11 Best Dim Sum in NYC with Reservations (2026 Guide)
Let’s be real: The “authentic” New York dim sum experience usually involves getting elbowed by a frantic cart pusher at 11 a.m. while you hover over a family of four, praying they finish their chicken feet.
I love the chaos of a banquet hall as much as the next New Yorker, but sometimes—especially for Lunar New Year—you just want a guaranteed seat. You want to walk in, sit down, and have a steamer basket of har gow land on your table without treating brunch like a contact sport.
If you’re looking for the best dim sum in NYC 2026 vibes (yes, we are planning ahead) where you can actually book a table, I’ve got you. I’ve scoured the city, cross-referenced with every “Best dim sum in NYC Reddit” thread, and eaten enough shrimp dumplings to fuel a marathon to bring you this list.
Here are the 11 best spots for dim sum in NYC that actually take reservations.
No Line, Just Dumplings: 11 NYC Dim Sum Spots That Take Reservations
1. Dim Sum Palace
Location: Midtown & Chinatown (Multiple Locations) | Price: $$
If you ask any local for a reliable, no-fuss spot that bridges the gap between traditional and accessible, Dim Sum Palace NYC is usually the answer. I find myself at the 33rd Street location way too often because it’s one of the few places in best dim sum midtown Manhattan discussions that delivers consistency. It feels like a classic banquet hall but polished—loud, bright, and with service that borders on aggressive efficient (which I love).
The smart move here is to book a round table in the back, which is ideal for Lunar New Year celebrations because they handle large parties seamlessly. You are primarily here for the Dim Sum Palace platters, but specifically, you need the crispy Peking Duck, the silky Shrimp Rice Rolls, and the Seafood Pan Fried Noodles, which have an unmatched crispy texture.
2. Jing Fong
Location: Upper West Side | Price: $$
The original Chinatown location is legendary (and massive), but the Upper West Side outpost is where the smart money goes for a stress-free reservation. It’s smaller, intimate, and you don’t need a megaphone to talk to your date.
While Jing Fong lacks the 800-person capacity of the downtown spot, the UWS location retains the culinary soul of the original in a modern, sleek setting. I always ask for a booth near the window if I’m with a party of four; it’s great for people-watching on Amsterdam Ave while you eat.
Their Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) are solid, but the Turnip Cake here is the real winner with the perfect amount of char.
3. Hey Yuet
Location: Chelsea | Price: $$
This is my current “hidden gem” recommendation. Hey Yuet is serving some of the most intricate, modern dim sum in the city right now, feeling like the kind of place you’d find in a trendy district in Hong Kong.
It’s polished and surprisingly chic for the price point, making it a prime spot for best dim sum brunch NYC if you want to impress someone who thinks they’ve “seen it all.”
The plating is Instagram-ready without sacrificing flavor. You absolutely must order the Red Rice Roll with Crispy Shrimp—it’s pink, crunchy, and delicious—and the Swan Puff Pastry, which actually looks like a swan and tastes amazing.
4. Tim Ho Wan
Location: Hell’s Kitchen & East Village | Price: $$
Okay, technically Tim Ho Wan is famous for its lines, but the Hell’s Kitchen location is savvy with digital waitlists and sometimes allows bookings for larger groups or via platforms depending on the season. It’s the “world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal,” and frankly, the hype holds up.
The vibe is fast-paced; you are here to eat, marvel at the efficiency, and leave, as the food quality is top-tier but it’s not a place for lingering. What is the best thing to order at Tim Ho Wan? Do not overthink this. You are here for the Baked BBQ Pork Buns. These are non-negotiable; the sugary, crusted top paired with the savory pork inside is life-changing. F
inish it off with the Steamed Sponge Cake, which is airy, sweet, and perfect for dessert.
5. Hutong
Location: Midtown East | Price: $$$$
If you just got a bonus or want to propose, you go to Hutong. This is the definition of best dim sum midtown Manhattan for the high-roller crowd. The space is glamorous with high ceilings, dim lighting, and a crowd that looks like they just walked off a runway or a trading floor.
