Why Furama Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

Furama Restaurant, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, is a beloved family-owned venue known for serving authentic Chinese cuisine with a special focus on dim sum. Established in 1985, Furama offers a spacious two-story dining experience that is perfect for groups, family gatherings, or casual meetups with friends. What sets Furama apart is its unique offering of dim sum available throughout the day, not limited to traditional breakfast or weekend hours, allowing patrons to enjoy a variety of small plates whenever they please. The menu features Cantonese and Mandarin favorites, including specialty items like barbecue pork buns with fluffy bao, fried crab and shrimp squares, and delicate egg custards with a perfectly balanced sweetness. The restaurant also serves hearty seafood dishes such as a flavorful seafood combination with vegetables in garlic sauce. The ambiance has been recently upgraded, creating a more modern and comfortable environment while maintaining a welcoming vibe that appeals to both locals and visitors. Its location on North Broadway makes it easily accessible and a practical choice for those exploring the area. Furama's blend of diverse menu options, accommodating atmosphere, and consistent quality positions it as a great place to enjoy an authentic taste of Chinese culinary culture with friends or family.

Here's what people think of Furama Restaurant

As of recent, Furama Restaurant holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1055 reviews.

Customers generally appreciate Furama Restaurant for its strong and diverse menu that offers both dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes. Positive reviews highlight the impressive variety of flavors and options, mentioning that the food is authentic and delicious, especially dim sum items like tofu desserts and jasmine tea which are crowd favorites. Many patrons commend the friendly and attentive staff as well as the recent renovations that improved the ambiance and overall dining experience. Reviewers also note that Furama is a dependable spot for enjoying Chinese cuisine outside of the usual locations, with a local crowd who values its authenticity. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to a few inconsistencies such as occasional overcooked dumplings, slow meal service, and signs of wear in the décor prior to renovations, including worn carpets and some dust in vents. A few guests have noted that lunch service can seem rushed or less impressive compared to dinner, and the facility itself was once considered somewhat rundown. Nonetheless, the majority consensus is that Furama’s food quality and generous portions outweigh these minor downsides. In conclusion, reviews suggest Furama Restaurant remains a favored destination for genuine Cantonese and Mandarin dishes, especially for those seeking a comprehensive dim sum experience available all day, supported by a welcoming, recently revitalized setting.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

Manja Petrov

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Furama is one of those places I’ve passed by countless times, always thinking, *“Hmm, looks pretty nice—maybe I should stop in someday.”* Well, I finally scratched that curiosity itch, and let’s just say… I’m glad to have that box checked (and closed). First, credit where it’s due—the service was genuinely warm and attentive. The server was accommodating and friendly, which almost made me feel bad for what was to come. Almost. We arrived a bit before closing, so I’m not sure if that explains the underwhelming food or if that’s just the regular experience—but either way, the kitchen seemed tired, and so did the flavors. We started with dim sum—my personal favorite. I consider myself something of a dim sum aficionado, so imagine my disappointment when what arrived barely resembled the dim sum I know and love. The spinach and shrimp combo? A hard pass (though I’ll admit, I’m no spinach enthusiast to begin with). The chicken dim sum and pot stickers weren’t much better. My biggest gripe? The meat. It all tasted strangely uniform—bland, grayish, lifeless. Like someone took the essence of "meh" and wrapped it in dough. If I had to rate the filling alone: 2/10. Moving on, we tried the udon, which could have been decent if it weren’t *painfully* salty. Like, “did someone drop the salt shaker into the wok and say ‘eh, leave it’?” salty. The beef chow mein was the one saving grace—a solid 7/10, nothing mind-blowing but at least recognizable as a dish someone cared about. Overall, Furama didn’t deliver the neighborhood gem I hoped for. Nice staff, attractive exterior, but the food just didn’t hit the mark. It felt more like a closing-time scramble than a crafted culinary experience. I wanted dim sum; I got dim *meh*.

Marie Rowley

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We hosted a special event in the space for a company event, and had an amazing experience. Our guests loved the food, and the staff was absolutely wonderful to work with. The space was just the right size for our event (about 150 people), but could have fit a bit more comfortably, up to 200 I think. The stage worked really well for our program - everyone could see and hear comfortably, not a bad seat in the room. We absolutely would work with Furama again!

