15 Must-Try Dim Sum Restaurants in London for a Perfect 2025 Feast

It’s a Sunday morning in London. You step into a cosy teahouse tucked away in Chinatown. The air is filled with steam from bamboo baskets, carrying the scent of freshly made dumplings. Around you, families and friends sit close together, pouring hot tea and laughing between bites. For a moment, you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to southern China.

This is dim sum – more than just food. Hundreds of years ago in Guangdong province, travellers and villagers gathered at teahouses to drink tea and eat small dishes. It became a tradition called yum cha, meaning ‘drink tea’. But really, it was about togetherness. People spent hours sipping tea, sharing dumplings, and talking about life.

In 2025, London has made this tradition its own. You can still find classic dim sum served on rattling carts in Chinatown, where elders sip pu-erh tea as chefs fold dumplings at lightning speed. Or you can visit Michelin-starred restaurants that create artistic fusion dim sum with truffle, lobster, or gold leaf. Each place tells a different story, but the feeling is the same – warmth, sharing, and joy.

This guide takes you through the best dim sum spots in London today. Using fresh customer reviews, travel site recommendations, and expert ratings, we’ve found places where you won’t just eat – you’ll experience dim sum as it was meant to be: a beautiful moment shared with people you love.

Why London Is a Top Spot for Dim Sum Lovers

London is a paradise for dim sum lovers. The city’s food scene is one of the most diverse in the world, and dim sum is a shining example of this. Since the 1950s, Chinatown has been the heart of dim sum culture, with its narrow streets lined with restaurants serving steaming baskets of handmade dumplings, buns, and rolls. But dim sum isn’t just found in Chinatown anymore. Across London, weekend dim sum brunches have become a popular trend, where friends gather to share small plates and pots of tea, turning a simple meal into a joyful social event. Even top chefs like Michelin-starred Andrew Wong have brought new prestige to Chinese cuisine in the city, creating modern dim sum dishes that are both beautiful and delicious. From traditional bamboo steamers filled with classic favourites to colourful fusion creations with exciting flavours, London offers dim sum experiences that are vibrant, creative, and always satisfying.

Top 15 Must-Try Dim Sum Restaurants in London (2025 Edition)

1. Yauatcha Soho

Yauatcha Soho is at 15-17 Broadwick Street in Soho, London. It is a modern Cantonese dim sum restaurant owned by the famous Hakkasan Group. The restaurant once had a Michelin star at its original branch and is still known for its high-quality food and stylish design. It combines luxury with a relaxed feel, making it a good choice for casual meals with friends or special dinners. Inside, it looks modern and lively with blue lighting, an open kitchen, and comfortable seating where you can watch the chefs cooking your food. Popular dishes here include Venison Puffs with rich, flaky pastry, soft Char Siu Bao which are BBQ pork buns, Prawn Cheung Fun which are silky and smooth rice noodle rolls, and Scallop Shumai dumplings which are delicate and tasty. Besides dim sum, Yauatcha is also known for its bakery counter that sells beautiful desserts like colourful macarons and patisserie cakes with an Asian touch. The average price is between £30 and £50 per person depending on what you order, making it a good place to enjoy Michelin-level dim sum without the formal dining style. With a high Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, Yauatcha Soho is a great choice if you want delicious dim sum in a modern and chic setting.

2. Dumplings' Legend

Dumplings' Legend is located at 15-16 Gerrard Street in Chinatown, London. This restaurant is very popular for its Xiao Long Bao, which are tasty soup dumplings filled with meat and hot broth. These dumplings are made fresh every day, and you can watch the chefs prepare them in the open kitchen at the front, which makes the experience even more interesting. The restaurant has a casual and busy atmosphere with simple decor. It is always full of people because the service is fast, making it a good place for a quick and satisfying meal. Most people visit for their famous Pork and Crab Xiao Long Bao, but other popular dishes include the Crab Dumplings and the Steamed Pork Buns, which are soft and delicious. Prices are affordable, usually between £20 and £30 per person, which is good value for fresh dumplings in central London. With a Google rating of 4.2 out of 5, Dumplings' Legend is a great choice if you want fresh, flavourful soup dumplings in Chinatown.

3. Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine is at 9-10 Waterloo Place, London. This is the London branch of a famous Michelin-starred group from Singapore, known for serving real, high-quality Cantonese food. The restaurant has an elegant and simple design, making it perfect for business lunches, family meals, or special celebrations. The service is very professional and polite. Popular dishes here include Har Gow (prawn dumplings), Truffle Siu Mai (pork dumplings with truffle), Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns), and their tasty Roast Duck. A dim sum lunch usually costs between £50 and £70 per person, while dinner prices are higher. With a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5, Imperial Treasure is a great place to enjoy luxury dim sum with authentic flavours and excellent service in a classy setting.

4. Plum Valley

Plum Valley is a stylish dim sum restaurant located at 20 Gerrard Street in the heart of Chinatown, London. It is known for its modern approach to dim sum, offering both traditional dishes and creative new options that stand out for their beautiful presentation. When you enter, you will notice its chic black-and-purple interior with elegant mood lighting, giving the place a calm and classy feel. It is quieter than many other Chinatown restaurants, making it a nice spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Some of the favourite dishes here are the Lobster Dumplings, which are delicate and flavourful, Crispy Duck Rolls with tender duck meat and crispy wrappers, and the soft and tasty Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns). The prices are quite affordable for its quality, with an average cost between £25 and £40 per person. Plum Valley has a Google rating of 4.0 out of 5, showing that customers enjoy its creative menu, stylish setting, and overall dining experience. If you are looking for dim sum in a modern and comfortable environment without spending too much, Plum Valley is a great choice.

5. BaoziInn Soho

BaoziInn Soho is located at 24 Romilly Street in Soho, London. It is famous for its bright and colourful rainbow dumplings that not only look beautiful but also taste delicious. This restaurant serves northern Chinese and Sichuan street food, so you can expect bold, spicy flavours in many dishes. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with colourful decorations, neon signs, and an open kitchen where you can see chefs making dumplings and noodles, adding to the fun dining experience. Some of their most popular dishes are the Rainbow Dumplings, which come in different colours and fillings, Spicy Wontons served in a rich chilli sauce, and Dan Dan Noodles with minced pork and spicy seasoning. Prices here are reasonable, usually between £20 and £35 per person, making it a good choice if you want a tasty and affordable meal. With a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5, BaoziInn Soho is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Sichuan food and dim sum in a colourful, energetic setting that is also great for taking Instagram photos.

6. Royal China Baker Street

Royal China Baker Street is at 24-26 Baker Street, London. This restaurant has been an iconic dim sum spot for decades and is known for its classic Cantonese dim sum with consistent quality. The ambience here feels traditional with its large dining hall and classic décor, and it is always busy, especially on weekends when families come for dim sum brunch. Popular dishes include Steamed Pork Buns which are soft and fluffy, Har Gow which are prawn dumplings with a delicate wrapper, Siu Mai which are pork and prawn dumplings, and Cheung Fun which are silky rice noodle rolls with different fillings. The average price is between £30 and £45 per person, which is reasonable for its central location and good quality. With a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5, Royal China Baker Street is a trusted choice if you want to enjoy traditional dim sum with family or friends in a lively, classic setting.

7. The Ivy Asia, St Paul's

The Ivy Asia, St Paul's is located at 20 New Change, London. It is an upscale pan-Asian restaurant under The Ivy Group that offers dim sum along with sushi and other Asian fusion dishes. The ambience is very luxurious with green marble floors, a beautiful cherry blossom ceiling, and stylish décor that makes it feel special. Popular dishes here include Duck Dumplings that are rich and tasty, Scallop Shumai which are delicate and full of flavour, and Lobster Dumplings which are luxurious and delicious. The average price is between £40 and £60 per person, making it a higher-end dining option. With a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, The Ivy Asia, St Paul's is a great place to visit if you want luxury dining with beautiful interiors and fusion-style dim sum for a memorable experience.

8. Ping Pong Covent Garden

Ping Pong Covent Garden is located at 23-24 Maiden Lane, London. It is part of a casual dim sum chain known for its modern cocktails and all-day dim sum menus. The atmosphere is fun and lively, attracting a young crowd, and it has modern décor that feels stylish but relaxed. Popular dishes here include Crispy Prawn Balls that are crunchy and tasty, Spinach Dumplings which are light and healthy, and Sticky Rice wrapped in lotus leaf for a traditional touch. The average price is between £25 and £40 per person, making it an affordable choice for central London. With a Google rating of 4.0 out of 5, Ping Pong Covent Garden is a great place to enjoy casual dim sum with drinks, especially if you want a fun meal out with friends.

