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Lunasia Dim Sum House
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Lunasia Dim Sum House
8.4
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The Torrance outpost of Lunasia is a bustling Cantonese dim sum hall where carts and order sheets bring out polished versions of har gow, siu mai, and baked buns all day. Locals use it for weekend family lunches and small celebrations when they want a more polished experience than the average strip-mall spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai, Pan-fried turnip cake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Polished, high-volume dim sum with broader variety than neighborhood competitors.
Who should go: Groups and families craving Cantonese dim sum spreads.
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dim sum before peak crowds.
What to order: Har gow, pork siu mai, turnip cake.
Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends; wait times spike after noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared shopping-center lot with ample spaces; it fills quickly during peak weekend lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; families and groups dress comfortably.
Noise level: Loud during peak dim sum service with active carts and large tables; expect energetic background noise.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on party size; dim sum hours are busier than dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; slightly longer between 12pm–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and tofu-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and steamed greens, but most dim sum items contain egg or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — most dumplings and buns contain wheat; stick to rice dishes and sautéed vegetables.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual, high-energy dates rather than intimate ones; the bustle and cart traffic make it lively rather than quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant handles walk-ins well, but on weekends you should arrive early or expect a wait list.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large tables, sharable dishes, and fast-moving service make it ideal for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: A broader, more polished dim sum selection than smaller neighborhood Chinese spots, plus a more modern dining room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or need extensive vegan or gluten-free dim sum options.
Lunasia Dim Sum House
8.6
Lunasia Dim Sum House brings a modern dim sum experience to a covered, string-lit patio on Pacific Coast Highway, where carts are replaced by QR-code ordering but the menu leans classic Cantonese. South Bay diners come for jumbo siu mai, soup dumplings, and weekend brunch-style spreads that work as well for multigenerational families as for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Pork Siu-Mai, Shang-Hai Pork Soup Dumpling, Steamed B.B.Q. Pork Bao
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume dim sum house with a covered patio and broad Cantonese menu.
Who should go: Dim sum fans planning family-style brunches or group lunches.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon before peak weekend patio waits.
What to order: Jumbo pork siu-mai, soup dumplings, B.B.Q. pork bao.
Insider tip: Start on the patio and pace orders in small waves so dishes arrive hot and staggered.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot at Rolling Hills Plaza; generally easy during weekdays, tighter during weekend brunch rush.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; comfy attire is fine, though groups often lean slightly polished for weekend brunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively on the patio, especially during peak brunch; conversation is manageable but expect a bustling atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes, though waits can stretch longer during Sunday brunch spillover.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection including veggie dumplings, sautéed greens, and rice noodle rolls.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—select vegetable dishes and certain rice rolls; verify sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some options like steamed vegetables and plain rice dishes; most dumplings and buns contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-style dates. The lively patio and shared-plate format work for fun conversation but may feel too hectic for intimate first-date energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekdays. On weekends, arrive early or expect a wait; hosts move quickly but patio demand is high during brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, large tables, quick service, and shareable dishes make it ideal for families with toddlers to teens.
Best For
Better for: Large-group dim sum brunches, consistent classics, and a covered patio environment unmatched in the South Bay.
Skip if: You want cart-style dim sum, extremely quiet dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free dumpling options.
Lunasia Dim Sum House
8.4
Lunasia’s Rolling Hills Plaza outpost brings jumbo dim sum classics and QR-code ordering to a covered patio where dogs are welcome alongside multi-generational family brunches. It’s one of the few places in 90505 where you can work through a full Cantonese spread outdoors without giving up variety or speed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Pork Siu Mai, Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings, Baked BBQ Pork Buns
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume modern dim sum with a covered, pet-friendly patio.
Who should go: Dim sum fans planning family-style brunch with dogs.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon before peak weekend rush.
What to order: Jumbo Pork Siu Mai, soup dumplings, baked BBQ pork buns.
Insider tip: Check in early for a patio waitlist; shaded tables go first on warm days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the Rolling Hills Plaza lot; fills up during peak brunch hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; patio diners often lean relaxed and weather-appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch; conversation is manageable outdoors thanks to spacing and partial coverage.
Weekend wait: Dim sum service ends before dinner; evening waits are minimal with easy patio availability.
Weekday lunch: Generally short waits or immediate seating, though patio tables may require a brief list on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including veggie dumplings, spring rolls, and sautéed greens.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; steamed veggies and a few dumpling variations can accommodate vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely; confirm specifics with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, food-focused vibe; the patio is lively and fun but not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most diners walk in. Add your name to the patio list early on weekends to secure shaded dog-friendly tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, quick service, and shareable dishes make it a strong choice for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large-format dim sum with fast service, pet-friendly outdoor seating, and a wide menu suited to mixed groups.
Skip if: You want traditional cart-style dim sum, a quiet atmosphere, or a setting that leans upscale for special occasions.
Lunasia Dim Sum House
8.6
Lunasia’s Torrance outpost brings a modern, QR-code-driven dim sum experience to Rolling Hills Plaza, with a compact dining room and string-lit patio that feel more like a scene than a banquet hall. South Bay diners line up for oversized siu mai, soup dumplings, and Cantonese plates that land at the table fast enough to keep the energy high.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo pork siu mai, BBQ pork buns, Crispy shrimp rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-profile dim sum chain bringing buzzy, made-to-order dumplings to the South Bay.
Who should go: Dim sum fans and small groups chasing a lively brunch scene.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon before peak weekend lines build.
What to order: Jumbo pork siu mai, BBQ pork buns, crispy shrimp rolls.
Insider tip: Join the waitlist in advance and aim for the patio during good weather.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Rolling Hills Plaza has a large shared surface lot with generally easy parking, though spots near Lunasia fill quickly during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most diners come in weekend-ready outfits but anything neat is fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch, with steady table turnover and groups; quieter on weekdays.
Weekend wait: Dinner is less busy than brunch, but expect a 20–30 minute wait if you arrive between 6pm–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; you can often be seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several dim sum standards apply, including vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of vegetable plates and greens qualify but dumplings are rarely fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes work (e.g., rice rolls, certain entrees), but dedicated gluten-free prep is not available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, fast-paced brunch or lunch date with lots of shareable dishes. It's less ideal if you prefer quiet, extended conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Lunasia runs on a waitlist system rather than traditional reservations. Join the list early on weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; families frequent the restaurant, and the menu works well for kids who enjoy dumplings and shareable plates. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: High-energy brunches, jumbo dim sum classics, and quick table turnover that keeps meals lively.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering meal or highly traditional cart-style dim sum—this location leans modern and fast-paced.