Seemor
Excellent Dumpling HouseB+Worth Trying
165 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
· Shanghainese restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Dim sum restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (2076 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Reliable Chelsea standby for soup dumplings and classic Chinese comfort dishes with quick service; value is good at lunch, fair-to-OK at dinner, but service consistency and allergy handling can be uneven.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Excellent Dumpling House delivers reliable comfort dining anchored by strong soup dumplings and classic stir-fries paired with notably fast service. However, quality variation across visits and inconsistent allergen communication prevent a higher grade—particularly concerning for diners with serious allergies. A solid neighborhood choice for lunch, though not a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels bright and bustling, a classic Chelsea Chinese spot where dishes land fast and steaming. Servers crisscross the floor helping any table that needs it, and one guest noted the team was constantly present and friendly. Fans rave about the soup dumplings, with one diner calling them a little pocket of joy that hits the spot on a rainy afternoon. The cooking leans classic Chinese comfort rather than modern fusion, anchored by xiao long bao, hot and sour soup, chow fun, and familiar stir-fries. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: recognizable flavors, big portions, and quick execution over theatrics. If you want reliable, satisfying plates—especially at lunch—this is an easy neighborhood win. For families, this is kid-friendly by menu design: lo mein, fried rice, chicken with broccoli, and mild dumplings appear all over the menu. Lunch boxes around $12 make it approachable. However, reviews flag inconsistency with allergy communication; if someone has a nut or other serious allergy, proceed with extra caution and confirm ingredients before ordering.
At a Glance
- Soup dumplings and hot and sour soup are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Fast service and generous portions, especially at lunch
- Service tone can swing from warm to curt or rushed
- Allergy handling reported as inconsistent by several diners
- Occasional order mistakes or missing items in delivery/takeout
What Sets It Apart
- standout_soup_dumplings
- fast_turnaround_meals
- broad_traditional_menu
What People Love
- Rich, juicy soup dumplings
- Balanced hot and sour soup
- Speedy, hot dishes out of the kitchen
- Lunch special value and large portions
Points of Concern
- Allergy communication has failed for some guests; verify ingredients thoroughly
- Service can feel rushed; occasional rudeness reported at the counter
- Delivery/takeout accuracy issues including missing items and discount confusion
- Pricing feels high to a minority at dinner, though lunch is strong value
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Lean on lunch specials for best value
- Pair xiao long bao with hot and sour soup for a satisfying light meal under $25
- Families: lo mein and chicken broccoli are safe, kid-friendly picks
Perfect For
- A quick, satisfying lunch near the subway
- Casual weeknight dinners with classic Chinese staples
- Solo comfort-food cravings
- Group catch-ups without a reservation
Location Insights
Area: Lively Chelsea corridor with mixed residential and office crowd; heavy foot traffic and nearby hotels.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial street with steady pedestrian activity into evening hours.
Nearby: Close to subway lines, hotels, and retail; convenient for quick meals before meetings or sightseeing.
ChelseaChelsea offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, attracting a mix of locals and visitors. The area is lively with a strong arts and culture presence, making it popular for social dining and trendy food spots.
West ChelseaWest Chelsea, particularly near the High Line, is known for its concentration of art galleries and high-end dining establishments, drawing a sophisticated crowd interested in culture and culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–01:00
Tuesday11:00–01:00
Wednesday11:00–01:00
Thursday11:00–01:00
Friday11:00–01:00
Saturday11:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–01:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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