Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Dim Sum House – Seattle
Dim Sum House - Seattle
Photo from Dim Sum House
Dim Sum House at a glance
Seattle Rainier Vista
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#491 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#23 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
523
Reviews
73.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness concerns
The restaurant Dim Sum House is a delightful Chinese Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Rainier Vista neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this establishment offers a fantastic selection of small plates. It’s an ideal choice for a relaxed dining experience, providing both dine-in and convenient takeout options for your busy schedule.
Overview: Introducting Dim Sum House
Dim Sum House offers a mixed experience, with many guests appreciating the quality of the food and the generous portions. You’ll often find the service to be friendly and efficient, contributing to a relaxed visit.
However, some visitors have noted occasional inconsistencies in service and concerns regarding cleanliness. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during busy periods, as the dining area can feel crowded.
Good
7.3
out of 10
523
Reviews
73.6%
Satisfaction
107
negative
31
neutral
385
positive
Overall, Dim Sum House achieves a Restaurant Score of 7.3, which is a good rating, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 523 customer remarks, with 385 positive and 107 negative observations. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.8) and Value (8.1) stand out as strong points, consistently receiving high praise.
The Ambience (6.7) is rated as average, while Service (5.8) falls into the average category, suggesting some room for improvement in guest interactions.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Great value, portions
- Convenient parking
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cleanliness issues
- Occasional long waits
Dim Sum House presents a compelling option if you prioritize flavorful food and excellent value. While the Recommendation Score of 7.6 suggests a generally positive experience, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the occasional bustling atmosphere.
If you’re seeking a straightforward meal where taste and affordability are key, this spot is worth considering. However, if impeccable service and a pristine dining environment are your top priorities, you might find aspects of your visit less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dim Sum House
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, with a solid 79.4% customer satisfaction and a good score of 7.8. Out of 311 comments, a whopping 247 were positive, frequently praising the deliciousness, freshness, and generous portions of their dim sum variety, making it a go-to for many. However, not all experiences were stellar, with 47 negative comments raising some serious concerns.
Mentions of cockroach in food, salmonella, and hair point to significant hygiene issues, while other feedback noted a lack of food seasoning and inconsistent freshness in some dishes.
Food
311
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
47
negative
17
neutral
247
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fresh dim sum
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Cockroaches found
- Hygiene concerns
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodThis past weekend, Dim Sum House had the incredible honor of catering our wedding, and they truly knocked it out of the park. Sam and his crew effortlessly fed our 170 famished guests with multiple rounds of food. While my husband and I didn't get to personally eat as much as we'd like due to wedding day activities, everything we did try was a delight.
- dim sumJoust has become my new favorite dim sum spot in Seattle, surpassing any place I've tried in the International District. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, not like it was defrosted from a frozen pack.
- portionsAlthough it doesn't look like much from the outside, seeing local Cantonese folks eating there confirmed its authenticity. The food was tasty and amazing, with huge portions and reasonable prices. The easy parking was a definite plus, making it a convenient choice over other options.
- FoodFood:5
- soup dumplingsThose soup dumplings are the best we've ever had
- garlic green beansgarlic green beans, so I did not try any seafood or meat options
- qualityWay better and higher quality than those in international district
- seafoodThey helped cook all the seafood in whatever way you want
- siu maiThe shrimp dumplings and siu mai were fresh and flavorful
- Chinese foodthe best Chinese food that I've had
Frequently criticized
- foodThe menu was not very detailed, and the service was not great. I felt uncomfortable eating in, and the food was not great; it didn't taste very fresh at all. I won't be returning.
- vegetablesNone of the vegetables you would find in chicken chow mein
- Beef ballsToday, we ordered the Beef balls and Beef rice rolls. There was barely any beef, and it seemed like dough or ginger was mixed in to supplement the filling. What we received were essentially dough balls with a slight beef flavor.
- Beef rice rollsToday, we ordered the Beef balls and Beef rice rolls. There was barely any beef, and it seemed like dough or ginger was mixed in to supplement the filling. What we received were essentially dough balls with a slight beef flavor.
- Dim Sum experienceIf you want a proper Dim Sum experience, make sure the place has a waiter
- House Special Chow MeinHouse Special Chow Mein was disappointingly dry
- SuikauSuikau was tough
- XO rice rollswhich were burnt upon opening at home
- baby cockroachInitially, the food was delicious. However, the ultimate shock came with the last dish, shrimp dumplings, where we discovered a baby cockroach cooked into the dumpling skin. When we alerted a worker, they didn't seem overly surprised.
- beef ballsThe beef balls was terrible, it tasted like bland mush
If you're looking for delicious, fresh dim sum with generous portions, this place often delivers. However, be aware that some serious hygiene concerns and inconsistent food quality have been reported, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Lets talk service! While the overall score sits at an average 5.8 with a mixed 51.9% customer satisfaction, there are definitely some shining moments. Many diners loved the friendly service, often describing staff as quick and attentive.
Youll find praise for efficient seating and minimal wait time, making for a smooth start to your meal. Out of 104 comments, 54 were positive, highlighting these good experiences. However, it's not always smooth sailing.
A significant 41 negative comments point to issues like inconsistent wait times, with some experiencing long delays. There are also mentions of slow service and staff who were perceived as rude or even ignored customers, suggesting some areas could use a little polish.
Service
104
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
41
negative
9
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive personnel
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceI found the food to be good and the price to be good as well. The service was friendly and fast, contributing to a relaxed, low key atmosphere. It's worth noting that they offer more than just dim sum; they have a variety of other Chinese food options.
- ServiceService:4
- waitI highly recommend the garlic green beans, soup dumplings, and pot stickers – they were deee-lish! What was especially great was that there was no wait on a Sunday.
- staffI ordered several items from the menu, and all of them were delicious and cooked perfectly. The staff were very helpful and accommodating. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
- wait timethere was no wait time
- Friendly serviceFriendly service, authentic taste, and great value
- askIf you want something not on the menu ask
- attentiveThey were attentive
- cookingThey helped cook all the seafood in whatever way you want
- crewThis past weekend, Dim Sum House had the incredible honor of catering our wedding, and they truly knocked it out of the park. Sam and his crew effortlessly fed our 170 famished guests with multiple rounds of food. While my husband and I didn't get to personally eat as much as we'd like due to wedding day activities, everything we did try was a delight.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was not very positive. The menu was not very detailed, and the service was not great. I felt uncomfortable eating in, and the food was not great; it didn't taste very fresh at all.
- customer serviceshe started using super over the top customer service
- waithad to wait for almost 1.5 hours
- waitressI also was trying to flag down a waitress but instead she ignored me
- behaviorThe female staff completely ignored us when we wanted to place an order. Her behavior was quite rude, and it was obvious she was aware of it. The food was okay, but the overall experience was marred by the poor service.
- big orderslimited expectations when putting in big orders
- cashierchubby guy at the casher made me fell like he was doing favor
- communicationdidn't inform us about the delay
- customer service trainingcould benefit from customer service training
- female counter stafffemale counter staff who either ignored my questions or responded in an unfriendly tone
If youre looking for a quick and friendly experience, you might get lucky, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding service, especially during peak hours.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a 6.7, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.9%. Many folks appreciate the cozy and clean atmosphere, often highlighting the easy parking and quiet noise level. With 51 positive observations, it seems many find it a friendly neighborhood gem.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 18 negative comments pointing to a small, crowded space and tight seating. Some even mentioned significant cleanliness issues, including roaches, which definitely put a damper on the dining area experience. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so manage your expectations.
Ambience
73
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Easy, ample parking
- Clean, cozy interior
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small, crowded space
- Tight seating arrangements
- Cleanliness concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereI found the food to be good and the price to be good as well. The service was friendly and fast, contributing to a relaxed, low key atmosphere. It's worth noting that they offer more than just dim sum; they have a variety of other Chinese food options.
- parkingParking was easier than international district
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessFast. Clean. You won't be disappointed.
- neighborhood placeThis is a great neighborhood place.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- parking spacethere’s plenty of parking space(two hours free parking)
- Parking optionsParking options:Free parking lot
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- Plenty of parkingPlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was good, rated at a 4, and despite dining with a group of 5-8 people, there was no wait time. The atmosphere was rated a 2, and the noise level was moderate. Overall, the food quality was excellent, scoring a 4.
- cleanliness issuethere’s a serious cleanliness issue
- crowdedMy experience at this restaurant was rather disappointing. It was very crowded, and we had to wait for almost 1. 5 hours.
- dining areathe dining area is small
- dirty tub of dishesthere was a dirty tub of dishes sitting in the dining area
- giant cockroachthere was a giant cockroach scurrying back and forth
- infested kitchencooked in an infested kitchen.
- parkingNo immediate parking (street parking only)
- parking spaceI could literally leave this review at five stars and move on, but so many people don't know about this place, or won't go in because it's a bit hard with parking, but BOY is it worth it. My boyfriend introduced me to this spot about a year ago, and every single time I'm in Seattle, I want to be here.
