Yingtao, a new Chinese fine-dining restaurant, is set to open in Hell’s Kitchen later this year. The founder, Bolun Yao, is a recent graduate of NYU’s Food Science Masters program and aims to introduce a contemporary Chinese cuisine experience with a New York twist.
The restaurant’s name, meaning cherry in Chinese, pays homage to the founder’s grandmother. The restaurant’s objective is to challenge the traditional Chinese cuisine status quo by exploring the possibilities of Chinese food and incorporating creative ideas to provide a fine dining experience.
Yingtao’s menu will offer a new vision of traditional Chinese food refined with the essence of French techniques. The restaurant will not feature a DJ or roadbed seating, but Yao has engaged an architect who has designed several Michelin-starred restaurants to create a first-class aesthetic. The location will seat 38 guests at tables and 8 at the bar, and Yao is currently preparing to apply for a beer and wine license.
The menu will feature elevated takes on traditional Chinese dishes, including hot and cold appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, and main courses like grilled fish and Peking duck. The restaurant’s star offering will be an 8-course tasting menu with an optional wine-pairing experience. Yao plans to incorporate modern cooking techniques with local culinary specialties and heritages to deliver an authentic Chinese culinary experience.
Yingtao’s Instagram page provides regular updates as the team prepares for opening day. With its unique approach to Chinese fine-dining, Yingtao is poised to attract a diverse clientele seeking a new culinary experience that blends traditional Chinese cuisine with modern techniques and creative ideas.
