The vibe was perfect amazing food and service def recommend. I got the lamb it was good my expectation of lamb is hard to beat. This did good didn't beat it but good. Oysters and sushi was amazing.

A unique atmosphere and the incredible, usual quality that Tao manages to deliver with every visit. Exceptional food with spectacular presentations (the Omakase dish is pure art). Our waiter, Leo, was the game changer of the evening, guiding us through the menu, perfectly organizing our dinner, and even recommending the best sake to taste based on our choices. All the staff were very kind from the moment we first stepped into the restaurant. Tao is definitely a guarantee of quality

This spot delivers on every level—family-style dinner plates that are perfect for sharing, top-notch service that makes you feel right at home, and an atmosphere that’s warm, lively, and full of good energy. The food? Absolutely delicious. From start to finish, the vibe is legit and the experience hits all the right notes. Definitely a place worth coming back to!

+2

We have dined at Tao Uptown a handful of times over the years as well as the downtown location. While both places have solid food, you visit either location primarily for the atmosphere, which is fantastic! We had a special party here for my wife in the private dining room on the 3rd floor. The view from that room overlooks the entire restaurant. The experience was awesome. We couldn't recommend a party here highly enough. The lunch specials during the week are outstanding as well!

+5

The ambience at Tao is awesome! Has a zen feel to it and makes eating a relaxing experience. The fusion Asian food offered were delicious and creatively presented. The lunch set is really a must try! Love the place… will definitely visit again!!

+5

The best customer service! Thank you again for making available table for us! We really enjoyed the dinner

Exceptional staff and of course the food. Justine, Lucy and of course Precious delivers so much exuberance in their professionalism. Their professionalism bypass all fine dining criteria. As an accidental loner, they made me feel welcomed and exceeded needs that I don’t even have. And the manager Crystal welcomed me back with opening arms. This is the place to be on dates or just enjoying a cocktail by yourself whilst being obnoxious on the phone

This location has the best food, music, drinks, service and ambiance! Our waitress, Precious, was phenomenal. Very educated on the menu, and sweet. She started off by suggesting their take on a Cosmopolitan (which is my drink of choice) the TaoTini. So refreshing and delicious. Then as a starter she suggested the Tuna Pringles, although I wish they would offer four Pringles instead of just three, they were absolutely delicious and tuna tasted fresh. Ordered the Rainbow Roll and Chefs Roll, then ended the night with the Giant Fortune Cookie. Everything she had to recommend was phenomenal! 10/10 would recommend! Definitely worth the money. Thank you Tao - Uptown and Precious!

+1

One of the best culinary experiences I’ve had in a while. The ambience, food and service are a vibe that you don’t want to miss when coming to New York. The flavors of the dishes are truly unmatched leaving you beyond satisfied. Each plate we tried was well thought from the sauces and garnishes. Truly a flavor explosion. Don’t skip out on the veg dumplings, chicken lettuce wraps and the pad Thai noodles. The highlight of the night was the Potted Carrot Cake. Our waiter told us it was genius, and he was right. I won’t give away the spoiler so you can find out for yourself how amazing it is. Definitely will be return to Tao in the future.

+5

Fantastic destination especially if you are celebrating. Went there to treat our friend for his birthday and the whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. The service the food and the ambiance are great. The only minor irritant is how the men’s rest room is setup not a very practical setup for the urinal area but outside of that no complaints…ended up using the stalls and thankfully they are old school!!!!😜 We enjoyed all the dishes and portions sizes are enough to share . My favorites weee the vegetarian dumplings and the sea bass I just love that fish Will certainly be bad

+6

The food was amazing!! The service was very fast, and we loved everything we ordered, especially the desserts—the orange cake and the dessert with the smoky effect were outstanding. I can't wait to come back to this fancy restaurant.

+6

Dining at TAO Uptown is always a treat, but our recent experience was truly exceptional thanks to our server, Precious!!!!!! (Her name is so beautiful, just like her person!!!) From the moment we were seated, she brought an energy that was warm, professional, and incredibly attentive. Her name isn’t just fitting—it’s a perfect description of the kind of person she is. Precious had an amazing grasp of the menu, guiding us through dishes we might have overlooked and helping us build a meal that was both adventurous and perfectly balanced. Every recommendation hit the mark, and her timing between courses was impeccable. She made us feel like we were the only table that mattered, even on a packed night. What really stood out was her genuine kindness and emotional intelligence. She anticipated our needs before we voiced them, and went above and beyond with small touches that made our evening feel personal and special. TAO’s atmosphere is high energy, but Precious remained calm, composed, and always smiling. She didn’t just serve our table—she elevated our entire night. If you're lucky enough to be seated in her section, expect top-tier service with heart. TAO is lucky to have her. We’ll be asking for her by name next time.

Amazing experience. Great food and excellent service. Drinks were delicious and the staff was super friendly. I’ll definitely be bringing my family back here. Located in heart of NYC, this place boasts many accolades including a great space and a wonderful ambience.

+2

Had the prix fixed lunch which is terrific. Very flavorful and good portions sizes. The martini flights are awesome and let you try a bit of everything. The server was very careful with my sons allergies as well.

