The Monkey King

1329 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn
(929) 489-3800

Recent Reviews

Sivette OG

I saw this place on instagram and added it to my bucket list. My husband and I traveled from Atlanta just to try The Monkey King. The atmosphere is comfortable and laid back. Our waiter was accommodating and made us feel like we were seating in VIP. We met the owner Mike. He was professional and was grateful for us traveling to Brooklyn New York to try his restaurant. The taste from each dish blew us away from the concocted herbs and spices. We will definitely return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Duck Fat Fried Rice, Char Siu

Andrienne Pilapil

One of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn! Ambience and service is great—perfect spot for a date but also a beautiful place for a larger birthday dinner as well. I’ve tried almost the entire menu at this point and you really can’t go wrong! Some of the dishes do fall towards the end of salty but it sounds like they are always working on improving and perfecting their menu. We always make sure to take our friends and family to MK when they visit. Super fans of the shrimp toast and green beans.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Duck Fat Fried Rice, Wok-Fried String Beans, Cumin Lamb Ribs

Sean Kelly

Great food. Actually great. But this place is run by children and there are absolutely zero monkeys (there's no evidence monkies is the plural of monkey, so middle finger emoji to you) and no bananas. No art. Not even a metaphor. This place does no deserve the name Monkey King. It is a jester at best.Also, don't tell me how to eat soup dumplings with your inferior cutlery.Get soup dumplings spoons and then we can talk.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Ahmedur Rahman

Great place for

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Cumin Lamb Ribs

Emilee Egg

decor and vibe was beautiful! food was pretty good more chinese american fusion than chinese traditional fusion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Duck Fat Fried Rice

Katharina Klee

What a wonderful place. Delicious food - the lobster! - gr8 cocktail, fine wine and best hosts - feeling as much NY as any old European can. Speaking with Arnold: I'll (We'll) be

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Julia Sellers

Atmosphere is warm and service and food are excellent. It is clear that staff take pride in the food they serve, and it does not disappoint! Don’t skip the lamb with hot honey. Wow! The restaurant was a little loud as they do have a larger tables available- a pro and con depending on what you are looking for. Definitely worth a visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toast, Cumin Lamb Ribs

preston huey

The atmosphere is beautiful and moody. Love the bar! Food is incredible, definitely coming back! Recommend the crispy chicken.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crispy Garlic Fried Chicken, Vegetable Dumplings

Kori Bennett

Really beautiful space and excellent food. I was pleasantly surprised by the appetizers especially the shrimp toast. Management is thoughtful and gave us a complimentary glass of wine one night after a small mishap. The atmosphere is cozy and they play good music. I would definitely return for dinner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast

A Segura

Asian style foodThe drinks were amazing, the staff was great! Bartenders were the best with their creative drinks. The oblong bar was fun to sit at, and people watch.We ordered the lobster lo mein.They left the meat in the shells of the lobster and most of the shells in the dish. It looked nice, but because of that, I was picking out broken bits of lobster shell from almost every bite. Not very appetizing. Was disappointed that this Pricey dish ended up like that. The duck sounded good so I would go back to try that.Soup dumplings, green beans, and char siu were delicious.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Soup Dumplings, Char Siu

Johnny Li

Overall, this is an exceptional dining experience. The first thing you feel is the terrific ambience as soon you enter the space. Everything was done with intentionality, providing a highly refined yet a homey and relaxing environment. The music is great and played at a level where you can still bop but can easily have conversation. For food, we pretty much ordered everything, and it was all hits no misses. My personal favorite was the chicken, the string beans, and the crab fried rice. The drinks were also delicious, and I recommend asking about the different drinks they offer because everything is done with so much intention that the story allows you to enjoy the experience even more. Service was cordial and consistent, every waiter that came by was so kind.Absolutely one of the best restaurants in NYC.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Wok-Fried String Beans, Crispy Garlic Fried Chicken

michael santiago

I'm on a mission to try every dish here because not one has yet to disappoint. My last visit was for a special Lunar new year 8 course pre-fix event that had completely new tastings not included on their original menu. Sadly I left no time for pictures, but its safe to say each course lived up to my expectations. Wonderful flavors aside, you can tell the team is filled with the knowledge and passion to deliver what would be expected from a modern restaurant that's both trendy and yet still pays homage to their culinary roots.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Duck Fat Fried Rice, Beef Chow Fun, Soup Dumplings, Wok-Fried String Beans, Cumin Lamb Ribs, Duck and Mushroom Dumplings

Brittany Roberts-Blake

This restaurant will always get a 10/10. The food is always delicious, the atmosphere is always pleasant, and the owners are always making sure you are enjoying the experience. I will always recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Toast, Wok-Fried String Beans, Vegetable Dumplings, BBQ Ribs

Jonathan Braun

Top notch spot. I was here for a Lunar New Year event, the place was absolutely packed but the food quality was not sacrificed and kept coming out in short order. The menu is bangin' - highly highly recommend checking this one out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Diego L

A Hidden Paradise in BushwickAn excellent atmosphere for sharing with friends.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Pan Fried Chicken Dumplings, Char Siu

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