Michelin-starred Chinese fine dining w/ French twists. Unique tasting menus & artful presentations.
Will Hartman reviews Yingtao, a Hell's Kitchen tasting menu restaurant offering a dramatic blend of Chinese and French cuisine, perfect for special occasions.
Yingtao offers a sophisticated and theatrical fine dining experience, blending Chinese flavors with French techniques. Known for its innovative tasting menus and meticulous presentation, it's a unique culinary journey perfect for special occasions. Expect artful dishes, a notable wine list, and attentive service in an upscale setting.
Yingtao presents a modern take on Chinese cuisine with French influences, offering creative tasting menus. Highlights include unique dishes like inverted lotus-wrapped sticky rice and a standout Peking-influenced duck, though some dishes, such as a steamed egg or mandu, have been noted as less exciting. The restaurant is recognized for its innovative approach and high-quality ingredients.
"The tasting menu is frequently recommended, with specific mentions of the duck dish with Peking influence and the unique spicy chili oil ice cream cake. Some reviewers also highlighted the congee and aged trout."
Customers generally have a positive view of Yingtao, appreciating its upscale fine dining experience and innovative Chinese-French fusion cuisine, though some find certain dishes less impactful.
Important Note
One reviewer described Yingtao as the most 'bootleg' Chinese restaurant they had ever visited, implying a departure from traditional expectations and a more Westernized fine dining experience.
"Yingtao is described as a good option if one enjoys Michelin-star Chinese food."
Positive"Yingtao is suggested as a high-end Chinese option in Hell's Kitchen."
Positive"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."
Positive"Yingtao is listed as a recommended, albeit pricey, option."
Neutral"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."
Neutral"Yingtao was also the first restaurant that came to the commenter's mind."
Positive"Yingtao is listed as a recommendation for a special meal."
Positive"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."
Negative"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."
Positive"Ying Tao is considered great for solo diners and fits the desired vibe, although the menu might be unique."
Positive"The tasting menu at Ying Tao, seated at the front bar, is recommended."
Positive"This user listed YingTao as a recommended Chinese restaurant in the area."
Positive"This commenter recommended Yingtao as a good option for a special dinner."
Positive"This user suggests Yingtao as a one-star option worth stopping at."
Positive"This commenter found Ying Tao to be very solid and enjoyed it, contrasting it with The Musket Room which they found forgettable."
Positive"This user had a positive experience at Ying Tao, enjoying the service and a unique spicy chili oil ice cream cake, despite it being before its Michelin star. They found the environment more laid-back than other options."
Positive"This commenter states they have never been to Ying Tao."
Neutral"This user was unimpressed by Yingtao, finding it more of a Western-style fine dining experience. They recommend Tuome instead for fusion, or JuQi, Blue Willow, and Uluh for a more traditional but elevated experience."
Negative"The original poster acknowledged YingTao's photos looked very non-Chinese, agreeing with the previous comment's sentiment."
Neutral"This user found YingTao to have French influences rather than being purely upscale Chinese, with only a tofu dish being memorable. They shared this for a balanced perspective."
Negative
