Elegant Chinese w/ French flair. Michelin-starred tasting menus w/ unique twists like spicy chili oil ice cream cake. Perfect for special occasions.
Will Hartman reviews Yingtao, a Hell's Kitchen tasting menu restaurant offering a dramatic blend of Chinese and French cuisine, perfect for special occasions.
This Hell's Kitchen establishment offers a sophisticated take on Chinese cuisine, blending traditional flavors with French techniques for a unique fine-dining experience. The tasting menus are meticulously crafted, with standout dishes like creamy congee and delicate soy milk custard. While some aspects may lean towards Western fine-dining aesthetics, the overall impression is one of elegant innovation and thoughtful presentation.
Yingtao offers a refined Chinese dining experience with a strong French influence, earning a Michelin star for its creative approach. Dishes like a silky soy milk custard and a rich crab noodle dish are frequently praised, as is a unique spicy chili oil ice cream cake. However, some diners have noted that flavors can be dull, portions small, and the overall experience may feel more Western fine-dining than traditional Chinese.
"Dishes like a silky soy milk custard with celery root and savory doubanjiang, crab noodles with egg yolk and smoked tobiko, and a unique spicy chili oil ice cream cake are highlighted as memorable."
Overall, customers have a positive to neutral sentiment, praising the innovative fusion of Chinese and French cuisines and the fine-dining experience. However, some find the flavors dull, portions small, or the restaurant leaning too Westernized.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest the flavors can be dull, portions small, and the overall experience may lean too heavily into Western fine-dining rather than traditional Chinese cuisine.
"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"This user had a very satisfying experience at YingTao for their birthday."
Positive"YingTao is suggested as an obvious choice for upscale Chinese dining, noting its expensive tasting menu and unique positioning."
Neutral"The original poster is excited to try YingTao based on recommendations, noting it looks promising."
Positive"YingTao is seconded as a recommended restaurant."
Positive"YingTao is recommended as a fine dining option for special occasions."
Positive
