NYC | How Good Is YAO, the New Upscale Cantonese Spot in FiDi?

Yesterday I posted about the original August Gatherings in Chinatown—today it’s all about the new sister location, YAO. Tucked on the second floor (take the elevator up), the setting feels sleek and modern. Started with pickled white radish—light and forgettable. 🔥 Char Siu Iberico Pork Thick-cut, beautifully glazed, tender and rich. Served with pickled ginger on the side (an odd pairing for some). The silent plating performance by our server was… quietly intense 😅. 🥘 Salt-Baked Chicken (Classic Style) Presented whole in a clay pot before being deboned. Flavorful and tender, though the wings were slightly over-charred. 🐟 Scallion-Smothered Whole Fish A mountain of scallions over fresh, flaky fish. No fishy taste, just clean, savory goodness. Generous portion and easy to eat. 🥩 Angus Short Ribs Roasted in Goose Fat A star dish from the original location—rich, tender, and gone too fast. 🍲 Organic Mushroom Clay Pot Rice Fragrant, slightly oily rice packed with umami mushrooms—enough for 4–6 small bowls. 🥗 Okra Stir-Fried with Black Garlic Black garlic was surprisingly mild—just a savory, earthy touch. 🥟 Dim Sum Platter Beautiful to look at, but average in taste. Best eaten hot—the skins lose their spring once cool. Ended with complimentary petit fours 🍮. Quiet on a weekend lunch—no rush, no time limits like the original. Great for a polished, business-friendly meal or a special occasion. Nice for a post-meal stroll along the river 🌉. 📍 YAO 213 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10038 #NYC #CantoneseFood #FiDI #UpscaleEats #NYCEats #NYCRestaurants #FoodieReview #SpecialOccasion #DimSum #AugustGatheringsSibling