ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in Lower East Side
Best Late Night Restaurants in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Dim Sum Palace
8.3
Dim Sum Palace is a modern Cantonese dining room on Division Street where steaming baskets of classic dumplings, rice rolls, and fried snacks run late into the night. Locals use it for both weekend dim sum feasts and post-midnight cravings when carts and bamboo steamers are still in motion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai, Pan-fried turnip cake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night dim sum with a full banquet-style menu in the heart of Chinatown.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively, modern dim sum service
When to visit: Weekend late nights or brunch for peak energy
What to order: Shrimp har gow, pork siu mai, rice noodle rolls
Insider tip: Kitchen runs late—use it as a reliable post-bar dim sum stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Division Street; expect difficulty after 6pm. The nearest paid garage is on East Broadway, a 4–6 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual is fine; most diners arrive in everyday attire. No need to dress up unless coming from a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours, especially late nights. Conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes depending on party size; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, with tables turning quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetable dumplings, steamed greens, and rice noodle rolls—clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited but workable: vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and plain rice rolls; confirm ingredients since some dishes may use oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based items are naturally gluten-free (rice rolls, steamed rice), but cross-contact is likely; not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, lively hangouts than a quiet first date. The energy is fun but the noise level makes deeper conversation challenging.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Off-peak hours are easy, but late nights and weekend brunch may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with children 6 and up—bright space, fast service, and familiar dumplings. Strollers may be tricky during rush hours due to tight aisles.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dim sum with reliable quality and a large menu—ideal for groups wanting a lively Chinatown setting past normal service hours.
Skip if: You want traditional push-cart dim sum, ultra-refined Cantonese cooking, or a quiet dining room; consider more classic banquet houses instead.