MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View

The jewel of Chinatown’s stylish China Live complex actually has nine tables, but it's still one of the most intimate spots in town (and priced accordingly). Patterned after the “private chateau” restaurants that are all the rage in the Far East, this one has good looks to spare—from its midcentury-meets-Chinese décor to the marvelous cocktails that are turned out by the hugely talented bartenders. The nine-course tasting menu repurposes luxe Western ingredients in classic dishes, from crisp, lacy dumplings to char siu made with Ibérico pork. The notable "nine tastes of China" starter offers the greatest of pleasures, including poached chicken stuffed with cured egg yolk and beef tendon with those tingling Sichuan peppercorns.