From the moment we walked in, TAO delivered exactly what you hope for on a special night—dark, moody elegance, incredible energy, and staff who know how to make an evening feel effortless. Our server was outstanding: attentive and perfectly timed with everything. The menu was phenomenal. The wine was great, the pacing was relaxed, and the whole place had that unmistakable New York buzz that hits you the second you sit down. They surprised Lauren with a birthday dessert and personally crafted message—beautiful touch, beautifully executed. And yes, I’ll admit it: as impressive as the food and ambiance were, they still couldn’t outshine my dinner date. Lauren looked unbelievable, and seeing her absolutely glowing smile in that space made the night the best ever. TAO made our first Valentine’s weekend in NYC feel unforgettable. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

The food is amazing. The place is beautiful, but the hostess can be a little complicated, and they would do their best to NOT serve you the restaurant week option

10/10 experience with our lovely waitress Precious! She absolutely made our experience! Recommended amazing foods and was incredibly kind and attentive! The food is incredible! Cant wait to come again!!

An unforgettable dining experience. TAO Uptown delivers on every level—stunning atmosphere, vibrant energy, and outstanding food. The sushi and signature dishes were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service was attentive and well-timed without feeling rushed. Perfect for a special night out with a great mix of upscale dining and lively ambiance.

Our favorite meal of the trip with amazing cuisine, service, and conversation. The ambiance is swanky and hip and the anesthetics have become timeless in this established chic restaurant. We had a table of 6 and went with the chef's tasting, which was an excellent decision. The variety was perfect, and nothing was left behind!

+6

Tao is a high end Asian restaurant you are sure to have the zen effects.. Food is very fusion like and promise to awaken your tastebuds.. the cucumber side in the dumplings was phenomenal. Also the portion sizes are big so very shareable. Our host Precious gave us an awesome table And service.they have some amazing cocktails and while you wait in the lounge be sure to order the $5 sake or some cocktails.. I would highly recommend to book ahead to get a table. Perfect for date nights or dinner with family and friends

+6

Tao was an absolutely stunning restaurant, from the elegant decor to the warm and inviting ambiance. The moment I walked in, I was impressed by the attention to detail, from the dim lighting that set the perfect mood to the beautifully presented dishes that were as much a feast for the eyes as they were for the palate. What truly made my experience unforgettable, however, was the exceptional service. Precious, my server, went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my meal was perfect. She was incredibly attentive without being intrusive, always checking in at just the right moments. Her warm personality and genuine enthusiasm made me feel truly valued as a guest. She took the time to provide thoughtful recommendations, which ended up being some of the best dishes I’ve ever had. It’s rare to find such a perfect combination of exquisite food, breathtaking atmosphere, and outstanding service, but Tao delivered on all fronts. Thanks to Precious, my experience was elevated to a whole new level. I can’t wait to return and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!

Wow. Incredible decorations and atmosphere. Feels like you are in a different world. Almost Disney World like. Really well done so you’d probably expect food to be no so good right but the food here was just as good as the atmosphere and decor. Service was also very attentive. When our waiter went on a breaks or something, someone else came by and checked on us and informed that waiter will be back shortly. There was a dish I did not like because it had seafood and they exchanged it for us. Incredible dining experience. Loved it!

+6

Our server Precious was absolutely precious! She made our night amazing. We received hands down the best service ever. Food was good, dessert was great (cute selection of sorbets.) No complaints, just a good time.

If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in New York City, Tao Uptown delivers on all fronts. My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed, especially with the fresh, delectable sushi. Here’s a breakdown of my experience: Walking into Tao Uptown feels like stepping into a chic and vibrant oasis. The stunning interior, dimly lit with a warm glow, is complemented by its grand Buddha statue centerpiece. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and zen, creating an atmosphere

Our server Justine was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. We had an allergy at the table and she knew exactly what dishes to avoid. The restaurant was super busy for a Tuesday night and she was very attentive. Goo and drinks were fresh and delicious!

We had dinner here right after Christmas with a party of 10. The food was delicious. There were plenty of options for vegetarians and the waiter offered additional options for us that weren't on the menu. The atmosphere was popping and our server was attentive and quite good. I did feel she had to cover a lot of tables but we didn't have an extended wait to be seated or for our food. Despite the pricey menu, I'd return for another great meal here.

+5

Elevate Your Dining Experience at TAO Uptown! 🥢✨ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at TAO Uptown! Recently, we had the pleasure of taking a client here, and it surpassed all expectations. This was my second visit, and I must say, the experience was elevated even above our first! For starters, the ambiance is impeccable. Sitting upstairs offers a breathtaking view that enhances the overall dining atmosphere. The personalized service adds an extra touch of luxury, making you feel truly valued as a guest. Before diving into the main course, make sure to stop by the bar in the front for some exceptional cocktails. The mixologists here know their craft, and each drink is a work of art in itself. As for the food, prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! We opted for the chef's tasting menu this time, and it took our culinary journey to new heights. Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and creativity. From the first bite to the last, we were absolutely blown away. In conclusion, TAO Uptown is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly remarkable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this establishment exceeds all expectations. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the finest cuisine and hospitality that TAO has to offer! 🥢✨

+6

This was my boyfriends and I first time ever coming here and it was 10/10. Our waiter Precious ( sorry if i didn’t spell it right) was amazing to us. She helped us understand the menu and was easy to talk to. The drinks she recommended and had were the best drinks i’ve ever tasted, and I told her that too- this is the best drink I’ve ever had. She definitely goes above and beyond to make her guest at the table feel welcome and comfortable. The food as well- delicious, hot and fresh. This was splendid and we’d definitely come back.

