When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Excellent Dumpling House
Why Excellent Dumpling House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Excellent Dumpling House, nestled in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, has been delighting diners since 1983 with authentic Chinese cuisine specializing in a vast array of dumplings and dim sum. Founded by Mr. Law, a seasoned chef with roots in Hong Kong's prestigious kitchens, the restaurant brings over four decades of culinary tradition and expertise to every dish. The menu boasts a wide selection of meticulously crafted dumplings such as Steamed Crabmeat & Pork Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, Seafood Dumpling Soup, and Hot & Spicy Wonton, alongside signature dishes like the famous Peking Duck. This longstanding establishment balances tradition and quality by using the finest ingredients and time-honored recipes, creating an inviting place where both longtime patrons and newcomers can gather to savor genuine Chinese flavors. Open daily until 1 AM, Excellent Dumpling House offers a welcoming atmosphere that serves as a perfect meeting spot for friends seeking casual yet outstanding dining experiences. With a commitment to high health standards and options friendly to vegetarian and vegan diets, this restaurant stands as a beloved institution in New York City's culinary scene.
Here's what people think of Excellent Dumpling House
As of recent, Excellent Dumpling House holds a 4.4-star rating based on 2022 reviews.
Customer reviews of Excellent Dumpling House consistently highlight the restaurant's dedication to authentic Chinese cuisine and quality. Many patrons praise the exceptional range of dumplings, particularly the crabmeat and pork Xiao Long Bao, which are noted for their perfect balance of juicy filling and delicate, sturdy wrappers. Positive feedback often emphasizes the freshness of ingredients, the generous portions, and the restaurant’s capacity to keep dishes coming quickly, a sign of its popularity and efficient kitchen. Reviewers also appreciate the attentive service and the reasonable pricing considering the high quality of the food. However, some negative reviews mention the restaurant's minimalistic ambiance and brisk, somewhat brusque service style, which suggests the venue prioritizes turnover over lingering diners. A few diners have observed that the differences between some dumpling varieties, such as the pork and crab options, are subtle, leading to minor disappointment in variety perception. Despite minor critiques around atmosphere and service pace, the overall sentiment remains favorable, with many agreeing that the superb food quality more than compensates. In conclusion, Excellent Dumpling House, with a strong 4.4 rating from over two thousand reviews, is celebrated as a dependable destination for flavorful, authentic Chinese dumplings and dishes in a straightforward setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
FT
The decor of the restaurant is quite dated and unassuming, but the food was great. The stewed beef was tender and flavorful, and the peanut chili oil dumplings hit the spot. Service staff were all friendly as well!
Ali Enza
The staff here is incredibly friendly and kind. They were lovely and I would come back just to interact with them. Happily the food is also amazing! I got the cold noodles and a roast pork bun and both were delightful. The were the best I’ve had of both dishes in a long time! I can’t wait to come back and try more of the dishes. I came alone so didn’t want to over order so next time I bring friends!
Kevin Cochrane
Classic Chinese restaurant, which means it's perfect! Brightly lit, very clean, fast seating and service. The food is prepared quickly and served steaming hot or still sizzling. The dishes are really fresh, well prepared and taste great. Also, the serving portions are gigantic - I'll be eating leftovers for days! Highly recommend for the lunch special, or dinner out. You just gotta go!
Elvie Jen Teo
The food was amazing! I got char siew fried rice, and the portion was clearly for 2 people (at least for my own). It was really tasty. The service was great, especially the lady at the cashier. I had a really good meal. The wait time was around 10 minutes, which was swift. Would come back to visit this :)
grace
I've been coming here ever since it opened. The food here is delicious, and isn't too expensive. The flavors and textures of the food are amazing! My favorites have to be the Xiao Long Bao, Pork Lo Mein, Fried Pork Dumplings, and the Scallion Pancakes. If you're ever in the Chelsea area, I definitely recommend checking this place out!
How to reach Excellent Dumpling House
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Why Excellent Dumpling House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Excellent Dumpling House with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family for a casual and satisfying meal often becomes perfect when the venue offers not only great food but also an inviting atmosphere. Excellent Dumpling House, with a strong 4.4 rating from over 2,000 reviews, stands out as a prime choice for this kind of social meetup. This New York City restaurant has earned its reputation through consistently delicious dishes featuring an impressive variety of dumplings and other Chinese specialties, making it a go-to spot for groups seeking authentic flavors at affordable prices. The portions are generous, ensuring everyone leaves full and happy without stretching the budget. Moreover, the location near 23rd Street in Chelsea makes it accessible and convenient for city dwellers or visitors alike. The casual vibe encourages lively conversation and relaxed dining, which is exactly the atmosphere that groups want when they meet to celebrate, catch up, or just enjoy each other’s company. Beyond just eating, the staff’s friendly nature and willingness to engage — such as offering impromptu cooking tips — add a special touch to the experience that resonates well with friends who want both great food and a memorable outing. Whether you relish dumplings, sizzling eggplant in garlic sauce, or other variety dishes, Excellent Dumpling House combines tasty comfort food with a communal spirit ideal for social gatherings.
What activities can your group enjoy at Excellent Dumpling House?
