When it comes to the perfect food, a lot of people rate dim sum waaay up there. And we can see why. Dim sum, meaning ‘touch the heart’ in Cantonese, is a type of cuisine often enjoyed with tea during breakfast or lunch. Bite-sized portions of meat, veggies and crystalline dough that sum up Chinese hospitality, the afternoon meal is raved the world over. From the steamed baskets of Soho to high-end eateries serving up unique takes on this small plate favourite, check out our recommendation for the best dim sum restaurants in London below.
The capital's dim sum scene just got even more delicious. The highest rooftop restaurant in West London, CÉ LA VI serves up plump dumplings, moreish bites and mega bao buns along with its epic skyline views.
Take your pick from fish and prawn, braised beef and mouthwatering wagyu. There's plenty more to munch on here too, from sizzling satay skewers to sushi, steak and salads.
Make your way to Victoria to discover The Soak, a stylish, ornate dining destination flaunting plush leather armchairs, elegant tiled floors and full-length windows. They serve handmade dim sum courtesy of popular restaurant Ping Pong - think black prawn dumplings, crispy chicken skewers, creamy tofu noodle soup and much more - with the option to select three dishes as a main course for £25.
Channelling the swoon-worthy vibes of Richard Mason's love story, A World of Suzie Wong, and its 1950s Hong Kong backdrop, this place brings classic Chinese touches with a contemporary twist, setting the stage for a plush and cosy atmosphere with a laid-back speakeasy charm. From the likes of siu mai, har gau and mushroom-truffle dim sum to featuring baskets of plump dumplings across a Cantonese-inspired afternoon tea, Lucy Wong is a great place to grab this dish. Better yet, this stunning space offers delish signature cocktails to match.
For dim sum lovers, the Shanghai Cocktail Lounge is a culinary treasure trove. Their menu showcases exquisite, hand-crafted dumplings like Har Gau and Sui Mai, paired with cocktails with flavour profiles spanning the vast regions of China.
This is where a love for fine food and drinks collide; whether you're popping in for a quick bite or a long, indulgent meal, this East London gem serves dim sum with a sophisticated twist in a sultry, Asian-inspired setting.
From Hampstead to Victoria, Dim T are making sure you can get your fix at places all across the city - yup, it's literally in the name. Think a pretty space serving handmade dumplings alongside other Pan-Asian plates. The menu resembles a mixtape of Southeast Asia's flavours, incorporating a fusion twist for added variety. Picture expertly crafted dim sum filled with prawns, peanuts, coriander, and other delectable options like Korean beef, kimchi, and scallops.
Gura Gura is a stunning pan-Asian destination that's as pretty as the food is tasty. Spanning two floors, this upmarket venue makes the most of what lies beneath and above the ground. From the live sushi bar to the underground cocktail lounge, they bring some serious magic to the table, whisking you away to a world of Asian flair, featuring a rich, earthy colour scheme, hanging floral installations, mosaic bars, and a full-blown tree reaching from the floor to the ceiling. Our recommendation? Pair scallop-prawn sui mai, hargau and more with the Japanese portion of the menu - think sushi, chicken karaage or black pepper chicken.
Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £59.95 per person and 2 other offers
Inamo brings technology and innovation to London's eating out scene. It's a tech-friendly place where guests place their order via sleek tablets, immerse themselves in the evening with unique interactive tables and even check in on the kitchen via a chef cam. Away from all this techy excitement, there's actually some damn fine fare up for grabs. Their pan-Asian menu is designed for sharing, featuring a variety of dishes from sushi rolls to mouthwatering tapas and an assortment of dim sum treasures like beef gyozas with mango and papaya salad, sweet potato bao buns, and wagyu beef parcels.
All day dim sum in Chinatown London, anyone? Seek refuge from the hustle and bustle and swing by this covertly cool spot in Soho for a drink (or three). This four floor dim sum restaurant and cocktail emporium gives itself over utterly to an authentic Chinese experience. Providing an almost mystical ambience, with the extensiveness of the site and the bold décor that verges on surrealist, Opium offers some of the best Asian goodies in town. Come down to indulge in steaming baskets of Cantonese BBQ pork buns, spicy duck dumplings, and monks vegetables that are sure to satisfy your dumpling cravings.