Start with their Martini Flights — I chose lychee, appletini, and lemon drop 🍸 They have a great prix-fixe menu, which is an amazing deal for the day. I started with the Vietnamese Chicken Salad and had the Kung Pao Chicken as my entrée — everything was delicious. Don’t forget to ask for the Banana Pudding for dessert… best dessert in town! Great prices and excellent service. Highly recommend!

Fun place. I was nervous because the ratings weren't better but this place showed up!! I called to make a reservation for 1. The man was very helpful. I did the restraunt week special. The tuna tartar was a delicious mix of unami and spice. The Thai shrimp we're perfectly coated in sticky sweet sauce and the veggies were a good balance. To top it off an interactive dessert with crunchy and sweet hazel nuts vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate mousse. 👏🏽 Well done Tao.

Overall was very satisfied with our meal here! We loved our appetizers so much we ordered another round! The food and the drinks were just simply delicious. Definitely worth the hype!

Old but still contemporary. Such a value. Lunch special! We had vegetable rolls, shrimp, wraps for appetizers and kungpao chicken, noodle, steak for main. Couldn't eat them all. Grand interior never gets old. Serving very cordial as well. Next time, may come alone and eat at the bar.

TAO is a must visit experience in New York. The restaurant is stunning, with an impressive atmosphere that blends elegance and energy, making it perfect for a special dinner or a night out. We went as a group of three and tried several different dishes, all of them excellent full of flavor, beautifully presented, and perfect for sharing. The menu offers a great variety of highquality Asian inspired options, from sushi to hot dishes. The service was attentive and professional, and the vibrant ambiance makes the whole experience even more memorable. Definitely an iconic restaurant worth visiting.

Ever since I visited Tao for the first time, I have only been to their“Happy Hour,” we have had an incredible time every time. Their fun, alive and vibrant atmosphere, with people of all ages, makes it a melting pot of cultures, languages and preferences. We have fall in love with their “Tiny Tini Flight” specially the Leeche Martini and the Lemon Drop. Also the one dollar dumplings are delicious, fulfilling and affordable. We had the “Gyoza” (Chicken) and the vegetables. Also, one of the managers was kind enough to send us a round of shots, lemon drops. Our Server Sara is always available to help. You cannot go wrong if you want to spend a couple of hours with friends, colleagues or your significant other. Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday. My next review of Tao, will be for dinner. Stay tuned. “Eat deliciously"

Brian Stofko

When we arrived the up stairs bar was full. There was 2 chairs available, but not together. A gentleman employee asked the other guests to move to allow my wife and I to set. Lucy the bartender was excellent. She was busy but not busy enough to keep checking on us. It was Thanksgiving eve when we were there. So she was busy. Once it slowed down she was so very nice to laugh and talk with. Lucy thank you for a nice dinner and drink evening. Sorry you had to deal with us for a long time while we waited for the rain to stop .....Lol !!!

Aziz Hamdan

Superb food and atmosphere. Good for families or friends. Must have tuna tartar, kong boh chicken and paper beef.

Leonora A

Worth all of the hype— dishes, ambiance and service are all truly fantastic. Making a reservation is an absolute must. My date booked online for a late Saturday night and we were pretty much seated on time. The filet mignon with black garlic, shiitake butter and sun chokes was divine. The spicy tuna on crispy rice was extravagant. Many other tables enjoyed that as a shared plate as well. My date loved the traditional orange chicken and we shared an order of vegetable fried rice. Highly recommend for an evening of contemporary flair and upscale dining.

Marisa

The staff and atmosphere alone makes this place worth while. The food is phenomenal. I will definitely be back ! Thanks for an amazing night

Liana Kohle

TAO Uptown delivers a bold, unforgettable experience. The dramatic decor, pulsing energy, and dimly lit ambiance set the stage for a night out that feels both luxurious and lively. The pan-Asian dishes are flavorful and well-executed, perfect for sharing. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for the full vibe — and it delivers. Ideal for a stylish dinner or celebration.

Carmelo Stanco

TAO Uptown dazzles with its bold pan-Asian flair, theatrical décor, and buzzing ambiance. Dishes like Chilean sea bass and spicy tuna roll hit high notes in flavor. Service is attentive, though the menu feels a tad pricey. Ideal for a special night out in Midtown.

Diane M

Went to Tao uptown last night to celebrate a belated birthday and service, food and atmosphere were all 10 out of 10. Our server Paolo was the absolute best! Will absolutely ask for him next time we make a reservation. He made our dining experience even more fun, plus he took care of some of my friend’s dietary restrictions with ease. Drinks, apps, mains, and desserts all incredible. The orange chicken, fried rice, rock shrimp, and fortune cookie dessert were some of the favs.

