VIBE

There’s no escaping the Chinatown setting at this rowdy, endearingly kitsch, and deliciously authentic restaurant. Where it truly shines? The Cantonese-style seafood and dim sum it serves up to streams of tourists, locals, and even famous chefs, all clamoring for treats like the fried oysters and shrimp balls. The crowd is boisterous, the staff is gruff, and the fish tanks could do with a bit of cleaning, but for dim sum this fabulous, we’d put up with pretty much anything.

CROWD

An idiosyncratic mix of tourists, Chinatown regulars, office parties, and families with kids.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

As casual as they come; just throw on a cotton tee, jeans, and funky flats.

GO HERE WITH

Family; friends; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Cantonese food offerings here are similar to what you’d find in Hong Kong–the dim sum is some of the best in town.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The no reservation policy. Waits can get pretty long for dim sum on the weekends (expect to stand around for about 30 minutes).

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re coming for dim sum, the waiters will bring the steam trolleys around to you, but be vigilant because sometimes they accidentally bypass your table. (If they miss you, don’t be shy about flagging them down.) The place gets really loud on the weekends during dim sum hours, but no one seems to mind much. Weekends are the busiest–arrive super early to secure a table. If you can’t take the hubbub, spring for takeout.

CLOSEST COMPS

Café Evergreen (New York); Jade Garden (London)

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