Dinner for one at Buddakan turned into one of those rare experiences where the setting is nearly as…read morememorable as the food. Located within the historic Chelsea Market building--a former Nabisco factory where Oreo cookies were first produced--the restaurant feels theatrical in the best possible way. The soaring ceilings, dramatic lighting, and energetic atmosphere create a sense of occasion from the moment you walk in. It feels less like simply going out to dinner and more like stepping into a beautifully staged production. I started with a Botanist Gin Martini with a twist, which paired wonderfully with the meal. The surprise star of the evening was the new Cucumber Tiger Salad. The balance of flavors was exceptional: bright acidity, a pleasant touch of heat, and just enough mint to make each bite feel fresh and exciting. Every so often the mint would come through and suddenly all the flavors would click together in a way that made me immediately want another bite. This is a dish I would happily order again. Next came the Edamame Dumplings. They were delicate and comforting, especially when enjoyed with the accompanying broth. The broth adds depth and richness that elevates the entire dish. My only suggestion would be the slightest touch more salt, perhaps even a finishing sprinkle of black volcanic salt for both flavor and presentation. I also found myself wishing there were a bit more of that delicious broth because it contributes so much to the overall experience. For my entrée, I ordered the Glazed Alaskan Black Cod, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. The fish was rich, buttery, and perfectly prepared. What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the accompaniments were composed. The pickled cucumbers brought brightness, acidity, and crunch, while the black bean and eggplant relish delivered deep savory notes and unexpected complexity. I'm generally not an eggplant fan, but this relish was outstanding. The cucumbers and relish sit at opposite ends of the flavor spectrum, yet both somehow make the cod even better. Looking back, I think a glass of Sauvignon Blanc alongside the cod would have been the perfect pairing. I finished with the Miso Caramel Milk Bar, which was spectacular. Decadent, sweet, salty, and touched with just enough umami to keep every bite interesting. The chocolate crumble underneath added a wonderful crunch that contrasted beautifully with the creamy ice cream and luscious caramel sauce. Every component worked together perfectly, creating a dessert that was both indulgent and sophisticated. From start to finish, the meal felt polished, thoughtful, and memorable. Thank you!

Grabbed a weekend dinner reservation - they had us wait at the bar till our full party arrived then…read moretook us to our table. Service was professional and overall good. We ordered several different plates. We've been here before a few times and always enjoyed their edamame dumplings and enjoyed them again. Everything else we had had overall nice flavors. Ambiance is the clear highlight- beautifully decorated restaurant, intimately low lighting, and those giant chandeliers that everyone enjoys. Nice spot for groups and small parties all the same.

Had a great meal at THEP Thai on the Upper East Side. The Tom Yum Shrimp Fried Rice was…read moredelicious--bold, spicy, tangy flavors with plump shrimp. The Khao Na Ped was also excellent, with tender duck. The service was excellent--friendly and attentive staff made us feel welcome, especially with the table . Modern, cozy vibe too. Highly recommend! Will definitely be back when I travel to New York again.

A much needed end of the week girls meet-up…read more Reservations were made and are STRONGLY suggested. A CC is required and you must agree to terms and conditions upon making said reservations. One of those terms is that there is a $25/pp fee for late cancelations or no shows. **Given the rules, I think it would be nice if THEP informs everyone when they book reservations that there is a great likelihood that you will be seated at a communal table.** Upon arrival we were seat when 3 out of the 4 arrived. Yes, we were seated at the communal table, which was off putting initially because we were looking for a more private experience and opportunity to catch up. However, we powered through and made the best of it. Service started off shaky and rushed initially, with incorrect drink orders presented. However once we all settled in things improved. The food was good and the atmosphere was lovely. A few entrée dishes were unavailable and required a little flexibility in the night's taste palate. Overall Thep was enjoyable and I would like to return now that I know what to expect. Just A Note: If a communal table is not ideal I would suggest reaching out directly to the restaurant to see if something can be arranged.

