Chef Guo - A Premier Fine Dining Experience in New York City

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Introduce

Welcome to the pinnacle of New York City’s fine dining scene, where culinary artistry and ancient traditions converge. Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Chef Guo - 小国宴 (Little State Banquet) stands out as a unique and remarkable destination. It's a place that transcends the typical dining experience, offering a journey into the refined world of modern Chinese imperial cuisine. More than just a meal, a visit here is an event—a carefully choreographed symphony of flavors, textures, and visual delights that captivates every sense. This establishment has quickly become a must-visit for discerning diners and those celebrating life's most special moments, earning a reputation for its breathtaking presentation and unparalleled taste. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a realm of elegance and sophistication, where every detail is meticulously considered to provide an unforgettable experience.

Chef Guo offers a departure from the ordinary, presenting a menu that is as much a work of art as it is a culinary masterpiece. The name, 小国宴 (Little State Banquet), perfectly encapsulates its mission: to provide an experience of such high caliber that it rivals a state dinner. This is not your average Chinese restaurant; it is a showcase of high-end gastronomy, blending time-honored techniques with contemporary innovation. The chefs here are true artists, crafting each dish with precision and passion. The result is a dining experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern. Whether you are a resident of New York or visiting the city, seeking a truly exceptional meal, Chef Guo promises to deliver a memorable and enchanting evening that will leave a lasting impression.

The restaurant’s ambiance is a key part of its allure. It strikes a balance between trendy and timeless, creating a setting that is perfect for a romantic dinner, a celebratory event, or an important business meeting. The environment is designed to enhance the culinary experience, with thoughtful decor and a serene atmosphere. It’s a place where conversations flow easily and every moment feels special. The attentive and professional staff further elevates the experience, providing service that is both discreet and warm. They are knowledgeable about every dish and wine pairing, ensuring that your every need is met with grace and efficiency. This seamless combination of exquisite food, a beautiful setting, and world-class service is what makes Chef Guo a truly premier fine dining establishment in New York City.

Situated in the bustling and convenient Midtown Manhattan, Chef Guo is located at 135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York metropolitan area. Whether you're coming from another borough, a neighboring city, or within Manhattan itself, a quick subway ride or a short cab trip will get you to this culinary destination. The restaurant is placed right in the heart of one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods, surrounded by iconic landmarks and bustling activity. For those driving, paid street parking options are available in the vicinity, though as with any central Manhattan location, it's always wise to allow extra time for finding a spot. The easy access to public transport and its prime location make it a practical and appealing choice for a special evening out.

Given its immense popularity and intimate setting, making a dinner reservation at Chef Guo is highly recommended to ensure you can secure a table. The restaurant’s reputation as a hidden gem means that seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends and for prime-time dining slots. Planning ahead allows you to fully anticipate and enjoy your special evening without any last-minute stress. For any inquiries or to make a reservation, the restaurant can be reached by phone at (212) 866-9888. Whether you are planning a celebration or simply wish to indulge in a world-class meal, a call ahead will guarantee your spot at one of the most sought-after tables in New York City.

Services Offered:

Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full, immersive experience of Chef Guo's exquisite atmosphere and table service.
Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant offers seatings for both lunch and dinner, providing options for a midday treat or a memorable evening affair.
Dessert: Conclude your meal with a selection of refined and delightful dessert options that are as creative as the savory dishes.
Table Service: Experience attentive and professional table service, ensuring a seamless and pleasant dining experience from start to finish.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and they are highly recommended, particularly for dinner, to ensure a spot at this popular establishment.
Beverage Offerings: A curated selection of alcoholic beverages and wine is available to complement the fine cuisine.

Features and Highlights:

Modern Chinese Imperial Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in a unique and modern interpretation of traditional Chinese imperial cuisine, setting it apart from other fine dining establishments.
Impeccable Tasting Menu: The tasting menu is the centerpiece of the dining experience, featuring a progression of artfully crafted dishes that tell a story. Highlights from the menu include "HUNDRED HAPPINESSES AND EIGHT TREASURES IN A BEAN CURD SKIN POUCH," "THE BUTTERFLY LOVES THE FLOWER," "BRAISED BLACK GOLD LION HEAD (MEAT BALL)," and "AUTHENTIC AND TRADITIONAL WAGYU BEEF."
Artistic Presentation: Each dish is presented as a work of art, with a stunning visual aesthetic that is as important as the taste.
Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere that makes it a popular choice for special occasions and trendy outings.
Exceptional Service: The service is consistently praised by patrons for being attentive, professional, and warm, contributing to the overall high-end experience.
Variety of Payment Options: For convenience, the establishment accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Popular for Dinner: Chef Guo is a highly sought-after dinner destination, making it an excellent choice for a romantic evening or a celebratory event.