9. China Tang at The Dorchester

China Tang at The Dorchester is located at 53 Park Lane in Mayfair, London. This is an ultra-luxury restaurant founded by Sir David Tang and is famous for recreating the glamour of old Shanghai. The ambience is very opulent with Art Deco design, attracting an exclusive clientele, and it is ideal for celebrations and special occasions. Popular dishes here include Shrimp Dumplings that are delicate and fresh, Roast Duck Puffs which are rich and flaky, and Crispy Pork Belly that is perfectly cooked with a crunchy skin. The average price is between £70 and £100 per person, making it one of the more expensive dim sum options in London. With a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5, China Tang at The Dorchester is the perfect place if you want top-tier luxury dim sum in an elegant and historic setting.

10. Min Jiang

Min Jiang is located on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel at 2-24 Kensington High Street, London. It is a fine dining Chinese restaurant known for its authentic dishes and stunning panoramic views of Hyde Park. The ambience is classy and romantic, with beautiful window seating that makes it perfect for special meals or dates. Popular dishes here include Crystal Shrimp Dumplings which are light and delicate, their famous Beijing Duck which is crispy and flavourful, and Prawn Cheung Fun which are silky rice noodle rolls with fresh prawn filling. The average price is between £40 and £65 per person, which is good value for the quality and location. With a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, Min Jiang is a great place to enjoy delicious dim sum while taking in beautiful views of London.

11. Bright Courtyard Club

Bright Courtyard Club is located at 43-45 Baker Street, London. It is a modern Chinese restaurant known for its premium dim sum and has private dining rooms that make it ideal for business meetings or group gatherings. The ambience is sleek and elegant with a business-friendly atmosphere, making it comfortable for both work lunches and special occasions. Popular dishes include Wagyu Beef Dumplings which are rich and tender, Custard Buns that are soft with a sweet creamy filling, and Lobster Dumplings that are luxurious and full of flavour. The average price is between £30 and £50 per person, which is reasonable for its quality and setting. With a Google rating of 4.2 out of 5, Bright Courtyard Club is a great choice if you want upscale dim sum in a modern and elegant environment.

12. Phoenix Palace

Phoenix Palace is at 3-5 Glentworth Street in Marylebone, London. It is a long-established Chinese restaurant that is very popular with families and known for its large dim sum menu. The restaurant has a traditional Chinese look with dragon decorations, giving it a warm and cultural feel. It is always busy, especially during family lunches on weekends. Some favourite dishes here are Pork Siu Mai which are tasty pork dumplings, Taro Croquettes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and Prawn Dumplings which are fresh and delicious. The average price is between £30 and £50 per person, which is good for the variety and quality you get. With a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5, Phoenix Palace is a great place if you want to enjoy a wide choice of dim sum in a lively, traditional setting with your family or friends.

13. Hutong at The Shard

Hutong at The Shard is located on Level 33 of The Shard in London. It is a northern Chinese restaurant by the Aqua Group, known for serving luxury dim sum along with stunning views of the city. The ambience has dark wood interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you amazing views across London, making it a special place for dining. Popular dishes include Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings which are rich and flavourful, Cod Dumplings that are delicate and fresh, and XO Scallop Dumplings that are tasty and luxurious. The average price is between £80 and £120 per person, so it is one of the more expensive dim sum places in the city. With a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, Hutong at The Shard is perfect if you want to enjoy luxury dim sum dining while looking out at the beautiful London skyline.

14. Leong’s Legend

Leong’s Legend is located at 4 Macclesfield Street in Chinatown, London. It is a Taiwanese restaurant known for its authentic Taiwanese Xiao Long Bao and other hearty comfort dishes. The ambience is cosy with traditional Taiwanese-style décor and has a small seating area that feels warm and welcoming. Popular dishes include their Taiwanese Xiao Long Bao which are soup dumplings with tasty fillings, Beef Noodle Soup that is rich and filling, and Lu Rou Fan which is minced pork served over rice, a classic Taiwanese comfort food. The average price is between £20 and £35 per person, making it an affordable choice if you want delicious Taiwanese food without spending too much. With a Google rating of 4.1 out of 5, Leong’s Legend is a great place to enjoy affordable Taiwanese dim sum and comforting meals in a cosy setting.

