When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
New Furama Restaurant
Why New Furama Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
New Furama Restaurant, established since 1990, stands out as a premier Chinese dining spot in Chicago, particularly renowned for its authentic Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine. Located near the vibrant Chinatown and Bridgeport neighborhoods, it offers a welcoming and spacious environment, with a remodeled dining area upstairs ideal for large groups and family gatherings. The restaurant is especially famous for its all-day dim sum menu, featuring favorites like shrimp fun rolls, turnip patties, shumai, beef fun rolls, and fluffy pork buns. Guests appreciate the food’s fresh, clean taste that is carefully balanced—not greasy or overly salty—and served hot. Beyond dim sum, New Furama presents a broad selection of Cantonese-style BBQ and other shareable dishes that cater to diverse palates. The experience is complemented by exceptional customer service that is repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring every guest feels valued. Whether stopping by for a casual weekday lunch, a weekend dim sum brunch, or a festive family dinner, New Furama creates an inviting atmosphere that celebrates Chinese culinary traditions and culture, making it an ideal place to meet friends and enjoy quality time together.
Here's what people think of New Furama Restaurant
As of recent, New Furama Restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating based on 541 reviews.
Reviews from patrons of New Furama Restaurant consistently reflect a positive dining experience, with a strong emphasis on food quality, service, and ambiance. Many diners highlight the restaurant’s delicious and authentic Chinese flavors, specifically praising the dim sum variety and quality. Positive reviews frequently mention the clean and balanced taste of the dishes, the warmth at which food is served, and the efficient, friendly service. The atmosphere and recent renovations have also been commended, with the second-floor dining room described as spacious and pleasant, suitable for families and groups. Users also appreciate the restaurant’s location near Chicago's Chinatown, noting it as a cultural hub for traditional cuisine. On the other hand, some reviewers have pointed out minor inconsistencies in certain dim sum items, such as dessert buns that were less favored, and a few remarks about the restaurant needing aesthetic upgrades before renovations were made. A few find it less vibrant compared to other Chinatown dim sum destinations but acknowledge it as a quieter and reliable alternative. Overall, the reviews present New Furama as a dependable choice for authentic Chinese food with great service and a welcoming environment, appealing to both locals and visitors seeking a genuine culinary experience in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mavis
Came here for a party, and I’m not surprised. The food was great, and service came very quickly. Restrooms are very clean, and tables can fit up to around 8 people.
kaceyvu
Great customer service!! Best I’ve encountered in chicago. Overall food tasted clean (not greasy), not too salty, and came out warm/hot. Some we liked more than others. Highlights were the shrimp funn roll, turnip patties, cucumber, and shrimp balls. Would definitely recommend!
Rhonda Wong-Calace
We had fast and friendly service on top of delicious dim sum and tasty menu items. Lunch and dim sum are always tasty here!
Brenda K
We came here after a funeral, the usual meal after a funeral service! We had a few dishes and they were pretty good!
La Creatura
ordered mapo tofu and mango pudding. both delicious. staff attentive and kind. felt like home. tea also very good.
How to reach New Furama Restaurant
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Website: None
Why New Furama Restaurant may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at New Furama Restaurant with your friends? New Furama Restaurant stands out as an exceptional venue for group gatherings because it beautifully combines delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and ample space to accommodate parties large or small. With a solid rating of 4.4 based on over 500 reviews, this restaurant has clearly built a reputation for quality and consistency. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a special celebration, New Furama offers a warm, comfortable environment that encourages socializing while enjoying an exquisite dim sum experience. Its location just south of Chicago’s Chinatown means it’s slightly off the busiest paths, which often translates into easier parking and shorter waits—a big bonus when managing larger groups. The recently remodeled second floor adds a fresh, pleasant ambiance with comfortable seating, making it ideal for intimate conversations or lively discussions with friends and family. Beyond the food, the attentive and friendly staff help ensure your experience runs smoothly, contributing to the overall feeling that this is a space built for enjoying time together.
What activities can you enjoy at New Furama Restaurant that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, the culinary experience is the main event. The restaurant specializes in dim sum, offering a wide variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing. Guests can choose from traditional favorites like shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, and chive & shrimp dumplings, or venture into dishes like deep-fried shrimp balls and fried crab & shrimp squares. This style of eating encourages a communal dining atmosphere where everyone gets to try multiple items, stimulating conversation and a sense of camaraderie among diners. Beyond the food, the spacious two-level layout supports different group sizes comfortably. The second floor is open for dim sum, lunch, and dinner and provides a pleasant setting that enhances the dining experience. On the third floor, the restaurant offers banquet facilities that are likely appealing for larger meetups, whether for celebrations, family reunions, or work parties. This versatility in space means New Furama can cater to a variety of social needs, elevating it from a mere dining spot to a genuine gathering place.
