When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine
Why DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine in New York City stands out as an exceptional place to gather with friends for an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant specializes in Hong Kong-style dim sum, crafted by a chef with over 30 years of mastery, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of tradition and skill. The inviting ambiance, characterized by warm lighting and thoughtful decor, creates a cozy and welcoming environment ideal for social dining. DAO Dim Sum offers an extensive menu featuring expertly crafted dumplings, savory buns, and flavorful entrees, all prepared fresh daily with culinary artistry. The restaurant's commitment to preserving authentic flavors while providing exceptional service makes it a favored destination in Midtown Manhattan. Beyond dine-in, they also offer catering services, making DAO Dim Sum a versatile choice for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. Their location in the heart of the city at 177 Madison Avenue adds convenience for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy high-quality Chinese cuisine in a comfortable setting.
Here's what people think of DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine
As of recent, DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1249 reviews.
User reviews of DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine consistently highlight the restaurant's exceptional food quality and authentic flavors. Many guests praise it as the best Chinese food they have experienced, emphasizing standout dishes such as the hot and sour soup, crispy orange chicken, sautéed baby eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, and particularly the outstanding white rice with a secret preparation that enhances their meal. Positive reviews also commend the friendly and attentive service, noting staff like the waiter Jun who contributed to a warm dining atmosphere. The inviting decor and smooth reservation process further enhance customer satisfaction. On the other hand, some reviewers mention the prices as being slightly on the higher side, which may not suit all budgets, and a small number of critiques touch on minor service delays or expectations about portion sizes. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews. The strong combination of authentic cuisine, skilled culinary craftsmanship, welcoming ambiance, and reliable service firmly establishes DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine as a top choice for Chinese dining in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alessio Santoro
Honestly, very solid! Was concerned when seeing that there is free dessert for writing reviews, but after trying the: Scallion pancakes, soup dumplings, Peking duck and general tso’s chicken, I can say I would come back. Positives points: Peking duck was reasonably priced and high quality. Loved the bao buns it was served with. The scallion pancakes themselves were great. The soup dumplings were as good as the best ones I’ve had anywhere else! Couple points of improvement: the soy sauce / scallion pancake sauce was way too salty. The chicken also had some pieces that were extremely tough.
A L
Best Honey Walnut Shrimp(Prawns) that I have had in the East Coast. The Dumpling Sampler was amazing! Beef Chow Fun and Fried rice were really good. Will definitely be coming back!!!
Léoh
We LOVED our experience here- we were seated immediately, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the FOOD was so incredibly flavorful and perfect- we destroyed it. The crowd is interesting (very loud caucasian conversations).. but come with friends/family and support this amazing spot:)
Edgar Hernandez
Really enjoyed my visit to DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine! The food was flavorful and satisfying — you can tell they put effort into both the quality and presentation. Service was great too — Quenie in particular stood out with her friendly and attentive care throughout our meal. She made the experience even better. The atmosphere was clean, cozy, and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. It’s a great spot whether you’re coming for a quick bite or a relaxing sit-down dinner. Overall, a solid 4-star experience — just shy of perfect, but definitely worth recommending.
M M
Went for a very early dinner and we were lucky to be one of the first customers in the restaurant. We split a hot sake which was large enough for 2 people to share. Perfect drink to warm us up. The restaurant only has beer, wine or sake. We started with the hot and sour soup. The large would be good enough for 4 people. We also split the dim sum sampler which was very substantial like the rest of the plates. There were meat, vegetable and fish dim sum choices. For our mains we shared the lobster pain friend noodles and Chinese greens with oyster sauce. We couldn’t finish it all. Service was also great. Highly recommend.
