VIBE

Mr. Chow, restaurateur, chef, and actor (you’ll spot him in Rush Hour 2), first made a name for himself in London before crossing the pond to spread his sceney empire in major cities around the country. The lacquered surrounds may be monochrome, but they are undoubtedly lavish, with accents like fresh white roses and original artworks by celebrated artists like Andy Warhol. While this location is chic and stylish, we find the ambiance refreshingly relaxed compared to the elbow-to-elbow London original. The food has been described as “innovative”, but classic Chinese standards like scallion pancakes and Beijing duck are available (for a massive premium, of course, compared to the prices you would find in nearby Chinatown, or any almost any other Chinese restaurant in the city, for that matter).

CROWD

Tribeca locals, finance industry heavyweights, and celebrities and their admirers

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Dress to impress with a fitted dress or other sexy number, fancy heels, designer jewels, and your best handbag.

GO HERE WITH

Groups; clients or colleagues; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

On a good night, it’s glitzy and buzzing. It’s fun to be part of that scene.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It’s pricey to the point of ridiculousness. And waiters here just love to make recommendations and order for you: be sure to insist on reading a menu to be sure that you get what you want…we do. Sometimes, it can be quiet (it was last time we were there on a Friday night), which is disappointing since the big draw is the atmosphere.

GOOD TO KNOW

Lunch here is only available for private events. In the warmer months, the outdoor terrace opens up with seats for 40. There is a minimum food order of USD 40 required per person.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Midtown East (New York); Beverly Hills; Miami; Las Vegas; London

CLOSEST COMPS

Morimoto (New York); Hakkasan (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.