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The New Moon
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The New Moon
8.3
New Moon’s downtown location brings a polished take on Chinese-American classics, anchored by the family’s much-praised Chinese chicken salad and crowd-pleasing wok dishes. A full bar and contemporary dining room make it a comfortable option for business lunches, pre-theater dinners, or casual date nights in the Fashion District.
Must-Try Dishes:
New Moon Chicken Salad, Shelby’s Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Crispy Orange Peel Beef
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A contemporary Chinese-American menu from a family credited with popularizing Chinese chicken salad.
Who should go: Office groups, shoppers, and diners wanting cocktails with Chinese classics.
When to visit: Weekday lunch, happy hour, or early evening downtown meetups.
What to order: New Moon Chicken Salad, Shelby’s Chicken, crispy orange peel beef.
Insider tip: Pair the chicken salad with a lychee martini and share a couple entrées family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in the adjacent structure (typically $8–$12); metered street parking can be scarce during peak Fashion District hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean polished for business lunches or date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—steady buzz from the bar and groups, but you can still hold a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially before events or theater showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; busiest between 12–1 pm with office crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tofu, veggie-forward stir-fries, and customizable noodle dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for vegetable dishes prepared without oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; the kitchen can modify certain wok dishes, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The contemporary space, full bar, and shareable menu make it relaxed but still special. It feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially for early dinners or lunches. For peak weekend evenings or larger groups, book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 6+. The menu has approachable dishes, though the vibe skews adult with its bar crowd and business diners. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Polished Chinese-American comfort dishes, a full cocktail program, and reliable service—ideal for business meals or mixed dietary groups.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Chinese cuisine or budget-friendly casual dining; many nearby spots offer deeper regional specialization at lower prices.
The New Moon
7.7
This downtown outpost of New Moon is a polished, American-Chinese standby where the menu leans into dim sum-style starters—think chicken shiew mai, pot stickers, and a big sampler platter—alongside its famous Chinese chicken salad. It’s a comfortable choice for business lunches or low-key dinners when you want dumplings and classic entrees in one sitting.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Original New Moon Chicken Salad, Chicken shiew mai, Chicken pot stickers
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Long-running Chinese spot pairing dim sum-style appetizers with its signature Chinese chicken salad.
Who should go: Downtown office crowds and shoppers wanting sit-down Chinese lunch.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the rush or early weeknight dinner.
What to order: Original New Moon chicken salad, chicken shiew mai, chicken pot stickers.
Insider tip: Order the sample platter to taste multiple dumpling-style appetizers in one go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking in the Fashion District is plentiful but not cheap—expect $8–$15 depending on the structure. Metered street parking is possible but competitive during weekday business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire fits right in, but jeans and a nice top are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, though peak lunch hours get a bit lively.
Weekend wait: Usually 20–35 minutes for walk-ins; reservations help avoid delays.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait before 12pm; a brief 5–10 minute wait during peak office-lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Decent selection—veg-friendly dumplings, sautéed greens, tofu dishes, and vegetable fried rice.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—stir-fried vegetables, plain rice, and some tofu dishes can be prepared without animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some options like steamed vegetables, rice dishes, and certain proteins can be made gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; best to alert the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something comfortable and low-pressure. The polished dining room is nice without being overly formal, and sharing dim sum-style starters adds an easy conversational flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—especially on weekdays. For weekend dinners or larger groups, a reservation is recommended to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The space is family-friendly, with approachable dishes, high chairs, and quick service that works well for kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: A polished, sit-down experience with both dim sum-style starters and classic American-Chinese entrees in one place. Great for business lunches and mixed-taste groups.
Skip if: You want traditional, Cantonese-style dim sum carts or cutting-edge regional Chinese cooking—this leans more toward approachable, American-Chinese comfort.