The Eight
Last updatedβ 3.7 Β· 2,795 Google reviews Β· $$
The Eight is a Cantonese restaurant on Level 3 of Market City in Haymarket, with a large dining room of around 50 tables that fills up on weekend mornings. It is best known for yum cha, with dim sum brought around on trolleys. Regulars come for the dumplings, siu mai and egg tarts. MacArthur Park is a four-minute walk away.
Cuisine at The Eight
Food at The Eight
Dim sum is the main draw, served from trolleys that move through the room, so you choose as the food comes past. Prawn dumplings and siu mai come up most often, with prawn and char siu rice rolls, radish cake and taro puffs also mentioned. Egg tarts arrive as crisp pastry cups filled with a smooth, golden custard. The restaurant also serves Cantonese dishes from the regular menu, and vegetarian options are available.
What to order: Prawn dumplings Β· Siu mai Β· Egg tart
How the trolley service works
Dim sum comes out on push carts and staff bring plates around regularly, so there is little waiting for a dish once you are seated. Diners say this makes it easy to try a range of dishes in one sitting. Large tables suit groups, and the menu includes banquets, which is why many visits are for family gatherings and celebrations. Ordering a freshly made dish such as salted egg custard buns can take a little longer, as they are made to order.
What customers say about The Eight
- π¬Dim sum praised for flavour, freshness and authentic Cantonese cooking
- π¬Trolley service and regular food rounds make it quick and easy
- π¬Sunday mornings get very busy, and booking ahead is recommended
- π¬Staff described as efficient and attentive, including in Chinese and English
Tips for visiting The Eight
- βBook ahead for Sunday morning yum cha, as the room fills and queues form.
- βOrder from the trolleys as they pass, since the best dishes go quickly.
- βAsk for the salted egg custard buns, which are made fresh to order.
Getting to The Eight
The Eight is on Level 3 of Market City Shopping Centre, 9β13 Hay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000. Parking is available at the centre. The phone number is (02) 9282 9988.
Near The Eight
FAQ about The Eight
What cuisine does The Eight serve?
It serves Cantonese and modern Chinese food, with yum cha and dim sum at lunchtime and on weekend mornings.
Can I book a table at The Eight?
Yes, the restaurant takes bookings, and diners recommend booking ahead for Sunday morning yum cha.
Does The Eight have vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are on offer, though the fetched menu does not list every option.
Is The Eight open for breakfast?
Yes, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday morning yum cha is one of its most popular meals.