Where Art Deco glamour meets Northern Chinese mastery, Hutong New York transforms Midtown Manhattan dining through the Aqua Restaurant Group's first American outpost, delivering award-winning regional cuisine within a theatrical fine dining experience that rivals the world's most celebrated establishments.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2003 by David Yeo, Hutong has earned international acclaim across 23 locations spanning Hong Kong, London, and Beijing before making its highly anticipated New York City debut in 2019. The restaurant occupies the legendary former Le Cirque space at 731 Lexington Avenue, completely reimagined by Robert Angell Design International to channel the geometric sophistication of 1920s New York and Shanghai. Under the guidance of Head of Barbecue Chef Martin Mak, whose five decades of culinary expertise have revolutionized traditional techniques, Hutong maintains Michelin-caliber standards while pioneering innovative approaches to ancient Peking traditions.

The menu celebrates Northern Chinese regional specialties through contemporary interpretation, featuring signature creations exclusive to the New York location. The legendary Tableside Flaming Peking Duck showcases Chef Mak's theatrical mastery, with duck carved and flame-finished tableside before being transformed into a secondary stir-fried course served in lettuce cups. NYC-exclusive dishes include Yu Xiang fried dumplings with spicy pork and salted fish, and baked wagyu beef puffs that demonstrate the kitchen's innovative spirit. The Red Lantern crispy soft-shell crab arrives dramatically presented in a woven basket adorned with Sichuan chilies, while the Dan Dan noodles deliver complex nutty flavors that have become the restaurant's calling card. Vegetarian offerings like the truffle shiitake and wild mushroom bao ensure sophisticated options across dietary preferences, all reflecting the restaurant's commitment to premium ingredients and refined technique.

The soaring Art Deco interior features ziggurat-inspired ceilings reminiscent of the Chrysler Building, complemented by brass accents, rich leather, and dramatic lighting that creates both grandeur and intimacy. The Shanghai Bar & Lounge serves as a vibrant social hub, offering inventive cocktails like the Comfortably Numb with Sichuan peppercorn and the Smoked Dan Dan Old Fashioned. Weekend evenings feature live DJ sets, while the popular Bubbles & Bao brunch provides unlimited handmade dim sum with free-flowing champagne. Private dining rooms accommodate special occasions, while the main dining room's thoughtful design ensures conversation flows despite the restaurant's impressive scale.

Reservations at this best fine dining restaurant in New York City require advance planning, particularly for weekend service and the coveted tableside duck experience. Hutong New York represents the pinnacle of Northern Chinese cuisine in Manhattan, where each visit promises theatrical presentations, exceptional service, and flavors that honor tradition while embracing innovation.