A-Jiao

Overview

If you're in the mood for a delicious meal in New York, A-Jiao at 1817 2nd Ave is a spot you don’t want to miss. Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, this charming restaurant has become a local favorite, offering a wide variety of flavorful dishes that blend traditional and modern influences. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it perfect for a casual dinner or a special night out with friends and family.

One of the standout features of A-Jiao is its impressive menu, which is both diverse and thoughtfully crafted. Whether you’re a fan of Asian fusion or you’re craving classic comfort food, there’s something here for everyone. The dishes are known for their fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and unique twists on traditional recipes. The chefs take great care in ensuring that every plate is a work of art, and that passion shines through in every bite.

A great example of this is their signature dumplings, which have earned rave reviews. The dumplings are perfectly steamed, with a filling that’s rich in flavor yet light and delicate. They’re a popular appetizer that guests often return for, and it's easy to see why. The dipping sauce complements the dish just right, adding a touch of tanginess that enhances the overall flavor.

The main courses at A-Jiao are equally as impressive. Their sesame-crusted tuna is a crowd favorite, offering a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. The tuna is seared to perfection, and the sesame crust adds a crunchy contrast to the tender fish. If you’re more in the mood for something hearty, their braised short ribs are a must-try. These melt-in-your-mouth ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection, served with a savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.

What really sets A-Jiao apart from other local dining options is the attention to detail in both their food and service. The waitstaff is knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to offer recommendations based on your preferences. They also do a great job of pacing the meal, ensuring that you never feel rushed and that each course arrives at just the right moment.

In addition to the delicious food, A-Jiao offers an impressive drinks menu, featuring expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of wines. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, their signature cocktails are the perfect choice. The mixologists here have a knack for blending flavors in unexpected ways, and they’re happy to accommodate any specific requests if you’re looking for something unique.

Many customers also rave about the cozy, inviting ambiance of the restaurant. Whether you're seated by the window overlooking the bustling street or in one of the intimate booths, A-Jiao’s setting makes it feel like a hidden gem in the city. The warm lighting and elegant decor create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a night out.

For those considering a visit, it’s good to know that A-Jiao also offers takeout and delivery services. This makes it easy to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re grabbing a quick meal for yourself or planning a family dinner, you can count on the same level of quality and care that A-Jiao is known for.

In terms of pricing, A-Jiao is reasonably priced for the quality of food and service you receive. While it's definitely not the cheapest option in the area, the portions are generous, and the overall dining experience makes it worth every penny. The value you get here far outweighs the cost, especially considering the skill and passion that goes into each dish.

If you're looking for a dining experience that combines great food, fantastic service, and a cozy atmosphere, A-Jiao should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting New York, this restaurant is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. With its delightful menu, welcoming ambiance, and attentive service, A-Jiao is a place where you'll feel right at home while enjoying some of the best food in the area.

Good to know

Service options

No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options

Dining options

Lunch Dinner Table service

Amenities

Toilet

Atmosphere

Casual

Crowd

Groups

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

Good for kids

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 212 reviews
Amazing 155
Great 35
Okay 9
Not Great 9
Terrible 18
Kris

I walked by this place for years, always believing the negative reviews — and now I seriously regret it, because A-Jiao is so good. Their lunch special is generous and comes with either a spring roll or soup. The hot and sour soup was one of the best I’ve had, and the General Tso’s was actual chicken, not mostly breading like so many places do now to cut costs. The indoor seating area is surprisingly nice and perfect for a casual meal. I’ve ordered A-Jiao three times in the past month, and before this I’d ordered Chinese food from other spots maybe three times in all of 2025. Honestly, I’ve surprised myself by how much I like A-Jiao.

Bradley C

The food was very flavorful. We ordered tangerine beef, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and Szechuan chicken with chili sauce. Every dish has a distinctive flavor. I love the numbing sensation in the chicken. The tangerine beef is too sweet for my taste. Overall, everything was above average. The servers were very nice and friendly.

Michael Flores

Wow I was so pleasantly surprised. We just went out to a neighborhood Chinese joint but this one is so reasonably priced AND the portions are ENORMOUS. We definitely over ordered.

Rachel Chase

Flavorful, authentic, delicious Szechuan Chinese food! I came in at 8:30pm and was the only one dining. The waitress was very kind and recommended me the Dan Dan noodles when I was undecided on a second appetizer to go with my dumplings. Great food and great service

Charlie C

Hey there hungry folks and foodies of Google Maps, have I got a tasty review for you! If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering Chinese cuisine that'll have you and your taste buds doing the happy dance, then look no further than this hidden gem of a restaurant. Let's start with the General Tso's Chicken - this dish is an absolute knockout! The chicken is perfectly cooked and coated in a crispy, tangy sauce that's just the right amount of spicy. It's so good, I could eat it every day and never get tired of it. And don't even get me started on the house special fried rice - this stuff is magical! Each grain of rice is fluffy and perfectly seasoned, with chunks of tender meat and veggies mixed in. It's like a party in your mouth with every bite. And let's talk about the atmosphere - the restaurant is always spotlessly clean, with a cozy and inviting ambiance that makes it the perfect spot for a romantic date night with my lovely wife. So, to sum it up - if you're in the mood for some seriously delicious Chinese food that'll have you coming back for more, then do yourself a favor and check out this restaurant. You won't regret it!

Elaine

The twice cooked pork, sautéed string beans, and yangzhou fried rice here are all pretty good. The owner is very sweet and the service is super quick. Glad to have such a homey chinese spot on the upper east side.

chaeseong yim

Authentic food. Reasonable price. Definitely revisit.

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