Stopped by on a Friday night for dinner with my best friend. The place itself is gorgeous, moody,…read moreand very architecturally pleasing. To start, we had the lychee martinis. It's not your typical lychee martini. It has Aperol and pineapple, which gives it a great flavor. My only note is that I wish it were a bit stronger. For appetizers we had the yellowtail, which is a must get. It was delicious. We also had the lobster spring rolls, another great dish, and the crispy wontons, which were good but not my favorite compared to everything else. For our entrée we got the beef tenderloin, another must get. It was amazing, super tender, and melts in your mouth. We had it with the fried rice, which was solid. For dessert we had the ice cream sandwich, which was different in the best way and extremely delicious. It wasn't too sweet and the cone "buns" were perfection. Overall, this place is gorgeous and the food matches. I would definitely return. The service was also great, the perfect balance of letting you do your own thing and truly enjoy your evening while still checking in. It is pricey. We each paid $184 including tip, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion or to spoil yourself a bit.

Sometimes the best stops are the unplanned ones…read more After spending the afternoon at MoMA, my husband and I ducked into 53 to escape the heat and enjoy a cocktail before continuing our day. What started as a quick break turned into one of our favorite moments of the afternoon. We ended up chatting with the bartender for quite a while, swapping recommendations for speakeasies and cocktail bars around the city. It's always refreshing to meet someone who's genuinely passionate about their craft and happy to share local favorites. The cocktails were excellent, and the conversation made the experience even better. This wasn't actually our first visit--we celebrated my birthday here about three years ago, and I still remember how impressed we were with both the food and its presentation. It was nice to return and be reminded why we enjoyed it so much. We also learned that 53 has opened a speakeasy downstairs that's open on select weeknights and features live jazz. Needless to say, that's already on our list for our next trip to the city. Whether you're stopping in for a full dinner or just a well-made cocktail and a break from the Midtown bustle, 53 is well worth a visit.

It's elegant inside and the interior design is beautiful! I walked in for our reservation at 12:30…read morePM, and the place was just the two of us on a Friday afternoon. Within an hour, it started to fill up due to the heat rising outside. One thing worth mentioning is that it was breathtaking inside. It has beautiful decor and just felt like I was in a different part of the world. Our table was literally a cut stone and the plates were picked with great detail. Our server was kind and patient as we agonized over what to select for our meal. My friend doesn't eat red meat or raw fish but that didn't deter me from ordering the whole royale dorade sashimi. That was really soothing and delicious being that we walked in on a day hot enough to be considered a heat wave. My friend had the Thai tea swizzle. Yes, they have refreshers (non-alcoholic drinks) along with cocktails (alcoholic). I know my friend decided on the grilled chicken Lao style which was really good, whereas I ordered the grilled branzino which came with this delicious salsa Verde. I was debating on whether to get more: looking at the other delicious salads, gai lan, and the Isaan beef meatballs, but my tummy couldn't fit in another bite. I even saw a dessert section which looked yummy (ube creme caramel or the Thai tea affogato). I would recommend this spot especially for a celebration. I did not know about the tasting menus. Interesting!

Had dinner at Twin Tails on an early Sunday evening when they weren't too busy and had a truly…read moreexcellent meal from beginning to end. Started with the Netted Chicken Spring Rolls (great flavor) and the Emerald Goddess Salad (unique and refreshing) and both were terrific. Our main was the Cho Lon Duck which was nicely prepared and presented. Compared well with the best Peking Ducks that we have had. The Peekytoe Crab Fried Rice was an excellent side as was the Charred Brussels Sprouts. The Bamboo Sweet Sticky Rice was also good and presented on a unique way. The Soufflé (we had the Vietnamese Mocha - need to come back to try the other flavors) was a wonderful dessert to end the meal along with the Rainbow Sherbet Cake. Nice decor, great view and terrific service (our server Karmela was very helpful and friendly) Will definitely be back.

This bar is a bit hidden, but such cool vibes. Once inside, it feels like you're in an actual cave…read morewith mirrors throughout. It's very sleek and sophisticated --perfect for a date night. The husband and I came for my birthday. They specialize in tea-infused cocktails with signature, savory, and sweet drinks. All the drinks were so unique and intriguing with some interesting ingredients. We started off with the Clock Out ($20) and Cuke Flower ($18). These were their most popular choices and I really enjoyed clock out, but found the cuke to be too sour for my liking. Then we got the Popcorn ($20) and Shrimp Elixir ($20). The popcorn was essentially an espresso martini while the shrimp was a fun, savory option. I liked their correlating garnishes on the cocktails as well. When we saw the other tables have food, we decided to get a small appetizer even though we weren't hungry. We ordered the Fried Chicken Wings ($16) before the kitchen closed. These were nice and crispy, but quite pricey for 5 pieces. Overall, lovely spot with a unique vibe.

Kind of lame. Looks cool in pics but when you get there the ambiance feels cheap…read more At least when I went, the servers felt pretty untrained in proper etiquette. They kept coming to us one after the other to ask if we were ready to order when we had already said we needed a minute. The lack of communication or even awareness that they had each stop by in such a small space where it's easy to keep track was a bit alarming. No one was rude, it just felt like even when it came to presenting the drink, there was no explanation or instruction on how it's best enjoyed. The service, ambiance, food, and quite frankly the drinks didn't command that price tag. IDK maybe good for a younger crowd.

Wonderland is a hidden gem in the east village, although it really shouldn't be. Often overshadowed…read moreby noisier bar choices in the area, Wonderland offers a more refined alternative The space is intimate without feeling cramped, and there's a clear point of view behind everything, from the way the menu is constructed to how the drinks are presented. This sets it apart in a neighborhood that often leans the other way. What stands out most is the creativity behind the cocktails. There's a sense of play without it becoming gimmicky yet flavor still leads. The custom drinks, in particular, are a thoughtful touch and make the experience feel tailored rather than transactional. It's also one of the few spots in the area that genuinely works for conversation. Whether it's a date or catching up with a friend, you're not competing with the room. Given the location, I think it makes it a great spot for happy hours, late evening hangs or weekends out too. Wonderland isn't trying to be everything to everyone, It knows what it is: a considered, slightly understated cocktail bar that rewards you for slowing down and paying attention.

definitely more of a chill intimate bar. a very beautiful bar with whimsical decor, but they took…read moreso long to bring out each drink that the first few drinks were finished before the second half of the drinks came. each drink came one by one which was strange the "wonderland series" cocktails are the showy ones presentation wise and seem high effort to prepare. I really enjoyed my drink (toasted coconut reconstruction, $26) because it was pretty mild in alcohol and basically came with a dessert

Great service and meal. Enjoyed all our food and drinks…read more Favorites were the Shrimp & Walnuts and Salt and Pepper Chicken.

Ambiance: good space! Next time I would like to try the dining area because bar was hard to talk to…read moremy friends Service: quick and good Food $$: food was good! We did family style Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: I would recommend

