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China Latina
From the team behind the lauded Mexican restaurant Crema, China Latina combines the diverse flavors and atmospheres of Asia and Latin America. Located in Hotel Indigo in the heart of Manhattan’s Flower District, China Latina is a 90-seat restaurant that also boasts an outdoor café, bamboo garden and rooftop bar with a stunning view of downtown Manhattan and One World Trade Center. The dining room is painted bright red and adorned with custom-made Asian umbrellas, lamps, a Mondrian wall.
Owned by Chef Julieta Ballesteros and restaurateur Shaun Smith, China Latina features innovative items like Chorizo Dumplings, Huitlacoche Tofu Spring Rolls, Sushi Burritos, and Mole Poblano Lo Mein. The beverage program including unique cocktails like lychee margaritas and Lemongrass Pisco. Chef Ballesteros was inspired to unite the cuisines of Asia and Latin America because she noticed they already had an important characteristic in common: powerful flavors.
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Owned by Chef Julieta Ballesteros and restaurateur Shaun Smith, China Latina features innovative items like Chorizo Dumplings, Huitlacoche Tofu Spring Rolls, Sushi Burritos, and Mole Poblano Lo Mein. The beverage program including unique cocktails like lychee margaritas and Lemongrass Pisco. Chef Ballesteros was inspired to unite the cuisines of Asia and Latin America because she noticed they already had an important characteristic in common: powerful flavors.
52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(25)
- good for groups(10)
- neighborhood gem(8)
- romantic(7)
- hot spot(5)
- great for lunch(4)
China Latina Reviews List
Review 1 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pretty Poor
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've never eaten in the "flower district" but looked for something last night because a friend was staying in a hotel there, and this seemed an adventurous and interesting choice. Everything was mediocre, fusion of this sort is risky as I know, and Latin/Chinese doesn't cut it. Shu Mai are better Chinese style than with chorizo, the noodles were way too salty, the dessert of wontons was decent, but that's about it. The ambiance was a bit too loud (music), and it was pretty empty. Our waiter was friendly but overall the food just didn't cut it for me."
Dined on 5/13/2013
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Review 2 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice addition to the neighborhood!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I really enjoyed this restaurant. The guacamole had a nice eastern kick to it - we tasted sesame oil and wasabe - very nice. The burger had both a mexican and asian flare - with chorizo and a fried egg - very tasty - and the yuca fries were delicious. We went during lunch at an off hour - 3PM - and it was practically empty. This restaurant should be more crowded, but I guess people have not discovered it yet."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 3 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent fusion of tastes.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent fusion of tastes. Great ambiance. Within the boutique hotel but separately run. Very satisfying."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 4 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had the wonton tacos. They
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had the wonton tacos. They were exquisite. Then I shared an order of the Latino fried rice with my friend which had a Mexican Bibimbap feel to it--which is a actually the feel this place is going for, Latin Asian fusion. This place was incredible. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful with recommendations. Very trendy ambience. Perfect for a romantic evening."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A new twist delivers adventure dini
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Will definitely go back and our guests will too! Peking Duck and Baja Fish Taco and Guacamole were highlights."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The Asian taco menu was a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Asian taco menu was a neat fusion mix that I rather enjoyed, however the menu did not seem that diverse otherwise. I felt the portions were a bit too small and the interior portion of the restaurant is small, so with the music blaring, it was hard to hold a conversation without screaming like I was in a packed cocktail hour pub. Still, the tacos and dessert menu are still worth checking out."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Some of the dishes were good,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Some of the dishes were good, others were just mediocre. None of the dishes were remarkable or outstanding. The ambiance was blah. Nothing to write home about."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
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Review 8 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Odd location/ambiance, good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Odd location in a hotel lobby, and during our dinner the place started converting into a lounge/club without anyone giving us any prior notice. All of a sudden we had to start shouting to hear each other. Besides that fact, the food was quite good and they do a nice job with the fusion of Asian and Latin flavors."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 9 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Came here on a Gilt City voucher;
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Came here on a Gilt City voucher; think I'll stay away from Gilt City vouchers from now on."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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Review 10 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant was absolutely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant was absolutely awesome. The service was great, but the food was delectable. The flavor of the food was so unique and made my taste buds jump for joy.
The guacamole was the best I have ever had anywhere. With the Asian & Latin flare the food was so unique. I would eat here any and every day."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good Food. Good Service. Solid!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delightful! My husband and I loved the way the food was presented and tasted. A great value for a decent bottle of wine and the dessert was to die for. This is not some where I would go often, but definitely will stay on the list of good things to eat!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic
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Review 12 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The interesting fushion of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The interesting fushion of tastes was wonderful. The wait staff was friendly but need to work on service a bit. They weren't certain who ordered what."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
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Review 13 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
location is un-appealing but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"location is un-appealing but the food was a wonderful combination of different cuisines blended"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great dinner for Valentine's Day here. Every dish was perfect! The blend of Mexican and Chinese is actually pretty delicious. Liked it so much we returned a few days later for lunch."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 15 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Went to dinner at 9:30 and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went to dinner at 9:30 and 20 minutes into our meal service the waiters started packing up the place, moving tables and chairs out of the way, in time for the restaurant to turn into a club on a Friday evening. Of all of Julieta Ballesteros restaurants, this was definitely my least favorite."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 16 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience at China
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience at China Latina. Wonderful food and our host Maria was lovely. Will definitely return!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food and server was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food and server was very nice. Wonderful blend of Mexican and Asian flavors that were surprisingly delicious together."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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Review 18 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Place decor is flamboyant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Place decor is flamboyant but everything else was really good.. Would definitely go there again if I'm ever in the neighborhood."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for China Latina
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Awful--Stay Away
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was awful. Waiter did not know hw to open a bottle of wine, got order wrong, could not figure out how to print out our bill so we just waited and waited. Food was terrible too. The ambience is cheap Formica. Never again."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for China Latina
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate