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Dolo Restaurant and Bar
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.6
Dolo runs a modern dim sum and seafood dining room where carts, table-side ordering, and banquet-style platters share space with a full bar. Diners use it for more polished dim sum outings, with a reputation for variety, fresh seafood, and later-evening meals compared with most peers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soup dumplings (xiao long bao), Fried shrimp dumplings, Sesame spare ribs
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Contemporary dim sum with strong seafood focus and a full bar.
Who should go: Groups wanting a slightly upscale dim sum-and-seafood night.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak waits build.
What to order: Soup dumplings, fried shrimp dumplings, sesame spare ribs.
Insider tip: Anchor the meal with a few seafood plates; dim sum comes out best earlier in service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Chinatown can be competitive during peak hours; several paid surface lots are within a short walk. No dedicated valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many groups lean slightly dressy for dinner outings.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak service — conversation is doable at smaller tables but group banquets can get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak windows; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though small surges can happen during dim sum rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, noodles, and greens-based dishes are typically available, but confirm fillings when ordering.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates and tofu dishes; many dim sum items include egg, seafood, or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — soy sauce and wheat-based wrappers are common; steamed seafood and some vegetable plates are safer picks if you communicate needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a lively, shared-plates outing than an intimate, quiet date — polished setting, but energy and table activity can be high during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in service, but expect a wait on weekends; putting your name in and staying nearby is common practice.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families and multi-generational meals — spacious tables and shareable platters work well; very young children may find peak hours noisy.
Best For
Better for: More polished dim sum and seafood dinners with a fuller bar program and later-evening service than many traditional dim sum halls.
Skip if: You want the cheapest, strictly traditional morning cart service, a very quiet dining room, or highly specialized dietary accommodations.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.5
Modern dim sum and Cantonese seafood spot where made-to-order baskets, live-tank seafood, and a full bar make brunch feel more like a banquet. It’s a go-to when you want dim sum with sleeker design and smoother pacing than the old-guard halls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Rice noodle rolls with beef, Garlic pea tips
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Contemporary dim sum house balancing banquet-level seafood with smoother service.
Who should go: Groups wanting polished dim sum with cocktails and seafood.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings before the midday rush peaks.
What to order: Har gow, beef rice rolls, garlic pea tips.
Insider tip: Order at least one live-tank seafood dish to share at brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited during peak Chinatown hours; nearby paid surface lots and garages are the most reliable option on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many groups lean slightly polished for brunch gatherings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but large-group brunch service can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: Typically shorter than dim sum hours, but expect 20–40 minutes during peak evenings without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait outside of major holidays or convention weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dim sum vegetable plates and tofu dishes, plus some seafood-free preparations; confirm sauces when ordering.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adaptable, but many dumplings and sauces contain egg or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — rice rolls, steamed vegetables, and some seafood dishes work, but cross-contamination is likely and there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a lively, activity-style date — the polished setting and shared dim sum plates make it engaging, but the room can be energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during off-peak windows, but weekend dim sum hours can see waits; arriving earlier in the brunch service or with a smaller group improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious tables, shareable dim sum, and quick pacing work well for families; strollers are easier to manage earlier in the day before crowds build.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want dim sum with sleeker design, smoother pacing, and banquet-level seafood upgrades compared with more traditional, high-capacity halls.
Skip if: You prefer old-school cart service, the no-frills dim sum experience, or the quietest possible brunch environment.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
Dolo is a large-format Cantonese seafood and dim sum house in Chinatown with live tanks, banquet-style tables, and a sprawling menu. Locals lean on it for made-to-order dim sum by day and big seafood feasts at night, where lobster, crab, and dumplings land on lazy Susans for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Walnut Shrimp, Dolo Seafood Combo with Crab Legs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume Cantonese spot where live seafood and made-to-order dim sum share the same banquet room.
Who should go: Groups wanting Cantonese seafood, dim sum, and round-table feasts.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings for peak dim sum energy without dinner crowds.
What to order: Fried shrimp dumplings, walnut shrimp, seafood combo with crab legs.