Nate Leong

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great old school dim sum. FRESH abd delicious! Our new dim sum go to place!

William Hobbs

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Orange chicken was delicious. Egg rolls were pretty good. Bbq ribs were tasty. Combination fried rice pissed me off. It was so bland and light colored and the peas and carrots 😫😫 why? Not a bean sprout to be found. Be patient. Short staffed but attentive.

Michael Clark

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Just tried this place for the first time and LOVED IT. Fantastic dim sum here. Everything I got was delicious. I especially loved the bbq pork. And our server was great and very attentive.

How to reach Furama Restaurant

Why rally at Furama Restaurant with your friends? Furama Restaurant, with its impressive 4.3-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, stands out as a top choice for group gatherings, be it with friends, family, or colleagues. Known as a staple in Chicago's Uptown area since 1985, it offers a welcoming ambiance combined with exceptional Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine, making it perfect for social meetups. The spacious two-story layout ensures ample seating, providing both comfort and privacy for groups. One of Furama's most attractive features for groups is its specialty in dim sum available throughout the day—an ideal way to share varied small plates and experience culinary diversity together. Its recent renovations have updated the interior with tasteful decor, enhancing the dining atmosphere without losing the authentic charm that regulars love. Furthermore, the restaurant’s attentive and friendly staff significantly contribute to a warm and hassle-free experience, from taking orders to bringing around delicious dishes on traditional carts. For friends wanting to connect over flavorful, freshly made Asian cuisine in a relaxed yet vibrant environment, Furama Restaurant is a natural rally point.

What activities and dining experiences make Furama Restaurant perfect for group meetups? Gathering at Furama is not just about dining but about experiencing and sharing a feast that caters perfectly to multiple tastes. The highlight is its dim sum, available any time of day—an unusual convenience that lets groups enjoy these small, varied dishes without the rush of a morning-only window. Guests can indulge in favorites like shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, fried crab and shrimp squares, and deep-fried shrimp balls. The dim sum selection includes both steamed and fried options served traditionally either from carts or ordered from the menu, allowing groups to sample multiple dishes and customize their meal according to preferences. Beyond dim sum, Furama offers an extensive menu of Mandarin and Cantonese main courses such as sweet and sour chicken, seafood combinations, and barbecued pork buns, which are ideal for sharing family-style. This variety supports communal dining, encouraging interaction and conversation as everyone tries different flavors. With a large enough space to accommodate more than just a small party, the restaurant provides an environment where groups can linger, relax, and enjoy long social meals. This blend of authentic food and group-friendly logistics makes Furama an ideal venue for celebrations, casual meetups, or even more formal banquets.

Why is the location and seating ideal for hosting family and friends at Furama Restaurant? Furama is thoughtfully situated in Chicago's vibrant Uptown neighborhood, away from the busiest downtown fray, which means it offers easier parking and less crowded conditions compared to Chinatown options. This accessibility is a notable advantage when coordinating gatherings involving multiple vehicles and attendees. The restaurant’s two-level layout includes a spacious banquet third floor primarily for events, while the second floor is open for regular dining and dim sum lunch and dinner service. This separation creates flexible spaces—groups can enjoy a lively, communal dining experience downstairs or have a more private, reserved event upstairs. The recent remodeling has introduced comfortable seating arrangements with ample table space suitable for sharing and spreading out dishes comfortably. Whether a group is small or large, the restaurant’s seating flexibility accommodates varying sizes without compromising comfort. Furthermore, the inviting atmosphere balances traditional elegance and contemporary comfort, retaining cultural authenticity while elevating the experience, making it welcoming for diverse groups including families with children, friend meetups, or colleagues. This makes Furama versatile for any occasion centered on social dining.

