Buddakan

75 9th Ave, Chelsea Market, New York, NY 10011 212-989-6699

Description: CHELSEA. Stephen Starr, who is the man behind Philadelphia's acclaimed Striped Bass, brings NYers this huge, lavishly decorated restaurant. The main dining room recalls the opulence of a palace's great hall, and the smaller quarters sport stylish confluences of traditional and contemporary elements. Those with a taste for dim sum find plenty to tempt their palates, including Taro Puff Lollipops (minced pork with ginger), endamme dumplings and lobster egg rolls. More substantial appetites look to masterfully prepared Mongolian lamb chops with crystallized ginger crust, glazed Alaskan black cod with chili eggplant or tea-smoked chicken with chutney. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St
More Details

Chiam

160 E 48th St, between Lexington & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-371-2323

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Ever heard of gourmet Chinese? This is it. The ultra sleek interior serves to highlight the wonderful food Chiam serves. Start with minced beef chowder or shellfish studded seafood bisque. The black peppercorn covered filet mignon is exquisite. A wine lover's wine list. Full bar available. Reservations are recommended; dress is business casual. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington; 6 to 51st St
More Details

Chin Chin

216 E 49th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10017 212-888-4555

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Take a moment to savor the sights, sounds and ultimate tastes of fine Chinese cuisine. The fried dumplings, Grand Marnier Shrimp and "amazing" Peking Duck are the best in the city. Cool off with a sorbet if ordering any of the Szechuan style dishes. Beautiful sepia toned family photos gaze from the walls. Owner and host James Chin ensures that the service you receive is impeccable. An unforgettable Chinese dining experience. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
More Details

Chinatown Brasserie

380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003 212-533-7000

Description: NOHO. This brash, stylish canteen wins big praise for its dim sum and barbecue. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St
More Details

Evergreen Shanghai

10 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016 212-448-1199

Description: MURRAY HILL. To say the décor is understated would be, well, an understatement. However, it's not a bright and fancy atmosphere that draws in such large crowds of regulars all day long. Known for its traditional Shanghai cuisine, Evergreen wows customers with such dishes as fried yellow carp. All of it for what many regard as the most reasonable prices in the neighborhood. TRAIN: S, 4, 5, 6 to 42nd St-Grand Central
More Details

Fuleen Seafood

11 Division St, between Catherine & Market St, New York, NY 10002 212-941-6888

Description: CHINATOWN. A top place for seafood in Chinatown, this restaurant doesn't assault diners with overblown cosmetics, and you won't find much in the way of pretense here. No, Fuleen excels in the art of preparing fresh seafood ­ How fresh? Well, don't think for a minute that all those saltwater tanks are part of the decor! Sometimes a little messy but always good, their Hong Kong-style dishes range from Dungeness crabs with black bean sauce to fresh, steamed flounder with ginger and scallions. TRAIN: F to East Broadway
More Details

Grand Sichuan

125 Canal St, At Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002 212-625-9212

Description: CHINATOWN. Bold and serious Szechuan cuisine is expertly prepared in an atmosphere that is dramatically understated. But here, it's all about the food. You simply must try the braised sea cucumber, the smoked tea duck, or chicken with sour cabbage. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Great NY Noodletown

28 Bowery, New York, NY 10013-5100 212-349-0923

Description: CHINATOWN. One of the finest Chinese restaurants in the area, New York Noodle Town has built its reputation based on two things: great food and excellent prices. Located on the corner of Bowery and Bayard, the restaurant attracts more than its share of business -types, neighborhood folks and knowing sightseers. The place's décor (circa 1985) may not be your cup of tea, but their fish and seafood-heavy menu will be. Rumor has it that the sea bass is king, but other items like their wonton soup, Cantonese noodles, soft shell crabs and lo mein are also popular, especially with the late-night crowd. Noodle Town accepts cash only. TRAIN: J, M, Z, N, R, 6 to Canal St
More Details

Joe's Ginger Restaurant

25 Pell St, New York, NY 10013 212-285-0999

Description: CHINATOWN. Conceived by owner and chef Joe Si (of Joe's Shanghai fame). What makes Joe's restaurant worthy of all the fanfare? Well, according to regulars, the answer is in the food. Here, Hong Kong-style Shanghai cuisine is taken to a higher level by Chef Joe and crew, resulting in fantabulous dishes like Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), ginger shrimp and clams in beer sauce. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Joe's Shanghai

9 Pell St, New York, NY 10013 212-233-8888

Description: CHINATOWN. The incomparable steamed soup dumplings served with pork or crabmeat make this humble gem popular with people from all over (the long waits attest to this). Joe's Shanghai also warrants high marks because it offers superb Hong Kong-style delicacies such as shredded turnip shortcake, braised duck and spicy yellow fish. If you're in a hurry and can't wait, try Shanghai's younger sister, Ginger. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Momofuku Noodle Bar

171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-475-7899

Description: EAST VILLAGE. This spare noodle bar (whose name means "Lucky Peach") has collected accolade after accolade thanks to its delish ramen and pan-fried pork dumplings. TRAIN: L to 1st Ave
More Details

Mr. K's

570 Lexington Ave, at 51st St, New York, NY 10022 212-583-1668

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The Washington political machine made the DC branch of this elite, Chinese pampering house a favorite. Now, New Yorkers get a taste and more. Chicken with roasted macadamia nuts in a soy-sherry-garlic glaze, firecracker sea bass simmered in Szechuan sauce and Peking duck are just some of the entrees served with precision. The space is roomy and comfortable. TRAIN: 6 to 51st Street; E, F to Lexington-3rd Ave
More Details

New Green Bo

66 Bayard St, between Elizabeth & Mott St, New York, NY 10013 212-625-2359

Description: CHINATOWN. Those in the know like to avail themselves of the great food and service they find at New Green Bo, one of the true "great deals" in Chinatown. Neighborhood denizens note this popular neighborhood eatery for its fabulous fried rice cakes and traditional dishes like yellow fish potage. It should be a law: No visit here is complete without your having sampled their delicious dumplings. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Oriental Garden

14 Elizabeth St, between Canal & Bayard St, New York, NY 10013 212-619-0085

Description: CHINATOWN. The Oriental Garden is the Chinatown fresh seafood specialist. Don't even give the white Formica a second glance. Here, the fresh fish, shrimp, and crab are pulled live and prepared to your satisfaction. Steamed fresh vegetables add the perfect complement to your meal. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Peking Duck House

28 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 212-227-1810

Description: CHINATOWN. The stylish, contemporary digs at this ever-popular Chinatown joint are a refreshing departure from the other, more ho-hum, alternatives in the area. In addition to the delicious duck ­ prepared by pumping the fowl full of air, soaking it with boiled water and then slowly oven-roasting it until it's perfectly crisp ­ the restaurant also delivers a number of other tasty morsels, including salt and pepper prawns, Peking-style lobster, fried sea bass and orange chicken. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
More Details

Phoenix Garden

242 E 40th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10013 212-983-6666

Description: MURRAY HILL. A good buy, this family-run Chinese restaurant offers authentic Cantonese cooking with lots of variety. Peruse the list of dried-shrimp casserole, squab, duck, beef and more and choose your favorite. Don't expect the decor to be too upscale; after all, it's the food that will draw all of your attention. The Garden doesn't serve alcohol, but feel free to bring your own. Be prepared to pay with cash as plastic is not accepted here. Casual dress appropriate. TRAIN: S, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 42nd St-Grand Central
More Details

S. Dynasty

511 Lexington Ave, at 48th St, New York, NY 10017 212-355-1200

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. This Midtown restaurant makes a great choice for a Chinese lunch or dinner. The interior is "posh," some may say a bit overdone, but all agree that the sliced duckling with fresh ginger root and the sweet and sour crispy fish are excellent choices. The entrees are reasonably priced, and the service is personable and attentive. Full bar available. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: 6 to 51st St; E, F to Lexington Ave
More Details

Shanghai Cuisine

89 Bayard St, between Mott & Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 212-732-8988

Description: CHINATOWN. Dine on some of Chinatown's tastiest dumplings among a who's who of pre-war Chinese pinups. The restaurant features traditional Shanghai pork and veggie plates, fresh daily fish and seafood specials, and even a few surprises ­ their sushi is actually quite tasty. Shanghai Cuisine accepts cash only. TRAIN: J, M, Z, N, R, 6 to Canal St
More Details

Tse Yang

34 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022 212-688-5447

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Considered a good place for a business dinner, Tse Yang offers fine Chinese dining choices in an upscale environment. Traditional dishes, prepared perfectly and presented beautifully, populate the menu. Meeting rooms are available for large parties. TRAIN: E, F to Lexington Ave; 6 to 51st St
More Details

XO Kitchen

148 Hester St, between Bowery & Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013 212-965-8645

Description: CHINATOWN. Just a short walk north of Canal Street, you'll find this excellent little eatery, which is also, perhaps, one of the best deals outside of Chinatown. Bowery's XO Kitchen, while not the most ornate restaurant, will nevertheless impress you with its authentic Cantonese fair. Menu favorites include everything from fried calamari and oysters to jellyfish and several types of tong shuis. If you really want to be surprised, check out what they are cooking up at 8am! TRAIN: B, D, Q to Grand St
More Details