Golden Unicorn
Dim sum restaurant · Chinatown
18 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Highlights
Dim sum served via carts in a bustling Cantonese institution
Dim sum served via carts in a bustling Cantonese institution
"Established in 1989, Golden Unicorn is one of the most atmospheric dim sum brunches in town, with big round tables spread over two floors, carts at brunch, and extremely photogenic pig-shaped custard buns. (Resist the too-dry minion-shaped ones.) Bring a large group, then wave carts over until you can’t possibly eat another dumpling. There will almost definitely be a wait once you get your numbered ticket." - bryan kim, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman, sonal shah
"Once, there were a half dozen of these giant banquet halls in Chinatown, with dim sum pushed around on carts in the morning and early afternoon hours, and a broad Cantonese menu favoring seafood in the afternoons and evenings. Now, Golden Unicorn is one of the only ones left, a multi-floor extravaganza done up in celebratory red and gold. The dim sum is some of the best in the city, with delicate wrappers on the dumplings. Don’t miss the whole fish presentations at dinnertime." - Melissa McCart
"OK we know this guide has “date night” written all over it, but here’s an idea: plan a dim sum date on a weekend (or a weekday for lunch). Golden Unicorn delivers their excellent dumplings, fried shrimp balls, and egg custard tarts until 3pm every day. Our favorite dim sum dish is the baked pork pastries, which come as flaky, egg-washed triangles of pastry stuffed with sweet pork hunks. You’re going to want at least two to yourself." - hannah albertine
"Did you recently get married or earn a degree in something? If so, have a celebratory brunch at Golden Unicorn. For special-occasion dim sum, this classic bi-level Chinatown spot is our top pick. The fancy curtains and colorful mood lighting make Golden Unicorn feel fun and festive, and the pig-shaped custard buns are both adorable and delicious. Get an order of those, and don’t skip the leek dumplings, crispy turnip cakes, or spare ribs in black bean sauce. Golden Unicorn also serves dim sum at dinner, so stop by then if you want to avoid the crowds." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, neha talreja, willa moore, will hartman
"Golden Unicorn is another big dim sum spot on the second floor of a building in Chinatown, and the space is filled with massive round tables that will fit most families or friend groups. Use it for anything from a birthday brunch or team outing to a private event." - bryan kim, matt tervooren
