Lotus Dumpling Bar Summer Hill

It’s no secret that Sydney loves a good dumpling sesh. And while there is no shortage of good dumpling spots around town, Lotus Dining Group is behind some of the best—and it’s now expanded to the Inner West. Introducing Summer Hill’s Lotus Dumpling Bar, also known as your next date-night destination. 

The sleek, casual diner is a natural extension of the group’s popular Walsh Bay restaurant; however, it's more geared for a night of settling in than its counterpart’s pre-theatre quick feeds. So, get ready for bamboo steamer after bamboo steamer.

Lotus Dining Group’s Head Chef Steve Wu and Summer Hill Head Chef Chris Tsao, have combined forces to deliver the ultimate modern Cantonese share-style menu—including eight different dumplings. 

Don’t think twice about ordering their signature XO scallops with fried Chinese dipping doughnuts, the hot and numbing chicken ribs, or the delicate xiao long bao. There’s also a big focus on vegan and vegetarian options here, which seems fitting for its locale. Whether you have dietary requirements or not, dishes such as the vegan five-spice tofu and black fungus mushroom dumplings are a must-try for everyone.

Of course, an essential ingredient of any dumpling spot is a solid booze list. So, naturally, Lotus Dumpling Bar Summer Hill has it all—craft beer, fun cocktails, bold reds and even a “Riesling Bar”, which is an entire section of the menu dedicated to the wine varietal.

The moody, intimate space has an overall relaxed atmosphere. Exposed brick walls, charcoal and timber accents, emerald tiles, and a traditional Chinese manuscript wall add to the venue’s character without being too fussy.

Image credit: Alana Dimou