The Best Dim Sum in Toronto

The best dim sum in Toronto is, sadly, devoid of the stereotypical cart service that one would normally equate with this Cantonese specialty. In fact, you'll find no middle-aged Chinese ladies yelling at the top of their lungs at any of these spots. And even though the restaurants here are diverse and scattered around the GTA, they're guaranteed to deliver fresh, tantalizing dishes best enjoyed with a side of good friends and good conversation.

While only two of these restaurants are found in the downtown core, it's worth noting that plenty of more TTC and bike accessible dim sum restaurants do exist, among which Rol San, Dynasty and Sky Dragon are arguably the most popular - even if the quality of food tends to be a bit less consistent than the ones mentioned here.

Here are the best dim sum restaurants in Toronto.

Top photo by Kaeko in the blogTO Flickr pool

Crown Princess

Crown Princess on Bay proves that great quality dim sum can be had in the downtown core. The culinary gems served up here are nothing short of spectacular. While prices might be steep compared to Chinatown options, you can taste the difference in dim sum staples like the har gao and the decadent scallop shu mai dumplings, rarely found outside this place. The service is also top notch. The old adage of you get what you pay for certainly applies here. More »

Spring Villa

Don't let the garish exterior deter you from this dim sum destination on Woodbine Avenue in Markham. There's a reason this restaurant is always packed with locals. The food here is very good. Highlights include the delectable rice noodle rolls (chang fen/cheong fan). There are so many varieties that you really gotta try them all. Price-wise, it's in the mid-range so your wallet won't break (too much). More »

Casa Victoria

If you've ever wondered what it's like to have dim sum in a crowded, noisy, restaurant surrounded with Renaissance-like decor in the heart of Markham, then wonder no further. Serving regular favourites with a touch of European style, Casa Victoria has become an increasingly popular destination for locals hankering for dim sum in a more eclectic setting. The quality of service is among the best in the area. More »

Dragon Boat Fusion Cuisine

Dragon Boat in Richmond Hill offers a wide assortment of treats that are priced slightly above your average dim sum joint. Home to one of the best egg tarts in the GTA, this restaurant gets packed on weekends so it's best to arrive early. More »

Ding Tai Fung

Not to be confused with the international chain Din Tai Fung (notice the difference?), this restaurant is not your typical dim sum joint as they specialize in Shanghainese dumplings. It's earned rave reviews for its xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings) that many claim are the best in the country. Try the crab ones which are particularly fresh and delicious. More »

Lai Wah Heen

If you fancy trying an upper class dim sum experience without the ostentatious extravagance of Casa Victoria, you could do worse than come here. Almost an institution among dim sum lovers in the downtown core, Lai Wah Heen is found inside the Metropolitan Hotel near City Hall and boasts a variety of your regular dim sum favourites, along with their own special take on Hong-Kong street-vendor style dim sum dishes. It almost goes without saying that it's a bit pricey, but well worth the experience. More »

Chili Secrets

Part of the Ban Mu Yuan chain of restaurants, this Richmond Hill spot provides the usual dim sum favourites with relatively modest pricing which is great value considering the high quality of food served. My personal favourite is the shrimp har gau but it's just one of the massive variety of choices on the menu. Another nice bonus are the high ceilings which make the dining experience a little less chaotic (loud) than your typical Chinese family restaurant dim sum outing. More »

Ambassador

Arguably the most well know of Richmond Hill's many dim sum destinations, Ambassador offers a fresh, light and delicious assortment of dumplings and rice rolls. It's consistently packed on weekends with Cantonese families who also flock here for wedding banquets. Be sure to try their fried rice stick (you tiao) rolled inside the chang fen rolls. Dee-licious. More »

Szechuan Legend

This Scarborough haunt offers modestly priced dim sum which ensures it's always jam-packed with locals and grey-haired folk. While not quite as fancy as its sister restaurant, Chili Secrets, Szechuan Legend still delivers with extensive variety on the menu and rice noodle rolls which are among the best in the business. More »

Yang's Fine Chinese Cuisine

The northernmost dim sum option on this list, Yang's Fine Chinese Cuisine is known for their delicious, sweet egg yolk buns which must be eaten immediately upon being served (or else, their fillings solidify somewhat). Prices aren't cheap but the modern decor, friendly staff, and high quality of the food coming out of the kitchen make it worth every penny. More »

Casa Imperial

For those who thought Casa Victoria was over the top, this sibling restaurant situated in the former Devonsleigh Place on Steeles Avenue offers delicately prepared and high quality dim sum in an even more ostentatiously fancy European ambiance. Prices are steep with dishes clocking in at an average over $5, but the impeccable care given to each one is indisputable. More »

Graceful Vegetarian

Meat eaters need not apply. The vegetarian-only dim sum eatery near the Pacific Mall treats diners to a dizzying array of dim sum favourites with a non-meat bent, ranging from "pork" shu mai to smoked "duck". The food is less greasy (and fattening) than most dim sum places and delightfully highlights the texture and quality of the ingredients used. More »