As one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, New York City boasts a plethora of Asian restaurants that cater to every taste and budget.
From upscale sushi bars to hole-in-the-wall noodle joints, the city's Asian culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and traditions.
Whether you're a fan of spicy Szechuan cuisine, delicate Japanese sushi, or savory Korean barbecue, there's no shortage of options when it comes to satisfying your cravings.
With so many choices, however, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your next Asian food fix.
That's where this guide comes in. We've scoured the city to find the best Asian restaurants that offer the most authentic and delicious dishes.
So, whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor to the Big Apple, you're sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
1. Sei Less
Sei Less is an Asian fusion restaurant that provides exceptional customer service and superb restaurant etiquette. The food is flavorful and the decor is nice, creating a great ambiance.
The waiter, Carlos, is knowledgeable about the food menu and provides great details that influence the customers' decision.
The ribs and sweet and sour chicken are delicious, and the passion fruit tequila drink is a tasty sweet drink.
The service is prompt and attentive, making it a 10/10 experience. Sei Less is definitely worth a visit.
2. Shanghai 21
Shanghai 21 is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves authentic Chinese food. The menu is extensive, with a wide range of dishes that go beyond the usual Chinese fare.
The restaurant offers a no-frills environment, but the food is top-notch and the portions are generous. The pork soup dumplings and hot and sour soup are highly recommended.
The prices are surprisingly affordable, considering the quality of the food. Even though the restaurant is small, it is always busy, so be prepared to wait for a table.
The customer service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and attentive. If you're in the mood for some delicious Chinese food, Shanghai 21 is definitely worth a visit.
3. Spicy Village
Spicy Village is a Chinese restaurant that offers affordable and authentic cuisine.
Their hand-pulled noodles and soup dumplings are must-tries. The restaurant can get crowded, so be sure to make a reservation.
It's BYOB, so don't forget to bring your own drinks. The service is friendly and efficient.
If you're looking for a no-frills spot to enjoy delicious Chinese food, Spicy Village is the place to go.
4. Wo Hop
Wo Hop is a must-visit Asian restaurant that offers authentic Cantonese cuisine. The menu is extensive and includes unusual dishes like steamed pork with salty egg and clams in red bean sauce.
The portions are huge, and the prices are affordable, making it a great value for money.
The restaurant has an old-school Hong Kong vibe, with friendly and efficient service. Although it's a cash-only establishment, there is an ATM on the premises.
The basement eatery is cozy and snug, with sidewalk seating available. Wo Hop is a gem in Chinatown that's definitely worth checking out.
5. RedFarm
RedFarm is a modern Asian restaurant with a unique twist on traditional dishes. The decor is a mix of American and Asian styles, creating a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
The menu features authentic Chinese cuisine, including their famous Peking duck and delicious dumplings.
The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service. While the prices are slightly high, the quality and taste of the food make it worth it.
The cocktails are also noteworthy, offering a unique and complex taste. RedFarm is a must-try for those looking for a contemporary take on Asian cuisine.
6. Steam
Steam is an Asian fusion restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes. The food is made fresh in-house and each dish is like a piece of art.
The service is comparable to high-end Michelin restaurants, making the dining experience enjoyable. The restaurant is modern and clean, with accommodating staff.
The pork soup dumplings are a must-try and are some of the best in town. Additionally, the red bean pancake for dessert is crispy without being too oily and has the perfect amount of sweetness.
Prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are generous. If you're looking for a great Asian restaurant, Steam is definitely worth checking out.
7. Ginger and Lemongrass
Ginger and Lemongrass is an Asian restaurant that offers an interesting twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
The Shrimp Curry is a standout dish that comes in varying spice levels to suit any palate. The Beef Brisket Pho is also highly recommended, with a flavorful broth and perfectly cooked brisket.
The restaurant's atmosphere is inviting and well-decorated, with a good selection of drinks to choose from.
While some diners wished the noodles were firmer, overall, Ginger and Lemongrass is a great spot for those looking for unique and delicious Vietnamese food.
8. Love Mama
Love Mama is an Asian restaurant that serves up delicious Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.
The food is quick, tasty, and extremely affordable, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. The staff are friendly and provide excellent service.
Some standout dishes include the fish, pad Thai, and laksa. The restaurant has a lively and unpretentious atmosphere, making it a great informal stop for Southeast Asian dishes.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Asian cuisine.
9. Baji Baji
Baji Baji is an Asian restaurant that serves delicious Chinese food. The portions are generous and the food is always fresh.
They offer a variety of combo options and have a great selection of vegetarian dishes.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. The restaurant is small but cozy and has a great atmosphere.
The prices are reasonable for the quality of food you receive. Baji Baji is a great spot for takeout or dining in.
10. Deluxe Green Bo
Deluxe Green Bo is a hidden gem of a restaurant that serves up delicious Shanghai cuisine.
The soup dumplings are a must-try, as are the scallion pancakes. The portions are generous and the prices are affordable.
The restaurant is clean and well-ventilated, making for a comfortable dining experience.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick. If you're looking for authentic Asian cuisine, Deluxe Green Bo is definitely worth a visit.
11. Pig and Khao
Pig and Khao is a Southeast Asian restaurant that serves Filipino and Thai cuisine.
The restaurant has a trendy and stylish atmosphere with a patio. The food is delicious and flavorful, with options for vegetarians.
The service is friendly and attentive. Reservations are recommended to avoid waiting for a table.
Pig and Khao is a great spot for brunch with bottomless mimosas.
12. Pinch Chinese
Pinch Chinese is a trendy Asian restaurant with a unique atmosphere that combines traditional and modern design.
The food is delicious, with standout dishes such as the mushroom dumplings, kung pao tiger prawns, and Peking duck.
The cocktails are also noteworthy, especially the Lapsang Sichuan cocktail. However, the portions are small, and prices are high.
The service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. If you're looking for a trendy spot to impress, Pinch Chinese is worth a visit.
13. Kung Fu Kitchen
Kung Fu Kitchen is a hidden gem for those looking for authentic Asian cuisine. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, including dumplings and hand-cut noodles.
The service is professional and prompt, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends or family.
With reasonable prices and generous portions, Kung Fu Kitchen is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of Asia.
14. Le Sia
Le Sia is a must-visit Asian restaurant for those in search of authentic Chinese cuisine. Their menu is packed with delicious options, from skewers to seafood stews, and everything in between.
The flavor profile of their dishes is simply outstanding, with spices that pack a punch and leave you wanting more.
The service is quick and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience. While the prices may be a bit steep compared to other Chinese restaurants in the area, the quality of the food and service make it well worth it.
Le Sia is a great spot for groups looking to share dishes and try a variety of flavors.
15. Hop Lee
Hop Lee is a bustling Cantonese restaurant that has been serving up delicious dishes for decades. With a wide variety of options, there's something to suit every taste preference.
The portions are generous and the flavors are authentic, making it a must-visit spot in Chinatown.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Whether you're in the mood for seafood or classic Cantonese dishes, Hop Lee has got you covered. Don't miss out on this long-standing gem of an Asian restaurant.
