TAO Downtown Restaurant

- 92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

In a city filled with countless dining options, TAO Downtown Restaurant stands out not just for its exceptional cuisine but for its immersive and unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this restaurant is a destination in itself, a sprawling, subterranean space that transports guests from the bustling streets of New York into an opulent and dimly lit world. Known for its Asian fusion menu, TAO Downtown offers a culinary journey that is as impressive as its atmosphere. The moment you walk through the signature red double doors and descend into the vast, multi-level dining room, you're greeted by a sense of grandeur and a lively, energetic buzz. The centerpiece of the space is a magnificent Quan Yin statue, which commands attention and sets a majestic tone for the entire evening. TAO Downtown is more than a place to eat; it's a social hub, a space where exquisite food, sophisticated cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere come together to create a truly one-of-a-kind dining event. It has become a magnet for a trendy, diverse crowd, including locals celebrating special occasions, groups of friends enjoying a night out, and tourists seeking a quintessential New York City experience. Its ability to combine a high-end dining service with a lively, upbeat vibe makes it a unique fixture in the city's culinary landscape.

The culinary offerings at TAO Downtown are as grand as its decor. The menu is a thoughtful compilation of pan-Asian dishes, from small plates perfect for sharing to large format entrees designed to impress. Dishes like the Crispy Short Rib Bao Buns and Spicy Tuna Tartare on Crispy Rice have become customer favorites, reflecting the kitchen's mastery of both classic and modern Asian flavors. The restaurant is particularly known for its great desserts, with the Giant Fortune Cookie and Chocolate Buddha being iconic choices that provide a theatrical and delicious end to the meal. Beyond the food, TAO is celebrated for its fantastic beverage program, featuring a great beer selection, an extensive wine list, and a masterful cocktail menu—the Lychee Martini is a particular standout, noted by guests for its freshness and potency. The combination of an incredible menu, a stunning setting, and a lively atmosphere means that TAO Downtown is not just a place to dine but a place to celebrate. The staff is consistently praised for being attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, guiding guests through the menu and making sure every detail of the dining experience is perfect. This commitment to both culinary excellence and service is a key reason why it remains a top choice for dinner and late-night food in New York City.

Situated at 92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, TAO Downtown is ideally located in the vibrant and trendy Chelsea neighborhood. Its position provides excellent accessibility for both local New Yorkers and visitors. The restaurant is within walking distance of several major subway lines, making it easy to reach from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. For those utilizing public transit, the A, C, E, and L lines at the 14th Street-8th Avenue station are just a short walk away. This prime location also places it in the heart of the Meatpacking District, an area known for its bustling nightlife, high-end shops, and cultural attractions like the High Line. For those who prefer to drive, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity, though it's important to note that, as with most of New York City, finding a spot can be challenging. Many patrons opt for ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle. The entrance itself, marked by two red double doors, adds to the sense of an exclusive, hidden-gem experience. Upon entry, guests are immediately drawn into a visually stunning, multi-level space, designed to feel as if it has been there for decades. The location and its design work together to create a sense of escape from the city outside, a crucial part of the TAO experience.

TAO Downtown offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities that enhance the dining experience. The restaurant provides a variety of service options including **outdoor seating**, **curbside pickup**, **no-contact delivery**, **delivery**, **takeout**, and of course, a full **dine-in** experience. This versatility ensures that guests can enjoy TAO’s cuisine whether they are dining at the restaurant or at home. The establishment is a full-service **Asian fusion restaurant**, with a wide array of offerings beyond its food menu. It has a full **bar onsite**, serving a great selection of **alcohol**, **beer**, **cocktails**, **hard liquor**, and **wine**. It is also a fantastic spot for **coffee** and has a noteworthy **tea selection**. The menu itself is thoughtfully designed to cater to various preferences, including **healthy options**, **organic dishes**, and **vegetarian options**. Patrons can choose from an extensive list of **small plates** perfect for sharing, or more substantial entrees. For special events, TAO offers a **private dining room**, which is a highly sought-after amenity for celebrations and corporate gatherings. The restaurant’s dining options cover **brunch**, **lunch**, **dinner**, and **dessert**, with **table service** provided throughout. The availability of late-night food is also a major draw for the after-hours crowd. To ensure a smooth visit, TAO strongly recommends making **reservations**, especially for dinner, as the place is known to have a wait.

Services Offered:

• Full-service dining with outdoor seating, curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in options.
• Extensive bar with a great selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor.
• Menu includes healthy, organic, and vegetarian options.
• Private dining rooms available for special occasions and events.
• Accepts reservations for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

TAO Downtown is celebrated for its unique features and highlights, which elevate it from a simple restaurant to a full-fledged experience. One of its most significant highlights is the **fast service**, a testament to the staff’s efficiency despite the restaurant's large size and high volume. This is complemented by the high-quality beverage program, which includes **great cocktails**, an exceptional **wine list**, and a wide selection of beers and teas. The dessert menu is also a major highlight, with items like the Giant Fortune Cookie that are both delicious and memorable. The restaurant's atmosphere is a key feature, described as **cozy**, **romantic**, **trendy**, and **upscale**. The dimly lit, multi-level space and a DJ who plays a fun mix of music contribute to a lively and energetic vibe, especially in the evenings. The establishment is also highly **accessible**, with a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **restroom**, and **seating**, making it a welcoming place for everyone. The crowd is a mix of **family-friendly** diners, large **groups**, and **tourists**, and its popularity for both **lunch** and **dinner** speaks to its wide appeal. An additional amenity that adds to the convenience for guests is the on-site **Wi-Fi**. The combination of incredible food, a dynamic and beautiful setting, and a lively social scene is what truly makes TAO Downtown a standout in New York City.

Features and Highlights:

• Known for its stunning and immersive atmosphere, with a trendy, upscale, and romantic feel.
• Highlights include fast service and a top-notch beverage program.
• Highly accessible, with full wheelchair accessibility.
• Popular for lunch and dinner, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.
• Offers late-night food and private dining options.

Address: 92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (212) 888-2724

When considering where to dine in New York City, TAO Downtown is an excellent choice for several reasons. First and foremost, it offers a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. The ambiance alone is worth the visit—the vast, beautifully designed space provides a backdrop that is both dramatic and intimate. It’s a place that feels special from the moment you walk in, making it an ideal location for a date night, a celebration, or a memorable evening with friends. The food is consistently praised for being delicious and inventive, with a menu that offers something for every palate, from the adventurous to the more traditional. While it is certainly an upscale establishment with prices to match, the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience justify the cost. The variety of dining options, from quick small plates to a multi-course dinner, gives patrons the flexibility to tailor their visit to their needs. The fact that reservations are recommended, and that there is often a wait, is a testament to its popularity and the high demand for its unique experience. What is particularly worth choosing is the combination of its great food, extensive drink menu, and energetic atmosphere. It’s a one-stop-shop for a night out—you can enjoy a fantastic dinner and then stay to soak in the lively atmosphere, possibly even catching a glimpse of a celebrity. The positive reviews from customers, highlighting the friendly staff, delicious food, and unique setting, are a strong indicator of the consistently high-quality experience. For anyone in New York looking for more than just a meal, but an event to remember, TAO Downtown is an unbeatable choice.

TAO Downtown Restaurant

92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA