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Z & Y Peking Duck
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Z & Y Peking Duck
8.2
Chinatown sibling to Z & Y spotlighting Beijing-style roast duck alongside banquet-ready seafood. Expect crisp-skinned duck, spicy fish dishes, and efficient service in a lively, modern room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Sichuan Poached Fish Fillet, Salt-and-Pepper Dungeness Crab
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Crisp-skin duck meets bold, banquet-style seafood plates.
Who should go: Duck lovers who want serious seafood too
When to visit: Late evenings after 8 for faster seating
What to order: Peking duck; spicy fish; salt-pepper crab
Insider tip: Pre-order whole duck for peak crispness and minimal wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Broadway and nearby alleys is limited; the Portsmouth Square Garage (two blocks away) is the most reliable option for evening visits.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire works fine, though many diners dress up slightly for group dinners.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours with animated group chatter; moderate enough to converse without shouting if seated along the wall.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30 pm; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetable and tofu dishes such as mapo tofu and sautéed greens.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted by request (avoid oyster sauce).
Gluten-free options: Partially—some dishes like steamed fish or stir-fried veggies can be modified, but soy sauce cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or food-focused dates than romantic ones—the lively energy, shareable plates, and signature duck make it a fun, unpretentious choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small groups or solo diners; off-peak hours after 8 pm improve your odds dramatically.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older children—quick service, crowd energy, and familiar fried rice and noodle options keep it easygoing, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Beijing-style duck with balanced seasoning and crisp skin; also stronger spice-driven seafood offerings than nearby Cantonese-focused spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or luxury ambiance—this is high-energy, practical dining built around food, not atmosphere.
Z & Y Peking Duck
8.6
Dedicated Beijing-style duck specialist where whole birds are pre-ordered, roasted to lacquered crispness, and carved to order. The sleek Chinatown room and limited daily allotment make it a destination for celebratory dinners and duck obsessives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck (two courses), Duck buns with hoisin & scallion, Spicy smashed cucumber
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Pre-ordered, table-carved Peking duck with limited daily birds.
Who should go: Duck lovers and celebratory groups
When to visit: Reserve ahead; early evenings book fastest
What to order: Whole Peking duck; duck buns; cucumber salad
Insider tip: They cap ducks daily—call early to secure one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Chinatown is scarce after 6pm; nearest garage is Portsmouth Square Garage ($4/hr).
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or nice tops fit the crowd; jeans are fine.
Noise level: Lively during dinner rush; conversations are possible but expect some background chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; preorders for duck sell out early.
Weekday lunch: Typically 10–15 minute wait or immediate seating before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetable sides and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 options like cucumber salad and sautéed greens.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some stir-fries and steamed dishes can be modified upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys shared dining and bold flavors—less intimate but fun for food lovers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small groups early on weekdays, but weekend walk-ins often face long waits and may miss out on duck.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—highchairs available, but the menu and spice level skew toward adventurous eaters ages 8+.
Best For
Better for: Signature Peking duck carved tableside—arguably the city’s best Beijing-style preparation.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining or want diverse menu options beyond duck-focused dishes.