Ambiance (5/5): The establishment is extremely ornate and decorated in theme from top to bottom. I…read morelove how much detail and elegance they put to each room (not to mention the 16-foot buddha statue in the main dining room!) Be aware that the lighting is dim and the background noise is loud! The front bar room is so loud that you have to shout with your guest. Our party of 6 was seated in a tiny booth which we had to ask for an additional chair to accommodate us. Service (5/5): We were able to get someone's attention to order and we were refilled on water often. The food was organized by appetizers and entrees that arrive all at the same time. The wait between ordering and food felt reasonable to short. The waiter also specified that certain dishes quantity (i.e. potstickers) could be increased to accommodate our party size for an extra cost. Food (5/5): TLDR; every dish was honestly SO good; I was surprised and will rank the items by 'must get' to skippable: Short Rib Bao Bun (3 pc): The short rib was so tender and flavorful. The bao bun was soft. The sauce was thick and worked well with the short rib. Pork Potstickers (5 pc): I preferred this over the lobster and scallion dumplings. The exterior skin is pan-fried with a nice glaze, hint of truffle. The bite was umami from the creaminess of the Parmigiano Reggiano. Chicken Satay (3 pc): The 3 pieces of chicken were relatively large, very tender, seasoned well. They were well complemented with the peanut sauce that is worth keeping to dip into other things! Don't sleep on the side of spicy cucumber salad, which was so well balanced in tartness and flavor. Pad Thai: This is one of the best Pad Thai I've ever had! The flavors are bursting, with a balance of sweetness, nuttiness from the peanuts, and tartness from a squeeze of lime. Peking Duck for 2: This dish is definitely more than enough for our party of 6 and appeared to be a half serving of the whole duck. The duck pieces are pre-cut for us to self-assemble into the wraps (not the usual bao bun but like thin tortilla wraps). I think I counted 8 wraps? Triple Pork Fried Rice: The rice has a lot of depth and generous chunks of pork. The rice is thicker than regular jasmine with a more chew which I liked. Dragon Tail Spare Ribs: Although this has a nice flavor, handling with your fingers makes them super sticky for your whole dining experience. The restaurant should give out wet towelettes if this dish is ordered!! Meat was tender and easy to chomp off the bone. Tuna Tartare: A small quarter-sized tartare dollop is served atop a small cube bread. The fish was fresh, presentation was beautiful. Was hoping for more tartare for the price point but it was very good. Overall, the dish was not filling so would skip if the party is hungry. Lobster and Scallop Dumplings: Great flavor with reasonable chunks of meat inside. Just preferred the potstickers a lot more! Bok Choy: Pieces were chopped in half and cooked with a nice crunch. Topped with something that gave it more texture. The garlicy taste was forward (in a good way). Rainbow Roll: While it was fresh and the individual pieces were large in portion, this felt like any other sushi roll. Skip this! Side of White Rice is $9?! That's theft and is skippable The amount of food ordered was probably a little more than what we needed but glad we ordered as many as we did.

I had went here for my birthday three days ago because it was Restaurant Week. The only reason why…read moreI gave it three stars is because of the great service I received from the staff which includes the hostess, the waiter, the bussers and the bathroom attendant. They even played throwback jams and I had liked how this one busser was vibing to the music as he was waiting to assist at a table. It was the food I had problems with. For appetizer I had order the Vegetable Egg roll and it didn't say on the menu that the dip was spicy nor did the waiter, my mouth was burning all through dessert, I had to drink so much water. That sauce tasted like hot sauce and I hate hot sauce!!! The sauce went through my nose and through my mouth, this sauce really messed up my pallet. I had order for the entree Thai Sweet and Spicy Shrimp, I couldn't tell if it was really that spicy because I still had the burning sensation in my mouth from the appetizer still!!! For dessert I had order the banana pudding crumble and it looked like a crumble of mess, it tasted good when you got to the bottom to the pudding. The presentation of this dessert was a hot mess, it looked like a rushed job the chef threw in the two cut banana's and the vanilla wafer cookies and chopped up the cookie and just dumped it in the dish. I did like the dish the dessert came in. My biggest complaint is that sauce never be served and the disappointing banana pudding. I mean how do you mess up banana pudding. I was taken to the second floor and was really shocked it had a top floor, just like I was stunned to learn that I had to go down the stairs to restroom. The restroom was clean. I thought it was funny how the men's room was called Yang and the woman's was called Yin. My biggest problem with the restroom was they have toilet seat covers over the toilet, but it was an empty box and I had used two different stalls before and after my meal. And I said how there was a bathroom attendant in there. For a well known restaurant, I had excepted a better experience from Tao's.