ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
Cafe Evergreen
7.9
A Cantonese-leaning Upper East Side room with dim sum and classic banquet-style favorites that works best when you order like a regular. The win is to build a tight dim sum set, then add one larger roast or stir-fry plate if you’re staying for a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky rice in lotus leaf, Har gow, Steamed custard buns
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Dim sum plus Cantonese staples in a full-service neighborhood room.
Who should go: Families and groups doing a shared-table meal.
When to visit: Weekend lunch for dim sum energy.
What to order: Sticky rice lotus leaf, har gow, custard buns
Insider tip: Order 2–3 dim sum items per person, then stop—over-ordering dulls pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and can be difficult during peak weekend lunch and dinner hours. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sweaters are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during weekend dim sum service. Conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; faster turnover earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside of the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable dim sum items and stir-fried greens available.
Vegan options: Limited – a small handful of vegetable-based dishes; ordering requires some menu navigation.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based dishes are options, but soy sauce and shared prep make strict gluten-free dining difficult.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Cantonese dim sum and banquet-style comfort dishes in a sit-down setting that works well for groups and multigenerational meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Chinese flavors, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or highly specialized regional cooking.