BODAI Vegetarian 菩提

The restaurant is like stepping into another world, feel like I’ve entered a luxurious temple. Tables are beautifully set and the dishes are beautifully plated. Everything was flavorful but as a meat eater, it just feels like the meal is missing something. It amount of food was just too little and needed something more substantial. I cannot see any guy being anywhere near full with a veggie meal this size. I few dishes stood out to me like the starting appetizer and the soup. The rest were just okay. They need more elevated vegetarian ingredients to justify this price point. And can definitely try a little harder with the dessert.

Serene, peaceful dining environment. Service attentive, but pacing was a little too quick - maybe because we were the only party in the restaurant. Craftsmanship came through in the decor, food presentation and even the utensils and plates. Lot of mushrooms no doubt but no dish felt repetitive of another. Standout was the millet. Portions are a bit small.

This place is a must go. I went in with little information and I recommend doing the same. All I knew was that it was an affordable set menu of vegan Chinese food, and it exceeded all my expectations. The presentation of the food is outstanding and the whole restaurant exudes class and ambience. There are only 6 seats, which creates an intimate atmosphere. I liked all of the food, and many of the courses were delicious and intriguing, with a complex interplay of textures.

Bodai is New York's hottest new plant-based restaurant that nobody is talking about. Dining there is an experience. They are reservation only, and you pay in advance when you book. The restaurant is small with only about two tables, so the experience is intimate. When you enter, you are transported to a whole world that makes you forget you're in Midtown Manhattan. We LOVED our experience here. We appreciated that the menu is focused around natural ingredients like mushrooms and vegetables and fresh herbs. And more mushrooms. (Lots of mushrooms lol. But each one unique and not overly mushroomy.) The first course was a real work of art, with five individual bites, each representing a different flavor (sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty) - kind of like five amuse-bouche bites. The rest of the courses spanned a diversity of flavors and textures from the crowd-pleasing sweet and sour "riblets" made of pear and tofu skin to the clean, refreshing zhajiang noodles to the incredible Nepali mushroom with pepper sauce. There wasn't a miss among them. We ate every bite and felt satisfied by the end, though overall it is a light meal. Each dish is meticulously crafted to be equal parts delicious and beautiful. We were charmed and fascinated by every course that emerged. Many (most?) of the dishes featured ingredients I had never tried before or even heard of, such as cauliflower mushroom and peach gum. This experience begs comparison to dining at Eleven Madison Park. Both are plant-forward rather than fake meat-forward. Both are impressive and delicious - honestly pretty similar overall. At $99 per person, Bodai feels like a much fairer price for such a luxurious and unforgettable experience. We would love to return in a few months when the menu has changed over!

What a truly unique and intimate experience! The space is cozy and reservation-only, which makes it feel extra special. Dominic, our server and ‘guide,’ made us feel like VIPs from the moment we arrived—he welcomed us at the door, pulled out our chairs, and was incredibly attentive throughout the entire meal. He shared the history and origin of each dish with such passion, turning dinner into both a culinary and cultural journey. Every course was beautifully plated, bursting with flavor, and featured ingredients we had never tried before. Even my husband, who isn’t vegetarian, thoroughly enjoyed it. An unforgettable dining experience we can’t wait to repeat!

I took my husband here for his birthday, and it was one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in a long time. This vegetarian restaurant truly exceeded our expectations! The waitress and chef made us feel very valued. Not only do you get a lot of food for the price, but the quality and creativity behind each dish are absolutely top-tier. They offer a vast array of vegetarian cuisine, each done in such fun and unique ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this tasting menu! The standout for us was the Bodai soup it was genuinely wonderful and felt almost magical, like a comforting hug in a bowl. Every bite throughout the meal was thoughtful, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere was welcoming, the service kind and attentive, and the overall experience felt special from start to finish. Highly, highly recommend for vegetarians and food lovers alike!

BODAI’s philosophy centers around showcasing the beauty and versatility of vegetarian cuisine, and this shines through in every dish. A perfect choice for those seeking a refined and inspiring vegetarian meal. The restaurant’s decor is minimalist yet elegant, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The food was delicate and thoughtfully prepared, with stunning plating that felt like works of art. Chef Guo’s creativity and skill are evident in the thoughtful combinations of flavors and textures, making each course a memorable experience.

My attachment to this place grows with each meal. Our attendant displayed positive spirit when explaining menu items. This restaurant creates real happiness. The dishes contained unknown ingredients of exceptional quality. Our selections were all tasty!! I want to come back!