Hong Kong Style Dim Sum From a Chef With 30-Plus Years

Midtown gets a softer landing at Dao Dim Sum, where the room settles into wood paneling, soft lighting, and the easy pace of a cozy dining room. The kitchen is led by a chef with over 30 years of dim sum experience, and dishes arrive hot and well timed.

At 177 Madison Ave, the 4.8 average across 1,707 ratings lines up with the quick, courteous service. After the first few bites, the wonton soup comes with a clean broth, a detail worth keeping in mind when the city has been loud.

Order around the table, then move through classic stir fries, including chicken with scallions and onions or kung pao chicken with cashews. Portions run large at reasonable prices, and the soft glow inside makes this a straightforward reset near the busy Midtown streets. The familiar flavors make lunch or an early dinner feel easy after a long walk through Manhattan.