New York City offers the most diverse, high-quality selection of Asian fusion cuisine in the entire country. The city’s latest standout is Upon the Palace, a new Chinese and sushi restaurant that is providing an exhilarating dining experience and serving the most delicious and flawlessly executed Asian dishes that are far more complex than they look.
Located in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood at 317 Greenwich Street, Upon the Palace is a must-visit. The newly opened restaurant from Mogao Hospitality group boasts 7,000 square-feet of beautifully designed space that spans two floors and features sophisticated décor (gold leaf copper columns and quilted red leather chairs) and spacious banquette seating to create an inviting dining room, which seats 90 guests for lunch, dinner and weekend dim sum. Upon the Palace’s majestic setting evokes royal opulence and is inspired by the Epang Palace in Xi’an, China, an architectural marvel symbolizing imperial power during the Qin Dynasty.
Not only is the restaurant’s ambiance opulent but also the food is hearty and very satisfying. Led by chef Xueliang Yu, Upon the Palace specializes in contemporary Chinese dishes that are infused with bold and rich Sichuan flavors. Their sprawling menu is brimming with specials and classic items like Peking duck, Kung Pao chicken, Mapo tofu, beef with broccoli, pork and shrimp shumai. Their unique dishes include filet mignon egg rolls, pan-seared foie gras with roasted pineapple and glazed blueberry wine sauce, a whole 1.5 lbs. stir-fried lobster and salmon ceviche with Ossetra caviar. In addition, an array of fresh sushi and sashimi are available to indulge. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll have endless options of dishes and a memorable meal.
The Knockturnal tasted the pork wontons in spicy chili oil and crispy shredded beef as an appetizer. The pork wontons were delightful and filling. As for the shredded beef, it was excellent and perfectly mixed with a sticky, sweet tangy sauce. For our main course, we ordered the black truffle lobster fried rice dish and it was the highlight of our dining experience. Served with a whole 1.5 lbs. lobster, black truffle, celery, scallions, ginger, eggs and rice, it was rich in flavor and the perfect blending of recipes with seasonal, high-quality ingredients. The lobster was fresh and beautifully presented. Definitely order this dish, you will be blown away!
Our other entrée included the sizzling black pepper filet mignon cubed steak and it was another winner. Served with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms in black pepper sauce, the beef was tender and the meat sizzling on a platter filled our table with intoxicating smells of deliciousness. Our meal also consisted of lo mein noodles. This mainstay dish is first-rate and must be ordered to fully complete your meal.
As for the sushi served at Upon the Palace, they offer a wide-ranging menu full of mouth-watering sashimi and rolls not to be missed. The Umikasai Roll that is made with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, topped with ebi was simply the best. The sushi roll was wrapped in aluminum foil and was seared by a torch before being served. The results were heavenly and the portion size of the fish was generous. Trust us, order this!
Once guests have finished their meal, the downstairs level of the restaurant features a spacious cocktail lounge with live music until 1 am on weekends. The setting is very relaxed and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a drink. Guests can relish in rare sake or savor in a vintage wine, the drink options are plentiful. Their beverage offerings are as tasty as their food.
Upon the Palace is a destination not to be missed. The flavors of the food are balanced and the upscale atmosphere hits just right. Whether it’s for a Lunar New Year celebration, date night, or a weeknight outing, Upon the Palace is worth making a reservation.