Where To Find the Best Dim Sum in Atlanta

Atlanta may be famous for Southern cooking, but the city also has a seriously good dim sum scene—especially if you know where to look along Buford Highway, in Duluth, and around Chamblee. Whether you want rolling carts and big family-style brunch, or modern small plates and cocktails, you can find it here.

This guide breaks down where to get the best dim sum in Atlanta, what to order, and how the experience works locally so you can plan your next meal with confidence.

Dim Sum in Atlanta: What to Expect

Dim sum in Atlanta tends to fall into two main styles:

• Traditional cart service – Servers roll carts around the dining room loaded with dumplings, buns, and small plates. You point, they stamp your card, and you keep going until you’re full.
• Made-to-order menus – You order from a menu (often with photos). Food comes out fresh from the kitchen instead of from carts.

Across metro Atlanta, you’ll mostly find dim sum:

• On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), often from late morning through mid-afternoon
• In Chinese restaurants clustered around:
  • Buford Highway (Doraville / Chamblee)
  • Duluth / Suwanee (Gwinnett County)
  • A few in-town spots closer to Midtown and Downtown

If you want the widest choice and liveliest atmosphere, aim for weekend late morning or early afternoon and be prepared to wait at the most popular places.

Quick Overview: Popular Dim Sum Spots Around Atlanta

Below are well-known types of dim sum experiences you can look for in and around Atlanta. Names, addresses, and exact offerings can change over time, so it’s wise to double-check details before heading out.

Buford Highway: The Heart of Atlanta Dim Sum

Buford Highway is the go-to corridor for dim sum in metro Atlanta. It stretches through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville and is lined with Asian grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants.

What Makes Buford Highway Special

• Authentic Cantonese-style dim sum with a local crowd that includes many Chinese families
• Large dining rooms that can handle birthdays, multi-generation gatherings, and big friend groups
• Easy to combine with a visit to places like HMart or other Asian markets for snacks and groceries

Typical Buford Highway Dim Sum Experience

On a weekend:

• Expect crowds and waitlists at peak times (11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
• Hosts call parties primarily by number or name; you’ll often see families waiting in the lobby or outside
• You’ll usually get a stamp card or slip at the table; each dish you pick is marked, then totaled at the end

🔥 Tip: If you’re going with 4+ people, call ahead to ask when dim sum service starts and how long the wait usually is. Arriving on the early side of lunch can cut your wait time significantly.

Duluth & Gwinnett: Huge Menus and Modern Dining Rooms

If you’re willing to head a bit northeast of Atlanta, the Duluth / Suwanee area has become another major hub for Chinese dining, including dim sum. Many Atlanta residents drive to Gwinnett County specifically for:

• Very large menus with both classic and more modern dim sum options
• Spacious, newer dining rooms that work well for special occasions and big family meals
• The chance to pair your dim sum outing with a trip to Sugarloaf Mills, Assi Plaza, or other nearby shopping centers

Dim sum here is often menu-based instead of cart-based. You mark your choices on a paper menu or order with your server, and dishes arrive as they’re ready.

In-Town Atlanta: Dim Sum Without Leaving the City

If you’re staying closer to Midtown, Downtown, or Virginia-Highland, expect a smaller number of dim sum-focused spots compared to Buford Highway or Duluth. However, you can still find:

• Cantonese and broader Chinese restaurants that offer dim sum staples like shu mai, har gow, and bao as part of their regular menu
• More modern, fusion, or small-plate interpretations of dim sum items
• A more relaxed, urban setting suited to date nights or small groups

In-town options can be particularly appealing if you:

• Don’t have a car or prefer not to drive to the suburbs
• Want to combine dim sum with a visit to the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, or Downtown attractions
• Are introducing someone gently to dim sum with a smaller selection and English-forward menus

Must-Try Dim Sum Dishes in Atlanta

No matter where you go for dim sum in Atlanta, you’ll keep seeing a core set of dishes. If you’re new to dim sum, this list will help you order with confidence.

Essential Dumplings

• Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) – Translucent wrappers, plump shrimp filling. A staple at almost every dim sum service.
• Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp Dumplings) – Open-topped dumplings with a slightly chewy bite; often garnished with roe or carrot bits.
• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) – Not strictly Cantonese dim sum, but widely available in Atlanta. Handle carefully and let them cool a bit.

Buns and Baked Treats

• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
  • Steamed: Fluffy white bun, sweet-salty pork inside
  • Baked: Lightly glazed exterior, slightly sweeter overall
• Egg Tarts – Buttery crust with a silky, mildly sweet egg custard. Many Atlanta dim sum regulars consider this their final “dessert” bite.

Fried Favorites

• Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat.
• Pan-Fried Turnip Cakes – Savory, made with shredded radish and sometimes bits of sausage or dried shrimp. Soft inside, crispy outside.
• Fried Shrimp Balls or Rolls – Crunchy, often served with sweet mayo or dipping sauces.

Rice, Noodles, and More

• Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls) – Silky rice noodles wrapped around shrimp, beef, or fried dough, topped with soy-based sauce.
• Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf – Fragrant, glutinous rice with sausage, pork, or mushrooms, steamed in a lotus leaf.
• Chicken Feet (Fung Zao) – A classic item for more adventurous eaters; braised and full of flavor.

If you’re overwhelmed by choices, a common approach in Atlanta dim sum spots is to:

1. Pick 2–3 dumplings
2. Add 1–2 buns
3. Choose 1 noodle or rice item
4. Finish with an egg tart or sweet bun

How to Navigate Dim Sum in Atlanta Like a Local

Dim sum can feel chaotic if you’re new to it, especially during Sunday rush. Atlanta’s dim sum culture is friendly, but a little prep helps.

1. Timing and Waits

• Prime time: 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on weekends
• Shorter waits: Before 11:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.
• Weekdays: Some restaurants offer a smaller dim sum menu or none at all on weekdays, so always ask.

📌 Local tip: If you’re going with a big group, one or two people can arrive early to put your name down, especially at busy Buford Highway or Duluth spots.

2. Reservations and Group Size

Policies vary:

• Some larger banquet-style places accept reservations for big groups only (for example, 8–10+ people).
• Many dim sum-focused restaurants seat smaller parties on a first-come, first-served basis during peak hours.

When you call:

• Ask, “Do you take reservations for dim sum service on weekends?”
• Confirm last seating time for dim sum if you plan a late lunch.

3. Ordering: Carts vs Menus

• With carts:
  • Servers roll carts by your table with different dishes.
  • Point to what you want; they leave the plates and stamp your card.
  • You can ask what something is, or simply skip it and wait for the next cart.
• With menus:
  • You often receive a paper order sheet with item numbers.
  • Mark quantities, hand it to your server, and dishes will come out as ready.
  • English translations are common across Atlanta’s dim sum spots, especially in busier suburban areas.

If you’re not sure about portion sizes, ask your server, “Is this dish sharable?” Most dim sum plates are intended to be shared by 2–4 people.

4. Tea, Water, and Condiments

Tea is central to the dim sum experience:

• Many Atlanta dim sum restaurants bring hot tea automatically or offer a choice (jasmine, oolong, pu-erh).
• If you want water, you may need to ask specifically for it, especially in more traditional spots.

Common condiments include:

• Soy sauce
• Chili oil or chili paste
• Vinegar (sometimes for soup dumplings or dumplings in general)
• Mustard (for roast meats or certain dumplings)

Don’t hesitate to ask for extra sauce or chili oil if your table didn’t get any by default.

Price Range and Payment Basics

Dim sum in Atlanta is generally moderately priced, especially considering the amount of food you get.

Typical expectations:

• Most plates fall in a small range per dish, with steamed dumplings and buns usually on the lower end and specialty plates a bit higher.
• A modest dim sum meal for two can be close to a casual restaurant check, while a large feast for a group of 6–8 can add up but still feel reasonable given the variety.

Practical notes:

• Tax and tip are additional; 18–20% tip is common for table service.
• Most established dim sum restaurants take major credit cards, but having a bit of cash on hand can be useful just in case systems are down or minimums apply.

Dim Sum With Kids, Groups, and Special Diets

Bringing Kids

Many Atlanta dim sum restaurants are:

• Family-friendly, noisy in a good way, and casual
• Full of kid-appealing items like bao buns, egg tarts, and noodles
• Used to highchairs, booster seats, and families taking up big tables

If you’re bringing a stroller, call ahead or arrive a bit early so they can seat you somewhere with room to park it.

Big Groups and Celebrations

Dim sum is a popular choice in Atlanta for:

• Birthdays
• Family reunions
• Weekend get-togethers with friends

For large parties:

• Ask whether the restaurant has round tables with lazy Susans, which make sharing easier.
• Confirm whether there’s a set menu available for big groups or special events, especially in larger Duluth or Buford Highway establishments.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Dietary Needs

Traditional dim sum leans heavily on:

• Pork and shrimp
• Soy sauce (which often includes wheat)
• Dishes cooked or finished in shared fryers or shared steaming equipment

However, many Atlanta dim sum kitchens can help you navigate:

• Vegetarian options: vegetable dumplings, steamed greens, egg tarts (if you eat eggs), plain rice noodles, some tofu dishes
• Shellfish considerations: If you avoid shellfish, tell your server up front—many dumplings mix pork and shrimp.

To stay on the safe side:

• Clearly explain any allergies (for example, shellfish, peanuts, gluten intolerance).
• Ask which dishes are meat-free and whether they use fish sauce or meat-based broths.

How to Choose the Best Dim Sum Spot for You in Atlanta

There’s no single “best” dim sum for everyone. The right choice depends on what you value most.

If You Want a Classic Experience

Look for:

• Large, banquet-style dining rooms
• Carts rolling around on weekends
• A mix of families, older regulars, and big groups

These spots will give you that bustling, traditional dim sum atmosphere that many people seek out on Buford Highway or in Duluth.

If You Want Comfort and Convenience

Aim for:

• Menu-based dim sum rather than carts (less chaos, easier to keep track of what you ordered)
• Restaurants with clear English menus and photos
• Locations that are close to where you’re staying or living (for example, in-town options if you’re car-free)

If You Want to Explore Beyond Dim Sum

Consider a dim sum restaurant that:

• Is near an Asian supermarket (like HMart or other large markets) so you can browse snacks afterward
• Sits within a shopping plaza or near other restaurants and bakeries, allowing you to make an afternoon of it

Many Atlanta locals turn dim sum into half-day outings, especially when taking visitors around Buford Highway or Duluth.

Practical Planning Tips for Dim Sum in Atlanta

Use these quick pointers to make your dim sum outing smoother:

• Call ahead to confirm:
  • Dim sum days and hours
  • Whether they offer cart service or menu-only
  • Reservation policies for your group size
• Arrive early on weekends if you hate waiting—around opening or just before the rush.
• Bring a flexible mindset; if a dish runs out or a cart passes you by, another tasty option is usually right behind it.
• Share everything. Dim sum is designed for sampling, not hoarding one dish to yourself.
• Plan parking time, especially on Buford Highway and in busy Duluth plazas, where lots can get crowded at peak hours.

With this local-focused overview, you can confidently explore Atlanta’s dim sum scene—whether you’re a longtime resident finally tackling Buford Highway, visiting for the weekend, or showing friends and family what metro Atlanta’s Chinese food culture has to offer.