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Dim Sum Garden
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dim Sum Garden
8.1
Dim Sum Garden is a casual Hong Kong-style dim sum house near Grand Central where bamboo baskets of dumplings, buns, and rice rolls anchor most orders. It’s more about steady comfort than ceremony, with a menu that lets you build a full meal from small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shanghai soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Signature dim sum platter, Pan-fried pork dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: All-day dim sum with soup dumplings and a broad menu of classic baskets.
Who should go: Dim sum fans wanting casual dumplings near Grand Central.
When to visit: Late mornings or lunch when baskets turn over quickly.
What to order: Shanghai soup dumplings, signature dim sum platter, fried pork dumplings.
Insider tip: Start with a sampler platter, then add baskets you liked most for round two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited around Grand Central; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch and lunch, quieter during off-hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during late brunch and early dinner rushes.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable dumplings, scallion pancakes, and rice rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based dumplings and sides if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dishes use wheat-based wrappers and soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — it’s more about fast-paced shared eating than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly, especially outside peak brunch and lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — dumplings, buns, and fried items work well for kids, and the casual pace is forgiving for families.
Best For
Better for: Quick, reliable dim sum near Grand Central without the formality of Chinatown banquet halls.
Skip if: You want carts, a luxe dining room, or a long, leisurely dim sum experience.
Dim Sum Garden
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Dim Sum Garden on Lexington Ave is a casual, counter-friendly spot where soup dumplings, buns, and noodles come out quickly for Midtown workers and neighborhood regulars. The menu skews toward practical sets and platters, so you can sit down for a full dumpling spread or grab a fast order before a show or train.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soup dumplings, Signature dim sum sampler platter, Shrimp dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Lexington Avenue standby for fast, filling dim sum and soup dumplings.
Who should go: Office workers and locals needing quick, affordable dim sum.
When to visit: Lunch or early evening before commuter and delivery rush.
What to order: Soup dumplings, dim sum sampler, shrimp dumplings.
Insider tip: Use the dim sum platter to sample widely, then add a noodle or rice dish to round things out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on Lexington Ave; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially during weekday business hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, work attire, and everyday streetwear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak dinner hours, shorter earlier in the evening
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes, with steady turnover from office traffic
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, buns, and noodle dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based dumplings and stir-fried vegetable dishes, but not a dedicated section.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — rice noodle dishes may work, but most dumplings contain wheat wrappers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates — the fast pace and counter-style energy make it more about efficient eating than lingering vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Dim Sum Garden operates on walk-ins only, and tables turn over quickly, especially outside peak dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — dumplings, buns, and noodles are very kid-approachable, though space is tight for strollers during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable soup dumplings and no-frills dim sum you can grab quickly without committing to a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale cart service, a long banquet-style meal, or a polished date-night dim sum experience.