Golden Unicorn
Dim sum restaurant · Chinatown ·
Traditional Cantonese dim sum served via bustling, roving carts
Traditional Cantonese dim sum served via bustling, roving carts
"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
"There are a lot of great options for big groups in Chinatown, but Golden Unicorn is the best for dim sum. Established in 1989, it’s one of the most atmospheric dim sum brunches in town, with big round tables with lazy susans spread over two floors, carts at brunch, and extremely photogenic pig-shaped custard buns. Expect a wait once you get your numbered ticket, and then wave carts over until you can’t possibly eat another dumpling." - willa moore, bryan kim, matt tervooren
"Maybe your cousin is visiting, and your cousin has 12 children. Or maybe you spontaneously got married to the person who cleans your teeth, and now you need a last-minute spot to celebrate with your friends. Go to Golden Unicorn. It’s a Cantonese spot in Chinatown with two floors, dim sum all day, plenty of big round tables, and some colorful lighting and long golden curtains. Plus, you probably won’t be the only wedding party here." - bryan kim
"For all those looking for a sunny social experience (in part, so you can continue to do nothing at night other than watch Schitt’s Creek and Search Party intermittently), outdoor dim sum in Chinatown is our favorite daytime dining option these days. You may not see many roving carts on Golden Unicorn’s sidewalk setup, but you’ll still be able to order 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, nikko duren