How to reach DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine
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Why DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for a memorable dining experience requires a destination that not only serves delicious food but also fosters a welcoming atmosphere perfect for socializing and celebration. DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine stands out as an ideal spot to rally your group because it masterfully blends authentic culinary excellence with a spacious, warm environment that encourages connection. Located conveniently on Madison Avenue in New York City, DAO Dim Sum offers more than just a meal — it delivers an experience steeped in tradition and passion, evident in every dish crafted by a chef with over 30 years of expertise in Hong Kong-style dim sum. The inviting ambiance, comfortable seating arrangements especially suited for groups, and attentive service make it easy to relax and engage in lively conversations without feeling rushed.
Moreover, the menu’s breadth—ranging from classic dim sum offerings like shrimp dumplings and abalone shumai to robust entrees such as hot and sour soup and crispy orange chicken—ensures there is something for everyone, pleasing varied palates and dietary preferences. Their exceptional white rice, praised for its perfect texture and flavor, complements each dish to elevate the communal dining experience. DAO Dim Sum’s enthusiastic commitment to authenticity and customer satisfaction creates an environment that organically brings people together, making it a highly recommended venue to share laughs, stories, and great food with friends and family alike.
What group-friendly activities can you enjoy at DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine?
DAO Dim Sum transcends the typical restaurant visit by offering a variety of group-friendly activities and settings that make meetups lively and enjoyable. For a start, the restaurant’s layout—with spacious seating options including round tables ideal for groups—facilitates easy sharing of dishes and encourages interaction. Unlike some restaurants where cramped spaces can curb conversation, DAO’s expansive and well-designed interior allows groups to feel comfortable and connected.
Dining at DAO can be a culinary adventure where friends take turns trying diverse menu items, turning the meal into a shared tasting journey. The tradition of dim sum itself promotes sharing, with small plates that are perfect for communal enjoyment. This fosters a fun and dynamic atmosphere as diners sample an array of flavors, from crispy shrimp rolls to savory mapo tofu. Additionally, the option to explore entrées alongside dim sum broadens the culinary exploration, making each visit unique and stimulating for repeat gatherings.
The restaurant also features a happy hour with $5 glasses of wine until 8 pm, creating a relaxed, convivial setting for those who wish to linger over drinks. This is particularly appealing for groups wishing to extend their time beyond dining and into an evening of casual socializing. The attentive service further enhances the experience by offering personalized recommendations and timely attention that keeps the flow of conversation and food uninterrupted. These elements combined make DAO Dim Sum a standout choice for hosting group occasions that focus on both quality and camaraderie.
Why is DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine perfect for large group meetups?
When planning a large group meetup, several factors such as space, menu diversity, and service quality are critical, and DAO Dim Sum shines in all these areas. The spacious, inviting atmosphere with ample seating is ideal for families, friend groups, or colleagues who want to enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of limited seating or noise restrictions. Many diners have noted how round tables by windows provide not only comfort but also a sense of occasion, helping the group feel special and engaged in a shared space.
The menu’s wide-ranging selection makes it effortless to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary requirements. While the focus is on authentic dim sum with expertly crafted items like steamed fish balls and abalone shumai, the inclusion of classic dishes such as General Tso’s chicken or crispy orange chicken caters to those who prefer more familiar Chinese cuisine. The only caveat is the limited vegetarian options during lunch specials, but the restaurant is willing to clarify and tailor dishes upon request, showing a commitment to accommodating guests’ needs.
Excellent customer service is another hallmark of DAO Dim Sum. Waitstaff are knowledgeable and patient, guiding groups through the menu, which enhances the overall experience especially for those new to dim sum culture. The restaurant’s outstanding rating of 4.8 from over 1,200 reviews reflects consistent satisfaction in terms of food quality, service, and ambiance, which are crucial when coordinating a successful group outing. Combined, these features make DAO Dim Sum an outstanding venue to host larger gatherings where food and fellowship are the main attractions.
What makes the food experience at DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine exceptional for social dining?
