Tao

Doesn't Recommend

mscoelho

Joined 2 years ago

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!. On March, 3rd, 2011, I had the worst dinning experience in NYC. I went to TAO with my best friend, her mother, and her family who was visiting from Brazil. Unfortunately we were extremely disrespected by everyone in the restaurant. Our waitress was rude, disrespectful and impatient with our group of 7 people. Our group had 4 elderly people who did not speak English very well. The waitress did not even try to be pleasant and nice, and served us as if she was in a hurry to be somewhere else. First we ordered some sparkling water that was served super hot. When we asked for some ice, she made a face and only brought us a small glass. When we asked for more, she pretended not to care. We had to ask another waiter to bring us some more ice. Then we decided to order some wine. She was extremaly rude about accepting my Brazilian driver's lisence, and refused to serve me some wine, even though I'm a 28 years old woman. I asked for the manager, expecting him to be a little more polite, but he only made things worse. He took my driver's lisence as if it was a fake one, and when he returned to our table, he started yelling at my friend's 80 years old grandfather, pointing his finger at this face and insinuating that her grandfather had an atitute he, the manager, did not like! Not only he was extremely disrespectful to a 80 years old retired doctor, but also left the table yelling and making a scene. How can a manager, who is supposed to solve any issues, make things even worse?!?! My friend's grandfather was only trying to explain to the manager that everyone on the table could legally drink. The manager also said that if we were not happy in the restaurant, we were supposed to leave. The manager above him did nothing to make us feel better and went to the kitchen to hide himself. Of course we left feeling really disrespected and discriminated. I was dissapointed and surprised that such a renowned and classy restaurant as TAO hires such rude and unprepared people to work serving their custumers who are willing to pay a good amount of money to be well served and specially treated with respect. TAO was an extreme dissapointment and I will never recommend it to anyone visiting the city.

Recommends

thebottlelife

Joined 5 years ago

Busy, Fresh, Fantastic. On my recent trip to Manhattan, wanted to indulge in some fine cuisine so on Saturday we made reservations at Tao. Like everyone else has pretty much said, the wait is extended, not sure that it's because they want you to rack up a big bar tab, but probably just because they are booked solid and probably overbook the tables. No worries, we were anticipating a wait, and squeezed into the lounge/bar area at the front of the restaurant for some cocktails which were great. Again, like any Manhattan hot spot, it was full of gorgeous people and some pretentious individuals, but met some good people and had some fun conversations.

The atmosphere is dimly lit, asian over the top decor and high energy club-like music. They have a DJ on hand spinning which was a nice added touch to the feel.

After about a 45 minute wait past our reservation, we were taken to our table on the 2nd floor. Surprisingly it wasn't tight seating quarters (like STK was), and the waitstaff was prompt and very attentive. I had ordered the Chilean Seabass which was fantastic, small portion but very good. I tried my buddy's pad thai and it was exceptionally good as well.

The one thing I didn't really like at Tao was that they were definitely hustling you to get in and out. Our food came out in a matter of 15 minutes after we placed our order, and check came out almost immediately as the plates were empty. I'm sure if we wanted to stick around and get a couple drinks, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but drinking at the table isn't as fun as the lounge.

Doesn't Recommend

SE0982

Joined 3 years ago

Not Pleased. So this is the story. I went their on a Thursday night with a group of 8 people. We had made a reservation a week in advance for 8:30pm. We got there on time and were told that the wait for our table will be 15 minutes. Then it became 30 minutes. Then before we knew it, an hour had gone by and we still hadnt been seated. At this point I was angry and went up to the front desk and told them how rude they are and that they cant treat their customers like this...etc. etc. Then all of a sudden, we were seated. I wish I hadnt wait so long to complain, but all I know is that I will never go back their again and do not recommend them to anyone. They obviously do not honor their reservations, have no respect for their customers, and are very poorly managed. Their food was decent, nothing special, not worth the wait.

