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Dimsum Garden
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dimsum Garden
7.7
Compact midtown dim sum spot serving fresh steamed dumplings and Cantonese classics with genuine hospitality. The intimate space delivers quality ingredients and house-made preparations for those seeking casual, authentic flavors without the trek to Chinatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Dim Sum Platter, Shrimp Dumplings, General Tso's Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fresh-made dim sum in midtown without Chinatown crowds
Who should go: Lunch crowds and dim sum cravers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for freshest selections
What to order: 9-piece signature dim sum platter, shrimp dumplings, roasted duck dumpling
Insider tip: The weekday lunch specials offer excellent value around $12-15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking on 2nd Ave can be challenging. Midtown location means nearby garages available at typical Manhattan rates (~$25-40). Subway accessible
Dress code: Very casual - come as you are. Bright, no-frills space welcomes everything from work attire to weekend wear
Noise level: Moderate - compact space can get lively during lunch rush, but conversation-friendly. Booths offer some separation
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical; walk-ins usually accommodated. Reservations helpful for groups of 4+
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - quick turnover for lunch crowd grabbing specials
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including black truffle mushroom dumplings, vegetable spring rolls, hot and sour soup (vegetables only), and vegetarian items included in the 9-piece sampler platter
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable-based dim sum available but most items contain egg or dairy in wrappers. Ask staff for guidance
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes possible but dim sum wrappers contain wheat. Not a dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones. The bright lighting and compact booths create an informal vibe - perfect for low-pressure dim sum sharing, but skip it if you want candlelit ambiance. The mark-your-order system is interactive and fun
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - walk-ins welcome and usually seated quickly, especially on weekdays. Weekend lunch may have brief waits. Call ahead for groups of 5+ to ensure they can accommodate
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families - casual atmosphere, shareable dim sum plates, and quick service suit antsy kids. Dog-friendly too if bringing four-legged family members. The sampler platter with its variety keeps picky eaters happy
Best For
Better for: Midtown/UES convenience without trekking to Chinatown - fresh, house-made dumplings with quality ingredients. Chef has 30+ years expertise in Hong Kong-style dim sum. The $12-15 weekday lunch specials deliver exceptional value for the neighborhood. The 9-piece signature platter ($24.99) showcases variety including unique roasted duck dumplings
Skip if: You want the full bustling dim sum palace experience with cart service - this is a compact, casual counter spot. Portions are generous and dumplings larger than typical, but prices run slightly higher than Chinatown equivalents
Dimsum Garden
8.1
A compact, modern room on 2nd Avenue focuses on Hong Kong–style dim sum with a tight but deep menu and strong delivery game. Locals lean on it for reliable baskets, value-forward lunch specials, and late-week dinners when Chinatown feels too far.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature dim sum platter 九宫格点心拼盘, Shrimp har gow, Sticky rice in lotus leaf
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A neighborhood-focused dim sum specialist with broad variety, sharp pricing, and a menu built for both dine-in and delivery.
Who should go: Midtown East locals craving dim sum without heading downtown.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for the best pacing and calm.
What to order: Signature dim sum platter, har gow, sticky rice in lotus leaf.
Insider tip: Weekday lunch specials bundle a main and soup; add one dim sum basket to turn it into a full tasting for under typical Midtown prices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Ave is limited; expect metered spots to open more easily before 5pm. Nearby paid garages on 55th–57th run $18–$28 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; no need to dress up. Office attire is common at lunch, but jeans and sneakers are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are easy at off-peak times, but the small room can get lively during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups of 2–4.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent selection — vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, rice rolls, and a few tofu-based small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — 2–3 dim sum items without dairy/egg, but confirm fillings as recipes change.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — some rice-based dishes may work, but most dumplings use wheat wrappers; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones. The space is compact and informal, ideal for a relaxed, low-pressure meet-up rather than an intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. They operate primarily on walk-ins, and small parties almost always get seated quickly outside weekend peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids 5+. Service is quick, and the menu has approachable dumplings, but there’s limited room for strollers and no dedicated kid’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick, consistent dim sum in Midtown East without trekking to Chinatown; strong delivery reliability and value-driven lunch specials.
Skip if: You want extensive banquet-style dim sum, deluxe seafood carts, or a more spacious dining room — larger Cantonese restaurants downtown are better suited.