Destination for modern Peking duck and creative dim sum with serious cocktails; excellent food but pricey and paced fast at peak times.
Decoy delivers exceptional food quality anchored by celebrated Peking duck and inventive cocktails, with attentive, personable service that elevates the experience. However, tight spatial constraints and occasional rapid course pacing prevent grade A territory—the intimate West Village basement setting charms but doesn't fully compensate for the high price point and modest portions that define a splurge meal.
The room feels like a West Village hideout: a dark, wood-paneled basement with cool cocktail bar energy and duck art everywhere. Service skews friendly and efficient, with bartenders getting shout-outs. "Best duck in the city" pops up often, though a few diners wished the meal lingered longer at peak times. Cooking leans modern Chinese with thoughtful fusion flourishes—Korean accents, luxe dumplings, and a set-piece Peking duck with house-made pancakes. Cocktails bring inventive textures and yuzu brightness that match the food’s polish. If you love chef-driven Chinese with a destination vibe, this is your lane. For families, the high price point and bar-forward setting make it better for date nights than kids. Menu reality check: while there are vegetable sides and simple fried rice, most items skew sophisticated; there is no kids menu and portions can feel modest.
Area vibe: Trendy West Village block with cocktail bars and date-night spots; attracts food-savvy locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady evening foot traffic.
What's nearby: Near Hudson St bar scene, boutique shops, and theaters; easy pre- and post-dinner options.
Their Peking Duck Dinner is the headline, backed up by luxe dumplings and standout bar snacks like Spicy Crispy Beef and truffle soup dumplings.
Think a dark, wood-paneled West Village basement with duck art, inventive cocktails, and a lively, sometimes crowded bar energy.