Dim Sum and Chinese Favorites Worth Gathering Around in Palo Alto
Whether you're craving crispy shrimp balls, hearty claypot dishes, or a pot of chrysanthemum tea, Steam gives you a modern, welcoming spot to share a real Chinese meal without having to leave the Peninsula.
Why customers choose us
What makes Steam stand out
01
Reliable Dim Sum in Palo Alto
Customers hire Steam when they want accessible, quality dim sum without making a long trip out of the area. It fills a clear gap as a go-to dim sum destination in a neighborhood where options are limited.
“They're also a good place to get dim sum in Palo Alto.”
02
A Modern, Welcoming Dining Space
Customers choose Steam when the atmosphere matters — whether for a casual meal or a special occasion. The clean, modern interior creates an environment that feels elevated without being stuffy.
“The food overall was nice and the environment was beautiful.”
03
Standout Dishes Worth Returning For
Customers hire Steam when they want specific, memorable plates they can count on — from crispy shrimp balls to bold claypot dishes. Certain menu items consistently earn praise and drive repeat visits.
“The schezwan chicken and the eggplant with chicken claypot stood out the most.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Cumin lamb dish
“The cumin lamb was very good.”
Crispy shrimp balls and sauce
“Try the crispy shrimp balls, they're really good and so is the sauce.”
Szechwan chicken and eggplant with chicken claypot
“The schezwan chicken and the eggplant with chicken claypot stood out the most.”
Large vegetable plates
“I love the huge veggie plates.”
Chrysanthemum tea
“They also have chrysanthemum tea, which can be harder to find and it's delicious.”
Modern, clean interior
“The inside's really new and clean. It feels modern and warm.”
Dog-friendly outdoor seating
“There is dog friendly outdoor seating.”
Attentive service
“Great services and great food.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
A Space That Feels Considered
The interior carries a modern, warm aesthetic that signals care and intention — the kind of environment where guests feel the effort put into their surroundings, not just their plates.
Surprisingly Generous Restrooms
Guests have noted that the bathroom is unexpectedly spacious and well-appointed — a small detail that speaks volumes about how seriously the team takes the overall guest experience.
Hard-to-Find Tea Offerings
Steam goes beyond standard beverage menus by offering chrysanthemum tea — a traditional choice that can be difficult to source elsewhere, and one that resonates warmly with guests who know and love it.
Generous Vegetable Portions
Rather than treating vegetable dishes as afterthoughts, Steam serves them in generous, satisfying portions — something guests notice and appreciate when building a well-rounded meal.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating
For guests who like to bring their four-legged companions along, Steam offers outdoor seating that welcomes dogs — a thoughtful touch that extends hospitality beyond the table.
Attentive, Reliable Service
Multiple guests have highlighted the quality of service as a consistent strength — staff are described as genuinely attentive, contributing to a dining experience that feels looked after from start to finish.
Standout Signature Dishes
Certain dishes — from the cumin lamb to the Sichuan chicken and claypot — are crafted with enough distinctiveness that guests single them out by name, suggesting a kitchen that puts real care into its specialities.
Convenient Access with Nearby Parking
Steam's location benefits from the availability of multiple nearby parking garages, making it easy for guests to visit without the stress of searching for a spot — a practical comfort in a busy area.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Order Main Dishes for Value
Main dishes are priced more competitively than small dim sum plates, so leaning toward them helps keep your bill reasonable.
Try the Crispy Shrimp Balls
The crispy shrimp balls and their sauce come highly recommended as a standout order.
Arrive Before 8:30 PM
The kitchen closes at 8:30 PM even though the restaurant stays open until 9, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Bring Your Dog Outside
The restaurant offers dog-friendly outdoor seating, so feel free to bring your pup along.
Look for Chrysanthemum Tea
Steam carries chrysanthemum tea, a harder-to-find option worth ordering alongside your meal.
Budget for 18% Gratuity
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all orders, so factor that into your expected spend before you arrive.
More reasons to visit
There's always more to love
Accessible parking nearby
“There are many parking garages in Palo Alto so it's not too hard for us to find parking”
Spacious, upscale restrooms
“The bathroom's surprisingly large and nice. It definitely feels like an expensive restaurant bathroom.”
Competitively priced main dishes
“The main dishes are priced more competitively than the small dishes”