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Best Chinese in Midtown East
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Best BBQ Ribs in Midtown East
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Midtown East
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Master Critic Review
Hutong
8.7
Award-winning Northern Chinese restaurant serving fiery dim sum and signature tableside Flaming Peking Duck in a glamorous Art Deco setting inspired by 1920s Shanghai. The elegant space in the Bloomberg Building draws a sophisticated crowd for both power lunches and evening cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Peking Duck, Ma La Chili Prawns, Dan Dan Noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Tableside flaming duck presentation and stunning Art Deco interior evoke 1920s Shanghai glamour
Who should go: Special occasion diners and business entertaining
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner reservations
What to order: Flaming Peking Duck, Wagyu beef mille-feuille, dim sum sampler
Insider tip: The Shanghai Bar & Lounge has excellent happy hour cocktails with Sichuan-infused twists
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; building garage nearby at premium rates. Lexington Ave/59th St subway steps away - public transit strongly recommended
Dress code: Business casual to elegant - 'refined and uptown chic' per the restaurant. Skip athleisure; think blazers, cocktail attire for dinner
Noise level: Moderate-loud - high ceilings help early (5:30pm quiet), but peaks significantly by 7:30pm when full. Book early for conversation-friendly dining
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - prime slots book 2-3 weeks out. Walk-ins possible at bar only
Weekday lunch: $45 set lunch menu, typically available same-day. Walk-ins often accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including Truffle Shiitake Bao, Spinach Dumplings, Porcini Vegetable Dumplings, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Mapo Tofu, and vegetarian fried rice
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable dishes like Chilled Green Asparagus and Dou Miao available, but many items contain animal products. Call ahead to confirm modifications
Gluten-free options: Accommodations possible with advance notice - Peking duck first course works, but some sauces pre-mixed. Inform server of allergy; not a dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice. The dramatic Art Deco setting, tableside Flaming Duck presentation, and Sichuan-infused cocktails create built-in conversation starters. Book a booth for intimacy; the high ceilings and glamorous lighting photograph beautifully
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar and lounge seating accepts walk-ins, especially during $10 happy hour (12-7pm daily). Dining room requires reservations for dinner - expect $25 no-show fee if you cancel within 24 hours. Credit card required to hold booking
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but best suited for older children who appreciate fine dining. No kids menu; dim sum sharing style works well for adventurous eaters. High-energy evenings may not suit young children - consider weekend brunch instead
Best For
Better for: Theatrical dining experience and impressing guests - the Flaming Duck presentation, cathedral-like Art Deco space, and cocktail program outclass competitors like Hakkasan or China Blue. Dim sum quality rivals specialized houses at luxury price points
Skip if: You want authentic hole-in-the-wall value or abundant portions - this is high-end showroom dining. If you're price-sensitive or seeking casual atmosphere, Chinatown options deliver better bang for buck