+5

Sasha MG

TAO seems to have mixed reviews but i am so happy with my first visit here and i want to come back 1000 times. somehow managed to get a last minute reso during US open weekend. had us wait in the lounge about 10 mins before seating. service from then-on was incredibly fast like TOO fast. everyone was friendly and attentive. the food was beyond incredible. so delicious i recommend the cod, sushi, spring rolls, pad thai, general tao, and obviously the fortune cookie. drinks are fantastic too. price is reflective of the upscale vibe you’ll find inside and yet it was casual enough not to be posh. vibe inside is so cool and clean. i loved every second of it.

Jennifer Sola

Does not fail! This place is gorgeous, the ambiance is simply perfect! The staff are super nice! Great location and the food is delicious! Definitely worth coming back each time I travel to NY!

+4

J B C

I haven’t been her in years however today I had a doctors appointment fairly close by & decided to take my sister to lunch. To thank her for picking me up. (She took the pictures of our main courses) We started with chicken gyoza & duck spring rolls which were delicious. She had lacquered pork & I went with the king po chicken hold the peanuts. We decided not to finish our meals so that we could have dessert. We went a bit overboard & ordered the chai crème brûlée & the giant fortune cookie with vanilla & chocolate mousse (even with taking most of our meal to go we couldn’t finish the desserts). Our server was very polite & courteous checking to see if we needed anything. Depending if you have alcohol or choose to skip dessert the price of your meal will obviously vary. We skipped the alcohol but had a delicious feast & took food home for just $182 before tip. I was glad to see the food was still amazing.

+15

Debra Clark

Girls night out and we did the trio, forgot what it’s called but there was lychee, yeah I give up. They were different and cute and also very good. There were $1 wontons flowing. I really wish I could remember the name of the trio and what my friends ate but know that a time was had! We also celebrated a birthday as well, carrot cake and all edible. Nice evening, good crowd.

+1

Guille Sallato

A beautiful and well-decorated place. The food and service were excellent. 100% recommended. The best mixed Asian flavors...

+4

Noelle

5 Stars Incredible Experience! We called about ten minutes before arriving to make a reservation, and they were incredibly accommodating. The food was unbelievably fresh and delicious every bite was perfect. But what truly set the night apart was our waitress, Precious. Our waitress was phenomenal from start to finish. Warm, professional, and so genuinely kind she didn’t just serve us, she made the entire experience shine. She complimented the food with such pride, also the restaurant staff helped us switch tables when my date requested it without hesitation, and was just incredibly accommodating every step of the way. She even vibed with my date in the best possible way easygoing, friendly, and full of good energy. We ended up ordering way more than planned just because the whole experience felt so enjoyable. She deserves a raise or some serious recognition. It’s rare to come across someone who elevates not just the service, but the entire atmosphere. She made the night feel special and that’s something we won’t forget. 💫👏

+2

Today’s visit was a little annoying. I sat at the bar upstairs (usually I use the one on the lower level) the bar staff upstairs short Asian or Japanese girl served me, she was attentive but flat personality so I didn’t feel a need to engage. The guys downstairs are really nice. Food: I ordered the hot and sour soup; good as usual. Branzino: this was my issue, it comes with just a garnish of some type of shredded cabbage or something. When it arrives I was shocked at the portion, as they butterfly the fish and you get half of it, instead of the whole fish as I am use to from other restaurants in the city. It’s grossly overpriced at $42. I ordered jasmine rice to go with it because it was so small (photo shows how thin it was). The girl said she would talk to her manager. Fine, so 30mins later she arrives with a chocolate dessert as a compliment for the fish, but never asked me if I ate chocolate or dessert. lol like I don’t want to be rude so I ate half of it. I’m not a dessert person, so this didn’t make it any better. I’ll steer clear of these type of dishes at this restaurant.

I absolutely enjoyed my time here. I highly recommend the lobster and shrimp fried rice.The food tasted amazing but it was really salty. Apart from that, I had a wonderful time with my family celebrating our brothers birthday. They had forgotten a few of our foods but they fixed the issue right away. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. The restaurant was clean and the staff was alert and tended to our needs. I look forward to going back to this restaurant again.

+2

Celebrated my graduation here, I kind of wish you could give half stars my rating would be more a 3.5 stars, the service was lacking and some what rushed and the server neglected the celebratory note that was given prior to meanwhile the table next to us got full celebratory gestures. The food was mediocre, nothing to yell home about, he said his salmon was subpar and I had the 3way pork fried rice which was meh 🫤… the ambiance was okay, it gave confusion, some people really dressed up while others were regular. The best thing was the pot stickers and chicken dumplings which I didn’t get a photo of🥺. May return, but I’m in no rush.

+3

Loved the vibes! The food was a little overpriced, but still good. Perfect spot for celebrations or date night! Will definitely go back.

The food was decently good. Truthfully you can get the same taste in Chinatown for a lower price. The sushi taste what it should taste. The cocktails were pricey. It’s mostly for the vibe of the place. Book reservation for the place cause it does get packed during rush hours. They do charge $10 per person on your card for the reservation. In the end they minus it from the total of your bill. It would be hard to split the bill that way since the person who booked the reservation, already has been charged. If you’re sitting in the upper floors then it’s a lot of walking up & down the stairs for the bathroom. Their giant fortune cookie dessert is unique. Inside, it comes with prefix fortunes that doesn’t make any sense.

