London boasts a thriving international dining scene and is home to some of the best Asian restaurants in the UK. Dim sum is a particularly popular style of Cantonese cuisine and is usually served for brunch, or as appetisers. Those steamed, fluffy dumplings stuffed with a variety of fillings and served with some punchy sauces are one of the most loved traditional Chinese staples. Today, many modern dim sum restaurants in London have put a vibrant and innovative spin on these playful and comforting buns.
The best dim sum restaurants in London are spread across the city, from bustling Chinatown to elegant Mayfair. A long-standing neighbourhood gem with cosy decor is perfect for a first date or a relaxed weekend brunch. A trendy fine dining hotspot with incredible views of the London skyline is a fantastic place to try classic Cantonese specials, like fried spiced pork or pan-fried turnip cake.
Find the perfect restaurant for a stellar Cantonese feast at these 10 best dim sum restaurants in London and book your table on OpenTable now.
The best dim sum restaurants in London – read on for the full guide
For fresh local produce at one of London’s best dumpling restaurants – try Dragon Castle in Elephant and Castle
Dragon Castle, located in south London’s Elephant and Castle district, makes a point of using fresh, locally sourced produce to create its traditional Chinese menu. The restaurant serves dim sum for lunch and afternoon tea and has a kitchen team who specialise in this light, Asian cuisine. Feast on mouth-watering dumplings served in classic dim sum baskets and stuffed with fillings like pork, prawn and mixed mushrooms. Regional delicacies, such as steamed chicken’s feet or tripe with scallions and ginger, are perfect for more adventurous diners. Dragon Castle’s dim sum menu also offers Cheung Fun dishes – flat rice noodles served with BBQ pork or mixed vegetables. Dim sum desserts, like mango jelly pudding or grapefruit tapioca, are perfect for closing your meal. The restaurant also serves a great range of international wines and has a relaxed feel that’s perfect for a casual work lunch or a dim sum brunch.
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For fine dining dim sum by an award-winning chef – don’t miss Gouqi London in Charing Cross
With award-winning Chinese chef Chee Hwee Tong at the helm, Gouqi London in Charing Cross is a must-try dim sum restaurant in London. Lunchtime diners can choose from set menus or compile dishes from the restaurant’s dim sum menu. The two-course lunch menu features a dim sum selection – including black truffle and wild mushroom dumplings and a charcoal-grilled venison pastry – followed by a main of spicy crispy chicken, tofu and jasmine rice. The Royal dim sum set can also be ordered as an a la carte appetiser. Legendary Peking duck, is highly recommended as a follow-up dish. The restaurant also offers a small but well curated wine selection and a huge range of specialty spirits from countries around the world.
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For vegetarian-friendly dim sum at one of London’s best Asian restaurants – don’t miss Baozilnn in London Bridge and Soho
Inspired by the historic legacy of the Chinese communist revolution, BaoziInn in London Bridge and Soho offers delicious Asian cuisine that’s designed to share and that reflects the restaurant’s collectivist heritage. The menu features a wide range of elegantly crafted dumplings and wontons with plant-based fillings, making this one of London’s best dim sum restaurants for vegetarian options. Traditional accompaniments, such as glass noodles and chilli oil, make for a seriously satisfying lunch. Meat-eaters will also find plenty to enjoy, with dishes like pork and ginger dumplings or a spicy prawn and chestnut dumpling soup. Main course options include vegetarian noodles with Sichuan preserved mustard greens and a chicken and cashew stir fry. Baozilnn’s London Bridge location also offers a full cocktail bar, while the Soho location serves a range of whiskies and sake wines. The lively atmosphere makes this a great dinner spot for groups.
📍 London Bridge — Check availability
📍 Soho — Check availability
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For top-notch seafood at one of the best dumpling restaurants in London – try Orient London in Soho
Orient London in Soho specialises in high-quality seafood dishes and is one of the best dim sum restaurants in London for casual dining. Visitors can tuck into an eight-piece dim sum platter that’s served all day and that features tasty pork, scallop and mushroom dumplings. Combine your dim sum with hot appetisers – like the chilli soft shell crab or the smoked shredded chicken – for a glorious mix-and-match lunch. If you’re a big seafood fan, you’ll also want to sample some of Orient London’s main fish options. The braised abalone in oyster sauce or the stir fried dover sole are both excellent choices. A pot of jasmine or Chinese tea is the perfect accompaniment for a traditional dim sum feast. Youthful décor and its location in Soho’
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For late-night dining at one of London’s best dim sum restaurants – head to Chop Chop at the Hippodrome at the Hippodrome in Soho
Chop Chop at the Hippodrome in Soho is located on the ground floor of London’s legendary Hippodrome casino and is one of the best restaurants in the city for late-night dim sum. The restaurant is open until late every night and the decor has been designed to evoke the vibrant, urban feel of Hong Kong. Diners at Chop Chop can sink their teeth into dim sum selections that include BBQ chicken buns, prawn and sweetcorn dumplings and shiitake mushroom and water chestnut bites. The main menu is also renowned for its roast duck, which was named the best in the world by the Financial Times. Other memorable mains include the black pepper lobster and the beef brisket stew. The bar serves a range of elegant cocktails, so you can feel just like James Bond while you dine. Given the proximity to the upstairs casino, diners must be over 18.
