New York City's Top Restaurant: Tao New York

Tao is New York City's largest and most popular Asian restaurant. The restaurant itself is a feast for the senses; from its music to its decor to its clientele, it epitomizes the energy of Manhattan. Here is why Tao New York is New York City's top restaurant.

Open since fall 2000, Tao New York is as popular as ever, somehow maintaining its initial buzz over the course of nearly seven years. Its high-profile clientele doesn't hurt. Tao New York is frequented by such stars as Robert DeNiro, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. It also regularly receives sports superstars from the New York Football Giants, the New York Yankees, and the New York Rangers.

The food at Tao New York is superb. Tao specializes in Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. Master chefs as talented as any in New York prepare Tao menu items to perfection. The service, despite the fact that Tao is constantly bustling with guests, is impeccable. While they boast wonderful Asian dishes, I prefer their perfectly prepared filet mignon, which is spectacular.

As with any fabulous New York City restaurant, you can expect your meal to take a toll on the wallet. But Tao New York is one of the few New York City restaurants that is worth every penny. And their lunch prix fixe menu at just over $24 per plate is very reasonable.

Located at 42 East 58th Street between Park and Madison Avenues, Tao New York opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 5 o'clock p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tao closes at midnight from Sunday through Tuesday, and remains open until one a.m. from Wednesday through Saturday. Tao does not offer its own parking, but the garages closest to Tao New York are located between Lexington and Park Avenues on 58th and 59th Streets. If you are taking the subway to Tao, you can take the 4, 5, and 6 green line to 59th and Lexington; or the N and R yellow line to Fifth Avenue and 59th / 60th Street or Lexington and 59th.

If you are looking for a high-energy New York restaurant with exceptional food and magnificent service, Tao New York is just the ticket. You are encouraged to make reservations up to one month in advance. You can make reservations at Tao, New York City's top restaurant, by calling 212-888-2288.