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Golden Unicorn Restaurant

18 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
$$

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Master Critic Review

Golden Unicorn Restaurant 8.2
Two Bridges
Golden Unicorn is a multi-floor Cantonese banquet hall that helped popularize cart-pushed dim sum service in this corner of Chinatown. Families, large groups, and visiting diners pack in for classic baskets, roast meats, and the feeling of an old-school dim sum institution.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp har gow, Steamed pork ribs with black bean, Rice noodle rolls with shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 6.8 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running banquet hall known for bustling cart-style dim sum and big round tables.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting classic cart dim sum
When to visit: Weekend late mornings before peak wait times
What to order: Har gow, siu mai, rice noodle rolls with beef
Insider tip: Go early and ask servers directly for harder-to-find specials if carts miss your table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Two Bridges; expect slow circulation on weekends. Nearby paid garages on Allen St. and Pike St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual. Families, tourists, and neighborhood regulars all blend in—comfortable attire is completely appropriate.
Noise level: High. Classic banquet-hall energy with rolling carts, large groups, and lively conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes; the dinner rush is less intense than brunch but still busy.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; often seated immediately before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, tofu dishes, and rice noodle rolls.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes qualify, but dumplings often include egg or hidden seafood stock.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—rice noodle rolls, steamed greens, and some proteins are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact risk is high due to shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys lively, old-school dim sum energy. It’s communal, loud, and bustling—not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Arrive early on weekends, especially before 11:00am. Walk-ins dominate here, and tables turn quickly thanks to cart service.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Large round tables, quick service, and plenty of finger-friendly dishes make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, celebratory dim sum outings, and anyone wanting a classic multi-floor banquet hall experience with roaming carts.
Skip if: You want quieter, more refined dim sum; you need strict dietary controls; or you prefer made-to-order dishes over traditional cart service.