ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Best Chinese in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Master Critic Review
Nin Hao
8.4
A stylish Prospect Heights dining room doing contemporary Chinese with Fujianese roots and a menu that rewards ordering across a few bold lanes. The strongest move is a paced, shareable spread—one cold/app starter, one noodle or rice anchor, and one main—so the flavors stay distinct instead of blurring into a greatest-hits pile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin lamb chop, Ban ban rice noodles, Egg-tomato curry shrimp
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A modern, art-forward room spotlighting Fujianese-leaning flavors and shareable plates.
Who should go: Food-forward groups and date nights chasing newer-school Chinese.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing and easier tables.
What to order: Cumin lamb chop, ban ban noodles, egg-tomato shrimp.
Insider tip: Order in waves—starter first, then pick one noodle/rice lane.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Vanderbilt and surrounding side streets, competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but it hums during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without reservation, longer for groups of 4+
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused operation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward plates and noodle options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and server guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; soy-based sauces limit full flexibility.
Best For
Better for: Date nights and groups who want contemporary Chinese flavors in a design-forward room with curated pacing.
Skip if: You’re craving classic American-Chinese comfort or need a quiet, kid-first dining experience.