Hello dear
Welcome to Dol Ho Restaurant
**Our Story - Dol Ho Restaurant**Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, Dol Ho Restaurant is a cherished institution known for its authentic dim sum. With a rich history that tugs at the heartstrings, it welcomes diners into a casual, vibrant space filled with local charm. From the fragrant fried lotus seed puffs to the scrumptious sticky rice with chicken, each dish is a testament to traditional craftsmanship. The restaurant thrives on a loyal clientele, including families drawn by nostalgia and the promise of hearty portions. At Dol Ho, you savor not just food but a piece of cultural heritage, creating lasting memories in every bite.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Shrimp Dumpling
Sparerib Over Rice
B.b.q Pork Bun
Chicken Bun
About
Dol Ho Restaurant
Welcome to Dol Ho Restaurant, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Chinatown, San Francisco. Located at 808 Pacific Ave, this unassuming eatery has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike with its authentic dim sum and generous portions.
Stepping inside Dol Ho, you're immediately enveloped by a vibrant, bustling atmosphere filled with the sounds of Cantonese chatter. The restaurant hails itself as a true staple in the community, frequented by those who, like reviewer Amy W., have cherished memories of enjoying its culinary delights since childhood. It offers a simple yet sincere dining experience where the focus is squarely on the food.
What to Expect:
- Salted Small Plates: With options like Shrimp Dumplings, Pork Dumplings, and Steamed Beef Meatballs, each dish shines with its rich flavors at just $3.50.
- Large Plates: Hefty offerings such as Steam Beef Crepe and Sticky Rice with Chicken in Leaf reinforce the restaurant's reputation for generous portions—all priced at a modest $4.50.
- Daily Specials: The menu features specialty items like the beloved Fried Shrimp Balls and Stuffed Green Peppers, which customers rave about for their size and taste.
What sets Dol Ho apart is its unwavering commitment to tradition. As described by diners, the flavors transport you back to the bustling dim sum parlors of Hong Kong. The homemade chili oil is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to authenticity, enhancing the already delightful dishes.
Notable Highlights:
- Guest reviews highlight a remarkable experience where food is not merely a meal but an embrace of cultural heritage. Helen F. noted a standout with the Dried Shrimp with Parsley, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant's quality and authenticity.
- Dining with Dol Ho's quick service means indulging in generous portions, as pointed out by Richard W. He emphasized the homemade style that resonates with diners, making it easy to see why locals frequent this hub.
While the decor may lean toward simplicity, it is the food that commands the spotlight. Emmeline W. describes how the presence of locals hints that you’re in for something special—this is a no-frills eatery that delivers where it matters. As Evangeline L. puts it, “the most authentic dim sum place” in San Francisco, Dol Ho Restaurant immerses diners in a genuine culinary experience. No tipping, fast service, and a menu packed with familiar favorites make it a delightful outing for dim sum lovers.
Whether a long-time patron or first-time visitor, Dol Ho Restaurant is not to be missed. It encapsulates the spirit of traditional dim sum dining with dishes that are both affordable and deeply satisfying. Get ready to gather friends and family and embark on a flavorful journey that celebrates authenticity in every bite.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This is a San Francisco Chinatown staple. My husband has been coming here since he was a child. This is the only place my husbands Chinese mother will go to. It is hands-down the best dim sum quick bite place in San Francisco. Take out as well. The only place you can get the bean curd roll or fried shrimp ball. Very traditional. ”
“ Huge portions. My husband and I are big eaters, but we over did it. We got: - shrimp dumpling (really good meat to wrapper ratio) - shrimp with chive dumpling (ok) - dried shrimp with parsley great (amazing!!!! Radish, lots of dried shrimp on top) - stuffed green pepper (huge portion - tasty) - sticky rice with chicken in leaf (another stand out, though I question if chicken...) - fried shrimp balls (4 huge ones...) Like I said, too much food. I would probably skip the dumplings next time. A lot of people also go the spare rib which I don't eat. Most diners didn't have a menu. We shared a questionably clean table. We shared a table surrounded by Cantonese speaking elders. A great experience. ”
“ Yooooooo this is an OG traditional dim sum spot. Like the ones I've been acquainted with by way of family gatherings in my childhood. When you're met with a sea of locals inside, you know you got the good stuff. My close friends and I stopped by for weekend brunch. Our group of three was seated immediately. Quite a simple, well-loved space. Expect blunt but well-intentioned staff lol. Food is solid, really authentic flavor. For a group of 3, the total was only around $45~ for a wealth of dishes. I'm kind of embarrassed I haven't been to these establishment for years (damn, am I that far removed from my roots?). Definitely marked on my SF bookmarks now. NOTE: They don't even accept tip, no option on the receipt at all. ”
“ OMG the most authentic dim sum place I've been to in SF! I feel like I'm back in HK. Service is quick and the aunties are super attentive and take great care of you. They didn't even let us tip them super affordable and great food. They even make their chilli oil in house which is a huge plus for me!! IYKYK It's not the nicest interior inside but definitely worth going for the food. HIDDEN GEM ”
“ Food is pretty good, good portion size, homemade style dim sum. The prices are good for today's post-inflation standard. Almost entirely locals dining here. I would recommend brushing up on your Cantonese phrases or come with a native speaker. If you want service you'll have to flag the waitress down as this is a traditional Chinese restaurant so don't expect the American standard of service. This is definitely not a tourist spot. If you want a taste of authentic SF Chinatown this is one of those places. ”
“ If you know, you know. The Chinatown locals come here so that's all the signs you need to tell this place is legit. The Pat Gwut Fawn (Sparerib and black beans over rice) is a must. The place is homey and old school Chinatown. I hope this place never closes. ”
“ If you're in chinatown and want some legit dim sum, then Dol Ho is it. It's a hole in the wall mom and pop shop where all the aunties and uncles eat. We were probably the only young people there. Go there, seat yourself, order, eat, then leave. It'll be loud and lively so don't expect service beyond the bare minimum. Prices are pretty reasonable for the quantity and quality. So what's the right thing to get? Anything really, but grab the spare ribs over rice for sure. You won't regret it. It's just delicious grease and pork over rice, enough said. The chicken feet was a hit for me as well, full of flavor and tender. The shrimp har gow? Same thing, flavor on flavor and stuffed with shrimp and other goodness. The turnip cake was more turnip than flour which is a huge plus. The rest of the menu is probably amazing but if you speak cantonese, you'll get better service. ”
“ Still our favorite to go spot for beef balls and black bean spare ribs. When you're tight on time, their to-go is items with rice is a solid choice. Me and Pops get these two items. Their hot sauce is made in house and definitely a delicious add on to food. Service is quick, when this place is packed, you might end up sitting on same table with strangers. When you get tea, get the Bo Lay (puer) only for the OGs. The vibes nice, fast pace and semi loud. definitely one of the best hole in the wall spots in SF Chinatown. -ig BlackTigerEats ”