Recommends

dreamer02

Joined 3 years ago

Great time!. organized my husband's birthday at TAO And I only have one word to summarize the experience: AMAZING.

The staff made the organization of the party so easy and were very accommodating. Everything was great.

The music was excellent, exactly the taste of my husband and our friends. And the choice of cocktails is brilliant. All our friends still talk about the amazing time they had there!

We will definitely come back for an organized party or just a few cocktails!

The only cons: Prices are a bit high

But thanks again and we'll be back!

Doesn't Recommend

janiesmithsmith

Joined 3 years ago

disappointing. This place is ok. I found the food a bit greasy and heavy. The portions are large but I didn't finish my meal because it was so greasy. The deserts reminded me of deserts you would get in a diner, they look good but don't taste good.

Recommends

mastablasta72

Joined 3 years ago

Great...Lived up to expectations!. Have looked forward for a long time going to this restaurant. Decided to go this past weekend. Had early reservations because were seeing a show at Carnegie Hall. We were seated promptly, very relaxed, pleasant server. Ambience (lighting, big Buddah, walls, etc) were fantastic. Apps we had lobster dumplings and shrimp tempura- both very good. For entrees we had wasabi encrusted filet, which was extremely tender, and nice taste. The other entree was a filet stir-fry which was also very good. Finally, for dessert, the large fortune cookie- filled with white and dark chocolate- WOW! i am going back to the City in August and will definitely be going back to TAO. Our reservations were for 5:30, by 6:00 the place was full! and deservedly so.

Recommends

mmeilan27

Joined 3 years ago

Good food/enviornment..LONG wait. We were in NYC for the weekend with another couple and decided to go to Tao for our Saturday night dinner. We had reservations at 9pm but got there at 8:50pm. 45 minutes later we were seated and I guess since we didn't complain the manager offered us dessert on the house.

Once inside the restaurant was unexpectedly large and had a nice atmosphere.. all the food we ordered was good with some standouts: the pork dumpling appetizer and the crispy honey chicken dinner (mmm).

If that wasn't enough the complimentary dessert was a HUGE sampler of various items which we attacked with much delight :)

If you don't mind being patient and just people watch while you wait, then Tao is a good dinner spot.

Recommends

lovingfood15

Joined 3 years ago

Tao on Behind the Burner. I just read a great article about Tao on Behind the Burner. com!

Recommends

2spark

Joined 3 years ago

Not as good as they think they are. OK, my fish was under cooked. We told the waiter but nothing other than, "I am sorry". Our fifth annv. We both requested forks for our appetizers. We waited to long and used our spoons. Forks showed up with the main course. Very little room when you sit against the wall. Conversation will be heard by the next-door dinners. We even called the GM after returning to Atlanta and his comment, "we are sorry, next time you are in New York we will buy you and your wife a drink.

NAN in Atlanta could teach these guys a lot of things!

Doesn't Recommend

laurajeanlouise

Joined 3 years ago

The WORST dinner I have ever had in NYC. I went to Tao because I saw it on an episode of Sex and the City. Though we had reservations and arrived on time, we were given a buzzer and made to wait an additional fifteen minutes. The buzzer added a very impersonal feel to the restaurant. When we were finally seated, we were not even given water for another fifteen minutes. The waitress did not introduce herself, tell us what the specials were, and NOT ONCE did she check to see if we were enjoying our meals. We received more attention from the man who came to clear off the table in between courses (by the way, they did not give us new utensils between courses! Disgusting.) We were surrounded by obnoxious tourists the entire time, who held up margarita glasses and smiled in front of a big Buddha. Though the restaurant was not crowded, it took us an unforgiveably long time to receive everything. I ordered a Diet Coke, drank it, and the glass was taken from me. No one ever asked me if I wanted another Diet Coke. We sat with our bill for almost twenty minutes until finally my boyfriend flagged the waitress and forced her to take it. I am NEVER coming back to this monstrous place and I am going to tell all of my friends to avoid it like the bubonic plague. HORRIBLE!