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DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine
Master Critic Review
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine in NoMad centers its menu on Hong Kong–style dim sum crafted by a veteran dim sum chef, then rounds it out with roast meats and banquet-friendly mains. It works equally well for a focused dumpling lunch or a longer dinner where baskets of har gow and siu mai hit the table alongside larger plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature dim sum platter, Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hong Kong–style dim sum program led by a long-tenured dim sum chef.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic baskets plus broader Cantonese dishes.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak prime-time rush.
What to order: Dim sum platter, shrimp har gow, pork siu mai.
Insider tip: Start with the platter to sample widely, then reorder your favorites by the basket.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in NoMad; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean business-casual to dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12:30–1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, and stir-fried greens are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based dumplings and sides can work, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some roast meats and steamed proteins work, but most dumplings contain wheat wrappers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a casual, low-pressure first date where sharing plates helps break the ice, but it leans more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekends and peak dinner hours are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — steamed dumplings, simple noodles, and the quick-service pace work well for kids, especially at lunch.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, traditional Hong Kong–style dim sum with consistent execution and group-friendly seating in Midtown Manhattan.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking trendy, modern dim sum presentations or a quieter, more intimate dining room.