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
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Cafe Evergreen

1288 1st Ave, at 69th St, New York, NY 10021-5569 212-744-3266

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This hip restaurant, whose contemporary décor is ideal for the Upper East Side, specializes in quality Cantonese cuisine. If you want a true Chinese experience, try their Five-Course Gourmet or Five-Course Seafood menus. Evergreen's surprising wine list sports several French and Californian selections, and their Wine Events are worthwhile affairs, featuring wine tastings and exclusive fixed menus. Dim Sum Brunch Sat-Sun 11:30am-3:30pm. Reservations are suggested, and required for Wine Events. TRAIN: 6 to 68th St
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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
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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
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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
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Evergreen Shanghai

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

Description: MURRAY HILL. Bring cash only to this Murray Hill eatery. 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
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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
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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
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Mr. Chow

324 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022 212-751-9030

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Art deco ambience and a selection of Chinese delicacies are the trademarks of Mr. Chow, a long popular Eastside stop. Shrimp or steak dishes come highly recommended, as do the scallops and prawns. Delicious. Be sure and keep an eye out for the celebrities and artists that abound. TRAIN: N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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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
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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
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Our Place

1444 3rd Ave, at 82nd St, New York, NY 10028-1904 212-288-4888

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Upper East Side Chinese eatery enjoys a fair amount of positive pub for both its spicy Szechuan dishes and great prices. Expect to be treated like royalty by the sharply dressed waitstaff, who will go to the extra mile to ensure that you enjoy your meal at Our Place. Menu favorites include the Szechuan chicken, Grand Marnier shrimp, and lobster in white wine sauce. Reservations are accepted, and take-out is available. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Phoenix Garden

242 E 40th St, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10016-1732 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
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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
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Shanghai Pavilion

1378 3rd Ave, between 78th and 19th St, New York, NY 10021 212-585-3388

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. The stylish digs and creative foods combine to make this upscale Shanghainese eatery one of the East 70s' more buzz-worthy destinations. Indeed, Pavilion isn't dressed like the tiny dim sum and Hong Kong-style joints downtown, and the crowd that frequents this place is a handsome mix of bankers, lawyers and other young professionals. What draws them in, of course, isn't the scene as much as it is the food, which includes favorites like soup dumplings and Beggar's Chicken, a vegetable-stuffed chicken that must be ordered at least a day in advance and is delivered to the table with great fanfare. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Shun Lee Palace

155 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022 212-371-8844

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Make sure you call ahead for the sumptuous banquet at this famed Midtown eatery. An elegant atmosphere highlights the great food on the menu, including old standards and new turns on traditional favorites. If you have questions, ask the wait staff ­ they are renowned for picking just the right menu item for any taste. TRAIN: E, F, N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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Shun Lee West

43 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023 212-595-8895

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. This chic address is just a short walk from Lincoln Center. Shiny black lacquer dominates the interior and is complemented by dream-like elements ­ the alabaster monkeys that dance around the bar, the gold and red dragon encircling one dining room. The adjacent dim sum café is more retro with its black and white tiles. The menu, meanwhile, focuses on "haute" versions of traditional Cantonese, Hunan and Szechwan dishes, resulting in remarkable creations like Grand Marnier prawns with honey walnuts, braised sea bass in hot bean sauce, and buffalo fillet sautéed with leeks. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 66th St-Lincoln Center
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Tang Pavilion

65 W 55th St, between 5th & 6th Aves, New York, NY 10019 212-956-6888

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Known for its efficient waitstaff, this restaurant offers an upscale Chinese dining choice in Midtown. The black and gold accented interior exudes mystery and allure while the menu boasts unusual and tasty selections such as eel, jellyfish, shrimp and seaweed. Specialty items (shark's fin) can be ordered in season, but these items must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations accepted and dress is business casual. TRAIN: E, F to 5th Ave
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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
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XO Kitchen

148 Hester 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
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