I recommend going for their Dim Sum Lunch; it’s pricey, but the execution is flawless. The Dim Sum Platter usually includes cod and scallop dumplings that are almost too pretty to eat, and the Wagyu Beef Millefeuille is flaky, savory perfection that you’ll be thinking about for days.
6. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Location: Chinatown | Price: $
The OG. Established in 1920. While weekends are a walk-in nightmare, smart New Yorkers know you can snag reservations via Resy for weekdays or specific times. It’s the most atmospheric spot on this list, offering a vintage New York feel with checkerboard floors and old-school posters that make you feel like you’re on a movie set.
If you’re searching for best dim sum in NYC Chinatown with history, this is it—just go for a late lunch to avoid the morning rush. The Original Egg Roll is mandatory; it’s actually an egg crepe batter, not the bubbly fried skin you’re used to. Also, grab the House Special Roast Pork Bun, which is massive and fluffy.
7. Red Farm
Location: West Village & UWS | Price: $$$
Is it traditional? No. Is it delicious? Absolutely.
Red Farm is where you take your friend who is “scared of chicken feet” but loves truffles. The vibe is farmhouse chic—think checkered tablecloths and wood beams—making it cozy and very West Village. It’s great for dates because the lighting is flattering and the cocktails are strong.
You have to order the Pac-Man Shrimp Dumplings for the iconic design and great flavor, along with the Pastrami Egg Roll, which is a very New York twist on a classic.
8. August Gatherings
Location: Chinatown/Lower East Side | Price: $$$
August Gatherings is for the foodies. If you want to show off your culinary knowledge, bring your crew here. It’s widely respected for elevating Cantonese classics in an industrial-cool space that feels more like a loft than a typical dim sum parlor. Make sure to call to reserve; they take food seriously here, so come with an appetite and an open mind.
The Salted Egg Yolk Lava Buns have the best flow in the city, and the Okra with Wasabi serves as a surprising and refreshing palate cleanser.
9. 53
Location: Midtown (near MoMA) | Price: $$$$
Another stunner for the list. 53 offers a high-end dim sum brunch on Sundays that is pure luxury. It feels like dining inside a contemporary art gallery with stunning architecture. This is the best place to celebrate New Year in New York if you want to avoid the noise and crowds of Chinatown but still want the flavors.
While the Eel Club isn’t traditional dim sum, it’s a must-have bite, and the Lobster Dumplings are as decadent and rich as you’d expect.
10. Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian
Location: Chinatown | Price: $
Whether you are vegan, kosher, or just love good food, Bodhi is incredible. It’s traditional Cantonese dim sum, but entirely plant-based. The vibe is casual, friendly, and community-focused; you’ll sit next to monks, hipsters, and grandmas. My advice is: Don’t be skeptical about the “meat” because their mock meats are wizardry.
The Veggie BBQ Meat Buns will make you question if it’s pork, and the Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf is comfort food at its finest.
11. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Location: Koreatown & Flushing | Price: $$
Okay, I know. This is technically a Soup Dumpling (Shanghainese) spot, not Cantonese Dim Sum. But for best dim sum in Queens (Flushing) or their swanky K-town location, they are the kings of the steamer basket. The K-town location is modern and spacious with easy reservation systems, while the Flushing location remains the pilgrimage site.
If you are celebrating Lunar New Year, the “Lucky Six” soup dumpling sampler is festive and colorful. Stick to the gold standard Crab and Pork Soup Dumplings and the Scallion Pancakes with Sliced Beef, which are a crunchy, savory masterpiece.
Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in NYC?
If you want the parade and the firecrackers, head to the heart of Chinatown near Mott Street. But if you want to eat well without standing in the freezing cold for two hours waiting for a table, book one of the spots above.
My advice? Secure a reservation at Jing Fong (UWS) or Dim Sum Palace two weeks out. Then, head downtown for dessert and to watch the lion dancers in the streets.
Ready for More NYC Eats?
If you’re planning your dining schedule around the holidays, you’ll need some non-dim sum options too. Check out my guide on where to eat near the tree and the rink:
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