+6

We came here for lunch. They have an amazing lunch specials. Food was great. The Chilean sea bass satay is heavenly. Nice environment good music. The bathroom is a little confusing Yin for women Yang for men. Can’t wait to go back. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

+2

Came here for a friend’s birthday. The ambiance is great and the service is friendly. The drinks are pretty good, while the sushi and dumplings were tasty as well. The fried rice and the ribs were ok, though honestly it felt like something you could’ve gotten a lot cheaper at a Chinese spot up in the Bronx. The dessert sampler is great for pictures when celebrating. Honestly, the giant fortune cookie with the dark and white chocolate mousse was the star for me in desserts (specifically the dark chocolate side). The chai creme brûlée can be avoided, despite looking good. It’s a cool experience to have once for a night out overall.

+1

Full disclosure: I came here during lunch on a weekday which probably isn’t when this place shines. The server was very nice, but I ended up having to walk up to random servers to order after waiting around 15 minutes (which normally isn’t a big deal but it is during lunchtime). I had the coriander lamb chops which were delicious and perfectly! It was served with some type of curry paste (probably red Thai curry paste) which made it taste like a middle eastern and Thai fusion. The atmosphere was very impressive, I couldn’t stop looking around the restaurant and appreciating the decor and size of the interior. All in all, this spot seems more like a late night date or clubbing spot.

+1

Good food and cool environment. Nothing extraordinary. Great service. If you’re short on budget get their 3-course lunch menu from Mon-Friday at just $30 plus tax and tip.

+6

Super cool interior decor and atmosphere! Our waitress was great & very knowledgeable about the menu. Pictured is the sake flight, chicken lettuce wraps, sweet & spicy shrimp, kung pao chicken, and Ruby red martini. Everything was delicious! The shrimp was a little too fried for me, but flavor was great nonetheless. The menu had lots of good options so it was hard to decide what we wanted, but everything was tasty. Glad we tried it!

+1

really great food overall, but very overpriced. I think it's because the place is really more for the vibe and or experience. Or I have heard for partying or things like that. It was a great experience of the restaurant, the service was wonderful and everything tasted great. Again, just a bit overpriced, went around 6 PM on weekend on Sunday and easily got seats. Dessert though was wonderful and great value for money ($13 for 3 large scoops of either ice cream or sorbet)

+3

First time at Tao Downtown and what better time to go for dinner than for NYE. I will say that the hostesses looked stunning that day, however their attitudes can be checked with their superiority complex which was showing after we finished dining, but a little more on that later. The ambiance is impeccable, the Eastern Asian design flair was not over the top but beautifully complimented throughout the establishment. I’m surprised people take their kids to eat here but the atmosphere seems to make them behave like little adults 😅. We had the yellowtail Sushi and Pork Dumplings to start. They were really amazing and sensational. I love how there’s so much attention to details from the way the soup spoon and chopsticks holders are to the pot for soy sauce. We later had the Pad Thai Noodles which was good but we were filled just with the sushi and dumplings alone, so it came along with us for the night in a to-go bag. It tastes even better for leftovers. I understand New Years Eve is a huge celebration to prepare for, but as we were waiting to kill at least 10min of time before we left, in the front area near the bar, we were told by several hostesses and Maitre’d to move either to one side to the other, and then told to sit at the bar. To then being told by the bartenders that we cannot sit there, not even for 5 min because they had to prepare for the incoming party. We just wanted to sit, that’s all. We were guests who just finished eating and needed to wait a few minutes before heading out in the cold. But I don’t really expect much from Tao Group Hospitality. Overall great time with the company I was with despite it being a major holiday.

Here’s your reminder: Tao Uptown has a fantastic Happy Hour deals from 5-7 PM, Monday through Friday! Enjoy gob-smacking delicious $1 dumplings, $15 martini flights, $5 canned sake, wine, and beer, plus $5 small plates. Things to keep in mind—Happy Hour seating is only available in the common area, and it fills up fast, so get there early! The ventilation isn’t the best, so you might want to move around. Pro tip: there’s an upstairs bar that offers the same deals, and it’s often much less crowded. When I visited, it was practically empty. The dumplings were incredible, but the martinis were a bit on the smaller side. Next time, I’ll be ordering wine instead. Overall, it’s a great Happy Hour spot, especially for Uptown Manhattan!

If you’re are into ambience and decor Tao is the place. The environment is just rich and elegant. My Negroni was perfect so was my sushi, though my friends complain about some of there food. Overall experience was ok, i wish our waiter was more attentive but it was pretty busy in there

+6

A very nice restaurant in uptown area. Food is good. The main attraction is the Buddha. Haha. The lobster fried rice is really good same as the fish skewer. Likely the second floor or top floor will give you a better view of the restaurant

+1

This is a bustling restaurant that gets quite busy and loud with extensive wait times. Reservations are for a fee. The food and service is good even though it’s on the expensive side expected for the location. The prix-fixe menu is reasonable.

+6

Every time we visit New York, Tao Uptown is at the top of our list — it’s become a tradition! The food is always amazing, full of bold flavors and beautifully presented. From appetizers to dessert, everything tastes fresh and perfectly prepared.

