Seemor
Dim Sum PalaceC+?Proceed Cautiously
59 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
· Cantonese restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Dim sum restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (943 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Bustling East Village dim sum spot with fast service and many favorites, but inconsistent execution and some troubling sanitation and tipping complaints—great when it hits, frustrating when it misses.
Why it gets a C+? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Dim Sum Palace delivers solid food quality with beloved soup dumplings and exceptionally fast service, but recent food safety red flags—including multiple sickness reports and a cockroach sighting—create serious concerns that overshadow its strengths. Inconsistent execution across dishes and visits, combined with declining recent signals, suggests operational reliability issues. The lively dim sum experience works when everything aligns, but sanitation concerns make this a risky choice until standards demonstrably improve.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels lively and no-nonsense, where servers whisk baskets to tables within minutes and groups slide into big round tables. One diner put it simply: "Plates started arriving almost immediately." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced, and a handful of reports raise sanitation red flags. The cooking leans classic dim sum comfort more than theatrics: soup dumplings, har gow, shu mai, turnip cake, plus Cantonese standbys like Mongolian beef and sesame chicken. When it hits, flavors are fresh and satisfying; when it misses, textures skew gummy or underdone. Order adventurously but expect some variability across dishes. Families do well here thanks to familiar picks like BBQ pork buns and fried rice. Kids tend to latch onto dumplings and cucumbers; there is no explicit kids menu mentioned, but the shareable format works. If your crew is extremely picky, stick to the greatest hits rather than niche items.
At a Glance
- Fast, efficient table service and quick kitchen turnarounds
- Broad dim sum selection with crowd-pleasing favorites
- Inconsistent execution across dishes and visits
- Multiple reports of tip pressure or confusing gratuity expectations
- Several recent sanitation complaints including sickness and a pest sighting
What Sets It Apart
- Very fast kitchen for dim sum orders
- Capable of accommodating large parties on short notice
- Broad menu spanning dim sum and Cantonese mains
What People Love
- Soup dumplings with rich broth
- Fresh shrimp dim sum when on point
- Cucumber salad as a bright starter
- Large parties seated and served efficiently
- Friendly managers on strong nights
Points of Concern
- Quality can swing dish-to-dish; some mains arrive overcooked or fatty
- Reports of foodborne illness and a pest incident—evaluate recent conditions before visiting
- Tipping confusion and alleged pressure from staff during payment
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff-name praise clusters, marketing tone) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Based on review mentions, prioritize soup dumplings, har gow, shu mai, a simple veg, and one rice/noodle; skip items noted as inconsistent like lo mein or fatty chops.
Perfect For
- Casual group dim sum with quick service
- Late-evening comfort-food cravings
- Family-style sharing with wide options
- Budget-conscious diners seeking moderate pricing
Location Insights
Area: Lively East Village corridor with nightlife and casual dining; attracts students, locals, and visitors.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban conditions with occasional late-night rowdiness.
Nearby: Near Bowery and theaters; close to bars, hotels, and indie venues; strong evening foot traffic.
East VillageThe East Village dining scene is characterized by a wide variety of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and ethnic restaurants, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse population. It is a lively area with a mix of bohemian charm and modern urban energy, attracting a crowd interested in innovative and affordable dining experiences.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its hip and edgy vibe, with numerous bars, music venues, and unique dining spots that cater to a younger, trend-conscious crowd. It maintains a gritty yet artistic atmosphere that influences the local food scene.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:30
Tuesday11:00–22:30
Wednesday11:00–22:30
Thursday11:00–22:30
Friday11:00–22:30
Saturday11:00–22:30
Sunday11:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →