Bistro 1968 is San Gabriel’s latest dim sum hotspot, dishing up all-day Cantonese creations that blend tradition with innovation in a sleek setting.
"What To Order: Crispy Lobster Roll, Salted Egg Scallop Dumplings, Spicy Minced Pork Dumpling, House XO Sauce Once or twice a year, a splashy new dim sum spot appears on the SGV scene like a wild Pokémon, adding a dash of excitement to what is otherwise a fairly static group of contenders. Most recently this honor went to Bistro 1968, an upscale all-day dim sum and Cantonese restaurant in San Gabriel equipped with a gorgeous dining room, fantastic service (your pot of oolong will never run dry), and a private parking garage in the back. Did we mention the made-to-order dim sum is great too? You’ll find creative options like crispy lobster rolls that come with a side of mayo for dipping, green-colored ham sui gok shaped liked tiny pears, and golden salted egg scallop dumplings. Savory items tend to be superior to sweet ones (aside from the must-order peanut mochi with black sesame), and we wish the kitchen took a little closer care with fundamentals (as with the squid ink har gow that showed up with split wrappers), but overall Bistro 1968 has clear star power." - garrett snyder, brant cox, fiona chandra, sylvio martins
"Bistro 1968 serves plenty of classic dim sum fare like barbecue buns, spare ribs, rice rolls, and egg tarts. Chef Wong also executes outstanding Cantonese dumplings with modern twists, including spicy minced pork dumplings shaped like miniature pears and golden salted egg scallop dumplings." - Mona Holmes, Eater Staff
"It’s challenging to find a small table at Bistro 1968. Most of the tables sit a minimum of four while the largest tables can accommodate 12 or more. It gets packed at this San Gabriel restaurant, since people come for the very good dim sum. As long as you have a table of at least eight people, you can call ahead to make a reservation." - Jean Trinh, Eater Staff
"Bistro 1968 is considered one of the most expensive dim sum restaurants in Los Angeles, but its specialty items and high quality distinguish it from others. In addition to traditional classics, the menu features unique dishes not found elsewhere, such as pumpkin and sweet bean paste sesame balls, spicy minced pork dumplings shaped like miniature pears, baked wagyu and mushroom puffs, baked peanut mochi, and salty egg yolk golden skin har gow (shrimp dumplings), among others. Bistro 1968 stands out as one of the few dim sum restaurants serving dim sum all day." - Kristie Hang
"Bistro 1968 boasts the most innovative dim sum in Los Angeles, available all day in addition to an extensive menu of entrees. While the menu includes classic dim sum offerings like barbecue buns, spare ribs, rice rolls, and egg tarts, it’s the unique creations by Chef Wong that set this restaurant apart. Delight in dishes like the baked wagyu and mushroom puff, abalone tart, baked peanut mochi, or the salty egg yolk golden skin har gow (shrimp dumpling). The pumpkin and sweet bean paste sesame balls, and spicy minced pork dumplings shaped like miniature pears are also popular choices. Dim sum prices at Bistro 1968 lean towards the higher end, ranging from $4.88 to $8.88, but the quality, execution, and flavors are unparalleled." - Kristie Hang
