Dragon Court
11-13 Lam Son Square, Q1 Tel: 3827 2566
Open for lunch and then dinner until 2am, this vast, no-frills eatery packs itself out with hungry locals enjoying the big portions of tasty dim sum and a host of other dishes. All the Chinese staples are here, but recommended is the beef with ginger and lemongrass. 

Dynasty
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Q1
Open for both lunch and dinner, Dynasty offers elegant surroundings and comfortable dining. The classic dim sum menu is reliably tasty. The chef hails from Hong Kong and has created a menu of gourmet Cantonese specialties.

Kabin
Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, Q1 Tel: 3822 0033
Offers authentic, gourmet Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine in an elegant setting, with beautiful décor and the bonus of excellent river views. The menus for both lunch and dinner are extensive, and this is without doubt one of the city’s finest restaurants both for dim sum and classic Chinese fare.

Li Bai
Level 2, Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3827 2828
The décor’s soothing and elegant, but the food’s even better, with noted chef Kevin Zheng serving up dishes such as Szechuan-style hot and sour seafood soup or fried crispy pork with preserved red bean curd sauce. Also does a good lunchtime dim sum buffet for US$14.50. Usually packed, it is best to make bookings in advance.

Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant

17-19 Ly Tu Trong, Q1 Tel: 3823 2221

Authentic Cantonese Cuisine featuring fresh seafood, dimsum, set menus and a-la-carte for lunch and dinner.