao, sheng jian bao, and other Shanghai-style snacks with fast turns and steady execution. Crowds come for soup-filled dumplings and value-priced plates in a bright, compact room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried pork buns), Spicy Wontons
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Shanghai-style dumplings made to order with quick service.
Who should go: Dumpling fans and value seekers
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid lines
What to order: XLB, sheng jian bao, spicy wontons
Insider tip: Order a second steamer of XLB—waits return once the rush hits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Hayes Valley; metered spots fill quickly on weekends. Nearest paid garage is at Opera Plaza, about a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual. Most diners wear jeans and everyday attire—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours. Conversation is possible but can be lively and energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak dinner rush; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute wait or walk-in seating available before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings and noodles are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dumplings and sides, but broths and wrappers may contain egg.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—most dumplings and noodles use wheat flour; not suitable for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or fun dates than romantic ones—lively energy and dumplings to share make it playful but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Expect a line at peak times, but turnover is fairly quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Dumplings are approachable for kids and the atmosphere is casual. High chairs are limited, so toddlers may be trickier.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and fresher soup dumplings than many nearby Chinese spots.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options or a quiet, romantic environment.