Gorgeous city views? Check. Styled interiors with contemporary flair? Check. A glistening dim sum menu where crystal prawn dumplings and seasonal mushroom dumplings shine through? It's a big fat check thanks to Hutong at The Shard. Up on the 33rd floor with panoramic views of the city, this swanky haunt is dedicated to showcasing Northern China's diverse and captivating cuisines. Inspired by the renowned restaurant in Hong Kong, the menu is centred around the Lu school cuisine of Shandong Province, skillfully capturing the nuances of Northern Chinese culinary traditions. Plus, it has jaw-dropping interiors adorned with traditional Chinese red lanterns and beautifully hand-carved wood-panelled 'moon gates'.
Run by chef-owner Andrew Wong, A. Wong is the first Chinese restaurant outside Asia to earn two Michelin stars. This sleek space is filled with natural light and comfortable furnishings, making for an intimate dining experience.
Their menu is inspired by China's rich culinary history, featuring a wide range of delicious dim sum. Think king crab dumplings, wild mushroom and truffle steamed buns, 999 layered scallop puffs and more.
Searching for best restaurants for dim sum in London's Chinatown? When it comes to dumpling notoriety, there is no place quite like Din Tai Fung, taking Taiwanese grub to the next level with its top-notch culinary skills. Their claim to fame? Handmade dumplings crafted on the spot and stuffed with a variety of delightful fillings. You can't go wrong with their classic bun flavours, like chilli crab, pork, mushroom, and truffle. Known globally for their soupy xiao long bao, this restaurant will have you drooling for a taste of the renowned dish.
All lacquered woods, Art Deco stylings and theatrical sparkle, Shanghai Me London brings a heavy helping of vintage Asian glamour to the heart of Mayfair. With floor to ceiling windows, it serves up epic skyline views with its dreamy dishes too.
Chefs Izu Ani and Chef Yukitaka Kitade team up in the kitchen to carefully combine the beautifully bold flavours of China, Japan and Vietnam with finesse. As well as delicious dim sum and perfectly prepared sushi, you can tuck into sensational signatures like yellowtail carpaccio with truffle, spicy bluefin tuna oshizushi finished with gold leaf, and braised beef short rib Shanghai-style.
Park Chinois offers a menu full of gorgeous bites in decadent surroundings. Dripping with lavish decor, moody lighting, and golden furnishings, this 1930s Shanghai-inspired venue takes you on a journey across China. Their dumpling menu offers a wide range of options, from stir-fried XO mooli cake with snow crab and Chinese chive to steamed Japanese squash and pine nut dumplings, as well as wagyu beef and bamboo charcoal bao. Visit every Thursday and Friday from 12pm, where the dim sum lunch menu pairs dishes with a choice of no or low-alcohol French Bloom cocktails.
London's Chinese Cricket Club at the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars has just launched a new dim dum happy hour, offering a delicious midweek or weekend treat. From Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm 'til 4pm, diners can enjoy any five freshly made dim sum (three pieces per portion) for £48, paired with Asian-inspired cocktails and beers.
Set within the elegant Hyatt Regency on the historic grounds of King Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace, the restaurant serves refined, hand-crafted Chinese cuisine in the heart of the City. Just steps from Blackfriars station and close to St Paul's, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare's Globe, it's the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon catch-up or a weekend culinary escape.
Tattu London offers an elevated dim sum experience, transforming each bite into an artful journey through Chinese culinary tradition. Nestled in the heart of the city with panoramic views from the Now Building, this immersive restaurant brings the flavours of Asia to life in a sophisticated, modern setting.
Their mixed dim sum platter is a must-try, featuring exquisite morsels like truffle chicken, lobster, wagyu beef, and royal koi fish gau—each piece meticulously crafted to delight the senses. Whether you're dipping into delicate lobster dumplings or savouring the rich flavours of wagyu beef, Tattu ensures that every basket of dim sum is as memorable as the chic ambience surrounding you.
Striking every note perfectly to create an idiosyncratic yet evocative dim sum experience, Yauatcha is a cool and contemporary choice for dining in the heart of the capital. Hidden in the hustle and bustle of Soho, the venue's interior design seamlessly fuses modern elements with traditional Chinese teahouse aesthetics, creating a lively ambience reminiscent of bustling dim sum eateries found in Hong Kong. Boasting a slim, bright blue fish tank and starry sky ceiling, the ambience is eccentric yet consummately stylish. As for food, the menu features Cantonese cuisine with contemporary influences, showcasing an extensive selection of steamed, baked, grilled, and fried dim sum, like scallop shui mai and venison puffs. Everything is executed to perfection and dishes are reasonable at about £5 each.
