When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Dimsum Garden
Why Dimsum Garden is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dimsum Garden is a highly recommended spot in New York City for authentic Shanghai-style dim sum, conveniently located on Lexington Avenue near Grand Central. This restaurant offers a welcoming environment that is great for meeting up with friends and family, especially during brunch, lunch, or dinner hours. It features a wide variety of traditional Chinese dishes, including their signature Xiao Long Bao, prepared by chefs with deep roots in Shanghai cuisine. The interior is comfortable and suitable for groups, with the option to make reservations and enjoy a variety of meal types from brunch to dinner. The restaurant also serves alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, enhancing the dining experience. Dimsum Garden is praised for its tasty and fresh dim sum selections at a moderate price point, making it an ideal place to enjoy genuine Chinese flavors without traveling far. The atmosphere tends to fill up around midday on weekends, indicating its popularity among locals and visitors alike. With ample seating, including highchairs and street parking options nearby, it accommodates groups of varying sizes.
Here's what people think of Dimsum Garden
As of recent, Dimsum Garden holds a 4.2-star rating based on 168 reviews.
Reviews of Dimsum Garden generally highlight the delicious and authentic dim sum dishes that capture the essence of traditional Shanghai cuisine. Many positive reviews commend the flavor and freshness of the dumplings and other dim sum offerings, particularly the famous soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). Customers appreciate the reasonable pricing, friendly atmosphere, and the convenience of the location close to Grand Central. Positive feedback often mentions the attentive service and the option to enjoy meals ranging from casual brunches to more substantial dinners. On the other hand, some negative reviews note that the service can be inconsistent at times, which is a common theme in many highly authentic Chinese establishments where food quality may outshine hospitality. A few patrons have mentioned wait times during peak hours and occasional issues with seating availability. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is favorable, with the restaurant maintaining a solid 4.2-star rating from over 160 reviews. The combination of good food, reasonable prices, and a convenient location make Dimsum Garden a dependable choice for casual dining and group gatherings in the city.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
THE EXPLORER
We recently stopped in for dinner with another couple. It was a little later than usual so most of the crowd was gone. We ordered shrimp shumai, truffle and mushroom dumplings, lobster special platter and sliced chicken with baby eggplant. All items were tasty and well cooked. We all had a good time and enjoyed the dinner. Waiter was very nice and attentive.
Sazzie Zer
All Dim sum dishes we ordered were very good and fresh(they have big shrimps and a lot of meat, not just thick shells). Service was okay. The restaurant smells funny, not sure why. They need to use some extra air filter system to filter some smell out. However the food was good and after sitting there for a while, you got used to the smell.
Augusto Paulino
The Young Chow fried rice ($16.99 plus tax) was decent and had shrimp, roast pork, peas, carrots and egg. But for dimsum, the crispy shrimp with tofu skin roll (3 pieces for $7.50) was too oily and should have been drained better before being served.
Tamara Robinson
I went there today for takeout. I ordered basic chicken and broccoli, which came with soup and a spring roll. I also ordered Mongolian beef with brown rice. The beef looked oily, pale looking and was rubbery. The chicken was also pale and rubbery. I won't be back, especially not spending $45.00, it wasn't worth it, at all!!!
YUKI P
An overall ⭐⭐⭐ experience with this place, mainly coz of the food quality • The pork ribs were not made with fresh ingredients and had a gamy taste. • The Ma Po tofu was below average, as it lacked minced pork during the stir-fry process, which left the dish bland. Additionally, the spices used didn’t feel authentic. • The onion and pork dish (pictured in image 2) was honestly the only dish I found tasty. That said, the staff was kind enough to refund the steamed pork ribs and remained incredibly patient throughout. The restaurant is relatively new, with a clean and comfortable dining environment.
How to reach Dimsum Garden
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Why Dimsum Garden may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dimsum Garden with your friends?
Gathering at Dimsum Garden offers a compelling reason for friends and families to reconnect over a shared passion for authentic, flavorful Chinese cuisine, especially its renowned dim sum. This Shanghai-style eatery, with a strong 4.2-star rating from over 160 reviews, provides a perfect blend of delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and affordability—all essential ingredients for a memorable group outing. The restaurant is celebrated for its standout soup dumplings, which are both a crowd-pleaser and a natural dish to share amongst friends. Whether you’re indulging in the crabmeat and pork soup dumplings or savoring the generously sized, off-menu XL steamer basket dumplings, there’s a communal spirit to passing these around the table that encourages conversation and connection. Coupled with crispy scallion pancakes, peppery minced pork noodle dishes, and savory Chinese broccoli, the menu caters to varied tastes, making it easy to find something everyone will enjoy. The recent expansion and upgrade have transformed Dimsum Garden from a cozy BYOB to a spacious restaurant with a full bar, enhancing its appeal for groups who want to relax with drinks while watching a game or chatting the night away. The bustling weekend crowds add to the lively vibe, making it a vibrant backdrop for meetups. Altogether, Dimsum Garden is an ideal spot where food and friendship come together effortlessly for an engaging and satisfying experience.
What activities does Dimsum Garden offer that make it perfect for a group meetup?
