Happiness Inn — Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne

Decent Dim Sum, but Service Needs Improvement

We were looking for a good dim sum spot in Newcastle and came across several recommendations for Happiness Inn, so we decided to give it a try.

First impressions weren’t the best—the restaurant felt a bit run down, and since it’s located upstairs, we weren’t sure if there was wheelchair access. It’s definitely a no-frills kind of place. That said, it wasn’t too busy when we arrived (about a third full on a Saturday lunch), and we were seated quickly.

However, what really disappointed us was the lack of service. No one came over to ask about our tea or drinks—a basic courtesy in any dim sum restaurant. Even more frustratingly, other diners who arrived after us were served tea and had their orders taken without even asking. Despite there being four or five waiting staff standing around, we had to gesture for attention after sitting there for about 15 minutes. I was close to walking out, but my partner managed to flag someone down.

Thankfully, the food itself was decent. While some dishes were a bit bland, the portion sizes were generous, and to our surprise, the prices were very reasonable—much lower than expected, making it great value for money. However, another letdown was the lack of egg tarts—they only serve them on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, which was a disappointment.

Overall, Happiness Inn is worth trying if you're after affordable dim sum, but don’t expect great service. Be proactive when trying to get the...

I am looking for "authentic" Cantonese style food in Newcastle. The 1 other "recommended" restaurant inside Chinatown was booked for a wedding. A local Chinese told me to visit this restaurant a short walk from Chinatown.

I ordered exclusively 3 seafood dishes: scallops, Rock crab, and shrimps. The scallops are cooked as good as anywhere else (if not better). The rock crab is only OK and spicy for a Cantonese person. It stayed in the oil fryer too long and meat is very dry and it took away from the crab flavors. I asked the shrimps peeled (otherwise they come with shells). The shrimps are so salty that I only ate a few.

Being over-critical and a bit unfair to the restaurant, I do believe the food is "authentic" Chinese. If I ordered careful and communicate my preference better, I do believe that I can have a better experience.

One side note. When paying the bill, the waiter told me that they only accepted cash or debit. I rebutted either credit card or not paying; he reluctantly agreed to let me tap with my credit card. He did add a surcharge to my bill which isn't a big deal to me. I believe what the restaurant did is totally against...

There isn’t an option to leave a review without any stars. If I could I will not give them any stars. I went to have lunch with a friend and my 4 months old baby yesterday around 2 pm. There were only three tables in the restaurant including us. My 4 MONTHS OLD old baby was a bit unsettle and my friend was trying to help settling her down walking around near the entrance of the restaurant area and a waitress (who seems to be in charge) told her to walk outside a bit because my baby was crying ! I can’t believe what I saw and heard. It was cold in the restaurant and she even ask my friend to take my baby a bit outside the restaurant area which is freezing cold and for a baby. We left the restaurant immediately. She can’t even tolerate a 4 months old baby. It was an awful experience and will never go back. Please think twice if you have a baby don’t visit as they are not very family friendly. Just very disappointed. Having dim sum in Chinese culture suppose to be an enjoyable meal with family but this restaurant can't even tolerate a baby. If so then they should make a sign that baby/child are...