The heart of DAO Dim Sum’s appeal, particularly for groups, is the food itself—each dish crafted to showcase the rich tradition and culinary precision of Hong Kong-style dim sum. The chef’s decades of experience translate into impeccable flavors and textures, offering diners an authentic taste that transcends typical interpretations of Chinese cuisine. This authenticity invites groups to indulge in familiar favorites and adventurous selections alike, sparking conversation and delight with every bite.
Their hot and sour soup, for instance, has been widely praised for its divine balance and flavor, making it a popular starter that unites diners around the table with a warm, tangy welcome. Dishes like the crispy shrimp rolls and abalone shumai provide contrast and complexity, immediately igniting excitement among friends eager to share these refined tastes. Moreover, the portion sizes and variety encourage group members to order multiple dishes for sharing, which is both economical and enriching as everyone samples across the menu.
Beyond dim sum, entrées like sautéed baby eggplant with spicy garlic sauce and the famed crispy orange chicken round out the offerings, ensuring that even those with particular tastes or preferences find something to enjoy. The exceptional white rice, a simple yet often overlooked accompaniment, has been noted as outstanding, enhancing each meal by complementing and balancing the richly flavored dishes. Altogether, DAO Dim Sum’s food approach is designed for shared enjoyment, making it a gastronomic delight ideally suited for social dining experiences.
How does the atmosphere at DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine enhance group meetups?
Atmosphere plays a vital role in the success of any group gathering, and DAO Dim Sum excels at creating a warm, inviting environment that elevates social experiences. From the moment guests enter, they encounter a carefully curated ambiance featuring warm lighting and tasteful decor, delivering both comfort and a touch of elegance that makes meetups feel special. The restaurant’s modern yet authentic design reflects a deep respect for its culinary roots while also appealing to contemporary diners.
The spaciousness inside DAO means groups do not feel crowded or rushed. Instead, guests can savor their time, engage in lengthy conversations, and fully enjoy the meal without ambient noise distractions typical of tightly packed eateries. This is particularly beneficial for groups looking to catch up or celebrate occasions in a relaxed setting. Moreover, the layout promotes inclusivity — round tables allow everyone to participate equally in conversations and dish sharing, keeping the group dynamic lively and connected.
Attention to customer service also reinforces this atmosphere. Staff members offer friendly, efficient service without intrusion, making guests feel cared for and valued. Little touches, such as being proactive about dietary questions or the timing of dish deliveries, ensure the experience is seamless and stress-free. Collectively, these elements create a positive vibe that complements the exceptional food, making DAO Dim Sum not only a restaurant but a gathering place where friendships deepen and memories are created.
What are the practical conveniences at DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine for group gatherings?
DAO Dim Sum also excels in the practical aspects that make group meetups smooth and enjoyable. Located at 177 Madison Avenue, New York, the restaurant benefits from excellent accessibility, convenient for friends coming from various parts of the city. Its urban setting also means public transportation options are readily available, reducing travel hassles for attendees.
Operating hours from 11 am to 11 pm provide flexible timing for both lunch and dinner meetups, with the last call at 9:30 pm allowing groups ample time to relax. This flexibility is important for schedules that vary, ensuring there’s a suitable window for any group gathering. Additionally, the restaurant offers catering services, an appealing option for larger private events or take-home meals, adding versatility to how groups can experience DAO’s cuisine.
The combination of reasonable pricing, especially during lunch specials, and high quality elevates the value proposition for group outings. While some dishes lean towards a premium price point, the opportunity to share many small plates helps keep costs manageable while enhancing variety and enjoyment. The well-rated delivery and takeout options further ensure that those unable to dine in can still partake in the DAO experience, making it an inclusive choice for all kinds of group interactions.
In sum, DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine offers an outstanding balance of location, timing, affordability, and culinary excellence, making it a perfect hub for friends and family to gather and celebrate together.
This comprehensive view demonstrates why DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine is a top-tier choice to host meetups with friends or family, blending a sumptuous food experience, hospitable atmosphere, and thoughtful group-friendly amenities into one dynamic package.