While Excellent Dumpling House is primarily known as a restaurant, it uniquely offers more than just dining. The main activity of course revolves around sharing a variety of flavorful dishes, especially an extensive menu of dumplings, including vegetarian options and customizable spice levels, which makes it excellent for groups with diverse tastes and dietary needs. Experience can become interactive as the staff sometimes engage diners by sharing tips, for example, on how to best eat sticky dumplings without losing them — a fun and unique cultural nuance that adds an educational twist to the meal. For enthusiasts, this small insight transforms into a conversational bridge, fueling laughs and enhancing the group dynamic. Furthermore, the casual setting encourages ordering multiple dishes to share, which turns the meal into a culinary exploration where everyone can taste and discuss favorites, making the dining experience itself a shared event beyond just sitting and eating. The sizable portions paired with relatively quick service — with food reportedly arriving within minutes after ordering — ensure groups won’t be left waiting, which is essential for keeping the energy lively. This makes Excellent Dumpling House not only a place to satisfy appetites but also an engaging venue to connect with friends over great food.
Why is Excellent Dumpling House perfect for a group meetup?
The appeal of Excellent Dumpling House for group meetups lies largely in its combination of generous servings, affordable pricing, and variety tailored to different preferences. Groups often struggle with restaurants that either have limited portion sizes or menus that do not cater well to diverse tastes. At Excellent Dumpling House, everyone from vegetarians to meat lovers can find something appealing — the vegetarian dumplings and signature dishes like pork or shrimp dumplings offer choices that suit varied palates. Moreover, the “no frills” atmosphere fosters a relaxed vibe where chatter and laughter can flow freely without the pressure of formal dining etiquette, making it easy for groups to be comfortable and informal, which encourages returning visits. The restaurant’s flexible spice adjustments mean dishes can be mild or spicy depending on the group’s consensus, solving another common challenge with group dining. Its Midtown location also ensures ease of access via public transport, Uber, or even a short walk for those nearby, minimizing coordination hassles for group planners. This combination of practical benefits and an inviting dining experience specifically tailored toward shared plates and socializing establishes Excellent Dumpling House as a top destination for group gatherings in New York City.
What kinds of food can you expect to share at Excellent Dumpling House?
As the name suggests, dumplings take center stage at this beloved eatery, but the menu extends well beyond just dumplings. You can expect a wide selection of items ranging from fried pork dumplings with a crunchy, greaseless exterior to lighter steamed dumplings that are delicate yet flavorful. The fillings often feature juicy mixtures like pork and cabbage or shrimp and spinach, catering both to traditional and adventurous eaters. Beyond dumplings, dishes like sizzling eggplant in garlic sauce offer flavorful vegetarian alternatives that balance the meal beautifully. Additionally, the restaurant is known for offering substantial portions of delightful appetizers such as scallion pancakes with pastrami, blending classic Chinese flavors with innovative twists. This balance between familiar favorites and unique offerings makes it fun for groups to order multiple dishes and sample across plates. The food’s fresh and less greasy preparation gives it a refined edge that keeps diners light and ready for conversation rather than overly full or sluggish. These shared food experiences invite conversation not just around the table but about the food itself—comparing favorites, exchanging opinions, and recommending dishes to others deepen the social bond.
How does the ambiance and service at Excellent Dumpling House enhance the group experience?
The ambiance is welcoming yet unpretentious, making group gatherings feel comfortable and natural rather than staged or forced. The decor and setup emphasize practicality over pomp, ideal for groups eager to focus on their company and cuisine without distractions. The staff, noted for their friendliness and promptness, contribute significantly to the experience. Reviewers frequently highlight how quick food arrives after ordering, sometimes within five minutes, a welcome aspect when dining with a group since it keeps the momentum going and reduces wait-related impatience. This speed paired with attentive service ensures groups spend more time enjoying food and conversation and less time waiting. Another layer of charm is the staff’s enthusiastic engagement, such as sharing tips or stories about dishes, which adds warmth and a personal touch that many group diners appreciate. The casual dining environment also means noise levels remain lively but not overwhelming, striking a balance where everyone can hear and participate freely in the conversation. Altogether, these elements assemble a dining atmosphere that is conducive to both casual catch-ups and more celebratory meetups.
What makes Excellent Dumpling House a repeat choice for locals and visitors alike?
The strong local following and positive visitor feedback attest to Excellent Dumpling House’s enduring popularity. Many patrons note a sense of nostalgia, with some having frequented the original Chinatown location before it relocated to Midtown, and still return for the familiar tastes and atmosphere. This continuity appeals to long-term fans, while newcomers discover a gem that offers genuine Chinese flavors in a friendly setting. The consistent quality of food, especially the dumplings, combined with reliable service and reasonable pricing, creates a winning formula that encourages repeat visits. Additionally, the menu’s adaptability — from vegetarian to seafood choices — means groups with fluctuating dietary needs feel welcome each time. This dependability makes Excellent Dumpling House not just a one-time destination but a trusted go-to when planning future group outings. Whether it’s a casual weekday lunch or a weekend dinner celebration, diners regularly praise how the restaurant fits effortlessly into diverse social plans, reinforcing its place as a favorite spot for Hong Kong-inspired fare in a bustling metropolitan setting.
In summary, Excellent Dumpling House offers much more than just great food. Its combination of flavorful, hearty dishes, quick and friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere make it an outstanding choice for groups wanting to share an enjoyable meal together. Whether you want to delve into an assortment of dumplings, explore enticing vegetarian options, or savor flavorful side dishes, this restaurant provides a welcoming, approachable venue to rally your friends or family for a memorable meetup.