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Hutong
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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
Hutong
8.6
This 2019 arrival from Hong Kong brings polished Northern Chinese cooking and weekend dim sum to a soaring Art Deco room in the former Le Cirque space. Expect refined, visually striking baskets and big-format dishes that feel as suited to business entertaining as to splurge-y brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster & squid ink dumplings, Rosé Champagne shrimp dumplings, Flaming Peking duck
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-gloss Northern Chinese and dim sum in a dramatic Art Deco dining room where Le Cirque once stood.
Who should go: Dim sum lovers wanting a destination-level, upscale experience.
When to visit: Weekend dim sum service or early dinner for a calmer room.
What to order: Dim sum platter, lobster squid-ink dumplings, flaming Peking duck.
Insider tip: Enter via the courtyard off 58th Street and request a central dining room table for the best view of the duck-carving theatrics.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be limited. Nearby garages on 58th–59th Streets typically run $25–$45 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—polished outfits fit the room. Dark denim is acceptable, but most guests opt for elevated attire.
Noise level: Moderate. The dramatic room hums with energy, but you can still hold a normal conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes with a reservation if the dining room is backed up; walk-ins may wait 45–60 minutes or be turned away during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; same-day reservations are easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-focused dim sum items and stir-fried dishes are available, though not a dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 dim sum options and a couple of vegetable entrées that can be prepared without animal products.
Gluten-free options: Partially—select dumplings and mains can be adapted, but most dim sum is wheat-based. Notify the server early for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The Art Deco setting, theatrical duck service, and polished pacing make it impressive without feeling stiff. It’s ideal if you want a high-impact environment that still allows conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not ideal. Walk-ins on weekends often face long waits or limited bar seating. Weeknights are more forgiving, especially before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (10+) who can appreciate a formal dining room. No dedicated children’s menu, and the ambience leans adult and upscale.
Best For
Better for: High-design atmosphere, visually striking dim sum, and dramatic tableside service—more polished and theatrical than most dim sum competitors.
Skip if: You want traditional Cantonese-style dim sum carts, budget-friendly pricing, or a casual, noisy teahouse feel.
Hutong
8.3
Hutong is a dramatic, dimly lit room for upscale northern Chinese cooking, where tender pork short ribs braised in aged black rice wine feel as carefully composed as the cocktails. The ribs are rich, glossy, and sauce-forward—more refined than rustic, but still deeply satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Pork Short Ribs in Black Rice Wine, Peking Duck, Red Lantern Soft-Shell Crab
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-design dining with polished northern Chinese dishes, including ribs braised for depth rather than smoke.
Who should go: Design-conscious diners willing to spend for atmosphere
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the room and bar energy peak
What to order: Braised pork short ribs, Peking duck, Red Lantern crab
Insider tip: Share ribs family-style with several dim sum and vegetable plates; ordering only big entrees drives the check up fast without showing the kitchen’s range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is scarce in Midtown East. Paid garages on 53rd–55th Street usually have space after 6pm but expect premium rates.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale. Dark denim is acceptable, but most diners opt for elevated pieces—blazers, dresses, or polished separates.
Noise level: Moderate-lively. You can hold a conversation at a normal volume, but peak dinner hours bring a buzzing bar scene.
Weekend wait: With a reservation, seating is prompt. Without one, expect 45–75 minutes at peak hours; the bar fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though business groups can cause brief surges around 12:30–1:00pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dim sum, vegetable stir-fries, and tofu dishes. Not a fully dedicated menu, but options are reliable.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable dishes qualify, but many sauces contain aromatics or wine reductions. Confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partially—some dishes can be adapted, though soy sauce-based components limit choices. Notify the server early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dramatic lighting, polished service, and visually striking dishes create an impressive setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but not guaranteed. Walk-ins can succeed early in the evening or late-night; prime-time slots often require a reservation. The bar is your best bet for short-notice dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult and business-focused, with few menu items tailored to younger palates. Suitable for teens comfortable in upscale settings; not ideal for small children.
