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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Francisco

Bao bun spots

Made for those who prioritize the pillowy texture of bao buns as the primary requirement for their meal.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Modern space with glass panel kitchen and QR code menu offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere reminiscent of old Shanghai. Authentic Shanghainese cuisine draws a mix of families and locals seeking stylish, low-key dining with carefully served hot dishes.

Shengjian Bao stands out with its pan-fried, juicy pork filling, offering a taste authentic to Shanghai. The bao buns here are consistently great, combining a soft, fluffy texture with flavorful fillings that appeal to both kids and adults.

Food here is authentic Shanghainese with a focus on Shanghai dim sum and noodles. Dishes come out one by one, keeping everything hot and fresh.

People are saying

"The pan-fried dumplings here are amazing and sublime."

"I thought the pan-fried Bao Buns were the best I'd ever had."

"The shengjian bao food here is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly fried."

Good to know

1

Parking could be challenging in the area.

2

The restaurant offers authentic Shanghainese taste and affordable pricing.

3

The owner mentioned that more dishes are coming soon, like crab xiaolongbao.

02
Altamirano Restaurant & Bar image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Covered outdoor patio with fireplace table and live Spanish guitar creates a stylish, sophisticated atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making conversations audible and the vibe intimate. Cocktails, especially pisco sours, and authentic Peruvian dishes define the experience.

Sea flavors stand out in the lobster bao and crab bao roll, both tasting fresh and rich. The Black lobster bao offers a unique twist alongside other well-made options.

Food here is fresh, creative, and delicious with a strong Peruvian influence. Dishes offer an elevated dining experience that suits groups of various sizes.

People are saying

"The dinner here is incredible, especially the ceviche and Lomo Saltado."

"The food here was incredible, really well balanced and flavorful."

"The lobster bao here is incredible and has a unique flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm with a special menu.

2

Pisco tasting events occur occasionally; check the schedule.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

03
Village Tea House image 1

Spacious restaurant with a minimalist design and clean, well-maintained decor creates a casual but lively atmosphere. Noise levels are high, making conversations difficult, especially during busy times. Known for authentic, delicious dumplings and top-notch noodles, it offers quick service without carts and affordable prices.

Sheng Jian Bao stands out with its piping hot soup inside and flavorful, moist filling. It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and is a consistent favorite alongside BBQ pork buns and Xiao Long Bao.

Food comes out hot and perfectly cooked with a fresh, non-greasy quality. Dishes stay authentic and not overly salty, offering excellent value for the area.

People are saying

"The dan dan noodles and pan-fried buns are a must-try."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The pork sheng jian bao here is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for lunch to avoid long wait times.

2

The Sheng Jian Bao takes 15-20 minutes to prepare, so expect a wait.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other dim sum places in the area.

04
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Dumpling restaurant

Open floor plan with visible chefs folding dumplings creates an engaging atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and modern casual, blending traditional dim sum with contemporary design. Frequented by groups enjoying extensive menus featuring fresh, flavorful dumplings and noodles at reasonable prices.

Handmade baos stand out with BBQ pork, custard buns, and a four bao special featuring dried fried chicken and beef roll. Mushu pork and soup dumplings also complement the selection well.

Food arrives quickly and hot with generous portions costing less than $25 per person including drinks. Dishes taste authentic and remind of Chinatown, New York, pleasing a variety of palates.

People are saying

"These dumplings are the best I've had in the city."

"I found the pan-fried pork baos to be flavorful and handmade."

"The food here is fresh, well-seasoned, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Dumpling King offers two menus: one for regular Chinese food and one for dumplings.

2

Expect to pay around $25 per person for a meal, including drinks.

3

Dumpling King has a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

05
Dynasty Dumpling image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Bright, modern space with a clean, casual ambiance and homey neighborhood feel. Atmosphere stays relaxing with Mandarin ballads at a comfortable volume, making it suitable for casual dinners or gatherings. Crowds peak at lunch and dinner, creating a lively but comfortable environment.

Sheng jian bao tastes close to Shanghai style and stands out as the real star. Xiao long bao and pork bao offer fantastic flavors with a hint of ginger in the pork bao that makes it unique.

Food features authentic and fresh flavors with a focus on traditional Cantonese dishes and typical American Chinese options. Meals come out quickly, are reasonably priced, and avoid greasiness or excess sodium.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are fantastic and flavorful."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Xiao Long Bao here are really well prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking may be challenging; street parking is limited.