Contact Information:

Address: 135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 866-9888

What is worth choosing:

When you choose Chef Guo, you are opting for more than just a meal; you are selecting an unforgettable experience that is truly unparalleled in New York City. The primary reason to choose this restaurant is its dedication to elevated Chinese imperial cuisine. Unlike many other fine dining spots, it offers a distinct and culturally rich culinary journey. The tasting menu, which is highly recommended, provides a curated selection of dishes that showcase the chef's remarkable talent and creative vision. Each course, from the intricate "HUNDRED HAPPINESSES AND EIGHT TREASURES IN A BEAN CURD SKIN POUCH" to the delicate "THE BUTTERFLY LOVES THE FLOWER," is a testament to the kitchen's mastery.

Another compelling reason to choose Chef Guo is the sheer artistry of its presentation. The adage "you eat with your eyes first" holds true here, as every dish is a visual spectacle. This attention to detail elevates the dining experience from good to magnificent, making it perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and flavor. The combination of incredible food and beautiful plating creates a feast for all senses. Furthermore, the restaurant's sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its impeccable service, ensures that your evening is comfortable and memorable. The staff’s expertise and genuine warmth make you feel like a welcomed guest, not just a customer.

For those seeking a venue for a special occasion, be it an anniversary, a birthday, or a celebratory milestone, Chef Guo is an exceptional choice. It provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories. The elegant setting and the high-end cuisine make any event feel significant. The restaurant’s status as a hidden gem in Midtown Manhattan means it offers an element of discovery, allowing you to share a truly unique find with your loved ones. In essence, what makes Chef Guo worth choosing is its harmonious blend of culinary excellence, artistic presentation, and an all-encompassing experience that leaves a lasting impression. It is the best choice for anyone in New York looking for a top-tier Chinese dining experience that is both authentic in its roots and modern in its execution.

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Food & drink

tasting menu
tasting menu
tasting menu
HUNDRED HAPPINESSES AND EIGHT TREASURES IN A BEAN CURD SKIN POUCH
In this dish, we used our specially made Thailand rosewood box as a container. This box has a faint wood aroma, and the inside has 101 different versions of the Chinese character for ‘happiness’ from various eras. The eight treasure pouch is made of bean curd. In China, this pouch symbolizes a bag of money. Inside the pouch is eight different types of ingredients. The meaning behind the hundred happinesses is that you will make a lot of money and your family will have a fulfilling life.
THE BUTTERFLY LOVES THE FLOWER
This course is called ‘The Butterfly Loves the Flower’. It is made of beef, chicken breast, squid, flavored roasted seaweed, carrot, radish, prawns, cucumbers, broccoli, and dozens of natural ingredients. These express a wish for you to lead a happy and fulfilling life and that everything will have a successful start. When you eat this course, it is best to start on the bottom and eat upwards as well as from left to right to maintain this appetizer’s beautiful appearance.
PAN FRIED FOIE GRAS AU JUS
This dish is made of French goose liver (foie gras), which is also one of the world’s ‘three main culinary treasures’. It is the best choice for enriching your blood. Our method of making it differs from other restaurants since we fry it to eliminate the liver’s excess fat. At the same time, we maintain its softness, smoothness, fragrance, as well as its internal crispness and external tenderness. Those who enjoy eating foie gras will find that this luxurious and delicious dish is incomparably amazing.
SILVER COD STEAKS
This dish is our chef’s modified version of famous Chinese baked carp. Its main ingredient is superior quality silver cod that is marinated for 8 hours to enhance its flavor. It is covered with house-made dragon beard noodles and flavored with sweet and sour seasonings. These noodles are crisp and tasty, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, sour and sweet, and have a rich aftertaste.
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS AND MORELS
Morels are one of the world’s most precious culinary ingredients and were given as tribute to several dynasties of Chinese emperors. In Italy, they are known as ‘Lamborghini Mushrooms’. They have an unusually large amount of nutrients, can enhance your immunity, and are able to prevent aging. These mushrooms also symbolize your honorable status!
TOFU AND CAVIAR
This dish includes caviar, one of the world’s ‘three main culinary treasures’ and the edible version of ‘liquid gold’. We cooked the tofu on the bottom at a low temperature for 8 hours to enrich its flavor and combine the tofu with the caviar. When you eat the caviar, your mouth will feel like it is exploding, while the tofu has a sweet and aromatic aftertaste.
BRAISED BLACK GOLD LION HEAD (MEAT BALL)
This dish is ChefGuo’s modified version a famous Chinese dish (braised meat ball in brown sauce). It was well known as Lion Head in China because of the shape, named by a Tang Dynasty Duke – Wei Zhi (韦陟). It uses high-quality organic black pork, organic flaxseed, water chestnut, cuttlefish meat, salted egg yolk, cuttlefish juice and other ingredients. The taste is layered & clear, but also a perfect combination of delicious taste & rich nutrition. Edible gold leaf as garnish.
AUTHENTIC AND TRADITIONAL WAGYU BEEF
This dish is made of AAAAA wagyu (Japanese beef). While making this dish, besides adding some salt, we do not add any extra seasonings, which maintains its original flavor. When eating it, you put it in your mouth and taste it from the top of your tongue to your palate. This beef melts in your mouth, which is an enjoyable aspect of this gourmet dish.
MUSTARD GREEN,BLACK RICE, AND PREMIUM LOBSTER TAIL
In this dish, we have used wild-caught Australian lobster tails. When eating this mustard, you will experience a spicy sensation in your nose. To emphasize the lobster’s freshness, when making the mustard sauce, the mustard greens enrich the lobster’s aftertaste, which strengthens its flavor.
GUO SE TIAN XIANG
This dish is made of prawn meat and grouper paste, it looks like a peony flower, and tastes very elastic and tender.
CHEF GUO’S BLACK BEAN NOODLES
This dish is made based on a secret recipe passed down from the imperial palace of the late Qing dynasty’s House of Aisin-Gioro. It is very different from Beijing-style black bean noodles, as Chef Guo does not add any extra ingredients, which enables him to fully blend the ingredients with the black bean sauce while emphasizing the sauce’s main aroma.
TRICOLOR SEA SWALLOW
This dish is one of the world’s most precious ingredients, known as the sea swallow. This is a cartilaginous fish that lives more than 4,000 meters below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, and it has an unusually high nutritional value. There are two ways of eating it: 1) Put it into three types of fruit juices to create three different flavors. 2) This is our recommended method that uses a combined flavor to create a layered taste that constantly changes.
FLAME SMOKED DUCK BREAST
For this dish, we have selected high-quality duck breast meat and smoked it over an open fire with stones. This can more effectively integrate the fuel’s flavor into the ingredients. It also enriches the duck meat and makes it more aromatic while enhancing its flavor and leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
TAIJI BLACK TRUFFLE
This dish is made of chicken and beef soup, and is called ‘Taiji Black Truffle’. We use France’s best black truffle. Truffles are the best of the world’s ‘three main culinary treasures’. They are a fungus that has been acclaimed as ‘the ghostly gourmet food’, and cannot be artificially cultivated. Moreover, they have a uniquely aromatic scent, can strengthen immunity, prevent aging, and fight fatigue.
CHEF GUO’S PORK CHOPS
Chef Guo created this classic combined Chinese-Western dish during a cooking-related cultural exchange with French chefs, and it won the ‘Special Gold Medal’. This dish has a golden luster with a crisp taste as well as a crunchy exterior and tender interior, along with a delicious and delightful flavor. When biting into it, you can taste a crisp lotus root and chew fragrant pickled mustard. Its aftertaste is a lingering odor of pickled orange peels.

