Ugly Dumpling — Restaurant in Lakeside

Tried Ugly Dumpling for the first time this evening. Probably the last time. Overall rating 3/10. Yes, I spoke with the manager. For details on our experience, see below. It's a long post, designed to explain why we were so unhappy with this experience!

Arrived about 5:50. Maybe 1/3 of tables occupied. Seated immediately. Waitress Kaya arrived quickly upon being seated. Wanted to give us the opportunity to order appetizers (1/2 off) before happy hour ended in 7 minutes. Splendid! She did not ask if we wanted cocktails also on happy hour. We hadn't planned on them, but may have been tempted with encouragement (not an issue, just an observation). She put order in. Shortly thereafter, she returned to take drink and food order for the 3 of us. One person ordered soup dumpling sample platter and an iced tea with honey and "100% sugar". Second person ordered sample platter. I ordered the spicy pork and shrimp wontons and beef and shishito pepper noodle soup. Appetizers came. Cream cheese rangoons were average. Spring rolls very good. Here's where everything went south. One sampler platter and the soup arrived. The 2 of us started eating. Dumplings were average. Soup was tasty but just above room temperature. About 5 minutes later Kaya checked on us. Said tea would be out shortly. I asked about the dumplings and wontons--one person still without food. She said it's "family style" and the kitchen sends it out when ready. Person with no food ordered pork and shrimp wonton soup to go with the dumplings he had not yet received. A little while later, one person finished their meal. Still did not receive tea. Told Kaya forget the tea, as she was finished eating. Kaya promptly returned with the tea and indicated it was no charge. A server brought the newly ordered soup. After the soups were eaten; still no wontons or the second sampler. We asked to cancel the 2 dishes she said she would if they were not yet made and could give us to-go boxes if they were. She went to check and returned carrying the 2 dishes. I asked for the check. I politely explained how dissatisfied we were with the timing of the meal. I also asked her why we saw people who arrived after us get sampler platters while we waited so long. She said that it is when they are ready in the kitchen and they put the tag on it. Seeing I was not satisfied she said I could talk to the manager. I said that would be wonderful. Manager came. He listened and said that it is served family style and food comes out at different times. He did not seem to care about our concerns or experience. He said they were busy and sometimes there is a back-up. The restaurant was not full and he could not explain why others received the same dish we had waited for. He may have said he was sorry we were not happy but there was no interest or true apology.

At least 4 different times servers came to our table with food we did not order that was meant for a different table.

Had the manager truly listened and if I thought he was going to try to figure out what happened and try to improve the food preparation/delivery I would probably try them again.

I do not know if the kitchen was making things out of order or if the prepared food was sitting under a warmer waiting for the waitress to pick it up or if there was some other issue. Does this "family style"...

My son and I were visiting Richmond from Charlottesville. I had heard about Ugly Dumpling opening, and decided to go there for lunch. When we walked in it was not busy, yet we waited in the lobby for over 5 mins to be seated- with multiple employees walking by us and not acknowledging us. Once we were seated our server came over, she was very sweet but seemed like maybe it was her first day. We were patient, and actually ended up really enjoying her- we joked and laughed throughout lunch. We ordered I believe 5 different dishes to share. She brought the first two dishes fairly quickly (spicy pork wontons & pork & crab soup dumplings) both of these dishes were good! We finished those, and were waiting for our other food. It was odd because of how quickly those dishes came out…then another server came over to us to let us know that someone had given our green beans and crab rangoons to the wrong table. As she was telling us this, our server came over. She told us she would put our order back in & comp us for those dishes. Meanwhile she brought our spicy noodles over (which were cold). We didn’t complain, and just ate them. We waited probably another 5-8 mins. We saw another server come looking confused & holding a plate of green beans and crab rangoons, she was about to give them to (once again) the wrong table. I motioned to her, and asked if she was sure that they weren’t ours. And she said she was sorry, and they were. At this point we were still waiting on our other order of soup dumplings. I reminded our waitress, and she said she had to re enter them. So we waited some more time. When she brought them out she told us they were the wrong dumplings, and that we wouldn’t have to pay for them. At this point I was just ready to be done. When she pulled out bill up on her handheld device she looked very confused and was trying to figure out if everything that she told us would be taken off had been. She then told me she was going to get her manager Tony. He came over, and was immediately rude & looking at my son and I like we were lying about what had happened. He told me that he would comp the green beans and that’s it. I responded saying that our server told us we would be comped for more than just the green beans due to having to wait a long time for our food & it being delivered to the wrong table. He then asked me (rudely) really “how long” we had to wait because their food comes out quickly. He was extremely argumentative and combative. He then took the servers handheld device to look at our bill, and told me that the three things had already been taken off of the bill, and then he proceeded to scold our server as he was walking away. I don’t come to Richmond often, but when I do I will NEVER step foot in this establishment again. The food was probably a 6.5/10, but the service was the worst. I understand mistakes happen, but to be treated less than from the “regional manager” was out of line- especially when his employee explained what had happened to him and that SHE offered to comp us for the food. We didn’t even ASK to be comped! Never again will I step good into this...

Forget the "ugly" – the only thing ugly about Ugly Dumpling is the name itself. This restaurant is a culinary gem, a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you utterly satisfied and planning your next visit before you've even finished your last bite. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting and bustling, a perfect blend of casual comfort and exciting energy. And then there was Dexter. Our waiter, Dexter, was an absolute star. Attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic, he elevated the entire dining experience. His recommendations were spot-on, and his friendly demeanor made us feel instantly at ease. The service at Ugly Dumpling, exemplified by Dexter, is truly top-notch – prompt, efficient, and delivered with a smile. Now, onto the food. Oh, the food. We dove headfirst into a selection of their offerings, and each dish was a revelation. The chicken soup dumplings were a masterclass in delicate construction and explosive flavor. Steaming hot broth encased in a thin, yielding wrapper, bursting with savory chicken goodness. A careful bite, a slurp of the rich broth, and then the tender chicken – pure comfort in a single mouthful. The fried chicken dumplings offered a delightful textural contrast. Crispy golden exteriors gave way to juicy, flavorful fillings. They were perfectly cooked, not at all greasy, and utterly addictive. Each bite was a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory deliciousness. For those who like a little heat, the spicy chicken wontons are a must-try. Swimming in a vibrant, chili-infused sauce, these wontons packed a punch without being overwhelming. The tender wonton wrappers and flavorful chicken filling were beautifully complemented by the spicy, tangy sauce. It was a dish that awakened the taste buds in the best possible way. The green beans were a refreshing and perfectly executed side dish. Often an afterthought, these green beans were crisp-tender and seasoned just right, providing a lovely balance to the richer dishes. They were a testament to the fact that even the simplest items on the menu are given careful attention. Finally, the beef tendon noodle bowl was a hearty and deeply satisfying experience. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tendon nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Each spoonful was a symphony of textures and tastes, a comforting and substantial dish that left us feeling incredibly content. Ugly Dumpling is a place where the name is a playful misnomer, and the reality is a truly beautiful culinary journey. The food is exceptional, the service is outstanding (thanks, Dexter!), and the atmosphere is just right. Whether you're a dumpling aficionado or simply looking for a delicious and memorable meal, Ugly Dumpling is an absolute must-visit. We left feeling utterly satisfied and already planning our return to explore more of their enticing menu. Don't let the name fool you – this place is anything but ugly; it's...