Opera (CLOSED)

Yes, it’s pricier than Chinatown, but this is Chinese food on steroids—food that goes hand in hand with owner Jerry Kleiner’s trademark over-the-top decor. Signatures like the sticky soy-chile Mongolian lamb ribs and the Peking duck “three ways” are flavorful, solid picks for first-timers and regulars alike. Vegans should also rest assured that at least a half-dozen options are still on offer at all times, and those with either smaller appetites or smaller budgets will appreciate that everything on the menu is also available in half portions.