I want to go again right now! (Dim T)

Member Name: mouche202

Product:	Dim T
Date:	24/08/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good food, great location, bargain prices

Disadvantages: None that I can think of

My husband and I love eating out but since we object to paying inflated London prices, we're always on the lookout for reasonably priced restaurants with great food. We're not big drinkers but we are foodies so the food is of great importance to us! Plus, though we love cheap and cheerful joints, we've been looking for somewhere with a bit more atmosphere to take guests. Dim T's checks all the boxes of reasonable prices, good food and a nice atmosphere.

Dim T is a chain of London restaurants - I think there are four of them - which serves vaguely Chinese-y food. Though we have tried the main courses and they are good and very filling, the speciality of Dim T's is the dim sum. In case you haven't tried these, dim sum are little parcels of steamed meat, fish or veg wrapped in a 'skin' of wheat or rice flour. They are generally served as starters at Chinese restaurants but at Dim T's the best way to have a meal is to order several baskets of dim sum and make a meal of them.

There are several types of dim sum, our favourites being the spicy beef and the pork and prawn. But all the dim sum are tasty really and even my dad who doesn't really like dim sum enjoyed his meal when we took him. The dim sum are served three to a basket which can be problematic when it comes to sharing them out between two or four people. Still, we manage fine and it's only a minor thing. We've found it takes about 7 baskets to feed two hungry people!

The restaurants are licensed and serve a variety of wine and spirits but since I don't know much about drinks, I can't really comment on their selection. The main courses come in quite large portions and there is often a two for one promotion on. Still, I would recommend you at least try the dim sum before deciding whether to have a main course. The desserts menu is small and not very appealing but that doesn't matter because you should just order the white chocolate cheesecake - it's heaven on earth!

Apart from the food, Dim T attracts a young, fashionable crowd and is very popular - it's good to book in advance, especially for the London Bridge branch. The one time we didn't book we ended up waiting for half an hour! There's a nice buzz in the restaurant and the service staff are usually friendly and efficient despite being run off their feet.

I've save the best for last - if you do decide to try Dim T's out, go to the London Bridge branch first and make sure you book a table by the window. The restaurant is right next to the Thames and has a glorious view of the Tower Bridge. A great place to take people visiting London and far cheaper than most other restaurants with a comparable view.

As for prices - each dim sum basket costs £3.05. Last time we went there, four of us ate 15 baskets of dim sum, two starters and two desserts plus a bottle of wine and one cocktail. With a 10% tip, the bill came to £85. Bargain for central London!

Summary: Cheap restaurant with great views and good food - well worth a visit