Why is New Furama Restaurant especially suitable for dim sum lovers and food explorers? New Furama’s menu is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys traditional and authentic Chinese flavors, particularly in the dim sum category. While some reviewers mention other places in Chicago might offer a sharper dim sum edge, New Furama’s offering is praised for freshness, consistent quality, and the ability to order dim sum anytime during the day. This flexibility is important for groups with varying schedules or those who simply want to enjoy dim sum beyond the usual morning or weekend brunch hours. Beyond dim sum, the menu includes classic Mandarin and Cantonese specialties such as sweet and sour chicken, barbecue pork buns, and seafood combinations. These dishes not only provide delicious options but also cater to a variety of taste preferences within a group, ensuring everyone finds something delightful. The restaurant balances traditional flavor profiles with approachable preparations, making it ideal for those new to Chinese cuisine as well as seasoned aficionados. For groups, the mix-and-match family-style dining encourages sharing and tasting, fostering closeness through a shared sensory experience.
How does New Furama’s ambiance enhance group meetups? The remodeled interiors, particularly on the second floor, present a modernized yet welcoming environment that promotes relaxation and conversation. Comfortable seating arrangements and an open layout prevent cramping, even for larger parties, and the décor strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and unpretentious warmth. For anyone who has been to noisy, cramped Chinese restaurants, New Furama’s atmosphere is a welcome upgrade that supports the feeling of an event or outing rather than just a meal. The third-floor banquet space adds a layer of exclusivity and versatility for groups wanting a private setting, whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or business functions. Staff attentiveness also plays a key role here—reviews note the promptness and friendliness of service, ensuring that larger groups receive adequate attention without feeling neglected or rushed. The overall ambiance encourages guests to linger, enjoy multiple rounds of dim sum, and engage deeply in conversations without interruption, making it an excellent place for bonding.
What logistical features make New Furama Restaurant a convenient and stress-free choice for group gatherings? Location and accessibility matter when organizing meetups, and New Furama’s position just south of Chicago’s Chinatown offers tangible benefits. Unlike the busiest hubs in Chinatown, where parking is scarce and waits can be long, this restaurant typically provides easier parking and less congestion. This reduces the stress often associated with coordinating arrival and departure times for groups, making the entire meetup more pleasant from start to finish. The restaurant’s capability to accommodate walk-ins as well as reservations adds flexibility for spontaneous plans or pre-planned events. Additionally, the option to order from carts or menus lets groups either enjoy the theatrical aspect of dim sum service or proceed at a more comfortable, customized pace. The spacious layout also means that even with a larger group, noise levels can be manageable, and seating arrangements can be adjusted for optimal interaction. These practical factors combine to make New Furama a reliable, low-hassle venue choice for hosting friends or family.
What unique dining experiences can groups expect that set New Furama apart from other Chinese restaurants? One of the standout features at New Furama is the consistently fresh and flavorful dim sum, which has earned it accolades for having some of the best shu mai and dumplings in the area. The use of quality ingredients shines through in dishes like shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, and fried shrimp balls—a textural and flavor delight. Diners can experience a variety of textures, from the delicate steamed dumplings to the crispy fried selections, offering a satisfying culinary journey. The ability to mix traditional dim sum with classic Cantonese entrees such as seafood combinations, including jumbo shrimp, scallops, squid, and mushrooms, allows for a well-rounded shared meal that suits all palates. Moreover, the restaurant’s long-standing presence since 1985 means it has a loyal following and proven track record, engendering trust among patrons. For group meetups looking to impress or seeking an authentic yet comfortable experience, New Furama’s distinctiveness lies in marrying traditional flavors with a welcoming environment that caters thoughtfully to group dynamics.
How does New Furama accommodate special events or larger celebrations? Beyond everyday dining, New Furama’s facilities include a dedicated banquet floor on the third level, which can be booked for private parties. This space is perfect for larger celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or corporate dinners. It provides a level of privacy and exclusivity that elevates the experience beyond regular restaurant dining. The banquet space is designed to handle group sizes comfortably, and the staff’s expertise in managing large parties ensures events flow smoothly. Customizable menus for special events allow organizers to tailor the dining experience to match the occasion and preferences of guests. This flexibility, combined with the restaurant’s culinary strengths and service quality, makes New Furama not just a place to eat but a venue capable of hosting memorable gatherings. For any organizer seeking a scenic and authentic setting with top-rated food and attentive service, New Furama stands out as a dependable choice.
What do customers say about New Furama that reinforces its suitability for group meetups? Customer reviews highlight several recurring positive themes that affirm New Furama as a great place for gatherings. Many reviewers praise the restaurant for its delicious, fresh dim sum served hot—a critical factor for group meals that rely on shared dishes. The attentive and efficient service is another common compliment, ensuring that everyone in a group is well-taken care of and that food arrives promptly despite the potentially large order sizes. Regular diners note the convenience of the location, especially the availability of parking and lack of long waits, which makes coordination easier. The remodeled second floor receives frequent mentions for its comfortable and appealing décor, contributing to an enjoyable meal ambiance. While a few reviews mention occasional service issues, the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, underscoring a steady, reliable experience that groups can count on when planning a meet-up.
In summary, New Furama Restaurant offers a unique blend of authentic dim sum cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, spacious seating, and practical conveniences that make it an excellent venue for hosting meetups with friends or family. Whether you’re looking to savor shared plates, enjoy quality time in a comfortable setting, or celebrate a special occasion in a banquet space, New Furama meets a wide range of group needs with distinction and charm.