With virtually no interruption in business, Dumpling Inn is revealing an entirely new restaurant after just shuttering their original location.
The relatively seamless transition is due to the close proximity of their new space, situated steps away in the same plaza, at 4625 Convoy Street, which includes Jasmine Seafood Restaurant, the new Iceskimo and the upcoming Kula Revolving Sushi.
The casual Chinese eatery, which has become a cult favorite of locals and draws crowds at lunch and dinner, first opened in 1998 and outgrew its cramped quarters long ago.
Last fall, proprietor Andy Su and his family joined forces to take over an adjacent 9,000-square-foot space, which was previously a market, for a multi-concept food complex whose first piece soft opens today.
Dumpling Inn's new digs include about 25 more seats than the original, with a dining room hung with paper lantern and decorated to evoke the feel of a Chinese village; the menu is identical to the original eatery.
The next pieces of the project to roll out will be overseen by Su's uncle, Mark Sun and his son Charles. Sun's an executive chef and seasoned restauranteur, having opened multiple Asian eateries in San Diego, including Khan's Cave and Del Mar Rendezvous.
Soon to come are a late-night snack counter, called Dai Pai Don, and Shanghai Saloon, a craft beer and whiskey lounge that will occupy the remainder of the space and offer its own Asian-inspired menu. During lunch hours, its spacious seating areas will be used to accommodate any overflow of Dumpling Inn diners.
Loading comments...