Set the scene.
As the newest restaurant by the lauded Quality Branded (do ZouZou’s, Don Angie, and Bad Roman ring a bell?), Twin Tails was an anticipated opening in the New York food and beverage scene. Sharing the same Columbus Circle vicinity as its Instagram-famous sibling, Bad Roman, the restaurant sought to distinguish itself—not just with its menu but by building a reputation all its own.
While its interiors are undeniably photo-worthy, this is far from your typical influencer haven. Instead, Twin Tails exudes the sophistication of a members-only club, evoking the exclusivity of Zero Bond or Casa Cipriani. A refined opulence is evident in the seductive lighting, glossy dark brown tabletops, and retro-futuristic design reminiscent of the 1980s.
The roomy 140-seat space features reclaimed brass doors, mirror-paneled walls, and golden-yellow velvet banquettes, complemented by bespoke neo-expressionist artworks from Jordy Kerwick and Melissa Monroe, creating an artistic ‘80s edge to this upscale dining destination. A sumptuous, monochromatic marble bar counter is flanked by well-worn green leather chairs and recessed shelves stocked with top-shelf liquor, facilitating an inviting spot for guests to relish in a drink or two before settling in at their table for the evening.
What can we expect from the food?
Chef and partner Craig Koketsu has crafted a menu that harmoniously blends the bold, distinctive flavors of Southeast Asia. Strong influences from Thailand and Vietnam are complemented by subtle nods to Cambodia and Laos. Divided into categories like raw, satay, salads, fish, and pork & fowl, the menu sparks anticipation with every dish.
Our attentive waitress expertly guided us through the menu, tailoring recommendations to our flavor preferences. The meal began with the Whole Royal Dorade Sashimi, beautifully presented in a half-open Dorade fish, with its tightly rolled sashimi providing a visual and culinary delight—a promising start, to say the least. Next came the peanut-ginger chicken satay and the mushroom bánh cuốn rice rolls, a traditional Vietnamese dish. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, prompting us to exchange delighted glances and remarks about how we couldn’t stop devouring every plate. And we weren’t stopping there—the highly anticipated mains were on their way.
We moved into the back half of dinner with decently full stomachs, but a strong determination to savor every bite of what was still to come—and our excitement wasn’t waning. The Cho Lon Duck tower was a highly anticipated arrival: imagine a seafood tower but with duck, served alongside silver dollar crepes and accompanied by jalapeño nam jim and coconut-red curry aioli sauces in place of oysters and mignonette. Then, we dove into the Tiger Prawn Pad Thai and Sautéed Dover Sole with a tom kha beurre blanc—a Thai coconut soup-like sauce—that kept our taste buds singing. The Wok-Tossed Long Beans, our chosen veggie side, complemented the platter perfectly, rounding out the meal with a touch of freshness.
And, of course, no meal would be complete without dessert. We had to try the Mango Sticky Rice with coconut and toasted macadamia—and let’s just say, we’ve been dreaming about it ever since. But we couldn’t stop at just one, so we also ordered the Pistachio Pandan Soufflé. Dusted with powdered sugar and finished with a pistachio-infused coconut milk and pandan leaf pour-over, it was the perfect sweet ending to the night (pun intended).
Tell us about the drinks.
Naturally, meals pair best with drinks, and Twin Tails offers an inventive cocktail list crafted by Beverage Director Brian Schneider. Standout drinks like the Bangkok Screwdriver—featuring vodka, calamansi, galangal, Thai basil, and chili—and the Sambal Margarita—comprising sambal chili-infused tequila, lime, Cointreau, and spicy salt, make a bold statement.
However, the fan-favorite—and our top recommendation—is the Salted Lychee Martini, made with Ketel One, lychee, and lime leaf. Refreshing, zingy, and with just the right hint of savory, it’s downright delicious. Our second choice? The Lipstick Palm. If you’re a mezcal fan, this chartreuse-colored sipper is worth ordering more than once—and don’t forget to snap a picture for your Instagram story.
Final thoughts?
Though I don’t often indulge in Southeast Asian cuisine—and wouldn’t call myself a critic, but rather a lover of great food, drinks, and ambiance—I walked away from Twin Tails thinking, “That was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time.”
Top Takeaways
Location: Columbus Circle, Upper West Side, New York City
Address: 10 Columbus Cir 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10019
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
The vibe: A retro-dressed restaurant that floods you with nostalgia for an exclusive restaurant and cocktail lounge in the 1980s, serving top-notch Southeastern cuisine.
Pricing: $$$
Takes reservations? Yes – OpenTable
Our favorite dish on the menu: The Lipstick Palm stole the show drink-wise; the Cho Lon Duck is a must-order food-wise; and the Mango Sticky Rice is a classic and unbelievably delicious dessert-wise.
The attire: Smart casual, though leaning toward the fancier side is recommended. (Dress to impress.)
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Dinner is served nightly starting at 5 p.m.
