The Citiblog

A NYC Restaurant Where Abalone is the Star
August 27, 2024, 11:20.42 pm ET

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Photos: Cititour.com

I guess there are restaurants for everything – burgers, lobster, risotto, fried chicken, wagyu and mac n cheese, even eel – then along comes abalone, a highly-prized mollusk that is widely considered an aphrodisiac in Chinese culture, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

At Mr. Bao, located just steps away from Bryant Park, abalone can be found in virtually every dish. For some, abalone is an acquired taste. Like uni and foie gras, it can be a bit intimidating to some This spot is for those who cherish it.

Here you will find abalone wrapped inside delicate swan puffs that look more like dessert than a savory appetizer. There are crystal abalone dumplings, crispy fried abalone, abalone skewers, abalone spring rolls and more. Mains include abalone braised pork belly over rice, abalone fried rice, along with a sizzling wagyu beef and abalone strir-fry. For those looking for the gold standard, there is Bao’s Gold Leaf Abalone.

The space also pays homage to the sea with a tribute to the South African fisherman who harvest the abalone with colorful murals over whitewashed brick walls. There are wood accents, including the banquette seating, and an stylish bar in the back of the restaurant. Mr. Bao is also eyeing an expansion with plans for abalone outposts in Chinatown and Queens.

Mr. Bao is located at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY (in the former Kobeyaki space.) For more information, visit mrbaous.com

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