Restaurant Review: Lumi Empanada & Dumpling Kitchen

Eric and I were in Uptown Dallas Friday night, so we decided to stop by the new dumpling kitchen next to Primo's - Lumi. Luckily, we got there right before seven, so we were able to enjoy their happy hour for a few minutes (2.50 domestic beers and half price for some of their dishes). Lumi is a tapas style asian/brazilian restaurant that specializes in empanadas (ok not so asian) and dumplings. Note - don't park in the adjacent parking lot that looks like it's 100% Lumi parking - it's Hook, Line, and Sinker only.

We had the Thai Panang Curry chicken dumplings, the Hearty Beef & Yukon Potato empanadas, the Ahi Tuna nachos, and the Chinese 5 Spice Duck & Leek dumplings. Each dish was full of flavor, some strong and some nuanced. The chicken dumplings (we ordered them pan fried) were full of traditional Thai flavor, and the beef empanadas were perfectly cooked. The potato within the empanada was a perfect complement - nice to get your meat and potatoes in one convenient package! The ahi tuna nachos were a bit too oniony for my taste, but it was easy to scrape off some of the onion to enjoy the beautiful ahi tuna set off by cilantro, jalapenos, and wasabi aioli. Eric and I both agree that the duck dumplings (we ordered the steamed) were the highlight of the evening. The spices in the duck were quite layered and complex, and the spicy plum dipping sauce really complemented the flavors.

We definitely enjoyed our quick, casual dinner and the vibe at this converted house. If you visit, be sure to check out the bathrooms - I am in love with the wall tile!