Wu’s Wonton King has a vibe like it’s been on the Lower East Side forever, but it’s actually been less than a decade since the restaurant greeted the neighborhood with its roast meats hanging from the window and its plethora of celebratory dishes, great for marking a festive occasion. In the meantime, the restaurant has transitioned from buzzy newcomer to reliable neighborhood staple.
Wu’s is a reliable option for family-style dining and celebrations, from New Year’s Eve to Lunar New Year. The kitchen has an impressive variety of large-format dishes, like whole Peking duck and stir-fried conch, though they can get pricey: Call ahead to check the market price for items like chow chow-style crab. Bring a bottle or two along; the restaurant is BYOB.
Wu’s seats smaller parties together, sharing the larger banquet tables; regular diners are used to this and generally keep to themselves instead of making new friends, but solo diners can always bring a book for more of an illusion of privacy.