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City View Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
City View Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cart-free, made-to-order dim sum in a bright dining room just off Portsmouth Square. Known for consistent execution and swift pacing for business lunches and weekend families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Baked BBQ pork buns
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Made-to-order dim sum with quick turns and reliable pacing.
Who should go: Dim sum fans and business-lunch groups
When to visit: Arrive by 11am on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, baked char siu buns
Insider tip: Order the kitchen’s seasonal specials—often limited-quantity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages nearby at Portsmouth Square and Kearny; street parking is scarce and metered with strict limits.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire common at weekday lunches but jeans and casual wear are fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations possible, though weekend lunches can be bustling.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without reservation, earlier seating is easier.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; fills up quickly with business crowds after 12pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dim sum classics like vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dumplings and vegetable sides, but cross-prep with meat possible.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably—most dim sum wrappers and sauces contain wheat or soy with gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s bright and bustling with quick pacing, better for groups or casual meetups than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially for lunch, though large groups and weekends should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of families dine here on weekends, high chairs are available, and the menu is approachable for children.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches and family dim sum outings where consistent quality and fast service matter.
Skip if: You want cart-style dim sum theatrics or a quieter, fine-dining Chinese experience.
City View Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Decades-old dim sum institution now in a refreshed Chinatown dining room with polished cart-free service and a deep menu of classics. Locals book it for reliable execution on har gow, siu mai, and crisp turnip cake in a comfortable, banquet-friendly space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai, Turnip cake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Chinatown standby delivering refined dim sum in a modernized setting.
Who should go: Teams, families, and business lunch diners
When to visit: Arrive before 11:30am on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, turnip cake
Insider tip: Request a larger table for family-style ordering and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages nearby on Kearny and Portsmouth Square; limited street parking with meters, especially tight on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat jeans and shirts are fine, but business lunch diners often lean dressier.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; easy to talk at smaller tables, but large groups and peak weekend rush add volume.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait if arriving before 12pm; fills quickly after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dim sum staples like vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2–3 options such as veggie dumplings and sautéed greens; ask staff for availability.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some rice-based items (congee, steamed rice rolls) are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, lively date than an intimate one; the polished setting makes it comfortable but it’s more about group energy than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits are common on weekends. Arrive early (before 11:30am) or late afternoon for the best chance without booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – large tables, quick service, and familiar dumpling options work well for families. High chairs available; ideal for ages 5+ who can share dishes.
Best For
Better for: City View excels at polished service, consistent execution, and a comfortable, banquet-ready space that’s easier to navigate than old-school cart-style spots.
Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want the nostalgia of roaming dim sum carts or an ultra-cheap, hole-in-the-wall experience.
City View Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Polished dim sum house where the kitchen also does excellent salt-and-pepper chicken wings—hot, aromatic, and ideal alongside noodles and congee. Comfortable seating, smooth pacing, and a deep menu suit business lunches and family style dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Pan-fried Crispy Noodles (Chicken), Century Egg & Pork Congee
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Refined dim sum setting with standout salt-and-pepper wings.
Who should go: Teams and families sharing plates
When to visit: Arrive before 11:30am on weekends
What to order: Wings; chicken crispy noodles; congee
Insider tip: Request pacing for wings to land hot with noodles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; nearby paid garages at Portsmouth Square or St. Mary’s are most convenient. Street parking is scarce and metered.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire fits right in during weekday lunches.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak dim sum hours but manageable for group conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before 12pm; fills quickly after.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum and noodle dishes are vegetarian-friendly, though cross-contact is possible.
Vegan options: Limited — a handful of veggie dumplings and sides, but menu leans heavily on meat and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably — soy sauce and dumpling wrappers contain gluten; only plain greens or rice dishes are safe bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or business meals than a romantic first date; the space is polished but bustling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but arrive early on weekends or be prepared for a wait; reservations strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — booths and round tables work well for families, though younger kids may get restless during longer weekend waits.
Best For
Better for: Polished service and comfortable seating make it stronger for business lunches and organized group dining than smaller dim sum spots.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quick, cheap bite or a romantic hideaway, other Chinatown options may suit better.