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For one of the best dim sum restaurants in central London – head to Imperial Treasure in Piccadilly
Located inside a grand historic townhouse and known for luxurious Asian fine dining, the Imperial Treasure in Piccadilly is one of the best dim sum restaurants in London’s West End. Known for combining traditional Chinese cuisine with modern cooking techniques, Imperial Treasure serves classic dim sum as an afternoon snack. Sumptuous dim sum options include a selection of crab and king prawn dumplings and a BBQ Iberico pork steamed bun. You can also enjoy a range of baked and grilled dishes that are designed for sharing, such as the crispy lobster roll or the wagyu beef puff pastry. From the bar, diners can dip into Imperial Treasure’s extensive whisky selection. The restaurant’s vibe is modern elegance, making it a perfect spot for a special event.
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For one of the best dim sum restaurants in London with breathtaking views – visit Min Jiang in Kensington
Vivid interior design and incredible city views mark Min Jiang in Kensington as one of the best dim sum restaurants in London. The restaurant’s dim sum menu is available at lunchtime and showcases the kitchen’s traditional and sophisticated approach to Chinese cuisine. Diners can enjoy dim sum platters to share and sample unique dishes, like a cuttlefish cake seasoned with lemon grass or a baked Char Siew, puff pastry bake filled with Cantonese-style pork. For vegetarians, the sweet turnip cake is a must-try. Signature cocktails, like the gin and curaçao midnight lotus or the vodka and amaretto spritz, are wonderful choices if you want to make a lunch date feel extra special. The breathtaking panorama across neighbouring Hyde Park and London beyond makes Min Jiang a great spot for an anniversary meal or to mark a special occasion.
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For a relaxed date night at one of the best dim sum restaurants in London – try Plum Valley in Leicester Square
Located in London’s Chinatown district, Plum Valley near Leicester Square is a family-owned restaurant that serves Cantonese fusion cuisine. The restaurant has been in business since the 1980s and retains its traditional Asian-inspired decor, with dark wood furniture and a chic, minimalist feel. Plum Valley is known for being one of the best dim sum restaurants in London and offers dumplings throughout the day. Diners can choose from a dim sum plate featuring luxurious scallop dumplings or opt for the Plum Valley platter, which includes dim sum, prawn toast and juicy spare ribs. The aromatic duck with scallion pancakes and plum sauce is perfect if you want a hearty main to pair with your dim sum. Sip on a refreshing lychee martini or select a premium sake to complement your meal. With its cosy vibe and relaxed atmosphere, Plum Valley is the ideal spot for a chilled-out brunch date.
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For high-end service and classic Beijing cuisine at one of London’s best Chinese restaurants – try MR CHOW in Knightsbridge
Opening its first venue in 1968, MR CHOW blends high-end, fine-dining service with the skilful techniques and explosive flavours of traditional Beijing cuisine. MR CHOW in Knightsbridge is the franchise’s flagship restaurant and takes inspiration from the royal kitchens of Imperial China, where cooks from all over the continent would showcase their skills for the nobility. As well as beautiful dim sum platters, MR CHOW’s is also famous for its handmade noodle dishes. Diners at MR CHOW can enjoy the unique spectacle of the nightly noodle show – where the kitchen team perform as they make noodles by hand, celebrating this ancient Chinese culinary art. Other popular menu items include the chicken satay, the steamed sea bass and the beef glazed with oyster sauce. Expect traditional yet elegant decor and a chic, upmarket feel.
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For a sophisticated business lunch at one of London’s best dim sum restaurants – head to Bright Courtyard in Marylebone
Bright Courtyard in Marylebone offers chic contemporary dining and a traditional Chinese dim sum menu that’s served from the late morning to the mid-afternoon. Choose from steamed or grilled dumplings to build your own dim sum platter. Steamed chicken rice dumplings are a great choice for a light lunch, while fried golden prawn rolls are a crunchy, pastry delight. Unique chilled dishes, like the cold plain Cheung Fun with peanut sauce or the spicy jellyfish, are ideal if you want to try something new. Bright Courtyard also offers an elegant wine menu with plenty of premium vintages for you to pair with your meal. An Italian rosé prosecco is a treat with spicy food, while a bold Australian shiraz will complement red meat. True to its name, the restaurant has a bright, airy dining room with lots of natural light and crisp white tablecloths, making it an ideal spot for a formal business lunch.
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Dim sum is a wonderful cuisine for sharing, whether you’re heading out on a date or catching up with a group of friends. With so many great Chinese restaurants in London, you can find dim sum menus to suit any taste or budget, from elegant plant-based dim sum to seafood and pork dumpling feasts.