- roacha roach crawled up from under the table
If youre looking for a cozy, clean spot with easy parking and a relaxed vibe, it might be worth a try. However, if youre sensitive to small, potentially crowded spaces or have high cleanliness standards, you might want to look elsewhere.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic 8.1 score and an excellent 94.3% customer satisfaction, its clear that guests are thrilled with what they get for their money. Many rave about the "cheap" and "reasonably priced" options, highlighting the overall "affordability" and "value for money" across 33 positive observations out of 35 total.
Youll find prices are often lower than competitors, making it a great choice for your wallet. However, theres a minor point to consider, mentioned in 1 instance: "Delivery" costs. One customer noted that delivery was higher than expected.
While this is a small blip in an otherwise stellar value proposition, its something to keep in mind if you're planning to have your meal brought to you.
Value
35
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great affordability
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- High delivery cost
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's an above average and decently affordable dim sum place. While it's not top of the line, the food is perfectly tasty and they do a good job.
- pricesAlthough it doesn't look like much from the outside, seeing local Cantonese folks eating there confirmed its authenticity. The food was tasty and amazing, with huge portions and reasonable prices. The easy parking was a definite plus, making it a convenient choice over other options.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordabilityit's affordable
- cheapFast, fresh, & cheap
- costthe cost is low
- delivery servicesKudos to this restaurant for not dealing with delivery services.
- expensiveIt’s not even expensive
- moneywell worth your money!!
- paymentThe worker refused payment of any type of payment
Frequently criticized
- DeliveryThe dumpling stuffing was generous. Delivery was higher than expected. There weren't many servers in the morning.
If youre looking for a place that offers fantastic food without breaking the bank, this restaurant is a solid bet. The value here is consistently praised, making it an excellent choice for an affordable and satisfying meal. Just be mindful of potential delivery fees if youre not dining in.
How are the prices at Dim Sum House?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 99 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 24, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, with many falling into the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of affordable and slightly more premium dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese restaurant in Seattle, especially given the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find something delicious whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or a slightly more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dim Sum House
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Dim Sum Value on Beacon Hill
My experience at this restaurant was positive, particularly for its dim sum offerings on Beacon Hill. The dim sum is great and offered at a very reasonable price. While not as exceptional as some more expensive establishments in Chinatown or Bellevue, it's definitely on par with most good dim sum restaurants in the Seattle metro area.
Considering the price, it's absolutely worth it.
- dim sum8
- reasonable price9
- price9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Dim Sum Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very traditional Chinese dim sum. My daughter and wife really enjoyed every dish we tried. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also highly rated.
We had a quiet and enjoyable meal.
- dim sum9
- atmosphere10
- noise level10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
5
Properly Executed, Lacking Flavor
My experience at the restaurant was just OK. While the food looked appealing and was prepared properly, it lacked seasoning. The steamed pork buns were cooked perfectly, but the filling was a bit bland, and the sauce lacked contrast, making the pork fall flat.
Similarly, their pot stickers were perfectly cooked with an ideal wrapper density and chew, but the filling was missing key garlic and ginger flavors. The other two items we ordered were consistent with these selections – properly executed but missing defining flavors. I was hopeful, as it resembled the kind of great local joints that prioritize great food over presentation.
- food appearance7
- steamed pork buns5
- pot stickers wrapper8
- food seasoning3
- sauce contrast4
- pork filling4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful food, great value!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food was amazing, the cost was low, and the portions were generous. I'd recommend bringing a friend, but be mindful of the small dining area if you plan to bring a larger group.
- food10
- cost9
- portions9
- dining area4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Never Again
My first time here was a very bad experience. After waiting half an hour for a table, we finally got to order, only to wait again. It was unclear how they managed orders or what kind of service they offered, as they served several couples who arrived after us, and they were nearly finished with their lunch while we were still waiting.
We decided to leave because I was sick of the thought of tipping for such poor service. This was my first and last visit; I will never come back. Thanks God!
- waiting for the table2
- order food2
- service1
What Dim Sum House offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Dim Sum House?
You’ll find convenient parking options at Dim Sum House, including free street parking and a free parking lot. There’s usually plenty of parking available for your visit.
Is Dim Sum House wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Dim Sum House is fully wheelchair accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Dim Sum House generally score with customers?
Dim Sum House holds a good Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 73.6%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Value (8.1), while Ambience (6.7) and Service (5.8) are rated as average.
What do customers say about the food quality at Dim Sum House?
Many customers praise the food, describing it as fresh, flavorful, and authentic. Specific items like soup dumplings, garlic green beans, and siu mai receive positive mentions for their taste and quality.
Are there any common issues or concerns reported by diners?
Some diners have reported inconsistent service, with instances of staff being inattentive or rude. Additionally, concerns about cleanliness and crowded conditions, leading to longer wait times, have been noted.