City View Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Refined dim sum house that turns out hot, aromatic salt-and-pepper wings alongside classics like har gow and turnip cake. Comfortable seating and smooth service suit business lunches and family-style ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Chicken Crispy Noodles, Congee
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Cart-free dim sum with standout salt-and-pepper wings.
Who should go: Teams and families sharing plates
When to visit: Arrive before 11:30am on weekends
What to order: Wings; chicken crispy noodles; congee
Insider tip: Ask the server to pace wings to land hot with noodles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited metered street parking nearby and a few paid garages within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire fits in, but neat jeans and a nice top are fine.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak dim sum hours but conversation is manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but reservations are common for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dumplings, noodles, and vegetable dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few steamed vegetable dumplings and sides, but menu leans meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Not specifically labeled; rice-based items may work, but cross-contamination risk is high.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys dim sum and lively group-style dining. The polished room feels upscale but still casual enough.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait 20–40 minutes on weekends. Weekdays are easier, though reservations are recommended for parties over 4.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the menu has approachable dumplings and noodles for kids, and high chairs are available. Best for children comfortable in a bustling setting.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches and polished dim sum gatherings where smooth service and comfortable seating matter.
Skip if: You want ultra-budget dim sum or a super casual grab-and-go spot—other Chinatown counters may fit better.
City View Restaurant
8.5
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Refined, cart-free dim sum house that starts service late morning, ideal for a brunch-style Chinese breakfast near Portsmouth Square. Dishes land hot with attentive pacing and comfortable seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Siu mai with roe, Rice noodle rolls with shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Comfortable sit-down dim sum with reliable pacing and hot dishes.
Who should go: Groups seeking a polished dim sum brunch
When to visit: Arrive 10–11:30am on weekends to avoid peak waits
What to order: Har gow; siu mai; shrimp rice noodle rolls
Insider tip: Ask servers to pace dishes so fried items land last and crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages nearby at Portsmouth Square and Stockton-Sutter; street parking is scarce, especially after 10am.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat jeans and tops are fine, but many guests lean dressy for brunch gatherings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively with dim sum chatter but conversation remains comfortable.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast/brunch service only.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short wait or immediate seating before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable dumplings, buns, and noodle dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few steamed greens and simple rice plates, but menu is not vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice noodle rolls and some congee work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished setting, attentive service, and sharable dim sum create an engaging and relaxed brunch date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits on weekends. Arriving between 10–11am improves your chances of being seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs available and dishes are sharable, though the busy brunch rush may feel crowded for very young children.
Best For
Better for: A refined, sit-down dim sum brunch experience with professional service and hot dishes brought directly to the table.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional dim sum carts or a purely budget-focused meal — alternatives in Chinatown may suit those better.
City View Restaurant
8.6
Refined, cart-free dim sum that lands hot and well-paced—ideal for a Chinese brunch near Portsmouth Square. Comfortable seating and attentive service suit groups who want classic dumplings without the chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu mai, Shrimp rice noodle rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Comfortable sit-down dim sum with reliable pacing and hot dishes.
Who should go: Groups seeking a polished dim sum brunch
When to visit: Arrive 10–11:30am on weekends to avoid peak waits
What to order: Har gow; siu mai; cheong fun
Insider tip: Ask servers to pace fried items to land last and crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; closest option is the Portsmouth Square Garage (hourly rates, fills quickly on weekends). Street parking in Chinatown is scarce and limited to short durations.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for weekend brunch.
Noise level: Moderate; lively chatter and clinking dishes, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; restaurant is brunch/lunch focused and closes early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; expect 10–20 minutes between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum staples such as vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and sautéed greens.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of items like vegetable dumplings without egg; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice noodle rolls are suitable, but cross-contact is possible. No dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys dim sum. The refined setting and attentive service make it more polished than most dim sum spots, though the room is lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but on weekends you’ll likely wait 30–45 minutes between 11am–1pm. Reservations are strongly advised for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious seating and shareable dishes work well for families. High chairs are available, though strollers may be tricky in peak hours.
Best For
Better for: More polished and comfortable than most Chinatown dim sum houses, with consistent pacing and attentive service ideal for groups or business meals.
Skip if: Skip if you want the traditional cart-pushed dim sum experience or rock-bottom prices — smaller, no-frills spots may suit better.