07/06/08

Great food and service

by eater101

We ate here last week and really enjoyed everything. Service was great; we never had to ask for anything, as the waiter and busboy were on top of evertyhing. The food was delicious; the waiter recommended the puffed rice crusted shrimp roll, which sounds weird but was great. He also recommended short ribs, which came already boned, so it was a cube of rich, dense meat which had been pan seared; and the chicken dumplings, which was pulled chicken meat in a wonton wrapper, steamed, with a sour soy sauce called Ponzu. All very good. The entrees were outstanding: a grilled red snapper with curry sauce and string beans, and my friend ordered duck breast, which came with dumplings whose skin was made from tapioca pearls! Interesting and unique. For dessert, we shared the signature dessert, green tea donuts. One thing, don't be scared by the menu. The chef is able to take odd sounding combinations and make them delicious. I've eaten in lots of hotel restaurants, and they're usually pretty mediocre, so Riingo was a wonderful surprise! Plus, everybody was very friendly, from the manager who stopped by to chat briefly with us, to the host, who remembered us on our way out. I highly recommend Riingo! The only down part is the bathrooms; they're unmarked and kind of hidden, so it was a little embarrassing to have to be led to them. But thats a small quibble!!

• Pros: food, service
• Cons: bathrooms difficult to find

01/29/08

Disappointed

by myongsun

I had heard good things, and I've been to Marcus's Aquavit, so we were expecting greatness.

If you go, be sure to avoid the table we had: in the hallway next to the server's station. Each time they grabbed some silverware, they slammed the drawer closed and we felt it in the back of our booth seat. Plus, we were privy to all their chit-chat about other tables--- not cool.

When I ordered a Gibson to start, our waitress was not quite sure what it was. I explained that a Gibson is a gin martini served with cocktail onions. The woman at the next table said, 'I think he's the only man in the world who knows what a Gibson is!".

The braised short rib dish was unique: the meat was seared into a block about the size of a deck of cards (but twice as thick). The result is a crisp, carbon exterior--- wonderfully, juicy within.

About $140 for the three of us.

Will not return.

• Pros: fun menu
• Cons: experience can vary depending on seating

12/18/07

Good food and freindly service in midtown

by armyman2000

I ate here last week; what a great meal. Food was delicious--try the shortribs, it looks like a brownie! but the taste is rich and meaty. The donuts, which the manager Jamey recommended are the signature dish. I was hesitant, but they were great! The space is pretty; small, but comfortable. I liked the service, he knew what he was talking about and didn't bother me and my wife. Try some of the specialty cocktails too, the friendly bartender, Russell, made me a drink with tarragon and lemonade! Everybody, from the manager to the busboy, made us feel welcome and next time we come into the city we will definitely retrun!

• Pros: great food, freindly service

09/10/07

A great place to try food from two worlds!

by spanishfoodie

Hey, if you ever find yourself in midtown or have a couple hours before your train back to CT, you should walk over to the restaurant next to the alex hotel, Riingo. We went there for the restaurant week menu and thought the food was really good, (salmon and steak) . the staff is engaging & very helpful. The hostesses could use a little help though, the girl we saw both times was way too young to be handling customers. The girl bartender (Gia?) is awesome. Our first visit we had a short asian server who was cool and patient who helped us choose our sushi and sashimi, we like that he stopped to talk to us. On our next visit our server was tall, with a beard, who was very knowledgeable, he got us to try sakes and the most amazing chicken dumplings, he knew his food and wine and was very polite. The desserts are ok and could be more varied. Oh and definitely try the signature cocktails. We will definitely come back!

• Pros: sushi and burgers in one menu!
• Cons: the small dining room, tables too close

10/22/06

a must go

by tammy777

I work in the area.mMy collegues and I came here just for drinks, but stayed for a wonderful dinner. The lounge area is perfectly intimate and cozy. The specialty drink selection is wonderful, my favorite was the t-teanni. We were having such a wonderful time, that we opted to cancel our other reservations and stay here for dinner. We were not disappointed. We were easily accomodated. The service was great. The server quickly made a number of wonderful food recommendations and wine pairings. The short ribs, crabapple roll and chicken dumplings are the standout appertizers. For entrees do not miss out on the duck, lamb and salmon dish. I am very excited to have such a great quality restaurant in the area and look forward to coming back.

• Pros: ambience, service, food

10/22/06

Great every time

by nshurigina

I discovered Riingo a while back, when friends of mine dragged me above 14th street. I have come here several times now and it never fails me. I had dinner here Saturday night, and there are some new menu items which are worth noting. The duck breast with tapioca dumpling is unique and extremely flavorful. And don't miss out on the crabapple roll. The staff is attentive as usual. And one should definately pop into the bar/lounge area if you're looking for great cocktails. The Sparkling Geisha is a must have. I will continue making Riingo a destination point.

• Pros: food, service, cocktail list

08/07/06

Awful...

by teddyp

Found ouselves in Midtown recently, figured we'd give this place a try-What a bad time! Empty restaurant, underdone food. Sushi was ok, but nothing special.

Ate here recently, there were maybe 3 other tables there-place is oddly divided, I could hear everything going on in the kitchen! Including a lot of yelling...

Waiter seemed nice, and was trying, but the manager seemed rude and unfriendly.

Empty bar, tables outside were deserted...now I know why. Avoid it, you'll have a better time at Chipotle.

• Pros: easy to get a table
• Cons: everything else

08/02/06

Riingo deserves 10 !!!

by naya377

Delicious food, excellent service, knowledgable staff, and charming space.

I've been going back to this restaurant many times and had very pleasant dining expererience every single time- though I am a very picky person when it comes to quality of service and food. I am a major foodie and have been to many new restaurants serving Japanese/Asian influenced fusion cuisine, and Riingo still remains as my solid favorite.

Some of my favorites are Chicken dumplings, Braised pork belly, King crab roll, Shrimp tempura roll, and incredibly rich Warm chocolate cake. Delicious and creative specialty cocktails, too.

• Pros: Delicious food, great service, friendly staff. Generous amount of space between tables.
• Cons: Have not found one yet

02/23/06

OVERPRICED

by meds20

The portions were extremely small, spent a fortune and left still HUNGRY!! Plenty of other places to go spend your money and get bigger and better meal.

• Cons: expensive, small portions

02/16/06

Good service, talented chef & nice place but

by pseudon

We were 45 mins late but still seated promptly in the back dining room. Friday night at 9:45 it wasn't crowded. They have an upstairs dining room but didnt see it. Ambience is somewhat modern like the video projection of the an animated candle on the wall. Designed to excite and impress but felt short on my ratings.

Young chef Samuelsson has an impressive resume. Food is influenced by chef's previous experience of working in different cuisines but you could see mainly Japanese inspired dishes. Seafood was good but I didnt think it was exceptional. I found the wine list to be pricy with somewhat limited selections.

Overall dining experience was above average and I would recommend it but I wasn't very excited. I would probably go back to try other dishes but not in a hurry when there are so many new places to try.

• Pros: Innovative Chef
• Cons: Pricy