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Dim sum food in San Diego

Steaming baskets of dim sum are the only thing that will satisfy this hunger.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Diamond Palace image 1
Diamond Palace image 2
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Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area features modern silver decor with chandeliers and yellow lighting creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Dim sum arrives on traditional pushcarts amid soft jazz music and occasional live events like lion dances. Noise levels rise during celebrations, reflecting a busy, energetic vibe.

Fresh, large portions arrive quickly, often within a minute of sitting down. Many types of dim sum come out tasty and delicious, served family-style with a variety of dishes.

Food arrives fresh and delicious with family-style dim sum served from carts moving through the room. Staff provide prompt, attentive service and the manager checks in to ensure satisfaction.

People are saying

"I found the dim sum here to be fantastic and freshly made."

"I found the dim sum here to be delicious and tasty."

"I found the dim sum to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Dim sum is served all day, but cart service ends at 2 PM.

2

Live music happens on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

3

Expect a 20% service fee for parties of 8 or more.

02
Chef Zhu 老正兴 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Restaurant blends traditional and modern design with a stylish interior and an inviting bar area. Atmosphere feels lively and comfortable, with a buzz that suits both casual meals and special occasions. Space is often busy and noisy, reflecting its popularity and energetic vibe.

Weekend dim sum features a large menu with a wide variety of options. Choices include familiar and authentic dishes alongside Americanized versions.

Offers authentic Shanghainese and Sichuan cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients. Portions come hot and flavorful in a stylish, inviting setting with excellent value for money.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and cooked to order."

"I loved the authentic Chinese dishes, they really reflected the essence of the cuisine."

"The Dim Sum here has fantastic vegan options and tofu dishes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Wednesdays.

2

The restaurant can be full, so expect wait times during peak hours.

3

Parking is free in the shopping center, making access easy.

03
Tom's Chinese BBQ image 1

Small, cash-only, family-run spot with no seating operates like a cafeteria-style line for quick service. Ambiance evokes a walk into Chinatown with authentic Chinese barbecue and dim sum staples. Affordable prices attract people stopping for finger food snacks or takeout on the go.

Juicy roast duck and dim sum steam buns with various fillings stand out here. The roast pork by the pound adds to the solid selection of dim sum offerings.

Food features delicious flavors with a focus on pork belly. Dishes serve well as quick finger food snacks or light bites before gatherings.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the roast duck and pork belly, is delicious."

"I found the dim sum here to be a hidden gem."

"I found the roast duck to be delicious."

Good to know

1

This place is CASH ONLY.

2

The restaurant operates like a cafeteria style line, so you’re in and out quickly.

3

Expect affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option.

04
Tasty Noodle House image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Small space fills quickly with a lively, noisy atmosphere and tight seating that suits fast-paced dining. Walls are bare, amplifying sound and creating a packed, energetic vibe. Generous portions come with highly praised soup dumplings that stand out among Shanghainese offerings.

Large portion sizes stand out with six full-sized vegetarian bao buns. The menu features dim sum dumplings and a variety of items like lychee slushee, chicken chow mein, and braised beef.

Food comes out piping hot with good-sized portions that balance flavor and quality well. The dishes offer authentic Chinese flavors and maintain a consistently high standard.

People are saying

"The beef chow mein here has great flavor."

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"You'll leave with leftovers because the Dim Sum portions are massive."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hectic on weekends, so arrive early or consider street parking.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The prices at Tasty Noodle House are great considering the portion sizes.

05
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Steamed baskets deliver a toothy texture and a burst of flavors in the dim sum combo priced at $12.99. Vegetarian and vegan options cover almost every dumpling, including the Dim Sum Crystal Shrimp.

Authentic Chinese food shines here with delicious dumplings and other dishes. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for quality and value.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I loved their steamed and boiled dumplings; each tasted different."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

06
Imperial Mandarin image 1
Chinese restaurant

Huge space with traditional Chinese decor and an austere, cafeteria-like atmosphere. The vibe is family-oriented and casual, attracting a clientele familiar with its authentic Cantonese dim sum offerings. The environment feels dated but maintains a steady, unpretentious presence.

