Seemor
Jiang Nan LICBWorth Trying
27-19 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (437 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Ambitious, modern Chinese spot with standout Peking duck and grilled fish, inconsistent execution and service, and high prices—great when it hits, frustrating when it does not.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Jiang Nan LIC delivers solid contemporary Chinese dining anchored by exceptional design and spacious ambiance and strong food quality when execution peaks—particularly the Peking duck and grilled fish. However, inconsistent heat and seasoning across dishes, combined with service lapses during busy periods, prevents grade A territory. Worth visiting for the polished space and creative menu, but inconsistency tempers the experience.
Restaurant Summary
The second-floor room feels modern and airy with soft lighting and generous spacing, a contrast to tighter Flushing dining rooms. Service swings from warm and proactive to hands-off on busy nights, and more than one diner noted dishes arriving lukewarm. One guest summed it up: "Beautiful space, but our order needed chasing and a few plates lacked heat." The cooking leans contemporary Chinese, with polished takes on classics—think Peking duck, cumin lamb, and grilled fish—plus playful touches like truffle accents and kimchi-cheese rice. The culinary approach feels creative yet familiar (innovation level 7.4): not avant‑garde, but clearly modernized plating and flavors. When the kitchen hits, duck crackles and the fish shines; off nights bring underseasoning or warmth issues. Families should fare well: there are kid-friendly staples like fried rice, noodles, walnut shrimp, and dumplings, and the team offers high chairs and kid utensils. Adventurous specials (intestines, bullfrog) coexist with approachable dishes, so picky eaters can stick to basics while others explore. Portions feel large during promos, but on regular nights some plates run small for the price.
At a Glance
- Standout Peking duck and grilled fish when on form
- Stylish, spacious dining room suited to dates and groups
- Inconsistent heat and seasoning; some dishes feel premade
- Service lapses (missing items, delayed bills, rushed close)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- refined_peking_duck_service
- grilled_whole_fish_program
- contemporary_design_in_LIC
What People Love
- Crispy, flavorful duck with thin pancakes
- Elegant, comfortable room that feels special
- Cumin lamb and walnut shrimp crowd-pleasers
- Attentive touches like hot tea refills when service is on
Points of Concern
- Pricing is high for Queens and portions can feel small
- Reports of lukewarm or reheated-tasting dishes on off nights
- Service coordination issues: missing items, slow follow-up, rushed closing
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters on the creative/fusion side
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-$75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share one grilled fish plus two sides for 2-3 diners to control spend
- Choose classic veg sides (pea shoots, bok choy) to balance richer mains
- If budget-minded, skip multiple small plates and focus on one signature entree
Perfect For
- Sharing duck and grilled fish with friends
- Date night in LIC without trekking to Flushing
- Groups that like variety and table-side sizzle
- Locals seeking a polished Chinese option
Location Insights
Area: Creative, mixed-use LIC block near schools and studios; draws office workers, residents, and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; well-lit second-floor venue.
Nearby: Close to MoMA PS1, LaGuardia Community College, new residential towers, and subway corridors.
Long Island CityThe dining scene in Long Island City is diverse, featuring trendy cafes, modern American eateries, and international cuisine. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of casual and upscale dining options, often frequented by locals and commuters alike. Safety and accessibility are generally good, with ongoing neighborhood revitalization enhancing the overall experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Wednesday04:30–21:30
Thursday04:30–21:30
Friday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–15:00, 16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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