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Jiang Nan - Long Island City
Master Critic Review
Jiang Nan - Long Island City
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
2022 Michelin Guide recommended Chinese fusion restaurant with tableside preparations and theatrical presentations. The Peking Duck with featherweight pancakes and Deep Fried Striped Bass with Pine Nuts draw crowds to this expansive, elegantly decorated space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Deep Fried Striped Bass with Pine Nut Sweet Sour Sauce, Xiao Long Bao
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recommended with theatrical tableside presentations and refined banquet-style dining
Who should go: Groups celebrating occasions, business entertaining
When to visit: Saturday dinner with live music, weekday lunch specials
What to order: Peking duck must be pre-ordered, XLB fresh from steamer
Insider tip: Saturday dinner features live music for enhanced ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; nearby garages at Court Square ($12-17) including Thomson Avenue Garage and MP Court Square Parking. Street parking limited. Best accessed via subway - G/E/M/7 trains at Court Square within 5-minute walk
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - the elegant Imperial Chinese decor with lacquered finishes and greenery encourages polished attire. Suits common for business dinners, dressy casual fine for dates
Noise level: Moderate-quiet - the expansive space absorbs sound well; 'soft lighting and comfortable music' create a relaxing atmosphere. Saturday live music elevates energy but conversation remains easy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; book via Resy especially Saturdays with live music
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; lunch specials make this ideal for business
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including smashed eggplant with peppers, deep-fried tofu with black truffle, mushroom soup, sauteed pea sprouts, spicy shredded potatoes, vegetarian spring rolls, steamed lotus roots with sticky rice
Vegan options: Limited - 4-5 options with modifications. Vegetable dishes like okra in garlic sauce, water spinach, stir-fried vegetables work. Confirm sauces with server
Gluten-free options: Some options available - rice dishes, steamed items, and select vegetable preparations. Staff can guide modifications but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The handsome Imperial design with lacquered finishes, stone accents, and greenery creates sophisticated ambiance without intimidation. Tableside preparations like the Deep Fried Striped Bass add theatrical flair that sparks conversation. Saturday live music enhances romance. The space is large enough for privacy, and refined enough to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: yes, typically seated immediately. Weekday dinner: usually accommodated with short wait. Weekend dinner: reservations strongly recommended via Resy, especially Saturdays when live music draws crowds. For Peking Duck, must pre-order at least one day ahead regardless of reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for older children 8+. The expansive space accommodates families, and shared banquet-style dining keeps kids engaged. XLB fresh from steamer and dishes like sweet and sour pork appeal to younger palates. However, the upscale atmosphere and theatrical presentations cater more to adults. No dedicated kids' menu; highchairs available upon request.
Best For
Better for: Grand occasion dining with showmanship. The theatrical tableside presentations (striped bass deboned tableside, Peking duck carved to order) and live Saturday music outclass casual neighborhood spots. Michelin-recommended quality rivals Manhattan fine dining at Queens prices. Private rooms accommodate celebrations up to 20+ guests. Business lunch specials make deal-making affordable.
Skip if: You want quick, no-frills Sichuan heat - Hupo or Red Sorghum deliver that better. Also skip for spontaneous weekend dinners without reservation, tight budgets ($$$ territory, $40+ per person easy), or if you dislike large restaurant environments. Some reviewers note occasionally slow service during peak hours.