Fresh, made daily dim sum includes shrimp dumplings, beef balls, and chive pancakes. Quality matches other popular spots, with scallop dumplings also available at fair prices.

Food arrives quickly and stays consistently fresh and delicious. Portions come in super large sizes with authentic Cantonese flavors and simple presentation.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Peking duck."

"I found the food here to be authentic Cantonese cuisine."

"The dim sum here is excellent, especially the shrimp."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult in the large lot shared with other restaurants.

2

Dim sum offerings are only available on weekends.

3

Prices for dim sum trays range from $5.5 to $6.5.

07
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express image 1

Large dining hall features dim sum carts rolling through for orders, creating an interactive meal experience. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with some outdated decor and occasional noise from kitchen activity. Space suits groups of all sizes, offering a relaxing yet lively setting.

Carts roll around with classic dim sum dishes featuring lots of shrimp, fish, and vegetables. Waitresses serve authentic, cart-style dim sum that keeps coming and never leaves you hungry.

Food here is consistently fresh and tasty with a wide variety of authentic Chinese dishes. The dining area is massive and suits large groups, making it easy to enjoy meals with family or friends.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is delicious and offers a great variety."

"The Dim Sum service here is fast and the staff are always pleasant."

"I found the food here to be excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 2 hours in the lot; paid options are available nearby.

2

They close at 3:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Dim sum is served only on weekends and at specific times.

08
Hong Kong BBQ Dim Sum & Kitchen image 1

Big tables with lazy Susans fill a space that feels old school and nostalgic but also comfortable. Fans circulate air in a setting that carries a hole in the wall charm. The atmosphere is generally quiet and unhurried, suitable for families or small groups seeking authentic Cantonese dishes.

Large portions arrive quickly with reasonably priced dim sum. Traditional Cantonese dishes like shu mai and noodles stand out for their authentic taste.

Food features authentic Chinese cuisine with salt and pepper chicken wings standing out. Portions offer good quantity and quality at reasonable prices, with quick service and enough for leftovers.

People are saying

"The deep-fried whole fish in sweet and sour sauce was the best."

"The Chinese food here is tasty and well-seasoned."

"I found the dim sum and shu mai to be the best."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

The prices are reasonable and portion sizes are decent.

3

Expect a packed restaurant during peak hours.

09
yun tea house image 1
Bubble tea store

Spacious tea shop with modern minimalist decor and ample seating draws many who come to study or relax. The atmosphere stays cozy and lively with good music and free WiFi, while board games add a playful touch. High-quality tea offerings and unique toppings like sticky rice set it apart.

Freshly made dim sum arrives steaming hot and pairs well with great tea. Hot dishes include a variety of dim sum and bowls.

Unique options like ramen, mazemen, taiyaki, and buns fill the menu. The food pairs well with a great atmosphere and drinks.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to have a great, strong flavor."

"You have to try their mango sticky rice drink; it's super filling."

"I enjoyed great tea and dim sum here."

Good to know

1

All milk teas are dairy free, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant customers.

2

Prices are slightly cheaper than other boba places in the area.

3

They offer free samples of their popular drinks.

10
Shanghai Bun Chinese Tapas Bar image 1
Shanghainese restaurant

Shanghainese restaurant offers a laid-back beach vibe with an open baresque feel and a casual, chill atmosphere. The place feels more like a dive bar than a traditional dim sum spot, attracting those looking for a relaxed setting and great cocktails. It serves hand-crafted dishes with a variety of Asian flavors, including many vegan options.

Quick service delivers a large assortment of hot dim sum that tastes very good. The setting feels more like a bar, adding a unique vibe to the dim sum experience.

Hot, fresh food comes out quickly and tastes excellent. The menu features great Asian dishes that are consistently reasonably priced and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings and wontons, is so flavorful."

"I found the food here to be fresh and really good."

"I found the dim sum dishes to be very tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a large selection of plates for budget-friendly dining.

2

Tapas Tuesdays provide a unique dining experience with various small plates.

3

The restaurant closes promptly at 9pm, so plan to leave by then.

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