Qin's Garden

Qin's Garden brings a distinct slice of Wuxi, China, to the heart of Spadina Avenue. With roots tracing back to 1751, this spot is the brand's first North American outpost, specializing in Jiangnan-style cuisine that leans slightly sweeter than the typical Shanghainese fare found elsewhere in the city. The atmosphere is unpretentious and warm, focusing on the craft of the kitchen rather than flashy decor. You will notice the difference immediately in their signature soup dumplings; unlike the bite-sized xiaolongbao common in Toronto, these are notably larger and crafted entirely by hand from scratch upon ordering. The dedication to this generational recipe is evident, as the kitchen takes the time to roll the dough and steam each batch to order, ensuring the wrappers remain delicate and the broth inside stays piping hot.

For a first-timer, the pork and crab meat soup dumplings are non-negotiable. Because they are made to order, expect a 10 to 15-minute wait, but it is well worth it for the quality. Pair your dumplings with the Wuxi-style spare ribs, which are tender enough to fall off the bone, or the mini wontons served in a traditional broth with dried seaweed and shrimp. The menu is reasonably priced for the portion sizes and quality, making it a solid choice for a casual lunch or a comforting dinner. While the restaurant can get busy, service is generally efficient. If you are planning to visit with a group larger than two, calling ahead to check on seating is a smart move, though it is often manageable for smaller parties without a reservation.