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Details

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery

Popular for
Dinner

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Trendy

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Photos

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Location

Chef Guo - 小国宴

New York New York County New York East 50th Street

135 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Chef Guo - 小国宴 Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 165 user reviews.

ingredientswork of artchinese restaurantculturaltraditionaltasting menuplatingwagyu beefinnovationdesign

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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!
August 05 · tuan hoangtuan
Chef Guo - The dining experience at the Little State Banquet is simply impeccable! Every dish is as exquisite as a work of art, with rich taste levels, fully demonstrating the charm of high-end Chinese cuisine. The chef's ingenuity makes every dish full of surprises. Not only does it taste great, but the presentation is also pleasing to the eye. The restaurant environment is elegant and the service is meticulous, making people truly feel the treatment of a state banquet. If you want a top-notch Chinese dining experience, Chef Guo is definitely the best choice!
April 01 · 占文辉
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!
August 06 · Zengxiu Wang
I have always heard that Chef Guo is a "New York Little State Banquet". This time I finally came to check in, and it really lives up to its reputation. The set meal design is very attentive, combining traditional court dishes with modern creative elements. It is not only delicious but also super photogenic! The dishes are exquisitely presented, and each one is amazing. The service staff are also very professional, gentle and meticulous when introducing the dishes. The overall experience exceeded expectations and is definitely worth coming again!
April 15 · Amy Chen
If you're looking for an upscale restaurant in Manhattan, New York that serves truly refined Chinese cuisine, Chef Guo - Xiao Guo Yan (Petit State Banquet) is a must-try!The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between understated luxury and thoughtful design—blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary aesthetics. Just sitting down fills you with anticipation.The dishes are nothing short of spectacular! Each course is crafted like a work of art—visually stunning, aromatic, and bursting with layered flavors. The presentation is meticulous, and the taste is refined yet never heavy. Their signature "Xiao Guo Yan" tasting menu is particularly impressive, offering a harmonious progression from appetizers to desserts. With premium ingredients and masterful technique, it delivers both tradition and innovation—a true testament to the chef's artistry.Service is equally exceptional—attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. More than just a meal, dining here feels like indulging in a cultural and culinary celebration.Whether for a special occasion, business gathering, or simply treating yourself, Chef Guo - Xiao Guo Yan promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
April 27 · Alice Chen