Dumpling Time Design District — Restaurant in San Francisco

Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion at this exceptional fusion Asian eatery. From the moment you step inside, the vibrant neon lights and buzzing atmosphere transport you to a culinary adventure like no other. The stars of the show are undoubtedly the dumplings – pillowy pockets of pure bliss, bursting with juicy fillings that will have you savoring every bite. As a self-proclaimed dumpling connoisseur, I can confidently declare that their lamb and vegetable varieties are unrivaled masterpieces in this city's dumpling landscape. But don't let the dumplings steal the entire spotlight. The menu is a veritable treasure trove of delights, from the crispy sesame tofu squares that will convert even the most ardent meat-lovers, to the Beijing noodles that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of China's capital. And let's not forget the shrimp toast and the aromatic Asian green salad, both guaranteed to awaken your senses. For the sweet-toothed adventurers, the trio of buns and the divine mango pudding are worth the visit alone – desserts so heavenly, they'll forever redefine your idea of sweet perfection. The real MVPs, however, are the incredible staff members. With their encyclopedic knowledge of the menu and impeccable taste-matching skills, they'll ensure that every dish is tailored to your unique preferences. From dairy-free delights to spice-laden scorchers, they'll guide you through the menu like true culinary sommeliers. And let's not overlook the impressive beverage selection, featuring an array of local wines, craft beers, and cocktails that will have you thirsting for more (the great mule is a personal favorite). With its fusion of casual cool and sophisticated flair, this restaurant isn't just a dining experience – it's a culinary odyssey that will leave you utterly spellbound and craving for more. So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious adventurer, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable...

So they're not horrible... But they're not great either. I think this is a good spot if you're new to dim sum or introducing someone who hasn't had it before.

Atmosphere is chill and friendly. You get the DTF experience where you can watch the staff hand making all the food, and the place is modern and clean. Staff are friendly and everyone speaks English. Also, good service. You'd never get this at an authentic dim sum house haha.

As for the food. The pork shu mai is really good. Big fan. Also their edamame was cooked and seasoned perfectly. These were the first two dishes that arrived so I was hopping on board!

Next came the shrimp har gow. Wrapper was a tad thick and the shrimp was really small. Not super impressed considering I'm paying more for this than at a traditional dim sum spot.

Their lamb boiled dumplings weren't well received either. I think most people didn't like the combined lamb flavor and boiled texture. I love boiled dumplings but I'm not a fan of lamb. These were okay as they weren't as gamey as I expected. I still wouldn't order them again tho.

Now their XLBs. That's what I really wanted to try. They look fancy upon arrival since they're all in their own individual tins... But the tins are wasteful and don't do anything other than stick to the wrapper making the soup juice spill. The wrapper is a tad on the thick side, but with these aluminum tins, if you have a thin wrapper everything will break. Put cabbage down and throw away the tins!!!!!!!!!!! Problem solved. They also don't have much soup inside. The soup that is there doesn't have much flavor either. And they don't give you any ginger!!! This is madness!

Overall, it's a great spot for newbies to dim sum. I'm glad I tried it but I didn't get the dim sum fix I normally get when I'm craving it.

If you're expecting the full shabang with the rolling carts, full menu options, this ain't your place. Their menu is really limited, no carts, just pricier food for a more...

Food at Dumpling Time was enjoyable across the board. Biggest surprise hit were the seafood gyoza, which, although good on their own, came with two very different, very delicious dipping sauces that elevated the dish to another level. Beijing noodles were tasty, satisfyingly greasy, though the portion was somewhat small. The gargantuan soup dumpling was a fun novelty; while I loved the flavors, I will order the smaller XLBs when I come back to save myself the embarrassingly messy attempt at surgery trying to consume the most unwieldy dumpling you have ever met. Of the two kinds of baos we ordered, I found the BBQ pork lacking in flavor. The chicken bao handily won that bao duel. Last and certainly not least, the dessert buns were a wonderful way to end the meal with just the perfect amount of sweetness.

UPDATE: Two years after opening, Dumpling Time has expanded and improved their menu, one deserving of 5 stars. All the newest dishes we tried have been at the very least great, if not outstanding. We really loved the shrimp toast, which is cheating because almost any food item on a crispy Chinese doughnut inevitably tastes incredible. The lamb dumplings were fabulous and satisfyingly flavorful, and the wagyu beef potstickers were rich and delicious, with a lovely light outer crunch. The tofu had a perfectly crispy thin exterior and was well spiced, and the lobster siu mai was also very good, although these came out lukewarm, to their detriment.

Although the prices are on the higher side compared to the average weekend dim sum spots, I appreciate the creativity and the quality here enough that I can live with the extra cost on the special occasions that...