Best For
Better for: High-design ambience, polished northern Chinese technique, and richly sauced ribs that lean refined rather than rustic—ideal for celebratory dinners or visually driven nights out.
Skip if: You want smoky, traditional BBQ-style ribs; you prefer casual pricing; or you need extensive vegan or gluten-free flexibility.
Hutong
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Hutong turns northern Chinese flavors into a theatrical night out, pairing dim sum and Sichuan-leaning plates with dramatic lighting and clubby energy. Signature tableside flaming duck, polished cocktails and a high-design room make it a go-to for birthdays and stylish celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Peking Duck or Whole Flaming Duck with pancakes, Truffle shiitake wild mushroom bao from the dim sum library, Treasure Bowl multi-dessert sharing platter
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Flaming duck, dramatic dim sum and high-energy, design-forward dining.
Who should go: Groups wanting flashy Chinese and strong cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinner for full buzz.
What to order: Flaming duck, dim sum platter, Treasure Bowl dessert.
Insider tip: Ask for a banquette or booth; bar-adjacent tables can get very loud.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Nearest garages are within a 1–2 block radius and typically run $25–$40 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated tops, dark denim or trousers; athletic wear stands out.
Noise level: Loud. Music and crowd energy make conversation challenging at peak hours, especially near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are often pushed to bar seats.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though reduced menu and lower energy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection — several dim sum, noodles and veggie sides; some mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 2–3 viable dishes; confirm sauces as many contain animal-based components.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contact risk is present; staff can guide options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy and spectacle. The room is stunning but loud; better for an ice-breaking, social first date than an intimate one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Early seatings (before 6:30pm) have the best luck; otherwise expect bar waiting and long quoted times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to volume, late-night vibe and spicy menu. Teens who enjoy stylish dining will fare better.
Best For
Better for: Showpiece celebrations, dramatic plating and a party-forward interpretation of northern Chinese cuisine.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, traditional preparations, or highly specialized dietary accommodations.
Hutong
8.5
Hutong delivers high-drama Northern Chinese cooking in a dark, Art Deco-inspired room above Lexington Avenue. Signature dishes like the Red Lantern soft-shell crab, Roasted Peking Duck, and Ma La chilli prawns pair with cocktails for a clubby, fashion-forward Midtown crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Lantern soft-shell crab, Roasted Peking Duck, Ma La Chilli Prawns
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Spectacle-heavy Northern Chinese plates served in one of Midtown’s flashiest rooms.
Who should go: Design-minded diners, cocktail lovers, small groups celebrating.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinner for full buzz and bar energy.
What to order: Red Lantern, Peking duck, chilli prawns, a signature cocktail.
Insider tip: Split the duck and Red Lantern for the table to control spend and variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered spots on Lexington Ave. Evenings are tough—use nearby garages on 52nd–54th Streets ($30–$50).
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Dark denim is fine, but most guests opt for elevated outfits that match the Art Deco room.
Noise level: High-energy. You can converse at close range, but the dining room has a clubby soundtrack and weekend buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection—several vegetable appetizers and a few mains, but not a dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan; verify with staff due to sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted, but cross-contact risk is present; request guidance from servers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want drama and atmosphere. The lighting, design, and presentation impress, though the noise level may limit intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not ideal. Weekends require patience; your best bet is early openings (before 6:30pm) or late-night dining. Bar seating fills quickly but turns over sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult, loud, and cocktail-forward. Teens are fine; younger children may find it overwhelming and options limited.
Best For
Better for: High-drama plating, luxe atmosphere, and signature showpieces like the Red Lantern and Peking Duck—ideal for celebrations and design-conscious diners.
Skip if: You prefer quiet meals, extensive dietary accommodations, or traditional regional cooking without the theatrical, Midtown-glam presentation.