Dimsum Garden excels at creating an interactive dining experience ideal for groups by focusing on shared dishes that naturally encourage socializing. The foremost activity here is enjoying the variety of dim sum offerings—small, bite-sized dishes meant for communal sharing. Passing around baskets of soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and fried rice plates fosters a convivial atmosphere perfect for catching up and bonding. The restaurant also boasts a full bar, thanks to the 2025 renovation, which means groups can toast with sake, beer, or cocktails, making the gathering lively and celebratory. Another key activity at Dimsum Garden is experiencing the authenticity of Shanghai-style cuisine, allowing guests to explore new flavors together, turning the meal into a culinary adventure. Watching sports games on the restaurant’s screens provides entertainment and a shared focus that deepens group camaraderie when paired with food and drink. Finally, because the space is roomy and designed for comfort, it allows flexibility for different party sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger meetups, ensuring everyone has enough space to relax and enjoy the evening. The combination of delicious communal dishes, drinks, entertainment, and a spacious setting makes Dimsum Garden an excellent venue for group activities centered around food and friendship.
Why is Dimsum Garden particularly suited for hosting family and friend gatherings?
Dimsum Garden offers a uniquely warm and welcoming atmosphere that suits family and friend gatherings due to its focus on shared dining experiences and a menu that satisfies diverse palates. Families appreciate that the dim sum style encourages everyone to try a variety of dishes, from classic soup dumplings to flavorful noodle plates, which can easily cater to both adults and children. The restaurant’s spacious interior, enhanced during its recent upgrade, allows larger groups to have ample seating without feeling crowded, an important factor for comfortable socializing. Additionally, the inclusion of a full bar accommodates adult guests, providing options for celebratory toasts or casual drinks, which elevates the overall experience. The affordable pricing on entrees, mostly under $20, makes it accessible for group budgets, ensuring that hosting a multiple-person meal won’t break the bank. Furthermore, the lively yet family-friendly vibe means celebrations can feel festive without being overwhelming, helping families and friends focus on enjoying each other’s company. The reliability of quality food, especially the highly recommended soup dumplings, ensures that everyone leaves satisfied, helping mark memorable gatherings with great food and good times.
How does the food and drink menu cater to group dining experiences at Dimsum Garden?
Dimsum Garden’s food and drink menu is thoughtfully designed to enhance group dining by offering dishes that are easily shareable and drinks that complement the flavors. The menu’s centerpiece is the diverse range of dim sum, including soup dumplings filled with pork, crabmeat, or a combination of both, which are served in steamer baskets meant for sharing. These bite-sized treats are ideal for communal enjoyment, enabling guests to sample a variety of flavors throughout the meal. Alongside the dumplings are other sharable dishes like crispy scallion pancakes, peppery minced pork noodle dishes, and wok-sizzled meat options which add depth and variety to the spread. The pricing strategy keeps many dishes under $20, making it practical for groups to order an assortment without overspending. In terms of beverages, the addition of a full bar during the 2025 renovation expanded options to include beer, wine, cocktails, and sake, all of which pair well with the rich, savory flavors of the food. This variety allows groups to cater to different preferences, whether someone prefers a refreshing beer or a sophisticated cocktail, contributing to a balanced and enjoyable meal experience. The menu’s comprehensive offerings effectively support a lively, interactive dining style that makes sharing food and drink effortless and fun.
What makes the atmosphere at Dimsum Garden conducive to social meetups?
The atmosphere at Dimsum Garden is inviting and vibrant, making it ideal for social meetups with friends or family. Its spacious layout, a result of a 2025 upgrade, provides ample room for groups to spread out comfortably while maintaining a cozy ambiance that encourages conversation. The restaurant balances its bustling energy—especially on weekends when it fills up quickly—with a warm, casual vibe that ensures guests feel relaxed rather than overwhelmed. The inclusion of a full bar adds an element of sophistication and festivity, setting the stage for lively celebrations, casual drinks, or simply a place to unwind after a busy day. The social nature of dim sum dining—sharing many small plates—is inherently communal, promoting engagement and connection among guests. Additionally, Dimsum Garden’s screens often feature sports games, offering entertainment that creates shared experiences and talking points. This combination of comfort, lively energy, engaging dining style, and entertainment options cultivates a social space where groups can enjoy time together in a way that is both fun and effortless.
How does Dimsum Garden compare in terms of convenience and accessibility for groups?
Dimsum Garden stands out as a convenient and accessible location for group dining in a busy urban setting. Located in vibrant Chinatown, Philadelphia, or in some contexts New York locations with similar names, it offers easy access for residents and visitors alike, close to public transportation and within walking distance of other attractions for day or night plans. The restaurant’s operating hours are generous, typically open from breakfast through dinner, with some locations operating from 9 AM to 9 PM, allowing groups to choose various time slots, whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner meetups. The ability to make reservations further facilitates planning for larger groups, ensuring there is space available, which is a major plus in busy metropolitan areas. Additionally, Dimsum Garden accepts multiple payment options, including major credit cards, which simplifies logistics for groups splitting bills. The restaurant also offers takeout services for those who might want to extend their meetup beyond the venue or for groups preferring the comfort of their own homes. These convenient features make Dimsum Garden a stress-free choice for organizing group events centered around food and community.