racist place. I paid with credit card at cashier. Another waiter ran to the while we were leaving to as use to prove we paid. Tried place again, after we finished eating my wife paid and they ask me did you pay. Not a place for Black folks food good . very small. Will not go back
James Y.
A good theme and summary of Dumpling Hours would be that it's a good Chinese restaurant that's lacks authenticity and tries to cater too much to the Western palate, which makes some of the dishes just very lack luster. Dumpling house feels like a restaurant with an identity crisis. While trying to hold onto classic and traditional vibes while opting to use modern decor and furniture. This ambiance... works. Now, as for the food, same thing. Classic traditional Chinese dishes, but with a modern and contemporary touch. Unfortunately, this take on food doesn't quite work--for me at least. Where the modern twist is more on the flavoring, it lacks the traditional flavors as it seems like the spices, sours, sweets, and general umami was more mellowed out to cater to the western palate. Now, the food is tasty itself. The food just doesn't hit the spot when it comes to being "authentic" in flavor. I'm curious as to why the scallion noodles and dan dan noodles are Italian spaghetti noodles cooked to al dente... Disappointing. Service was fine. Not nice but not mean, just your average hum drum RBF Chinese restaurant service. I wouldn't visit again.
Harrison S.
bright, busy place with interesting new dishes for us. been twice and will return. no bad or boring dishes so far. would like to see draft beer though.
Norma
Prices are too high quality is not there. You're better off getting soup dumplings from Trader Joe's. Service is not great if you're not Caucasian.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Benny Kwong
Highly recommended! Dumpling is tasty with thin skin and juicy and meaty filling. String beans are not overly oily and nice bite size. Pork ears are the best I have eaten outside of Asia.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Heather D.
The space was much larger than I anticipated so plenty of room to spread out. Love the Friday hours where they don't close after lunch so I don't have to hurry to get there. Staff was attentive and super friendly and we really enjoyed the food. If, like us, you just want them to bring the food - order at once and they bring everything when it is ready. Since some of the items come to the table super hot this allows some time to cool down. If you want things more in courses, stagger your order. We enjoyed a Foggy Day IPA, the Xiao Long Bao (probably my fav), Pan-fried Pork Buns (wait, this might be my fav), and Chicken with Shiitake Mushroom Dumpling. So fun to share and can't wait to go back and try more. I would like to know who thought Country and Western was the right choice of tunes to set the stage.
Winnie Xu
one of the better soup dumps in the bay, skins are super thin and fillings are not too greasy. the fluffy ones could use a bit more filling, but overall good flavors and variation. prices a bit steep (basically $3+ a pop) so if you eat a lot, your wallet might complain.
Al L P.
Lots of choices. Enjoyed the soup dumplings. Interesting to watch the dumpling maker. Service attentive and food arrived quickly.
Lisa G.
Google may have said this hole in the wall was less busy than usual, but this place was hopping on a Thursday night! When we arrived, we put our name in and waited for a bit outside to get seated. Once we got a table, ordering was made easy using their QR code. Once things got going, they got food out pretty quickly. I'm so glad I ordered the mushrooms because it was not only delicious, but something I knew I wouldn't have ordered just a few years ago, and I would have been missing out! We also ordered the scallion noodles which were so good and perfectly sauced. Onto the stars of the show - the dumplings. Because each time we got a new one, we couldn't imagine the next would be better and it never failed to disappoint. Ultimately, the tables favorite were the pan fried dumplings. But everything was delicious. The only ding on their record would probably be the Thai tea. I didn't love it, which is a rare thing with me and Thai tea. Next time, cause there will be a next time, we'll definitely be ordering all dumplings to try as many as possible!
Emma Donnelly
High quality dumplings and noodles. Fast and friendly service. Will go again! I got the ginger noodles and cucumber salad.
First and foremost the food was solid. We had hot & sour soup, pan fried pork dumplings, pork soup dumplings, onion pancakes, fried wontons, ginger & scallion noodles and dumplings in chili and sesame oil. All were tasty and came out very quickly. (Next time we will stagger our order so it doesn't all come at once) Staff was all super friendly, and efficient. Interior was very clean and attractive. Will definitely put this place in the rotation.
Brenda G.
I usually am really pleased with a variety of places that make dumplings but I was greatly disappointed by the flavors of ALL the dishes I ordered at this place (5 in total). All the dishes/dumplings tasted bland - no real flavor it was like nothing was spiced and the ingredients were overly masticated (mashed to a pulp and then drained of flavor). It even didnt smell like food. Overall a weird experience I won't repeat. FYI I did order take out but I cant imagine that should have made a huge difference. Also definitely stay away from the shredded potato salad (its raw potato with sesame oil!!!!!). Sorry to post this I believe Oakland needs more good restaurants GET SOME NEW RECIPES!!
Russell S.
Really enjoyed this lunch of soup dumplings and spicy noodles--would have given 5 stars but the silver skin was left on the brisket and I found it a little off putting. The servers were very friendly and efficient--stealthy too! They refilled my water a couple of times and I didn't even see them approach or depart. The design touches in the restaurant make it feel like a really nice place to pass the time in, and I'll be returning.
Edith G.
Highly recommend this spot! Their boiled dumplings, all of their soups, and buns are delicious! My favorites are all of their boiled dumplings, wonton soup, and spicy beef brisket noodle soup. We moved from SF to Oakland and are so thankful Dumpling Hours is here because we thought we'd never find a spot to replace our favorite dumpling spot in the city, Kingdom of Dumpling. They have options for vegetarians and small groups. However, if you're coming in with a party of 4 or more, call in advance to make a reservation. It's quiet and tables are usually available for lunch during weekdays, but be willing to wait on weekends.
Bobby J.
