Kao Dim Sum
Kao Dim Sum
Kao Dim Sum is the casual dim sum spinoff of Restaurant Shanghai, the Kao family's long-standing Chinese restaurant in the upper part of Barcelona. Third-generation chef Josep Maria Kao brings the family's Chinese-Catalan expertise to handmade Cantonese dumplings and sharing plates in an informal Sarria-Sant Gervasi setting.
Background
About Kao Dim Sum
The Story
Kao Dim Sum is the casual spinoff of Restaurant Shanghai, widely regarded as Spain's best Chinese restaurant and reportedly Ferran Adria's favourite restaurant in Barcelona. The Kao family story begins with grandfather Kao Tze Chien, who arrived in Barcelona fleeing China's Maoist revolution and worked at Gran Dragon, the city's first Asian restaurant in the 1950s. He opened his own restaurant Pekin on Diagonal in 1964, which relocated to Sarria in 1976 as Restaurant Shanghai. Third-generation chef Josep Maria Kao created Kao Dim Sum as a more casual, accessible concept bearing the family name.
The Cuisine
Chef Josep Maria Kao brings three generations of Chinese-Catalan culinary expertise to a dim sum-focused menu. The concept offers handmade Cantonese dumplings and sharing plates, xiao long bao, siu mai, red prawn dumplings, foie-filled wontons, and Vietnamese nem rolls. Larger dishes include fried duck with hoisin sauce, roasted ribs in sweet-and-sour sauce, and stir-fried zhao mien noodles. The menu bridges Chinese tradition with local Mediterranean ingredients.
The Team
Chef Josep Maria Kao is the third generation of the Kao restaurant family in Barcelona. His daughters Meilan and Nayan represent the fourth generation working in the family businesses. The bar counter near the entrance offers casual seating alongside the main dining room.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Kao Dim Sum Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Dim sum bar with the Kao family stamp, authentic and avant-garde cuisine
Ambitious cuisine at reasonable prices
Diner Ratings
4.2
669 reviews
TripAdvisor
3.5
290 reviews
TheFork
9.2
Professional reviewers highlight Kao Dim Sum as an accessible dim sum concept from the Kao family of Restaurant Shanghai. Macarfi rates the food 7.3/10, describing it as authentic and avant-garde Chinese cuisine. Diners rate it 4.2/5 on Google (669 reviews), 3.5/5 on TripAdvisor (290 reviews), and 9.2/10 on TheFork.
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Reservations
How to Book Kao Dim Sum
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner and Saturdays. Book by phone at +34 934 17 30 64 or through online reservation platforms. Walk-ins welcome when space is available, particularly at the bar counter near the entrance. Closed Sundays.
Reserve
Experience
Kao Dim Sum Dining Experience
An informal but elegant modern space on a residential Sarria street. A comfortable bar counter near the entrance offers casual dining, while the main room provides a more intimate setting. The concept is designed as a relaxed neighbourhood dim sum bar, distinct from the family's more formal flagship Shanghai restaurant.
Navigate
Kao Dim Sum Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer del Bisbe Sivilla in El Putget i Farro, a quiet residential neighbourhood in the Sarria-Sant Gervasi district. The Kao family's flagship Shanghai restaurant is nearby, and the area is known for its upscale, local dining scene away from tourist crowds.
Nearby
El Putget i Farro is a quiet residential neighbourhood in the Sarria-Sant Gervasi district, known for its family-oriented atmosphere, independent shops, and a growing dining scene. The area around Carrer del Bisbe Sivilla and Via Augusta is home to several notable restaurants including the Kao family's own Shanghai, away from the tourist crowds of central Barcelona.
Nearby Restaurants
Bar Gañán
Catalan Tapas
Catalan Tapas by chef Grupo Galán, served in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova.
El Pescadito de Mandri
Andalusian Seafood
Andalusian Seafood cuisine in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova, rooted in local produce.
Shanghai
Chinese
Family-run Chinese fine dining with refined Shanghai cuisine and dim sum.
Details
Kao Dim Sum Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Tuesday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Wednesday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Thursday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Friday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Saturday | 13:30–15:30 & 20:30–23:30 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Kao Dim Sum hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Questions
Kao Dim Sum FAQ
What's the connection between Kao Dim Sum and Restaurant Shanghai?
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Kao Dim Sum is the casual spinoff of Restaurant Shanghai, widely regarded as Spain's best Chinese restaurant and reportedly Ferran Adria's favourite restaurant in Barcelona. Third-generation chef Josep Maria Kao created Kao Dim Sum as a more accessible concept while maintaining the family's three-generation Chinese-Catalan culinary expertise.
What kind of dim sum dishes does Kao Dim Sum serve?
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The menu focuses on handmade Cantonese dumplings including xiao long bao (steamed pork and broth dumplings), siu mai (steamed shrimp dumplings), and foie-filled wontons. They also serve Vietnamese spring rolls, fried duck with hoisin sauce, roasted ribs in sweet-and-sour sauce, and traditional Peking duck prepared in the traditional manner.
How do I get to Kao Dim Sum in Sant Gervasi?
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The restaurant is located on Carrer del Bisbe Sivilla in the quiet residential Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova neighbourhood. Take metro to La Bonanova station (L6/S1/S2) for a 6-minute walk, or Les Tres Torres (L6/S1/S2) for a 9-minute walk.
Can I sit at the bar at Kao Dim Sum without a reservation?
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Yes, walk-ins are welcome at the comfortable bar counter near the entrance when space is available. However, reservations are recommended especially for dinner and Saturdays, you can book by phone at +34 934 17 30 64 or through online reservation platforms.
What's the story behind the Kao family restaurants in Barcelona?
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The Kao family legacy begins with grandfather Kao Tze Chien, who fled China's Maoist revolution and worked at Gran Dragon, Barcelona's first Asian restaurant in the 1950s. He opened Restaurant Pekin in 1964, which became Restaurant Shanghai in 1976. Josep Maria Kao represents the third generation, with his daughters Meilan and Nayan as the fourth generation.
Is Kao Dim Sum open on Sundays?
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No, Kao Dim Sum is closed on Sundays. Monday through Saturday they serve lunch from 13:30 to 15:30 and dinner from 20:30 to 23:30.