Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Tang Pavilion offers an exceptional gateway to authentic Shanghainese and broader Chinese flavors right near the Museum of Modern Art. This vibrant eatery, serving as a restaurant, bar, and takeout hub, has been delighting New Yorkers for over three decades with its bold, meticulously crafted Asian dishes.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere blends the charm of a cozy neighborhood spot with an understated elegance perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners. The dining space, featuring a quaint bar area and a narrow yet inviting seating arrangement, creates a sense of intimacy that complements the rich culinary experience.
What truly sets Tang Pavilion apart is its dedication to authentic, deeply satisfying flavors. A standout favorite among patrons is the legendary Drunk Chicken, a chilled dish where tender chicken is bathed in a fragrant Shaoxing wine brine. This dish alone leaves a lasting impression with its delicate balance of savory warmth and refreshing coolness. Another beloved item is the Pan-Fried Noodles, boasting a perfect crispy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the rich, melt-in-your-mouth House Special Beef—tender filet mignon bites that elevate the meal to something truly memorable.
For those seeking a more hearty option, the Half Peking Duck comes highly recommended, delivering succulent slices of duck crisped to perfection and portioned generously enough to satisfy a solo lunch or shared meal. There’s also a variety of beloved classics like Chicken with Garlic Sauce served quickly and with an authentic punch of flavor, ideal for takeout or dine-in.
Service at Tang Pavilion tends to be prompt and courteous, with staff well-versed in guiding guests through their menu choices. Several customers have remarked on the attentive hospitality, though a few have noted moments of briskness from the waitstaff—perhaps a reflection of the bustling Midtown environment. Regardless, guests leave satisfied, enchanted by the quality and authenticity of the food.
Cleanliness, often overlooked in busy city dining, is a highlight here as well; even the restrooms receive praise for their upkeep, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to a comfortable guest experience.
Tang Pavilion's longevity and consistent acclaim speak volumes. Whether you’re a local craving genuine Chinese flavors or a visitor seeking a dependable culinary adventure near Times Square and MoMA, Tang Pavilion invites you to indulge in its rich tapestry of tastes. With an eye-opening menu and an ambiance that feels like a well-kept secret, this Midtown gem deserves a spot on every food lover’s map.
Excellent Shanghainese meal near MOMA. I came here with 2 other adults and 2 kids around lunchtime on a weekend and we were greeted and seated right away. In fact, service was excellent throughout. We ordered 3 dishes which were just right with no leftovers. The Drunk Chicken is a MUST! Typically served cold, the Shaoxing wine flavor of its brine really shined through for an extremely tasty chicken. Then the Shanghai-Style Noodles (customized with tofu) are ANOTHER MUST TRY! The texture and bite of these noods was so satisfying! Then their 8-Jewel Shrimp dish off of their Shanghai Specials menu was chock full of yummy shrimp, tofu, edamame, mushrooms, and more with well-balanced spice. I would order everything again! Let's Tang!!! NOTES/TIPS: **Wheelchair-accessible space and restrooms **Plenty of tables, vast menu. Most entrees come with rice.
A.U.T.H.E.N.T.I.C. I was staying at the Sheraton Times Square hotel and asked the concierge which nearby Chinese restaurant was the best. Without hesitation he said, "Tang." A few blocks later and I'm placing my takeout order of Chicken with Garlic Sauce and brown rice. In almost no time, maybe five minutes, I was handed my food. For dining in, they have a quaint bar and a narrow room with tables positioned left and right. Prices are reasonable, service is fast and friendly, and the food is delicious; mine was nice and spicy. Highly recommend.
Absolutely delicious and fresh! I cannot stress enough how amazing this restaurant is. Please please get in here and order the pan friend noodles + house special beef (filet mignon bites). Honestly we're so happy with our decision to head there. Michael was a phenomenal waiter....we chatted that this place has been there for 32 years. I 100% understand why! Just go go go...you will not regret it.
Good Chinese restaurant in midtown area! I got the half Peking duck. Was served relatively fast. 4 servings, enough for a one-person lunch. Delicious. Restroom is very clean! Major kudos on that. Service isn’t the most attentive - the waiter is slightly snarky(?) and impatient for some reason, as some other comments also have noted. Oh - one thing to note: they automatically apply 20% gratuity, so no need to additionally tip.
Amazing food and great service! Will definitely come back.
Our fist time here. We typically go downtown to China Town whenever we are on the mood for Chinese food. Tonight, we were not wanting to trek from our home in mid town to down town… We stumbled upon Tang Pavillion and glad we did. We ordered (not in picture set) wonton soup and fried pork dumpling to start. Both were freshly made and the dough was just right. Our main Peking Duck was really well prepared. The meat was moist. The skin was crispy and not overly cooked/burnt. The wraps for the Peking Duck are made from tapioca flour which makes it semisweet and a good chewy texture. The pork fried rice was perfectly cooked as well. Don’t know if it was that it was freshly cooled or the ingredients, but the flavor and texture we also well balanced. We will be heading back (after they re-open)….they are closing starting Tomorrow for a 2 week refresh renovation.
Food: The appetizers are fabulous and delicious, it goes without saying that the soup dumpling is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and bbq styled ribs are too amazing I love particularly the Shanghai style meatball. It definitely comes at a way larger portion than I expected. Environment: The interior design is fancy, definitely has the vibe you’d see in old Hollywood movies (kinda sorta reminds of that restaurant from the Year of Dragon). There are some calligraphy pieces and other visual art pieces presented, vintage and aesthetic. Service: The waiters are incredible too. Patient and great to talk to if you are in need of suggestions when ordering. I love how I could blurrily hear them speaking in Shanghai dialect somehow lol.
I was glad my friend’s condo is next to this. I got to try the Vegan Gen tso and it’s so freaking good! They also have green beans but it’s not on the Vegan menu so just ask and look for it. Can’t wait to try more vegan options here!