Insider tip: Pre-order live lobster or larger seafood platters when booking to ensure availability at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be competitive during peak hours; several nearby paid lots are commonly used by diners on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — families and large groups are common, but nicer attire is appropriate for banquet-style dinners.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during peak dim sum and group dinners; conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation for larger parties; small groups may be seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait outside of peak dim sum rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetable dishes and tofu preparations are available, though not a fully dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Limited — some stir-fried vegetables and tofu dishes may work if you confirm preparation details with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes and seafood options may be workable, but cross-contact is likely — best to ask dish-by-dish.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to groups and family meals than an intimate date — the room is lively, tables are large, and much of the experience centers on shared dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits are common during dim sum hours and weekend dinners. Arriving early or with a smaller party increases your chances of being seated sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — round tables, large portions, and a wide menu make it family-friendly. High chairs are typically available and group seating works well for multi-generational meals.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Cantonese seafood feasts, live-tank specials, and made-to-order dim sum served in a true banquet setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a tightly curated, modern Chinese menu — smaller Cantonese or contemporary Chinese restaurants may suit those preferences better.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Dolo runs a more modern, seafood-focused dim sum operation where made-to-order plates, tanks of live shellfish, and a full cocktail bar tilt the room toward celebration. Guests use it for birthdays and small banquets when they want Cantonese standards plus showier dishes in a clubbier, glass-and-neon dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt and pepper squid, Shrimp siu mai, Hong Kong-style lobster
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seafood-driven, bar-equipped dim sum with private rooms designed for parties.
Who should go: Groups wanting polished dim sum with cocktails and live seafood.
When to visit: Prime weekend lunch or early dinner for peak but manageable energy.
What to order: Shrimp siu mai, salt and pepper squid, house special live lobster.
Insider tip: Ask about live seafood specials and book a private room for set menus.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Chinatown area plus nearby paid neighborhood lots; availability can tighten on weekends and during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests dress up a bit for celebrations and group dinners.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during peak hours; conversation is possible at smaller tables but can be loud in large banquet sections.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 30–60+ minute waits during peak periods.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though larger parties should still book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection — several dim sum and vegetable dishes can be made meat-free, but menus lean seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may work if you communicate needs to staff.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; some seafood and steamed dishes may be workable with guidance, but cross-contact is likely in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for group celebrations than quiet one-on-one dinners — the room is lively and banquet-style service feels more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small parties during off-peak times, but for weekends or seafood banquet orders, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families and multigenerational meals — spacious tables and sharable dishes work well, though the noise level and later hours may be better for older kids.
Best For
Better for: More polished, modern dim sum and live-seafood presentations with a celebratory feel and private-room options compared to more casual, traditional dim sum halls.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, strictly budget dining, or a wide range of vegan/gluten-free options — a simpler dim sum spot may suit better.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.7
Dolo is a contemporary Chinatown dim sum and seafood restaurant where carts, banquet-style dishes, and a dedicated patio give groups room to linger. Locals use it for everything from weekend dim sum spreads to crab and seafood feasts before or after exploring the 22nd Street corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Sesame Spare Ribs, Dolo Seafood Combo
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Modern Chinatown dim sum house with full bar and patio.
Who should go: Dim sum fans wanting Chinese seafood with easy parking.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings for peak dim sum variety outdoors.
What to order: Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Sesame Spare Ribs, Dolo Seafood Combo.
Insider tip: Book dim sum reservations on nice days; patio fills quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free on-site lot behind the restaurant plus limited metered street parking on Archer Ave; the lot often fills during peak dim sum hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — comfortable patio-friendly attire; jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Lively during dim sum and large parties; conversational at most patio tables with occasional bursts of noise.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation for groups; smaller parties may be seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside peak dim sum holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dim sum items and stir-fried dishes; ask staff to confirm preparation.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates can be made vegan, but many sauces contain oyster or egg products.
Gluten-free options: Limited — most dumplings and sauces contain wheat; safer options include steamed seafood and simple vegetable dishes when noted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, conversational dates than intimate ones — the patio offers the most comfortable setting, while the main dining room can feel energetic and group-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect waits during weekend dim sum and pleasant patio weather; reservations are recommended for groups or outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly atmosphere with large tables and shareable dishes; high chairs are typically available and service is welcoming to multi-generational groups.
Best For
Better for: Large-format seafood, modern dim sum in a contemporary room, and one of the more comfortable patios in Chinatown for group meals.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, highly specialized vegetarian/vegan menus, or a purely traditional old-school dim sum environment.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.3
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Dolo runs a sprawling Chinatown dining room where made-to-order dim sum, Cantonese seafood, and a full bar anchor one of the area’s busiest weekend brunch scenes. With nearly 2,000 reviews across Google and Yelp and regular mentions in local guides, it functions as a slightly tucked-away alternative to the better-known banquet halls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Har Gow, BBQ Pork Buns, Small Peking Duck Dinner
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum and Cantonese seafood served made-to-order in a modern, lively room.
Who should go: Groups craving dim sum spreads and Cantonese seafood feasts.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings or early afternoons for peak dim sum.
What to order: Shrimp har gow, BBQ pork buns, Small Peking Duck Dinner.
