Yingtao

Located at 805 9th Ave in the heart of New York City, NY 10019, USA, Yingtao is a Chinese restaurant that distinguishes itself by offering a Michelin-rated fine dining experience. As a Chinese Restaurant, Yingtao provides a unique approach, drawing inspiration from Chinese culinary traditions while incorporating elements of a broader Asian and contemporary tasting menu format. They can be contacted at (845) 236-6577 or via their mobile number +1 845-236-6577.

Based on recent customer reviews, Yingtao presents a sophisticated dining experience that, while rooted in Chinese inspiration, often ventures into broader Asian and modern culinary territories. One reviewer who visited for their birthday described a "really lovely experience," noting the consistent taste and presentation of each dish, especially when compared to other Michelin-starred establishments they had visited. Standout dishes for this customer included the Wagyu and the deconstructed Shumai, both of which seem to have resonated well in terms of flavor and presentation.

However, this same reviewer also pointed out that some of the appetizers felt more broadly Asian than specifically Chinese, citing a tuna tartare with caviar as an example of a starter that, while delicious, lacked a strong Chinese influence and perhaps innovation. This suggests that Yingtao's interpretation of Chinese cuisine in its appetizer offerings may be more nuanced or integrated with other Asian flavors.

The environment of Yingtao, or at least the seating arrangement experienced by one reviewer, offered a view of the kitchen area, which was appreciated as it allowed diners to observe the staff at work. However, this reviewer also noted a somewhat jarring element: the presence of "huge plastic tubs with food inside" in the direct line of sight from their table. This was perceived as a bit distracting and not in line with the elevated ambiance expected from a Michelin-rated restaurant. This suggests that while parts of the establishment may be well-presented, there might be functional storage areas visible to diners that could detract from the overall aesthetic.

In terms of service, the feedback was largely positive, with one reviewer stating that "everything else service wise was really great." This indicates attentiveness and professionalism from the staff. The issue with the visible food storage seems to be an exception rather than the norm in their service approach.

A recurring theme in the reviews is the portion sizes, which are described as "quite small even for fine dining standards." One reviewer expressed concern about potentially leaving hungry after the meal. While they ultimately felt satisfied due to extra desserts, a birthday cake, and snacks provided at the end, they wished for more substantial appetizers and main courses. This suggests that Yingtao's focus might be more on the multi-course tasting menu experience with smaller, intricate dishes rather than larger, more filling portions. Another reviewer echoed this sentiment, noting that while the food was very good, it wasn't quite what they had hoped for in terms of a distinctly Chinese Michelin experience, implying a leaning towards a more general fine dining approach with Chinese influences.

Interestingly, one reviewer found the first three starters ("snacks") to be their favorite, describing them as "full of flavors and spices" with a noticeable Chinese influence. This contrasts with the other reviewer's feeling that the appetizers were less distinctly Chinese. This suggests that Yingtao's menu might have varying degrees of Chinese influence across different courses.

The same reviewer noted that the subsequent four main course plates, while tasty, did not have a strong Asian feel and could be found in any good tasting menu. This further supports the idea that Yingtao's main courses might blend Chinese inspiration with broader contemporary culinary styles.

The dessert experience was less positive for one reviewer, who found them to be "dull and average" with a more pronounced Chinese influence, but not in a favorable way. This indicates that the dessert offerings might be a weaker aspect of the overall menu for some palates.

On a positive note, the wine pairing was described as "very good" and "sorta reasonably priced," suggesting that Yingtao offers a well-curated wine selection that complements the food and provides good value. This could be a significant draw for diners who appreciate a thoughtfully paired wine experience.

Overall, the reviews suggest that Yingtao offers a unique dining experience that blends Chinese culinary inspiration with the techniques and format of a Michelin-style tasting menu. While some appetizers might lean towards broader Asian flavors and some main courses might have a more general fine dining feel, there are dishes like the Wagyu and deconstructed Shumai that are highly praised. The service is generally excellent, though the ambiance might be slightly marred for some by practical storage solutions visible to diners. The portion sizes are small, typical of fine dining, but may leave those with larger appetites wanting more substance in the earlier courses. The wine pairing is a notable strength. One reviewer mentioned a potential interest in visiting the bar for an a la carte experience, suggesting that Yingtao might offer different dining options beyond the tasting menu.

Given the limited information on specific promotional offers, it is advisable for local users interested in dining at Yingtao to check their website or contact the restaurant directly for any current specials or menu updates. The focus seems to be on the overall fine dining experience rather than specific promotions.

In conclusion, Yingtao at 805 9th Ave in New York City offers a Michelin-rated dining experience that is "inspired" by Chinese cuisine, often blending it with broader Asian and contemporary fine dining elements. While the taste and presentation are generally consistent and well-regarded, some diners might find the Chinese influence to vary across courses, with appetizers potentially being more broadly Asian and main courses having a more general fine dining feel. The service is typically excellent, but the ambiance might have minor inconsistencies. Portion sizes are small, typical of fine dining. The wine pairing is a noted strength. For local users seeking a sophisticated and innovative dining experience with Chinese roots, Yingtao is worth considering, keeping in mind that it might not be a traditional Chinese restaurant in the conventional sense but rather a creative exploration of Chinese flavors within a fine dining context.