Set the Scene
Occupying the former Le Cirque space in Beacon Court, Hutong is the first U.S. outpost of Hong Kong-based Aqua Restaurant Group and brings contemporary Northern Chinese cuisine to one of Manhattan's most recognizable dining addresses.
Inspired by the Art Deco glamour of 1920s New York and Shanghai, the dining room is a showpiece with its soaring ceilings, polished marble, and lacquered finishes. A striking chandelier anchors the space. It's elegant without feeling overly formal and lively without becoming loud. You can come here for a celebration or a deal-making business dinner.
The menu pulls inspiration from Northern China's culinary traditions with influences from Beijing, Sichuan, Hunan, and Shanghai. Traditional recipes have been given a lighter, more contemporary interpretation while still honoring the bold flavors that define the region.
What's The Food Like
The menu offers many temptations, so it is best to dine with a group. And heed the server’s warning if they call a dish “spicy.”
Starting with Dim Sum, the pan-fried Ma La spicy chicken dumplings will prepare your palate for future courses. Hot & sour Xiao Long Bao, filled with pork and a deeply flavored broth, are a good pick, too.
Peking duck is another must-order. Prepared over 24 hours before being carved tableside, the skin is beautifully crisp while the meat remains moist and tender. The pancakes are paper-thin and the plum sauce accompaniment appropriately tart.
Sanchen spiced chicken arrives on a large platter, with small morsels of chicken, spiced with star anise and cumin, buried under a heap of what look like flower petals but reveal themselves to be opened, wok-fired Sichuan chilies. Accompanied by Hutong Dan Dan noodles in a pork, sesame, and peanut broth, the aromas are enticing, and the flavor is lip-numbing
Dessert continues the playful approach. Bao and Soy Milk transforms a Chinese comfort-food pairing into an elegant finale, with a white-chocolate-coated sesame and caramel mousse paired with house-made soy milk ice cream.
Let's Talk About The Drinks
The cocktail program is just as thoughtful as the kitchen.
Comfortably Numb is the signature for a reason, blending vanilla vodka, lychee liqueur, Sichuan pepper honey, and ruby grapefruit before being finished with a rim of dried Sichuan pepper that creates a subtle tingling sensation with every sip.
The wine list is equally ambitious, balancing well-known labels with lesser-known discoveries chosen specifically to complement the restaurant's bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
Midtown East isn't short on expense-account restaurants, but high-end Chinese spots seem to have either closed or seen better times. Hutong, with its spectacular dining room and polished Northern Chinese cooking, has clearly traversed the gap.
Fast Facts
Location: Midtown East, NYC
Address: 731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (Beacon Court entrance on 58th Street)
Cuisine: Contemporary Northern Chinese
Price Point: $$$$
Takes Reservations: Yes, by phone at 212-758-4800 or on its website.
Our Favorite Thing on the Menu: Sanchen spiced chicken
The Vibe: Glamorous, energetic, and Art Deco-inspired
The Attire: Smart casual to dressy
Reservations: Phone: (212) 758-4800
New York City, United States
