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United Dumplings (Marina)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
United Dumplings (Marina)
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Modern, family-run dumpling house serving soup dumplings and Northern Chinese small plates alongside crowd-pleasing riffs. It’s the Marina go-to for shareable baskets, kid-friendly seating, and casual date-night dumplings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soup Dumplings (XLB), Sichuan Wontons in Red Oil, Grandma’s Pork Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Soup dumplings and playful fillings in a polished, family-friendly room.
Who should go: Sharing-focused groups and XLB seekers
When to visit: Early evenings 5–6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: XLB, Sichuan wontons, Grandma’s pork dumplings
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half dumpling orders to sample more flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Union and Fillmore; can be tight during dinner hours—arrive a bit early or use nearby pay lots on Lombard.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but some guests dress up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy during peak hours but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dumplings and noodle dishes feature veggie fillings like mushroom, spinach, and chive.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for the veggie dumplings without egg; otherwise options are few.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—dumpling wrappers contain wheat; a couple rice noodle dishes and sides may qualify.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for fun and casual. Sharing dumplings creates an easy icebreaker, though the room can get lively during peak dinner hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for smaller parties early evening or weekday lunch. Larger groups or weekend nights should book ahead via their online system.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are accommodating, high chairs are available, and kids love watching dumplings being made through the open prep area.
Best For
Better for: Creative dumpling fillings and approachable modern vibe compared to traditional dim sum houses.
Skip if: You’re seeking old-school cart service or extensive Cantonese dim sum menus—this spot leans modern Northern-style.
United Dumplings (Marina)
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Casual dumpling house known for xiao long bao, pan-fried and steamed dumplings, and quick counter-friendly service. A go-to for comforting bowls and shareable plates before or after Chestnut Street strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Grandma’s pork dumplings, California beef noodle soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Housemade dumplings with both traditional and Cali-leaning options.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers and casual groups
When to visit: Early evening before prime dinner rush
What to order: XLB, grandma’s pork dumplings, beef noodle soup
Insider tip: Order a mix of steamed and pan-fried for texture contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Chestnut and nearby side streets; can be tough after 6pm, but metered spots occasionally open near Fillmore.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy at smaller tables, though it gets lively during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm; quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, noodles, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dumpling and noodle options without meat or egg, but check fillings.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — most dumplings contain wheat wrappers; avoid if strict gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date — approachable menu and friendly service, but the space lacks romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly. Best to arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very. High chairs available, quick service, and familiar dishes make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Handmade dumplings and quick service in a clean, modern setting — faster and more consistent than most casual Chinese spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dinner with cocktails or a quieter, more atmospheric experience.