My experience at TAO was quite mixed from start to finish. Here's everything you need to know. If you have a reservation for a specific time, you might not be seated right away. You could end up waiting at the bar for at least 15 minutes before getting a table. The waiting area is overwhelming and loud. However, once you're seated, you'll find yourself in one of the most incredible dining interiors in NYC. The atmosphere is incredible, though the restaurant is very dark and loud. As for the food, I think it's good, but the prices are quite high. Keep in mind that it's easy for two people to spend over $300. I recommend trying the chicken lettuce wraps, the crispy cauliflower, and the spicy tuna. For drinks, their strawberry wine vodka is delicious. The overall dining experience is great, and the service is very fast. However, there's pressure to leave within an hour. My party and I were ordering and eating at a normal pace, but we kept being presented with the check even though we weren't finished. All in all, this place gave me mixed feelings, but I still think it's worth visiting at least once. Would I go back? Probably not.

The food was delicious, but a bit pricey. The ambiance was good, making it a romantic evening for my partner and me.

Ty L

Came here for a birthday dinner, overall the service and food could be slightly better for our party of 7. We had the seafood fried rice on a hotplate, sea bass with mango salad, and 2 pad thai noodles, sausage and shrimp fried rice and the snow pea veggie dish and orange covered chicken. IMO, for the price of the seafood fried rice on the sizzling hot plate is totally not worth it. Also had the dessert sampler which looked amazing. Pretty much we are there just for the atmosphere of the restaurant. It isn’t anything authentic if that is your thing. For 7 people outta the door plus tips is about $380.. which is somewhat reasonable.

+17

RR

It has been years since we visited this location and while close to Times Square, the next visit will be back downtown. Early dinner, so place was cold until it filled up. Ordered a Moscato (sweet) and they brought me another wine instead of just telling me it wasn’t available. Had Satay bass, potstickers and our favorite sea bass for appetizers. For main course Branzino, sea bass (not as good as the appetizer), sausage rice. Sticky rice for dessert. Decent service from Paolo but not excellent.

+7

Carmine Battista

Definitely a place to be seen. Very trendy and very cool place. There isn’t a bad table in the house. A great venue. The food is equally great. We stuck to several tasting/small plates which we shared family style.

+3

We were a group of 5 friends, got seated fairly quickly as we had a reservation. Lovely atmosphere and fabulous food. The pad thai was too sweet for our taste. Unfortunately my friend found a hair in the chow fun while eating. We showed the server (it was a blonde hair and we all have black hair). I was disappointed that we were neither offered a replacement dish nor was it taken off the check. For a place of this stature, I would have expected that without being asked.

+2

Went for lunch, the food is kind of basic. The steak’s texture felt like it was frozen.

My first experience at Tao uptown wasn’t what I expected for the price. The quality of the food isn’t worth the price tag. The food is very mediocre. You can have better Asian food at china town for a way cheaper price & more authentic food. I wouldn’t go again & I do not recommend this place. Idk how my bill was $390 for two people. I am disappointed because I feel like I wasted money coming here. The service from my server Jennifer-360410 was good, she was friendly & efficient.

+4

This upscale Asian restaurant was very cool inside and out with some beautiful interior decor. However, that is all there is to it. You need to wait even with reservations. Your tables are wiggly. The price point was relatively high. Considering the price point, the service was okay. The beverages were mediocre at best. The food was below average, nearing the level of a food court Chinese food at a random mall. It is actually one of the worst “Pan-Asian” food I’ve ever had in a while. I wouldn’t recommend it.

+1

TAO Uptown on East 58th is beautifully decorated and has a cozy ambience. We were in the neighborhood and booked via OpenTable for lunch. I can understand the fusion-Asian attempt and we ordered Cantonese, Thai, and Japanese dish. The Pad Thai and BBQ pork were too sweet for me while the Chef’s Roll was the best dish out of the 3. It’s a nice restaurant or bar to visit for drinks and snacks.

+2

Tracy L

We went here for a birthday celebration because it looked so beautiful from the pictures online. I admit that the ambiance and energy were great. The huge Buddha, and overall design of the restaurant put us in an excited mood. It wasn’t crazy-crowded when we arrived at 5:30pm but it was packed by 6:30pm. Some of the dishes were good (pad Thai, rice, steak, and fish). The sizzling rice was disappointing (tiny portion for the price). I would recommend the dessert platter. I gave 2 stars for the service because our waiter was clearly not having a great night. He may fake-smile when he cops his attitude but it was clear he was being a jerk. I asked if they sing at the table when it’s someone’s birthday and he said, “YOU can sing. We won’t sing for you.” In a rude tone too. All he had to say was “no, we don’t do that here.” Also, I was in the restroom when I overheard the attendant telling someone they have to pay a tip if they wanted to try any of the perfumes they had there. Just tacky to ask for tip. I was going to tip her because she had hand towels ready once I got up to the sink, but then she blasted the cold water and wouldn’t let me control the faucet. I finally had to say “Can you please let go of the handles so I can turn on the hot water?” She wouldn’t so I said loudly “The water is too cold!” She turned on the hot water but some of the water splashed on my shirt. So overall, I think it’s 3 stars to be fair. I think we would have had a better night if we had overall better service.

