Review of Dim Sum Library in Covent Garden

In a district synonymous with drama and spectacle, Dim Sum Library responds with a culinary performance of its own. Situated just moments from the Piazza in Covent Garden, the restaurant artfully marries traditional Chinese dim sum with contemporary fine dining, creating an experience that feels both modern and refined.

The interior is nothing short of striking. A sweeping central staircase arcs gracefully through the dining room, drawing the eye upward to a canopy of glittering chandeliers that scatter warm light across lacquered surfaces and plush banquettes. The palette is rich, the proportions generous, and the atmosphere effortlessly lively without feeling overwhelming. Dim Sum Library prides itself on presenting dim sum as a fine craft, with much of the intricate preparation of these elegant parcels visible through the open kitchen on the ground floor.

For our visit, we opted for a first-floor window table overlooking the bustle of Long Acre below and on our server’s recommendation, we chose from the signature dishes. Our feast began with the famed Wagyu beef puff with black pepper. A burnished pastry parcel that shattered at first bite, releasing deeply savoury beef infused with a measured warmth of spice, a wonderful start. Alongside the Wagyu puff came black garlic siu mai with pork and shrimp, succulent, generously seasoned, and elevated by a garlicky richness that lingered pleasingly after each mouthful.

As the small plates continued to arrive, anticipation grew. The standout of the afternoon being for me, undoubtedly the black truffle har gau (shrimp dumpling). The truffle was deployed with expert restraint, never overpowering, but instead offering a delicate flourish that deepened the dumpling’s natural brininess.

From the wok menu, king prawns with pepper and Chinese basil arrived lightly dusted in batter, glistening and aromatic. The pepper provided warmth rather than aggression, while the basil cut through with fragrant clarity. Crispy aubergine with salted fish and green beans followed. The aubergine was silken beneath its crisp exterior, readily absorbing the saline, fermented intensity of the fish.

Desserts lean into classics, executed with finesse. We sampled two, including the traditional egg tart, delicately blistered custard encased in flaky pastry, ideal for sharing. For sheer indulgence, the chocolate lava mochi proved irresistible: its shell gave way to a molten centre that flowed luxuriously onto the plate, intense, sweet, and devilishly decadent.

To complement the layered flavours of the meal, we opted for warming green tea. Its cleansing, vegetal character offered a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dishes. Overall, the experience surpassed expectations. Dim Sum Library delivers a buzzy atmosphere with a genuine sense of occasion. While we focused on the house specials, the restaurant also offers an afternoon tea experience inspired by Chinese sweet and savoury delicacies, a distinctive alternative to traditional scones and clotted cream. The bar presents an extensive repertoire of cocktails, botanical infusions, and tea-based beverages to suit any mood.

Whether you are enjoying an evening in theatre-land, shopping in Covent Garden, or simply exploring the city centre, Dim Sum Library offers a luxurious yet accessible dining experience, generous portions, attentive service, and pricing that leaves you feeling well rewarded.

For more information or to book click here.

Address: 136 Long Acre, London, WC2E 9AD

Written by Claire Bloom