Chinatown Brasserie

I was out in the NoHo area and after an event decided to dine here with my group.  I love Asian inspired foods and this looked like a decent spot.  I don’t frequent NoHo often so I can in with no expectations.

Chinatown Brasserie is located in the NoHo section of Manhattan, the name is misnomer, and could be confusing for someone not familiar with the neighborhood.  Located on Lafayette, it’s equidistant between Astor Place or Bleeker Street subway stations.  The area provides provided good pre and post dinner options.

Reservations are simple, I made them through opentable.   There were lots of openings as this was a week night.  The restaurant is casual dining.

Chinatown Brasserie reminds me of a large movie set.  A dark cavernous Chinese restaurant with multiple sections decorated in the stereotypical Chinese decor.  Upon entering there is a bar to your right, in the middle the main dining floor and to the far right a raised seating area that provides a bit more privacy.

 

The space planning is done well, the tables have enough space between so you don't feel as though your intruding on your neighbors space.  We were unable to hear diners at other tables, which made for easy conversation at out table.  Lastly,  you have enough space to navigate around waitstaff and other patrons moving about the restaurant.

For lunch or a weekend, I would take a kid here, but since there is a large bar, I don't think Chinatown Brasserie is kid-friendly for dinner.

The menu is full of familiar Chinese dishes with nice selection of Dim Sum.  The Duck is a house specialties and there are quite a few vegetarian dishes.

We started out with cocktails in the bar while waiting for the entire party to arrive.  The drinks are tasty and well presented.  When our entire group arrived, we transferred the cocktails to our dinner menu with no issues.

For appetizers we ordered vegetable spring rolls, duck rolls, shrimp dumpling and shrimp and snow pea dumplings.  One word:  scrumptious!

The table ordered pork with string beans, Beef and Chinese broccoli, Chicken with Asparagus and mushrooms and a Shrimp Salad.

The entrees were presented nicely and the portions are more than adequate.  Fresh and tasty, however, I felt that the entrees we selected were just average.  They weren’t bad, they just weren’t at a quality that matched the price point.  They were in no way the worst entrees we’ve experienced, but far from being the worst.  

The service at Chinatown Brasserie was solid, from the hostess to the waitstaff.  No lapses in service or table check.  It was a good balance without being obtrusive.

The price at close to $40 per person, including alcohol, was far more expensive than what you could get at restaurants in China Town or at my corner Chinese joint.

Overall I thought this was a middle of the road dinner dining experience that I went into with no expectations. If I were to return, I might start or end an evening here, to explore more appetizers and have good conversation.


Chinatown Brasserie
380 Lafayette Street
New York, 10012
(212) 533-7000
Web:  www.chinatownbrasserie.com