Review: Dim Sum @ Spring Villa, Markham

I have always wanted to try Spring Villa for dim sum, but they are always so busy, with lines out the door and spilling into the parking lot.  They do take reservations but not for their morning special, which is order before 10:45am, and out the door by 11:45am.

We made a reservation for noon (regular price, no discount).  When we arrived I was surprised to see that there is still a long lineup out the door.  The line seems to never diminish, with constant streams of people coming in. 

Anyways we managed to squeeze the 13 of us in a 8 person table (apparently the fact that we made a reservation makes no difference as we saw a group of 7 sitting in a 12 person table.  Maybe they are frequent clients and get VIP treatment?). 

We ordered a total of 44 dishes, which is more than our usual 3 dishes per person guideline.  The food took a bit longer than average to arrive, which is understandable, considering the place is packed. 

The food itself was actually pretty good.  They are above average by my dim sum standards, and I particularly enjoyed the turnip cake (which is steamed in a cup and not pan fried!).  

The seating environment is also pleasant, though a bit cramped.  Service is a bit lacking ... but that is also in line with what to expect in a Chinese restaurant.  What did annoy me was that the server put a dish directly on top of my teacup when our lazy Susan turntable was full.  Huh?  So we ran out of space so you start stacking dishes on top of people's teacups?  Wasn't sure to laugh or be annoyed. 

Our bill came out to about $22 pp. 

Would I recommend? Ultimately I do enjoy the food and the seating atmosphere.  The price is somewhat reasonable, but given that there are other dim sum options nearby and the bad service that we received, it is not good enough for me to have to wait in line for a table.

What we ordered

• Steamed Octopus with Curry Sauce - recommended
• Steamed Turnip Cake - recommended
• Steamed Sweet Layer Sponge Cake - recommended
• Spring Villa Shrimp Dumplings
• Steamed Shrimp & Pork Siu Mai
• Braised Beef Brisket with Turnip
• Crispy Pumpkin - bad

Summary

• The Bottom Line: not sure I understand why they are so popular.  They are good, but I wouldn't eat here if it means having to wait in line.
• Score: 4/5
• Address: 7301 Woodbine Ave (Woodbine & Denison), Markham

bad service - server stacking dishes on top of teacups...