California’s dumpling scene offers some of the tastiest dim sum outside of Asia. From San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown to the San Gabriel Valley, dumpling lovers can find everything from traditional har gow to innovative truffle-infused creations. Whether you prefer classic pushcarts or modern table service, these fourteen spots showcase the best dumpling havens across the Golden State.
1. Lunasia Dim Sum House (Los Angeles)
Famous for supersized portions, Lunasia’s jumbo har gow contain whole shrimp rather than the typical minced filling. Their signature caviar-topped dumplings might seem gimmicky until you taste the perfect balance of briny pop against delicate wrappers. Unlike traditional dim sum spots that close after lunch, Lunasia serves all day in an elegant setting with white tablecloths. The Alhambra location draws weekend crowds willing to wait hours for their meticulously crafted specialties.
2. Chef Tony (Monterey Park/Arcadia)
Gold leaf makes a glittering appearance atop translucent har gow at this upscale sibling to Sea Harbour. The kitchen elevates classic dim sum through premium ingredients and artistic presentation without abandoning traditional techniques. Lava egg custard buns create Instagram-worthy moments as golden filling oozes from their pillowy exterior. White tablecloths and attentive service transform the dim sum experience from chaotic carts to refined dining, justifying prices higher than typical tea houses.
3. Din Tai Fung (Santa Monica)
Watching the kitchen staff create perfectly pleated xiao long bao through glass walls feels like witnessing culinary performance art. Each soup dumpling contains exactly 18 folds and arrives with precise instructions for proper eating technique. The Santa Monica location adds ocean views to the experience, though reservations remain essential to avoid multi-hour waits. Splurge on the truffle dumplings – paper-thin wrappers encase pork filling enhanced with aromatic black truffle that transforms each bite into luxury.
4. NBC Seafood Restaurant (Monterey Park)
Pushcarts still reign supreme at this San Gabriel Valley institution where servers hustle between tables with bamboo steamers. The salted-duck-yolk sponge cake achieves the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with a cloudlike texture that melts instantly. Silky cheung fun rice noodle rolls come filled with plump shrimp or barbecue pork. Despite the cavernous banquet hall atmosphere and weekend chaos, NBC remains beloved for its authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum and reasonable prices that keep families returning for generations.
5. Dragon Beaux (San Francisco)
Purple booths and golden chandeliers set the stage for some of SF’s most innovative dim sum creations. The truffle squid-ink xiao long bao arrive dramatically black against white plates, bursting with savory broth when bitten. Charcoal custard rolls offer a striking visual contrast with their jet-black exterior hiding sweet, creamy centers. Weekend wait times often stretch beyond an hour, but the photogenic dumplings make it worthwhile for serious dim sum enthusiasts.
6. Ixlb Dim Sum Eats (Hollywood/Westwood)
Counter-service simplicity meets gourmet execution at this fast-casual gem. French baking techniques elevate their char siu bao into something extraordinary – flaky, buttery exterior surrounding sweet-savory pork filling. House-made egg tarts feature impossibly delicate crusts with silky custard centers still warm from the oven. Perfect for solo diners or quick lunches, Ixlb proves that quality dim sum doesn’t require formal dining rooms or weekend-only availability, making it a weekday dumpling destination for Hollywood professionals.
7. Palette Tea House (San Francisco)
Overlooking tourist-filled Ghirardelli Square, Palette Tea House turns dim sum into culinary art. Their signature lobster har gow arrive with tiny pipettes of butter sauce to inject before eating – a theatrical touch that actually enhances flavor. Abalone siu mai topped with gold leaf showcase the kitchen’s commitment to luxury ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the modern dining room with light, making the colorful dumplings pop against sleek tableware. Sister restaurant to Dragon Beaux, Palette maintains the same creative spirit with waterfront views.
8. Atlantic Seafood & Dim Sum (Los Angeles)
One of LA’s last authentic pushcart experiences provides nostalgic charm as servers navigate narrow aisles with steaming baskets. Mini pineapple buns with salted egg filling create perfect sweet-savory contrast, their golden tops resembling the tropical fruit they’re named for. Crispy-bottomed turnip cakes arrive sizzling hot, studded with bits of Chinese sausage and dried shrimp. The no-frills dining room fills with multigenerational Chinese families on weekends, creating a boisterous atmosphere that’s part of the authentic experience worth seeking out.
9. Hong Kong Dim Sum House (San Gabriel)
Blink and you’ll miss this six-table strip mall hideaway where everything emerges fresh from the kitchen – no carts or pre-made selections here. Plump chive dumplings arrive steaming hot, their translucent wrappers revealing vibrant green filling studded with tiny shrimp. Tender spare ribs in black bean sauce fall off the bone, swimming in aromatic garlic sauce perfect for spooning over rice. The grandmother-run kitchen takes no shortcuts, making this tiny spot worth seeking out for dim sum that tastes homemade rather than mass-produced.
10. Capital Seafood (Beverly Hills/Monterey Park)
Beverly Hills seems an unlikely place for authentic dim sum, yet Capital Seafood delivers with surprisingly affordable prices. Flaky barbecue pork buns feature a honeycomb-like interior that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly. Plump siu mai topped with bright orange fish roe provide textural contrast between bouncy shrimp and tender pork filling. While the Monterey Park location offers traditional cart service, the Beverly Hills outpost brings dim sum to a luxury setting without the luxury markup, making it popular with entertainment industry professionals.
11. Longo Seafood (Rosemead)
Har gow so generously filled they nearly burst their delicate wrappers are the signature at this glitzy banquet-style restaurant. Unlike most dim sum spots, Longo takes reservations – a game-changer for avoiding the typical weekend wait. Their almond milk soufflé arrives dramatically puffed above its cup, requiring immediate consumption before it deflates. Gold and crystal chandeliers hang from high ceilings, creating an upscale atmosphere that attracts celebration gatherings. Despite the fancy setting, prices remain reasonable for the exceptional quality.
12. Good Mong Kok Bakery (San Francisco)
Cash clutched in hand, Chinatown regulars queue outside this tiny takeout-only spot for steamed pork buns bigger than your fist. The no-frills storefront operates with assembly-line efficiency – point, pay, and exit with paper bags already developing translucent grease spots. Har gow arrive perfectly pleated with generous shrimp filling at prices that seem transported from decades past. Most customers eat their treasures immediately on nearby benches or standing on the sidewalk, proving that exceptional dim sum requires neither seating nor ceremony.
13. Sea Harbour (Rosemead)
Often called the “Meryl Streep of dim sum” for its consistent excellence, Sea Harbour pioneered LA’s menu-based ordering system instead of traditional carts. Truffle-infused siu mai deliver earthy aromatics that complement the pork and shrimp filling without overwhelming it. Sticky rice balls with salted egg yolk centers create a perfect textural contrast between chewy exterior and molten filling. The formal dining room fills with Chinese families celebrating special occasions, yet prices remain reasonable for the exceptional quality that has earned Sea Harbour its reputation as SGV royalty.
14. TC Pastry (San Francisco)
Hidden among Sunset District fog, this cash-only bakery serves some of SF’s most affordable dim sum. Pork floss rice rolls combine savory shredded meat with chewy rice noodle wrappers – an unusual combination that creates addictive texture contrasts. Sticky rice buns hide savory fillings within their slightly sweet exterior, all priced under $5. Locals grab pink bakery boxes filled with these treasures for beach picnics or quick breakfasts. The no-frills storefront might not impress with ambiance, but the handmade quality and bargain prices make TC Pastry a neighborhood essential.
