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China II Restaurant in Charleston: Upscale Dim Sum and Cantonese Cuisine

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What China II offers and where to find it

China II is a sit-down Cantonese restaurant in Charleston's downtown area known for dim sum service and traditional Cantonese dishes. The restaurant operates as a full-service dining space rather than a casual counter-service spot, with table service, a full bar, and a menu that shifts between dim sum lunch service and à la carte dinner offerings. The dim sum carts roll through the dining room during lunch hours, allowing you to select small plates directly from servers as they pass your table.

The restaurant's location puts it within walking distance of King Street and the Historic District, making it accessible before or after exploring downtown Charleston. Parking is available on nearby streets and in municipal lots typical of the downtown core. The dining room itself maintains a more formal atmosphere than many casual Chinese restaurants, with tablecloths and attentive service staff.

Key Takeaways

  • China II serves dim sum from a cart during lunch hours, with servers bringing selections to your table so you can choose what you want to eat.
  • The restaurant operates as a full-service establishment with table service, a bar, and separate lunch and dinner menus.
  • Cantonese cuisine dominates the menu, including roasted meats, seafood preparations, and noodle dishes alongside dim sum offerings.
  • The downtown location near King Street makes it convenient to reach on foot or by car, with street parking and municipal lots nearby.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or during peak lunch and dinner hours on weekends.

Dim sum service and how it works

Dim sum at China II follows the traditional cart service model. Servers push carts laden with bamboo steamers and small plates through the dining room. You signal a server when a cart passes your table, and they stop so you can examine the offerings and select what you want. Each selection is marked on a card at your table, and your bill is calculated based on the number and type of plates you've taken.

Dim sum selections typically include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), chicken feet, spring rolls, and various other steamed and fried items. The variety changes throughout the lunch service as carts rotate through the dining room. This format allows you to try multiple dishes in small portions without committing to full entrée sizes.

Dim sum service runs during lunch hours, typically from late morning through early afternoon. Timing varies by day and season, so calling ahead to confirm hours is useful if you're planning a specific visit. The service is designed for a leisurely meal where you can graze over an hour or more as carts come by.

Dinner menu and Cantonese specialties

When dim sum carts are not running, China II shifts to an à la carte dinner menu featuring Cantonese preparations. Roasted meats—including Peking duck, roasted chicken, and char siu pork—appear as signature dishes. These are often served with steamed rice or noodles and accompanied by house-made sauces. Seafood dishes highlight preparations like whole steamed fish with ginger and scallions, shrimp with garlic sauce, and scallop or lobster preparations.

Noodle and rice dishes round out the menu, including chow mein, lo mein, and fried rice variations. Vegetable sides and soups are also available. The dinner menu tends to be more extensive than what appears during dim sum service, giving you the option to order a full meal rather than sampling multiple small plates.

Atmosphere and dining experience

China II maintains a more upscale dining environment than casual Chinese takeout or strip-mall restaurants. The dining room features table service with cloth napkins, and servers are trained in formal service standards. The space accommodates both small tables for two and larger round tables suitable for groups, which is typical of Cantonese restaurants designed for family-style dining.

The bar serves beer, wine, and spirits, with options that pair well with Cantonese cuisine. The overall experience is closer to a traditional sit-down restaurant than a quick casual meal, which affects both the pace of service and the price point. This makes China II suitable for special occasions, business meals, or leisurely weekend dim sum outings rather than quick weeknight dinners.

Hours, reservations, and practical details

China II operates with separate lunch and dinner service hours. Lunch typically runs from late morning through early afternoon, with dim sum service during this window. Dinner service begins in the late afternoon or early evening and continues through the night. Hours vary by day of the week, with weekend service often extending later than weekday service.

Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner service, groups of four or more, or weekend visits. During peak times—especially Saturday and Sunday lunch—walk-ins may face wait times. Calling ahead allows you to confirm current hours, ask about specific dishes, and secure a table at your preferred time. The restaurant's downtown location means street parking is available but can be competitive during busy periods; municipal parking lots are nearby if street parking is full.

What to expect cost-wise

Dim sum service is typically priced per plate, with costs varying based on the type of dumpling or dish. A full dim sum lunch for one person generally runs in the moderate range, with the final bill depending on how many plates you select. Dinner entrées are priced individually and tend to be higher than dim sum plates, reflecting the full-service restaurant format and portion sizes.

The restaurant accepts major payment methods. Tipping follows standard restaurant conventions—typically 15 to 20 percent for table service. During dim sum service, some diners tip based on the number of plates taken rather than a percentage of the total bill, though either approach is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does dim sum service start and end?

Dim sum service typically runs during lunch hours, beginning late morning and ending in early afternoon. Exact times vary by day and season. Call the restaurant directly to confirm the specific window for the day you plan to visit, as dim sum service is not offered during dinner hours.

Can I make a reservation for dim sum?

Yes, reservations are recommended for dim sum service, especially for groups or weekend visits. You can call ahead to reserve a table and confirm that dim sum service will be running. Walk-ins are often accommodated during slower periods, but you may face a wait during peak lunch times.

Is dim sum the only option at China II?

No. Dim sum is available during lunch service, but the restaurant also offers an à la carte dinner menu featuring Cantonese dishes like roasted meats, seafood, noodles, and rice preparations. Dinner service operates separately from dim sum service, with different hours and menu options.

What is the dress code?

China II is a full-service restaurant with a more formal atmosphere than casual dining. Business casual or nicer casual clothing is appropriate. There is no strict formal dress code, but the environment is more upscale than a typical takeout spot, so plan accordingly if you're coming from work or a casual activity.

Does China II accommodate dietary restrictions?

The restaurant can work with dietary needs, though options may be more limited during dim sum service when selections are pre-prepared on carts. Call ahead to discuss specific restrictions or preferences, and the kitchen can often prepare dishes to order during dinner service or modify dim sum selections if you have allergies or dietary requirements.