Insider tip: Ask for the smaller Peking duck set—it feeds a few people without overwhelming the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Wentworth and Archer is limited during peak hours; small nearby lots and paid neighborhood garages are the most reliable options on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many groups lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dim sum and dinner rush — conversation is possible but group energy dominates.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; large groups may wait longer during peak banquet hours.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, though dim sum rush can create short queues.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable dim sum, tofu dishes, and stir-fried greens, but not a fully separate menu.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates and noodles can be adapted if you confirm no oyster sauce or broth.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program; some steamed seafood and vegetable dishes may work with modifications, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for lively, share-plate meals than intimate conversation — great if you want energetic, celebratory vibes, less ideal for quiet one-on-one dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during weekend dim sum and peak dinner hours; smaller parties are seated faster, while groups should call ahead or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious tables, shareable dishes, and quicker dim sum pacing work well for families; strollers and high chairs are commonly accommodated.
Best For
Better for: Made-to-order dim sum, polished banquet-style seafood, and celebratory group meals in a more modern room than older Chinatown halls.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, strictly vegan options, or a quick in-and-out dim sum experience without crowds.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Dolo is a modern Cantonese and dim sum restaurant with dedicated private dining rooms just south of Chinatown Square. Locals lean on it for contemporary banquet menus, seafood feasts, and dim sum spreads that balance neon-accented design with approachable pricing for birthdays and business dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Shrimp Dumplings (dim sum cart selection), Walnut Shrimp, Dolo Seafood Combo
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A contemporary Cantonese dim sum and seafood spot with multiple enclosed rooms purpose-built for private parties.
Who should go: Groups planning modern Chinese banquets or dim sum parties.
When to visit: Prime weekend lunch for dim sum or early evening for seafood feasts.
What to order: Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Walnut Shrimp, Dolo Seafood Combo.
Insider tip: Ask about set banquet menus for private rooms—they simplify ordering and usually bundle value-friendly seafood and dim sum favorites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and metered parking in the surrounding blocks with additional paid surface lots near Chinatown Square; weekends can be competitive around peak dim sum hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine; groups celebrating or hosting business dinners often lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud in the main dining room during dim sum and peak dinners; private dining rooms are noticeably quieter and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for large groups or private room requests.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak dim sum rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dishes, tofu plates, noodles, and dim sum items, though menus skew seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable stir-fries and rice/noodle options; confirm sauces as many include egg or seafood stock.
Gluten-free options: Limited — many dumplings and sauces contain wheat or soy; staff can help steer toward simpler seafood and vegetable dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for group meals or celebrations than an intimate first date; private rooms or early-evening seatings are the most conversation-friendly options.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for small parties at off-peak times, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends, larger groups, and private dining rooms.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large tables, sharable dishes, and dim sum formats work well for families; high-energy dining room during peak hours may be better for school-age kids than very young toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Private party rooms, modern banquet menus, and seafood-focused celebrations with polished presentation and approachable pricing.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner, strictly vegan or gluten-free dining, or a more traditional old-school dim sum setting.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
8.5
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Dolo combines a sprawling dim sum menu with a full bar, making afternoon and early-evening drinks with small plates feel like a built-in happy hour. Locals use it for discounted bites at the bar, pre-dinner cocktails, and shared Cantonese seafood in a contemporary Chinatown dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shanghai soup dumplings (xiao long bao), Shrimp rice noodle rolls (cheung fun), Preserved egg and pork congee
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dim sum and Cantonese seafood with a real bar program and off-peak drink deals.
Who should go: Groups wanting dim sum, cocktails, and flexible seating.
When to visit: Late afternoon into early evening before peak dinner crowds.
What to order: Soup dumplings, shrimp rice rolls, a shared seafood entrée.
Insider tip: Sit at or near the bar during happy hour to access both dim sum and drink specials quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding blocks; neighborhood lots available on Archer Ave and Wentworth Ave, but spaces can be competitive during peak dining hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evenings and group dinners
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but bar area and larger groups can get loud during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of open tables and faster seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several dim sum items and vegetable-focused dishes, but seafood dominates the menu
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates and rice/noodle options, but many dishes use sauces with seafood or egg
Gluten-free options: Partially accommodating — some steamed seafood and rice dishes work, but cross-contact is likely and sauces often contain soy/wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, energetic room with cocktails and shareable plates — less ideal if you prefer quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside peak hours; for weekends and larger parties, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age children — spacious seating, group-style dining, and familiar dim sum items; less suited to strollers during busy dinner rush.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour dim sum with cocktails, large-group seating, and a polished Chinatown dining room where you can pair small plates with drinks before dinner.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, strictly vegan or gluten-free dining, or classic cart-style dim sum service over a contemporary full-service format.