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Ping's Seafood
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ping's Seafood
8.3
A Chinatown stalwart built around live-tank seafood and banquet-style classics, best approached with a small team so you can order across styles—one steamed fish, one shellfish dish, one vegetable, and rice. The room is functional, but the payoff is in big-portion Cantonese seafood cooking that’s designed to feed a table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed whole fish (ginger-scallion style), Salt-and-pepper shrimp or squid, Cantonese crab preparation (when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Live-seafood Cantonese cooking geared for sharing and variety.
Who should go: Groups who want classic Chinatown seafood
When to visit: Early dinner to beat peak waits
What to order: Steamed fish, salt-and-pepper shrimp, a greens dish
Insider tip: Bring 3–5 people—this menu shines when you share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages are available nearby on Canal and Centre Street. Public transit (B/D/N/Q/R/J/Z to Canal St) is often easier.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sweaters, and comfortable shoes are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy to talk across the table, but not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for small groups without a reservation; larger tables may wait longer
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and rice/noodle options are available, though seafood dominates the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-only dishes can work if ordered without oyster sauce; ask the staff to confirm.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, especially steamed seafood and plain vegetable dishes; sauces may contain soy, so confirm when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date—the room is lively and the menu is designed for sharing. Better suited for casual dates or double dates where food is the focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for lunch or early dinner. Peak weekend nights can mean a wait, so arriving before 6pm helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, portions are generous, and the menu is flexible enough for kids who like rice, noodles, or simple proteins.
Best For
Better for: Live-tank seafood, large-format Cantonese dishes, and classic Chinatown banquet-style meals at fair prices.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, quiet conversation, or a solo-friendly seafood experience—choose a modern seafood spot instead.
Ping's Seafood
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Chinatown seafood mainstay that does reliable Cantonese cooking with a dim sum lane that works especially well for groups. Go in with a short checklist—two steamed favorites, one pan-fried plate—so the meal stays focused and the table stays happy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Shrimp Siu Mai, Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A dependable Cantonese kitchen where dim sum plays well with seafood staples.
Who should go: Groups that want dim sum plus classic Cantonese mains
When to visit: Weekday lunch for steadier pacing
What to order: Har gow, shrimp siu mai, turnip cake
Insider tip: Keep it to 5–6 dishes for four people—portions stack quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages are a safer bet if you’re driving.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, business-casual fits right in at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at lunch, gets louder with full tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, especially before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available, mainly vegetable-based dim sum and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—best to stick to simple vegetable dishes and confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited—steamed seafood-forward items are safest; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or daytime dates—great food, but the group-friendly energy isn’t especially intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays; weekends are doable but expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—familiar flavors, shareable plates, and flexible ordering work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want dependable dim sum alongside classic Cantonese seafood dishes.
Skip if: You’re looking for a cart-style dim sum experience or a quieter, more modern room.