Yao

We were all in for a very exciting culinary journey at beautiful Yao; a modern take on Cantonese cuisine at the helm of Chef Kenny Leung, who takes short rib to a whole new level in its mouth watering "I love meat that melts in your mouth" (thank you June for the quote of the evening) succulence. The fried rice with diced angus short rib that sent my senses reminiscing back to childhood sensory memories of my granduncle's roasted rice soup (fan dew) in its comforting bits of crispy flavorful rice. There were many other memorable dishes such as the smoked soy sauce chicken under glass, roast duck with giant truffles (true decadence!) I was deliriously reeling from food coma. In sum, this was truly like an Omakase Chinese style with each dish surpassing the last dish, with many intriguing surprises. The best part was we were in our private room but connected to other diners with the understated opulence of the elegant Dining room. The service was excellent but not overbearing and we were doted upon by Chef Kenny and Co-Owner Thomas Tang who were most hospitable, they provided us with explanations of the dishes and made us feel like honored guests. It was a most memorable evening...highly recommend for a special food experience!

We had Christmas dinner at Yao. While waiting for elevator two women got in and they got out first in line at the host. They didnt have a reservation and proceeded to push for one. We heard hostess said come back at 6:30 PM. Then it was our turn to check in the hostess immediately said your table is ready but can you finish your dinner at 6:30 PM! We thought it was abruptly rude and that gave the impression they were giving the table to those women in front of us. We ordered the peking duck and fish fin soup both almost $50 each for individual or half portions. The jellyfish was good but there was some sandy texture. The char siu was berkshire pork but it was not as tender as expected (we had Hayhay the previous night it was way better). My son enjoyed the shrimp and soup dumplings. We also had the sweet and sour pork with an elaborate presentation on dry ice it was ok would have been better with some taipoica coating gives it a different texture, we also had the okra and mushroom dish it was good. Overall we spent quite a bit for dinner and imagine a restaurant charging such price demanding you finish your dinner before you even sat down. The other service staff was good.

{Overall: 3.5; Food: 3.5} Service: 4; Ambiance: 3.5Yao is an upscale rendition of Cantonese cuisine in the Financial District. It is located on the second floor of a hotel.The dishes bring a modern take to traditional Cantonese cuisine. Everything we ate was decent, but the dishes weren't that memorable and didn't really meet my expectation for Cantonese comfort food. The restaurant feels more like a place for a special occasion, and when you're interested in trying more of a unique flavor profile.

Was craving peking duck and in the area. The restaurant is in a hotel, and you need to take the elevator up, which I didn't mind. Note that this place seemed much more like a business dinner place than a restuarant I would want to go with my friends. The interior was very gorgeous, it felt like an elegant place. The food, similarly was presented very well, but it didn't taste authentic nor very good, and was very expensive. I ordered the peking duck and some other dishes. The peking duck came out on a rack and they lit a fire under it, which was just for show. The duck itself didn't taste as authentic, it was more like roast duck. Still pretty good. The other dishes were not very notable and I felt overpriced. Would not come back here again unless I was desperately craving duck and unable to go anywhere else.

Absolutely amazing. One of the best Chinese restaurants in NYC. Great food and great service. My favorite dishes were the Peking duck (amazing), the steamed Dungeness crab with meat (pork), and the egg custard tart dessert. The salted chicken was also very good and quite unique. Everything else we got was also tasty, including the snow pea shoots with chanterelles, the cauliflower, the pork, the pumpkin dessert, and the swan custard dessert.The service is also amazing. They were constantly swapping out our plates and refilling our waters. There is also some fancy $350-some-odd meal per person you can preorder two days in advance. Not clear what it includes. And there's a beautiful inside as well as some private dining rooms, I believe.Highly recommend. Can't wait to return!

A nice place for group of people, a little bit fusion Chinese dishes, not limited to Cantonese at all. High recommend Mapo tofu and Peking duck is great! Specially it's hard to find a good Peking duck in the city.The environment also comfortable and quiet. The only downside is the elevator share with hotel, sometimes need a long waiting time!

We were surprised to find Chinese food in Fidi, but we're glad we gave it a try! Yao served mostly traditional Cantonese dishes (some a little fusion) in a modern setting. We loved the beef with rice noodles and truffle lobster. There were a few dessert options, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're not used to traditional Cantonese flavors. The grapefruit ice cream had the salty Chinese dried tangerine peels in it, and the stewed milk was really strong in ginger. I loved them, but it's not for everyone. All the dishes were presented beautifully, which explains the price. It was a little confusing getting here being on the second floor of a hotel, but once inside, the restaurant was large. Service was great, and we would come back!

We booked a private room for a celebration. The food was good, and dishes like the cha siu, Peking duck, and smoked chicken were visually appealing and entertaining to watch as they were being served.

If you're someone who enjoys bold flavors with a kick, the Mapo Tofu with Lobster at Yaon is a dish you won't want to miss. The tofu is velvety and soft, absorbing the spicy, savory sauce while the lobster introduces a surprising yet harmonious contrast with its sweetness and tenderness. The combination of heat from the spices, the richness of the umami, and the subtle sweetness creates a dynamic and unforgettable bite. Perfect for those who love complex, daring flavors! You'll definitely be coming back for more.

Wow to Yao! What an excellent restaurant that is hidden behind the Courtyard by Marriott/Residence Inn on Pearl Street! I sat at the bar and ordered a martini from Sergio, the excellent bartender, along with some still water. It was really delicious. I think a Japanese vodka was used. Then I ordered the Beef with Chencun Noodles in XO Sauce and I was in awe. It's absolutely and easily the best Chinese (Cantonese) food I have EVER had. The balance of beef, egg, mushrooms, spice, and amazing Chencun noodles was a tastebud tantalizer to the Nth degree! I have been to China and don't remember any meal like this one. Sergio's service was second to none. The bar was empty even though the restaurant was very busy. The bar has a wide array of spirits, wines, and beers. It was decorated nicely (especially the light fixtures) and, though it wasn't busy, had a great vibe. I hope I have time to return on this trip to enjoy another beverage and delicious dinner! Congrats Yao and Sergio for delivering the goods with unparalleled distinction! Seafood, Duck, Chicken, Beef...whatever your choice, I truly believe it will be a winner.