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Petite Dumpling
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Petite Dumpling
8.3
Compact Cantonese dim sum spot serving translucent-skinned har gow and delicate soup dumplings you won't find elsewhere in the neighborhood. The chicken sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf and mala cucumber salad round out a focused menu perfect for a quick lunch near the Park Slope library.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Pork Soup Dumplings, Chicken Sticky Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Authentic Cantonese dim sum with thin-skinned dumplings rarely found outside Chinatown
Who should go: Dim sum devotees seeking quality without the Chinatown trek
When to visit: Early lunch before the tiny space fills up
What to order: Har gow, soup dumplings (eat in only—they don't travel), sticky rice
Insider tip: Skip soup dumplings for takeout—they're only worth it when eaten immediately
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Ave, metered spots on side streets; easier before noon
Dress code: Come as you are - casual neighborhood spot, no dress code
Noise level: Moderate buzz - can hold a conversation but expect lively lunch crowd energy
Weekend wait: 15-25 min at peak hours; no reservations, first-come first-served
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5-10 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - clearly marked options including Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings with pumpkin rice, Vegetable Ban Mein, Tofu Puffs, sautéed bok choy
Vegan options: Moderate - several marked vegan dishes including veggie dumplings and vegetable noodles; confirm preparation with server
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes and some steamed items work, but most dumplings contain wheat wrappers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual third date than a formal first impression. The tiny space means close quarters with neighbors, and QR-code ordering feels practical rather than romantic. Great if you both love dumplings and want low-pressure vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Arrive early for lunch (before 12:30pm) or off-peak dinner (before 6pm) to minimize waits. The space is small so peak times can mean a short wait at the door.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for kids who like dumplings. Reviewers note NYC toddlers handle the mala cucumber's mild spice just fine. Heads up: no high chairs available per recent reports, so bring your own booster if needed. Wonton soup and chicken sticky rice are reliable kid favorites.
Best For
Better for: Authentic thin-skinned Cantonese dim sum without the Chinatown or Flushing trek. Outshines other Park Slope options for har gow quality and soup dumpling execution. Fast, affordable, and unpretentious - perfect for a quick solo lunch or casual family meal.
Skip if: You want a lingering date-night atmosphere or need to accommodate large groups. Space is genuinely petite with limited seating. Also skip for takeout soup dumplings - they don't survive the trip home.
Petite Dumpling
8.3
Petite Dumpling is chef Mei Chau’s intimate Park Slope dim sum shop, focusing on Cantonese classics like har gow, siu mai, and multiple styles of soup dumplings alongside congee and noodle soups. The room is tiny and relaxed, so the emphasis stays on carefully made dumplings and thoughtful specials rather than spectacle. It’s where locals go when they want serious dim sum technique without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gow (shrimp dumplings), Crab & pork soup dumplings, Chicken sticky rice in lotus leaf
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A tiny dumpling-focused Cantonese spot with an unusually deep dim sum menu.
Who should go: Dim sum fans prioritizing craftsmanship over big, boisterous dining rooms.
When to visit: Early dinners and off-peak lunches to dodge the cramped waits.
What to order: Har gow, crab and pork soup dumplings, chicken sticky rice.
Insider tip: Go with two or three people and build a meal entirely from the dim sum section to sample the widest range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable midday but tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; no need to dress up for the tiny room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes due to the very limited seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—vegetable dumplings, congee, and sautéed greens appear regularly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dumpling options and simple vegetable sides; confirm fillings with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some soups and congee are naturally gluten-free, but dumplings are wheat-based; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something low-key and intimate; the tiny room encourages quiet conversation but not a long, lingering meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—Petite Dumpling doesn’t rely on reservations. Expect a short wait during prime weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—kids who enjoy dumplings will be happy, but the very tight space means strollers and large groups can be challenging.
Best For
Better for: Meticulous dumpling technique and a deeper dim sum selection than most neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want a big, bustling dim sum hall, large-group seating, or extensive non-dumpling entrées.