15. A. Wong

A. Wong is located at 70 Wilton Road in Victoria, London. It is a two Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant run by Chef Andrew Wong, known for redefining Chinese cuisine with creativity and innovation. The ambience is minimalist and sophisticated with a chef-led service, and many people choose the tasting menus to experience a variety of unique dishes. Popular dishes include Prawn Dumplings with Vinegar Foam which are beautifully presented and full of flavour, Crispy Wontons that are light and crunchy, and Chengdu Street Tofu which has bold and spicy flavours. The average price is between £80 and £120 per person for dim sum lunch or the tasting menu, making it a high-end dining experience. With a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5, A. Wong is perfect if you want creative and innovative dim sum along with a fine dining Chinese experience in London.

Quick Comparison Table

Many of these top dim sum spots now offer vegan-friendly and vegetarian options, showing how London's dining scene is adapting to modern tastes in 2025.

Conclusion

Imagine this – it’s a quiet Sunday morning in London and you’re walking through Chinatown. Steam rises from bamboo baskets, the smell of fresh dumplings fills the air, and chefs work quickly behind glass windows, folding delicate wrappers with years of skill. You sit down at Dumplings' Legend, take your first bite of hot Xiao Long Bao, and the rich broth warms your soul. Next week, you’re meeting friends after work and head to BaoziInn Soho, where colourful rainbow dumplings arrive at your table, each piece looking like edible art. Your friends are busy taking photos for Instagram, but you’re already dipping yours in chilli oil, tasting the fresh and spicy flavours. On a special evening, you find yourself gliding up The Shard to Hutong on Level 33. As you sit by the window, the London skyline glows beneath you. You taste the Spicy Wagyu Beef Dumplings while watching the sunset over the Thames, feeling it’s a dining moment you will never forget. Or maybe you’re celebrating something big and book a table at A. Wong in Victoria, where each dim sum is not just food but a story crafted by Chef Andrew Wong. The Prawn Dumplings with Vinegar Foam arrive looking like art, and you realise dim sum here is an experience that opens your senses to new possibilities. Then there are cosy family Sundays at Royal China Baker Street, sharing fluffy Char Siu Bao with your parents, or enjoying the warm, traditional atmosphere at Phoenix Palace where kids laugh between bites of Pork Siu Mai. London’s dim sum world is like a journey through flavours and cultures – from old Shanghai glamour at China Tang, modern Cantonese luxury at Imperial Treasure, to fun cocktails and dumplings at Ping Pong. Each place has its own story, ready to welcome you in. So next time you crave dim sum, don’t just think of it as lunch – think of it as an adventure. Grab your chopsticks, choose one of these amazing spots, and discover why London’s dim sum scene in 2025 is more exciting, diverse, and delicious than ever before.

FAQs About Dim Sum Restaurants in London

Q1. What is dim sum?
Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal made of small dishes like dumplings, buns, rolls, and desserts, usually served with tea.

Q2. What is the best area in London for dim sum?
Chinatown and Soho have the best variety of dim sum restaurants.

Q3. Should I book a table in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays, as popular spots get very busy.

Q4. Are there vegan dim sum options in London?
Yes, many restaurants like BaoziInn and Ping Pong offer vegan-friendly dim sum dishes.

Q5. What is a must-try dim sum dish?
Soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and Prawn Har Gow are must-try favourites.

Q6. Are there weekend brunch specials for dim sum?
Yes, many restaurants offer set dim sum brunch menus on weekends.

Q7. What drinks pair best with dim sum?
Chinese teas like jasmine, oolong, or pu-erh are traditional choices to enjoy with dim sum.

Q8. Do any restaurants offer halal dim sum options?
Few places have halal-certified menus, but some offer seafood and vegetarian-only dim sum – always check with the restaurant first.

Q9. How do you eat dim sum properly?
Use chopsticks or serving spoons to take food from shared plates, and tap two fingers on the table to thank someone who pours your tea.

Q10. Is dim sum only for lunch?
Traditionally, dim sum is a brunch or lunch meal, but many London restaurants serve it all day.