In a neighborhood known for its Chinese food, there’s a new restaurant on the Upper West Side that’s making a statement. Aves, a Chinese restaurant on West 86th Street, recently opened is already getting noticed for its elegant atmosphere and unique menu that puts a modern twist on traditional Chinese dishes.
When entering the space, the restaurant’s thoughtful design is easy to notice. Aves is the Latin word for birds, and the décor gets its inspiration from the bold colors and patterns of peacock feathers. The dark blue walls and metallic furnishings combine to create a “sleek” interior, as described by The New York Times.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the restaurant is its high ceilings. This feature is what drew Leon Liu, who has worked in the restaurant business for more than a decade, to the space when he was looking for a home for his new concept. Liu started out as a busser and has worked his way up to managing restaurants. Some of the fine dining establishments he has been affiliated with have even earned stars from the Michelin Guide. “I’ve always wanted to open up a concept like this,” he said about Aves. “Upscale dining is my passion and what I really love to do.”
Aves is also notable for its menu. Its dishes strike a balance between classics that you would expect at a Chinese food restaurant – such as Peking duck and dim sum soup dumplings – and some unexpected surprises, like tuna tartare. For all its innovation, Liu still strives to make the menu approachable. “We love that the menu is not too long, like you see in Chinatown,” he said. “We want to keep it simple and just have a good amount of diverse selections.” In addition to this curated list, more vegan and vegetarian options are also being added.
The final ingredient in what makes Aves special is, of course, the people. Liu puts great attention on the hiring and training of the restaurant’s staff. Based on his past restaurant experience, he knows that the front of the house can make all the difference in the dining experience. “These are the people who are the actual face of the restaurant,” he said. “The level of service that people should expect in the upscale restaurant is extremely high. And day by day, I try to meet that and try to exceed that as well.”
Now that Aves is past its soft opening phase, word about the restaurant is getting out fast. (Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was among the early guests.) Located in the heart of the Upper West Side at 102 West 86th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam), it is at one of the neighborhood’s main intersections – steps away from the 1, B, and C Subway lines, as well as the M86 bus. Aves is becoming a local favorite for regulars in the area. And with more inventive dishes and seasonal changes to the menu on the way, there’s always a reason to come back.
To book a reservation at Aves, click HERE.
