ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
New Cottage
7.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Reopened in 2021 at 78th and Broadway, New Cottage updates a longtime Upper West Side Chinese staple with a broad Szechuan and Cantonese menu, lunch specials, and family-style options. It’s a go-to for neighborhood dine-in and takeout when you want big portions, familiar flavors, and the option to sit down with a crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peanut Sauce Dumplings, Cumin Fish Fillet, General Tso's Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Revived neighborhood Chinese standby with a long, mix-and-match Szechuan–Cantonese menu.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Chinese combos and big portions.
When to visit: Weeknights for easy seating and steady takeout turnover.
What to order: Peanut sauce dumplings, cumin fish fillet, General Tso’s chicken.
Insider tip: Use lunch specials or family trays to feed a group more affordably.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Broadway and surrounding side streets can be limited at peak times.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational, with busier hum during prime dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal, though short waits can occur during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — many vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and meat-free appetizers.
Vegan options: Possible — several dishes can be prepared without meat or egg if you request it.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some dishes may be adaptable, but soy sauce is common across the menu.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, familiar Chinese-American comfort dishes, and easy dine-in or takeout for families and groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy décor, craft cocktails, or modern fine-dining Chinese — this is a neighborhood classic, not a scene.