TLDR
Vibrant Asian fusion spot w/ solid food deals during happy hour. A reliable choice for a lively dining experience.
Instagram Posts References
OK NATO NYC contributes to Ubeland with their Ube Iskrambol, a popular Filipino shaved ice dessert.
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.
Details
TAO DOWNTOWN is a notable Asian/Asian Fusion restaurant with a strong presence in Manhattan, often recommended for its atmosphere and reliable dining experience [1]. While some users have described it as a chain comparable to Olive Garden, others have found it to be a dependable choice with good food deals during happy hour [4], [5]. The restaurant's vibe has been compared to a 'college student club' by some, while others suggest it may appeal to a younger demographic [2], [3].
Food Overview
TAO DOWNTOWN offers Asian/Asian Fusion cuisine. While one user expressed love for the food [1], another found the dinner experience to be not great, with à la carte drinks negating group dining benefits [7]. However, Tao Downtown has been specifically mentioned for having solid food deals during their happy hour [5]. A poke bowl at a related 'Tao Sushi' was described positively for its fresh fish and generous portions [8].
Highlights / Recommended
"The SP2 poke bowl at the related Tao Sushi is praised for its generous portions of fresh salmon and tuna, along with fresh vegetables and sushi rice [8]."
Caveats
Some users feel Tao Downtown is comparable to a chain restaurant like Olive Garden and more akin to 'Disney World' than fine dining, despite acknowledging it can have good food [2], [3]. Another opinion suggested that while a dinner was not bad, the food wasn't great and à la carte drinks detracted from the group dining experience [7].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TAO DOWNTOWN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Tao is listed as a potential option."
NeutralFrom post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Tao is mentioned as a possibility."
NeutralFrom post: Best Restaurant To Host A Corporate Dinner For
"This commenter expressed a strong negative sentiment towards Tao, stating they 'fucking hate every aspect of Tao.'"
NegativeFrom post: Best Restaurant To Host A Corporate Dinner For
"Responding to the Tao suggestion, the commenter expressed doubt about the venue's vibe, feeling it seemed like a 'college student club'."
NegativeFrom post: Best Restaurant To Host A Corporate Dinner For
"The commenter mentioned having a dinner at Tao that wasn't bad, but felt the food wasn't great and the à la carte drinks negated the benefit of group dining."
NeutralFrom post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"The original poster acknowledged the warning about Tao Downtown and removed it from their list."
NeutralFrom post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"The commenter described Tao as a chain, comparing it to Olive Garden and calling it more like 'Disney World' than fine dining, despite acknowledging it can have good food."
NegativeFrom post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"The commenter advised against going to Tao Downtown, stating it's a chain similar to Olive Garden and more like 'Disney World' rather than fine dining."
NegativeFrom post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"The original poster is looking for romantic/special dinner spots on the Lower East Side for a Monday-Thursday night. They prefer places with dramatic rooms, low lighting, interesting decor, and hearty/shareable food over experimental or tasting menus. They have found Cecci's, La Lanterna di Vittorio, Tao Downtown, and Monkey Bar as potential options and are seeking further recommendations."
NeutralFrom post: Great Happy Hours In Manhattan After 5pm
"Tao Downtown in Chelsea is mentioned as having some solid food deals during their happy hour."
PositiveFrom post: Work Dinner Recs In Midtown
"This user suggested TAO, stating it's a reliable choice."
PositiveFrom post: Teen Friendly
"Suggested as a place teen girls might like."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user expresses love for the food at Tao."
NeutralFrom post: Help Looking For A Private Buyout 300people
"The user suggests Tao Group spots and offers to connect the original poster with contacts."
Neutral