In my opinion, dinner at Hakkasan is worth experiencing. And it is an experience, likely not something you’d want to do every week, month, or even every six months.
Pre-entrées, I drank two Golden Emperor cocktails (Kraken Black Spiced rum, ginger, pineapple, cinnamon, lemon juice and agave nectar) from the signature cocktail menu. They were very good but the flavors are definitely wintry and I would suggest something different in the spring or summer.
The menu includes some really excellent dishes, a few of which I’ve never seen elsewhere. The jasmine tea smoked pork ribs and crispy duck salad are two very notable appetizers– I would not be unhappy with them for dinner. However, there are a few dishes worth skipping. I didn’t love the dim sum we ordered and honestly my duck dumpling didn’t taste like anything. The black pepper rib eye with merlot — a table favorite — was also better than the wagyu beef. The pork belly claypot is very well done, but if you tend to favor spicy dishes I recommend the rib eye.
Service is among the best I’ve experienced. You’ll want for nothing without feeling intruded upon.
Hakkasan is located at 311 W. 43rd Street (between 8th and 9th). Reserve a table online at OpenTable or call 212-776-1818.
I think I am most intrigued by your cocktail, and would very much like to try one (or try duplicating it)