Chef Guo - 小国宴

135 E 50th St, New York
(212) 866-9888

Recent Reviews

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Lawyer Traveler Dreamer

Check out my I G lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more footage of our experience. Bodai in Midtown Manhattan offers a rare and memorable dining experience. The restaurant blends Buddhist philosophy with royal vegetarian cuisine inspired by the Qing Palace. It was my first time trying a full vegetarian tasting menu, and I was impressed by how flavorful and creative every dish was. The mushroom dishes stood out the most, especially the Stichotas japonicus with cucumber sauce, the pan-seared boletus with green millet, and the Nepal mushroom quinoa with pepper sauce. Each course felt balanced and intentional—low oil, low sugar, and focused on natural taste. Even traditional dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and zhajiang noodles were reimagined beautifully. The dessert, called “Nectar of the Core,” was light and refreshing. Dining at Bodai feels like a calm, thoughtful journey through color, texture, and flavor. If you’re looking for an elevated vegetarian meal in NYC, this is worth a visit.

Eyesthetic Diary

In the middle of Manhattan where everything feels rushed, Chef Guo’s restaurant slows time. No walk-ins, only reservation and bell-entry, you step into a world of stillness, intention, and artistry.

Every dish tells a story, with ingredients chosen for meaning as much as flavor. The attention to detail awakens every sense and transports you to a different state of mind. Servers in embroidered robes share the cultural significance of each course, adding depth to the experience.

This is not a regular restaurant! It is dining for Royals. A hidden sanctuary where calm meets complexity, and minimalism becomes pure meaning.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yao Zhang

It's amazing. I didn't expect there would be such a good restaurant here. I highly recommend it to my friends.

陈玉娟

I had such a great time at Chef Guo! The food was amazing—beautifully presented and full of flavor. You can really tell how much thought goes into each dish. The staff were super friendly and made the whole experience feel special. Definitely worth it if you’re looking for a memorable dinner in NYC.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

魏翠峰

From the moment we walked in, the service was flawless and warm. Chef Guo himself greeted us and explained each course with passion. The food is refined, elegant, and deeply authentic. A must-visit if you’re looking for world-class Chinese fine dining in NYC.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Zengxiu Wang

Dining at Chef Guo is like experiencing edible art. Every dish is beautifully plated, delicately balanced in flavor, and tells a story of Chinese imperial cuisine. This is not just dinner — it's a once-in-a-lifetime tasting journey. Worth every penny!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

tuan hoangtuan

An unforgettable fine dining experience! Chef Guo offers a modern take on traditional Chinese imperial cuisine, blending stunning presentation with incredible flavors. Every dish felt like a piece of art, both visually and taste-wise. The service was impeccable—attentive, professional, and warm. Truly a hidden gem in Midtown Manhattan. Perfect for special occasions or anyone looking to be wowed!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

yongsheng zhang

Chef Guo is a man with a lot of stories… We got the chance to meet him after our multi‑course meal. He even let us play with his musical instrument at the front of the restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

batito batita

Delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Angela Chan

Best chinese restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jessica Ferreira

Best food ever

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

eura gatta

Very good quality. Great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Melinda Mendoza

Best chiese food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Caldwell Last Name

Best Chinese restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kyle Geary

Best chinese restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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