Justine Andollo

Usually a great place for a special event- but, this time we were a little (ok, a lot) let down. The food and our server were equally fantastic. The major disappointment, being that I reserved this far enough in advance and letting them know it was my daughter's 21st birthday, was that our table was one of the shared booth's along the wall with no privacy and right next to the server's station- literally. Halfway through our meal, the table next to us was divided into tables for two, pushing one even closer to us. For what we were celebrating and what I spent on this meal (over $100 each), I would have expected much better. We visited the one downtown earlier this year for the second time and it was a much better experience. I am not sure I would return to this one for our next visit since it feels like the host staff gave little thought to what to us (and most people) is a monumental celebration. Luckily, we had a fantastic server (Isabella) who was very kind and made excellent recommendations ... and, again, the food was wonderful. To top off the night, unfortunately due to our location, the birthday dessert with candles was delivered to the wait station clearly visible to my daughter- so there was no surprise! Incredible food (5 stars) and fantastic server (5 stars). Incredibly disappointing seating (1 star) for an important celebration ultimately making it just a good night, not a great night. My advice? Be sure to ask for a nicer table when visiting for something special and make sure it is not the shared booth space. We would have waited longer had we known. We can't get a do-over on a birthday dinner like this, but I really wish we could. ***Side note: The waiting area is far too small to accommodate so many people so you end up fighting your way through just to find some place to hopefully sit, but at the very least, just to get out of the way. Luckily our wait was under 10 minutes once we all checked in. They will not seat you unless everyone is there. I arrived early hoping to get to a table and order appetizers for all of us - which (somewhat) understandably they would not allow.

Eunice trust

First off it’s for aesthetics for sure. The place is lit up and very spacious. My brother and I did a walk in and was told unless we sat at the bar it was like a 45 minute wait. This location is busy. We finally sat at the bar and was told if we didn’t show IDs we couldn’t sit at the bar… the food comes out and everything was just okay. I wouldn’t recommend this place, there’s plenty of nearby places with better food.

+2

We have always enjoyed dining at Tao and chose it for an early birthday dinner, which made this experience especially disappointing. After dinner, my boyfriend went to bring the car around and I waited at the bar. While waiting, I ordered a drink and was told by one bartender that I could not be served without a physical ID. I completely understand and respect that this may be policy. However, earlier in the evening, both upstairs and at the bar before dinner, I had already been served without being asked for ID, which made the situation confusing. While I was standing at the bar, another bartender asked me if I would like a drink and mentioned that I could show a photo of my ID. I was simply responding to his question when the first bartender, Ray, approached and interrupted the conversation to repeat that I could not be served. He then said he would get a manager because I was being “aggressive,” which felt like a complete exaggeration, as I was speaking calmly and had not asked him to serve me. The issue was not the policy itself, but the way the interaction was handled and unnecessarily escalated. It felt unprofessional and uncomfortable, especially during what was meant to be a birthday celebration. We truly enjoy this restaurant and hope management can address situations like this so future guests do not have a similar experience.

Good music good drinks disgusting food orange chicken was not battered as depicted and not seasoned. Just thrown together

I loved this appetizer, it tasted so delicious with the softness of the spicy tuna and crispy rice blending together in each bite. The presentation of this dish was stunning. And it tasted as good as it looked. It was so soft and yummy! Even paired with the ice cream, it wasn't too sweet but perfect. But unfortunately, for the meat dishes, the sauce was extremely salty, and the dish did not come with rice or anything that would balance out this saltiness.

Was a bit disappointed as upon arrival; on a Wednesday evening, we were told there was a wait to be sat, although online there were reservations every 15 minutes … I understand the top floor is sometimes closed and things happen; however, the hostess told us even if we had made a reservation, we would still have to wait… she did not suggest sitting at the bar in the meantime although it was completely open, she did not mention that we could order cocktails in the lounge while we wait. The service from the hostesses seemed extremely lazy and the only reason I knew how to the handle the situation is because I am a former employee. Smh, the staff needs to do better here and stop being lazy when it comes to customer service.

Aman Gupta

Bad bland food and slow service. How can you be an upscale restaurant and mess up a simple dish like spring rolls? None of the dishes were up to the mark and you are better off going to a low-key Thai restaurant instead. Fusion bad!

I received extremely poor service from Sarah. When my friend and I were seated, she looked directly at us but did not acknowledge us, returning nearly 20 minutes later to take our order. She brought water for me but intentionally did not serve water to my friend. As I understand it, water should be provided to all guests. When I politely brought this to her attention, she became combative, did not apologize, and walked away. Unfortunately, this has been an ongoing issue with Sarah for over a year, and management has yet to address it. If this behavior continues without intervention, the establishment risks losing loyal customers.

Our reservation was at 8pm, we wait till 9pm for our table, table was super close to other tables, impossible to fit 5ppl. Also when I asked after 40 min wait for table, host replied: “guests are eating their dessert, when they finish will make your table ready “ I ordered stake medium rare, over cooked! I sent back of course. Desert for BD came after 45 min from order. NEVER AGAIN THIS LOCATION! Such a shame for Tao group to have this location. Why you accepting reservation at 8pm if till 9:15 have no tables?!!

