Yingtao

Chinese restaurants in Midtown often lean toward quick bites or banquet-style dining, but the neighborhood still holds spots where the menu feels like a quiet conversation with tradition. Yingtao fits that rhythm—an evening option where counter service keeps things unpretentious while the wine list and cocktails add a layer of leisure. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t rush the meal, letting small plates and shared desserts set the pace.

The address is 805 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, a stretch where theater crowds and office workers overlap after dark. Beer, wine, and cocktails round out the offerings, making it easy to linger over dinner or dessert without the pressure of a full-course commitment. Ownership here reflects the diversity of the block: Asian-owned and women-owned, a detail that subtly shapes the character of the space.

Call (845) 236-6577 when plans firm up—no need for formality, just a heads-up if the group grows. For directions, the map at this link will drop you right at the door. Sometimes the simplest meals leave the longest impression.