What makes Furama’s dim sum standout and why is it a crowd-pleaser? Dim sum at Furama is the cornerstone of the dining experience, beloved for its freshness, variety, and authenticity. Unlike many places limiting dim sum to breakfast or early lunch, Furama’s all-day service means groups can drop in whenever convenient without missing out on this beloved tradition. The dim sum selections are extensive and include highly recommended items such as shrimp dumplings, sui mai (pork dumplings), and taro dumplings known for their freshness and flavor. The deep-fried shrimp balls and fried crab and shrimp squares are particularly popular, offering crispy textures coupled with rich seafood flavors. Unlike dim sum spots that solely rely on ordering from menus, Furama often delivers dishes on traditional rolling carts—invoking the fun, interactive experience of selecting dishes as they pass by the table. This encourages engagement and sharing within groups, perfect for a convivial atmosphere. Customers also appreciate the attentive service, where staff guide diners through the variety and help choose dishes, making the experience less intimidating for dim sum newcomers. This harmony of quality, traditional presentation, and social sharing makes Furama a magnet for groups eager to enjoy communal, flavorful dining.

How does Furama cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences in groups? One of Furama’s strengths is its broad menu that satisfies a wide range of palates and preferences, making it ideal for groups with mixed culinary interests or dietary restrictions. The restaurant excels in offering both classic Cantonese dishes like barbecued pork buns and sweet and sour chicken, as well as vegetable-based dim sum like chive and shrimp dumplings and tofu desserts. The inclusion of seafood-heavy dishes such as the seafood combination with jumbo shrimp, scallop, squid, and cuttlefish caters to those who prefer lighter or more exotic flavors. For groups, this variety facilitates inclusive ordering, where meat-eaters, pescatarians, and even vegetarians can find options to enjoy together. The flavor profiles range from savory and umami-rich to subtly sweet, ensuring that everyone at the table can find multiple dishes that delight their palate. The attentive staff also help recommend dishes based on group preferences or dietary needs, such as adjusting spice levels or suggesting lighter fare. This culinary flexibility contributes significantly to Furama’s popularity as a place to gather with diverse groups where everyone’s tastes can be accommodated comfortably.

Why is Furama’s customer service a key factor in making it a great venue for get-togethers? Customer service is a critical component of any successful meetup, and Furama excels in this area. Reviews consistently praise the restaurant for attentive, friendly, and efficient staff who enhance the dining experience without being intrusive. For group gatherings, this means smooth coordination from welcoming guests to promptly serving multiple dishes, assisting with orders and recommendations, and ensuring tables are well-maintained throughout the meal. The staff’s familiarity with dim sum service customs – including managing dish carts and pacing the meal – creates a flow that supports relaxed conversation and enjoyment rather than rushed eating. Customers have also noted personalized touches, such as staff offering utensils when needed or catering to specific group requests, which contributes to an overall welcoming environment. This level of service confidence allows groups to focus on their social time rather than logistical hassles. Moreover, the recent renovations and improvements in staff training have elevated the quality of service, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to a positive group dining experience year after year.

What are the additional amenities and conveniences that make Furama an ideal meetup location? Beyond food and service quality, Furama offers several practical benefits that appeal to group organizers. Its location outside of the congested Chinatown district means better chances for parking availability—a crucial aspect when planning outings where multiple vehicles converge. The spacious interior reduces wait times, an issue that can frustrate large groups, especially during peak hours. The two-level design not only provides seating flexibility but also ensures that larger parties can be accommodated, including a banquet floor dedicated to events, perfect for birthdays, reunions, or corporate meetups. Furama’s established reputation and high rating of 4.3 stars based on over a thousand reviews give additional confidence to planners that the experience will be consistent and satisfying. Whether aiming for an informal gathering or a more structured event, Furama’s environment, reliability, and culinary appeal make it a dependable choice for bringing people together in Chicago’s dining scene.

In conclusion, Furama Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it is an inviting destination for connection and celebration. Its blend of authentic Chinese cuisine, especially its exceptional dim sum offerings served anytime, spacious and comfortable seating, attentive service, and practical conveniences create an ideal setting to rally with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch with close companions or a larger festive banquet, Furama’s dedication to quality and hospitality ensures that every group gathering is memorable and enjoyable. This well-loved Uptown gem continues to shine by combining tradition with modern comfort, making it a top pick for anyone looking to share a flavorful and sociable dining experience.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out these other websites for more info on the Furama Restaurant

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g35805-d427468-Reviews-Furama_Restaurant-Chicago_Illinois.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Feature-g298570-d2170088-zft9165-Furama_Bukit_Bintang.html
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g35805-d431645-Reviews-New_Furama_Restaurant-Chicago_Illinois.html