I’ve been to TAO in Chicago and Los Angeles multiple times and always had a great experience, so I walked into TAO Uptown expecting the same level of service. Unfortunately, this was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had at any TAO location. Our reservation was for 8:00 PM, and we were told we’d be seated “shortly.” Shortly apparently means absolutely nothing here, because by 9:00 PM we were still crammed in a waiting area, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with dozens of other guests. The restaurant was clearly overbooked beyond anything reasonable—there was no space to move, no updates, nothing. The communication was horrible. Staff kept repeating the same vague lines with zero transparency, and at that point it was obvious they had lost control of the seating situation. People around us were visibly frustrated, and several groups actually left. I even spoke with someone who had been waiting for an hour and a half past their reservation time. Completely unacceptable for any restaurant, let alone one that markets itself as a premier dining experience. TAO Uptown clearly needs to seriously reevaluate how they handle reservations and customer communication, because this was the most chaotic, disorganized, and disappointing dining experience I’ve ever had. I won’t be returning. My advice, go spend your money at any other restaurant in New York City. I promise TAO in Uptown isnt worth it.

I have never experienced such rude behavior from restaurant employees ever. We were here from out of town to celebrate a birthday and I should have walked out when the hostess was so rude, but we stayed and pretty much everyone aside from the bussers were rude. Sushi was delicious, and the decor was cool, but none of that makes up for the hideous behavior by the staff. I’d write more details but we left and are off to find a more suitable place to celebrate our son’s birthday. Do NOT go here.

The service was EXTREMELY SLOW! We were there for 5 hours, dessert took almost 2 hours after dinner! The soup was not hot and the orange chicken was tasteless. My friend had the $98 steak, they made it wrong so she ended up waiting 10 more minutes after we all got our food, and it was chewy, fatty and they didn’t give her a steak knife. Took 20 more minutes to get a waiter over to ask for one. The sushi and dessert was pretty good. The bathrooms aren’t labeled men or women but Yin and Yang with no evidence which is which. They started rolling giant heavy tables around the restaurant- so unsafe, someone could’ve gotten seriously hurt. I was so excited to try their famous martinis, but I was very disappointed. We came with a big group and they split us up, said we’d be “close”, but the other half of our group was across the restaurant!! We made reservations weeks ahead of time and arrived early. They gave up one of our tables for a walk in!?!?! This place is severely over rated and over priced!!!!

+2

I’m extremely disappointed with my experience at Tao in New York City. I arrived wearing a medical boot due to an injury and was simply hoping to sit, order a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere like any other guest. Instead, I was given the runaround by the bar staff for quite some time. Every time I attempted to place an order, I was either redirected to someone else or told something different. After waiting and trying multiple times to order, I was ultimately told that they would not take my order at all. There was no clear explanation and no attempt to accommodate someone who was visibly injured and just looking for basic service. It was frustrating and honestly disappointing to be treated this way. In a city like New York, you expect a certain level of hospitality and professionalism. A little understanding and courtesy would have gone a long way. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling unwelcome and unlikely to return.

Let's start with the only positive of this place -- the aesthetic is gorgeous and stunning. There is a massive floating beautiful Buddha front and center. The food however was awful. The vegetable lo mein was completely lacking flavor, the orange chicken literally tasted raw, and the Thai BBQ chicken had zero sauce, was basically grilled chicken with lemon and soy sauce. I've never had such terrible Asian fusion in my life. The food was below average for Asian. They agreed to take the orange chicken back and remake it, and when they brought it back it did taste more cooked but I was appalled this happened in the first place in a restaurant like this especially with the prices for the dishes. I'm all for fancy restaurants charging high for amazing food when it's warranted and deserved but I have no idea why this place thinks they can charge the prices they do for such unseasoned food lacking flavor. The hot sauce they provided was literally Sriracha, what kind of Asian place lacks chili oil or legit hot sauce! Let's get to the service now. We had a 8:30 reservation and came with a child. We had to wait till 9:15 pm to even get a table. This is after we called earlier and told them we are coming with a toddler and they told us no worries we are child friendly. Making your customers wait over 45 minutes for a table when they have a reservation is not child friendly. Our server also seemed to be paying more attention to the table next to us, seeming very rushed with us, not really checking in on us, but then randomly bringing out a "surprise" desert tower "courtesy of the chef" of a large fortune cookie, donuts, mango sticky rice for the table next to us and completely forgetting the fact that we booked this place for an anniversary dinner. How does this place decide who to randomly give towers of desserts to "courtesy of the chef"? The whole experience was awful and I would never return here again nor would I recommend this to any family or friends celebrating anything special.

Celebrating a birthday and requested the dessert menu, the waiter offered us the option of a surprise dessert. We accepted, expecting a thoughtful selection from their menu. Instead, we were presented with a single strawberry cut in half with some fortune cookies... The manager Brian Lopez, who I emailed, said that the dessert was not complimentary as an excuse for his employee's lack of couth. We fully intended to pay for dessert, which is why we initially asked to see the menu. Receiving a halved strawberry for a birthday celebration was unexpected and far from what we anticipated. This experience was very disappointing, and as a result, I will not be returning to this establishment.