Came here when they first opened The owner is amazing and welcoming. I loved everything my family ordered. A great addition to this neighborhood. Window seat is the best! Can't wait to visit again!
racist place. I paid with credit card at cashier. Another waiter ran to the while we were leaving to as use to prove we paid. Tried place again, after we finished eating my wife paid and they ask me did you pay. Not a place for Black folks food good . very small. Will not go back
A good theme and summary of Dumpling Hours would be that it's a good Chinese restaurant that's lacks authenticity and tries to cater too much to the Western palate, which makes some of the dishes just very lack luster. Dumpling house feels like a restaurant with an identity crisis. While trying to hold onto classic and traditional vibes while opting to use modern decor and furniture. This ambiance... works. Now, as for the food, same thing. Classic traditional Chinese dishes, but with a modern and contemporary touch. Unfortunately, this take on food doesn't quite work--for me at least. Where the modern twist is more on the flavoring, it lacks the traditional flavors as it seems like the spices, sours, sweets, and general umami was more mellowed out to cater to the western palate. Now, the food is tasty itself. The food just doesn't hit the spot when it comes to being "authentic" in flavor. I'm curious as to why the scallion noodles and dan dan noodles are Italian spaghetti noodles cooked to al dente... Disappointing. Service was fine. Not nice but not mean, just your average hum drum RBF Chinese restaurant service. I wouldn't visit again.
bright, busy place with interesting new dishes for us. been twice and will return. no bad or boring dishes so far. would like to see draft beer though.
Prices are too high quality is not there. You're better off getting soup dumplings from Trader Joe's. Service is not great if you're not Caucasian.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Highly recommended! Dumpling is tasty with thin skin and juicy and meaty filling. String beans are not overly oily and nice bite size. Pork ears are the best I have eaten outside of Asia.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
The space was much larger than I anticipated so plenty of room to spread out. Love the Friday hours where they don't close after lunch so I don't have to hurry to get there. Staff was attentive and super friendly and we really enjoyed the food. If, like us, you just want them to bring the food - order at once and they bring everything when it is ready. Since some of the items come to the table super hot this allows some time to cool down. If you want things more in courses, stagger your order. We enjoyed a Foggy Day IPA, the Xiao Long Bao (probably my fav), Pan-fried Pork Buns (wait, this might be my fav), and Chicken with Shiitake Mushroom Dumpling. So fun to share and can't wait to go back and try more. I would like to know who thought Country and Western was the right choice of tunes to set the stage.
one of the better soup dumps in the bay, skins are super thin and fillings are not too greasy. the fluffy ones could use a bit more filling, but overall good flavors and variation. prices a bit steep (basically $3+ a pop) so if you eat a lot, your wallet might complain.
Lots of choices. Enjoyed the soup dumplings. Interesting to watch the dumpling maker. Service attentive and food arrived quickly.
Google may have said this hole in the wall was less busy than usual, but this place was hopping on a Thursday night! When we arrived, we put our name in and waited for a bit outside to get seated. Once we got a table, ordering was made easy using their QR code. Once things got going, they got food out pretty quickly. I'm so glad I ordered the mushrooms because it was not only delicious, but something I knew I wouldn't have ordered just a few years ago, and I would have been missing out! We also ordered the scallion noodles which were so good and perfectly sauced. Onto the stars of the show - the dumplings. Because each time we got a new one, we couldn't imagine the next would be better and it never failed to disappoint. Ultimately, the tables favorite were the pan fried dumplings. But everything was delicious. The only ding on their record would probably be the Thai tea. I didn't love it, which is a rare thing with me and Thai tea. Next time, cause there will be a next time, we'll definitely be ordering all dumplings to try as many as possible!
High quality dumplings and noodles. Fast and friendly service. Will go again! I got the ginger noodles and cucumber salad.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
First and foremost the food was solid. We had hot & sour soup, pan fried pork dumplings, pork soup dumplings, onion pancakes, fried wontons, ginger & scallion noodles and dumplings in chili and sesame oil. All were tasty and came out very quickly. (Next time we will stagger our order so it doesn't all come at once) Staff was all super friendly, and efficient. Interior was very clean and attractive. Will definitely put this place in the rotation.
I usually am really pleased with a variety of places that make dumplings but I was greatly disappointed by the flavors of ALL the dishes I ordered at this place (5 in total). All the dishes/dumplings tasted bland - no real flavor it was like nothing was spiced and the ingredients were overly masticated (mashed to a pulp and then drained of flavor). It even didnt smell like food. Overall a weird experience I won't repeat. FYI I did order take out but I cant imagine that should have made a huge difference. Also definitely stay away from the shredded potato salad (its raw potato with sesame oil!!!!!). Sorry to post this I believe Oakland needs more good restaurants GET SOME NEW RECIPES!!
Really enjoyed this lunch of soup dumplings and spicy noodles--would have given 5 stars but the silver skin was left on the brisket and I found it a little off putting. The servers were very friendly and efficient--stealthy too! They refilled my water a couple of times and I didn't even see them approach or depart. The design touches in the restaurant make it feel like a really nice place to pass the time in, and I'll be returning.
Highly recommend this spot! Their boiled dumplings, all of their soups, and buns are delicious! My favorites are all of their boiled dumplings, wonton soup, and spicy beef brisket noodle soup. We moved from SF to Oakland and are so thankful Dumpling Hours is here because we thought we'd never find a spot to replace our favorite dumpling spot in the city, Kingdom of Dumpling. They have options for vegetarians and small groups. However, if you're coming in with a party of 4 or more, call in advance to make a reservation. It's quiet and tables are usually available for lunch during weekdays, but be willing to wait on weekends.
Came here when they first opened The owner is amazing and welcoming. I loved everything my family ordered. A great addition to this neighborhood. Window seat is the best! Can't wait to visit again!