Oriental Garden Restaurant
(212) 619-0085
14 Elizabeth St
New York,
NY
10013
40.7158
-73.9972
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Chinatown
What People Are Saying About Oriental Garden Restaurant
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
Set in what looks like an annexed hotel ballroom, Oriental Garden embraces the Chinatown restaurant mold. The interior seems straight out of a 1940s noir film--foggy fish tanks, a deafening din, and an alternately sweet and surly staff. Only the too-bright lighting breaks the mood. The crowd is the usual mix of Chinatown regulars and the occasional office party.
The Food
The stock players of Chinese cuisine dominate the menu, but order from the higher priced chef's specialty section. While some of the seafood dishes may intimidate the squeamish--the gooey inside of giant crispy fried oysters, for example--it's a good place for adventurous eaters. Jumbo shrimp get lined with tender eggplant and dunked in black bean sauce, while ultra-fresh dim sum pastry cushions bundles of fresh scallops. Don't miss the delectable barbecued eel on a stick, which puts a new spin on state-fair snack food.
User Reviews
CSMobileUser
May 21, 2009
The seafood is fantastic. Be sure to speak to your server and inquire about what's fresh and/or isn't on the menu. You won't be disappointed.
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SKSNY
January 26, 2009
I gave Oriental Garden another chance to win my approval, but, yet again, the food was mediocre and the service was appalling. I went for dim sum and most of the dumplings were very glutinous (more so than the average dim sum house). I will give kudos though to the the tofu-skin wrapped around the pork and shrimp. I asked for a glass of water THREE times and when it was finally brought to me there was food or some other substance visibly floating around in it. My previous excursion for their infamous fresh seafood also proved to be a total disappointment. The seafood that we ordered was already prepared and lacked taste. There was no walking to the tank to get our 'live' dinner. And the service was once again awful. I don't get the hype for this place. Jing Fong next door has better dim sum, service, and for that matter decor.
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Foodie0909
January 02, 2009
We read in Zagat guide that this was a good restaurant for Dim Sum and while the food and service were average, there was a large rodent in the dinning area! Not only did the staff ignore the problem, as did the manager once we notified him, they actually seated a family with two small children at the same table that the large rodent had been hiding under. They knew full well where they were seating the children much to our horror! Furthermore, they did not discount our food despite their obvious health code violation.
read full reviewThe Details on Oriental Garden Restaurant
What to Drink:
Try the surprisingly supple sake, a surprise in Chinatown.
Know Before You Go:
The type of whole fish isn't specified in the menu, so ask your waiter--and then be on the lookout for substitutions.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Business Dining, Family Style Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
