TLDR
Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining w/ a creative tasting menu. Upscale, innovative, and a great choice for special occasions.
Instagram Posts References
Yingtao is highlighted as the sole Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in New York City, offering a truly phenomenal dining experience. The reviewer was impressed by the innovative use of ingredients and diverse textural elements across the menu. Dishes were artfully presented and boasted complex, delightful flavors, from refreshing starters to rich main courses and intricate desserts. The restaurant provides an immersive culinary journey, described as 'dinner and a show', and is celebrated for its inventive approach to Chinese cuisine.
Yingtao is celebrated as New York City's only Chinese Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an innovative 7-course tasting menu that reinterprets classic Chinese dishes through a blend of Chinese flavors and Western, particularly French, culinary techniques. The dining experience is described as unique and elevated, distinct from traditional Chinese dining. The restaurant features its new executive chef, Emily Yuen, who was a recent competitor on America's Culinary Cup. Guests have the option to sit at the counter and observe Chef Yuen's meticulous preparation of each dish throughout the evening, enhancing the overall experience. The restaurant is presented as an ideal choice for a special occasion or a culinary splurge, emphasizing its inventive and artful approach to Chinese cuisine.
Chef Emily Yuen from Ying Tao participated in a survey, stating her dislike for salmon despite using it in cooking.
Ying Tao is highlighted as a one-Michelin-star fine dining Chinese restaurant. The creator attended a special collaboration dinner with Peking House, enjoying the unique opportunity to dine at such a prestigious establishment.
Will Hartman reviews Yingtao, a Hell's Kitchen tasting menu restaurant offering a dramatic blend of Chinese and French cuisine, perfect for special occasions.
Details
Yingtao is a distinguished Chinese fine dining establishment, recognized as the sole Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in New York City. It offers an innovative tasting menu that reimagines classic dishes with a fusion of Chinese and Western culinary techniques, praised for its creative use of ingredients and artful presentation [1]. While some find its atmosphere less celebratory than other venues, it is frequently recommended for its quality and value [2], [3].
Food Overview
Yingtao offers a modern and innovative approach to Chinese cuisine, highlighted by its Michelin star and tasting menu. Dishes are celebrated for their creative reinterpretations of classics, featuring unique flavor combinations and textural elements [1]. While generally praised, some diners have noted a strong Western influence, with one suggesting it felt more like a Western fine dining experience than traditional upscale Chinese [2], [3]. Specific recommended dishes include the Nian Gao dessert and the spicy chili oil ice cream cake [1], [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The tasting menu at Yingtao is highly recommended, especially when seated at the front bar. Specific dishes that have received praise include the Nian Gao dessert, a unique take on a classic Chinese sweet, and the spicy chili oil ice cream cake."
Customer Sentiment
Overall customer sentiment is highly positive, with many praising Yingtao for its innovative take on Chinese cuisine and its fine dining experience. Some guests specifically enjoyed the unique tasting menu and attentive service, making it a recommended choice for special occasions [1], [2].
Caveats
Some diners perceive Yingtao as having more Western influences than purely upscale Chinese, and one critic described it as the most "bootleg" Chinese restaurant they had ever visited, despite its Michelin status. Additionally, while recommended for special occasions, one user felt its atmosphere might be less suitable for celebrations compared to other venues.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About YINGTAO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats The Best Thing Youve Eaten In The Past Week
"The Nian Gao dessert at Yingtao was described as a delicious take on a classic Chinese sweet."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Fine Dining Under 200 Not Incl Gratuity
"Yingtao is recommended for its modern take on Chinese cuisine, appreciated by a commenter who identifies as Chinese."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Fine Dining Under 200 Not Incl Gratuity
"Yingtao is listed as a recommendation for fine dining under $200."
NeutralFrom post: Tasting Menufine Dining With Minimal
"Yingtao is mentioned as a non-Korean, non-omakase Asian restaurant option that might fit the criteria."
NeutralFrom post: Looking To Treat Ourselves To A High End Dinner
"The commenter recommended Yingtao as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"Yingtao is described as a good option if one enjoys Michelin-star Chinese food."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"Yingtao is suggested as a high-end Chinese option in Hell's Kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: Thoughts On Yingtao
"The author attended a tasting at YingTao a few years ago and found it to be a positive experience overall. While there were a few dishes that missed the mark, the tasting menu was creative and enjoyable. The staff were also very receptive to feedback."
PositiveFrom post: My Favorite Spots In Hells Kitchen
"Yingtao is listed as a recommended, albeit pricey, option."
NeutralFrom post: Thoughts On Yingtao
"The author has attended a previous collaboration event at YingTao and plans to attend their 2-year anniversary. They anticipate the event will be enjoyable but do not expect a large quantity of food."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Where To Splash Out A Bit
"Yingtao was also the first restaurant that came to the commenter's mind."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Where To Splash Out A Bit
"Yingtao is listed as a recommendation for a special meal."
PositiveFrom post: All The Stars In The Michelin Guide To New York
"Yingtao is described as the only Chinese spot on the Michelin list and is critically reviewed as the most 'bootleg' Chinese restaurant the commenter has ever visited."
NegativeFrom post: Buddakan Vs Olio E Piu
"The commenter suggests Yingtao, a Chinese restaurant with a Michelin Star, as a more intimate fine dining option with better food and cocktails compared to Buddakan."
PositiveFrom post: Midtown Solodate Rec As A Single Woman
"Ying Tao is considered great for solo diners and fits the desired vibe, although the menu might be unique."
PositiveFrom post: Midtown Solodate Rec As A Single Woman
"The tasting menu at Ying Tao, seated at the front bar, is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Food In Chelseahells Kitchen
"This user listed YingTao as a recommended Chinese restaurant in the area."
PositiveFrom post: Cesar Or Somewhere Else For Special Dinner For 2
"This commenter recommended Yingtao as a good option for a special dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Pick 3 23 Star Restaurants
"This user suggests Yingtao as a one-star option worth stopping at."
PositiveFrom post: Which Of These Four Michelin Starred Restaurants
"This commenter found Ying Tao to be very solid and enjoyed it, contrasting it with The Musket Room which they found forgettable."
Positive