2

They offer a 10% discount on meals this month for their opening.

3

Reservations are not required but calling ahead for pickup is recommended.

06
Go Duck Yourself 去你鸭的 image 1

Industrial-style interior with a steampunk design and an open kitchen creates a modern, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending casual friendliness with stylish decor. Regulars enjoy bone-free Cantonese barbecue duck in a neighborhood setting.

Bao buns come incredibly soft with scallions and hoisin, pairing well with roast duck. A bao trio dessert offers a fun mix of unique flavors to finish the meal.

Food features amazing duck with excellent sauces full of flavor. Dishes are fresh, delicious, and fairly priced for the quality offered.

People are saying

"The Cantonese Roast Duck here has incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat."

"The Cantonese roast duck food here is flavorful with crispy skin."

"The roast duck bao buns were juicy, tender, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary on weekends to secure a table.

2

The duck dish costs $30, which may be considered high for the portion size.

3

Parking is generally easy to find off Cortland Avenue.

07
Fuwa Dumpling image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple, clean space with spacious seating and unassuming decor creates a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Energy stays easygoing and unpretentious, welcoming a steady flow of diners. Focus centers on authentic, handmade dumplings served in generous portions at affordable prices.

Xiao long bao come in pork and are a key item alongside Napa cabbage & pork dumplings and pan-fried options. The menu offers a variety of dumplings including boiled, pan-fried, and xiao long bao styles.

Chinese comfort food offers a simple menu with light, guilt-free dishes. Dumplings have a notable texture that draws curiosity from first-generation Chinese diners.

People are saying

"I had some of the best dumplings I've ever experienced."

"I thought the food here was amazing and fresh."

"These bao buns are the most delicious I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves a variety of dumplings, including boiled, pan-fried, and soup dumplings.

2

Prices are very low compared to other dumpling places in the city.

3

Portions are generous, with 14 dumplings per order.

08
Smokin D’s BBQ SF image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot with on-site smoked meat creates a cozy, chill atmosphere reminiscent of Texas. Limited seating encourages takeout, attracting those who appreciate authentic Texas-style BBQ with bold, salty flavors.

Brisket baos feature Texas smoked meats with a big, meaty, and juicy profile. Execution is flawless, making them a satisfying grab-and-go treat.

Food blends Southern BBQ with Asian street flavors creating a unique taste. Home-style Texas barbecue satisfies cravings with memorable, family-friendly dishes.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and perfectly cooked."

"The brisket bao buns were so tender and flavorful."

"The brisket food here is tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with limited seating available.

2

Pricing is reasonable for the quality, with meals around $200 for a family.

3

Bao buns are available only from Friday to Sunday.

09
Dumpling Bites image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Spacious two-level restaurant with modern design and high ceilings creates a clean, casual atmosphere. The place draws a steady crowd seeking quality Shanghai dumplings and affordable dim sum in a neighborhood setting. Large tables on the balcony accommodate groups, adding to its welcoming vibe.

Sheng Jian Bao features a thin skin with a great pan-fried crust that might challenge beginners. Xiao long bao stands out as super juicy and flavorful, especially the Ultra Mega Juicy version.

Effort shows in every dish with excellent quality food and faultless flavors. The XLBs stand out as especially well made, and the menu suits multiple dietary needs.

People are saying

"The Chinese food's soup dumplings are incredibly juicy."

"The food here is amazing, especially the juicy soup dumplings."

"These soup dumplings are some of the best I've had, super juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during weekends, especially for dinner.

2

Free parking is available a block or two away from the restaurant.

3

Dumpling Bites offers a 50% discount on select dishes during their anniversary.

10
Mongkok Dim Sum image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant with a tight indoor seating area and a busy atmosphere. Offers large, affordable dim sum portions with standout items like shrimp dumplings and cha siu bao. Cash-only policy and early opening hours attract a steady crowd.

Cha siu bao stands out with its generous BBQ pork fillings. Other dim sum items like ha gow and siu mai also complement the bao selection.

Food offers good quality and is cheap overall, though some items lack clear prices. Some practices like putting dropped food back into steamers affect the food quality.

People are saying

"The food here is great and cheap."

"The cha siu bao here has so much BBQ pork filling."

"The shrimp dumplings here have an out-of-this-world flavor."

Good to know

1

Mongkok Dim Sum is a cash-only establishment.

2

The prices for dim sum are very affordable.

3

Baked pork buns are not available until 11am.

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