Energetic Asian fusion w/ a club vibe - perfect for celebrations, though some say it's past its prime.
Will Hartman reviews Tao Sushi, a Midtown NYC spot known for its poke bowls. He praises their SP2 poke bowl for its generous portions of fresh salmon and tuna, satisfying the craving for a hearty meal within Madison Square Garden.
This Asian fusion spot is known for its energetic atmosphere and a vibrant dining experience that transitions into a club scene. While some perceive it as having a past glory, others find it offers a fun night out with decent food, especially for group celebrations.
The cuisine is Asian Fusion. While some reviews suggest the food is not top-tier, with one comment even recommending avoiding the food to go to a club instead, others mention that the food, including dessert platters, was pretty good and that diners had a blast. One specific mention of the 'SP2 poke bowl' from a related 'Tao Sushi' review highlighted fresh fish and generous portions.
"The dessert platter was mentioned positively, and a related review for Tao Sushi highlighted the SP2 poke bowl for its fresh fish and generous portions."
Customer feedback is mixed, with some finding the food decent and the atmosphere fun for group events, while others feel it has declined in quality and appeal.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest the restaurant's peak popularity may have passed, and that the crowd might be older.
"This user suggested TAO, stating it's a reliable choice."
Positive"Suggested as a place teen girls might like."
Neutral"The user expresses love for the food at Tao."
Neutral"The user suggests Tao Group spots and offers to connect the original poster with contacts."
Neutral"Tao was listed as a top vibe place, confirming its suitability for the user's request."
Positive"Tao was suggested as a place with a good vibe."
Positive"Recommends Tao, with both its uptown and downtown locations, as a place with a similar vibe to Buddakan."
Positive"States that food from Tao Group restaurants is considered head and shoulders above Buddakan's current quality."
Positive"Considers Tao as not having good food."
Negative"Food at Buddakan was much worse than Tao."
Negative"Heard Tao may be too rowdy with bachelor party vibes."
Negative"Did it feel like 2012? Yes. Was the food (including dessert platter) pretty good and did everyone have a blast? Absolutely."
Positive"The club is completely separate, so if you want nothing to do with it, you will have nothing to do with it."
Neutral"The club is separate, there’s a wall in between the two, you have to leave the restaurant and go through a separate entrance to get into the club. Eating at the restaurant doesn’t guarantee you entry to the club, though if you are spending at dinner or are just a really cool table, and get on your servers good side, the manager can totally put you on the list. There’s definitely an energy in the restaurant too though."
Neutral"Might have been good for a bachelor party in 2014"
Negative"Tao was big like 15 years ago and are now frequented by an older Long Island and Jersey crowd."
Negative"Recommend Tao Group."
Neutral
