Biang! (CLOSED)

The owners of cult Chinese chainlet Xi'an Famous Foods expand their offerings at this small-plates restaurant, which is named for the reverberating sound emitted when a noodle maker slaps dough across a table (biang!). Like their takeout shops, this sit-down eatery showcases the cuisine of Xi'an, an ancient city in North-Central China, with a focus on hand-pulled noodles, like the signature liáng pí (cold, chewy wheat ribbons with seitan, cucumber, sprouts and a chili dressing) and qí shān shào zi biáng biang miàn (spicy-and-sour pork belly with star anise). Adventurous diners can also explore rare regional specialties like xī yù kăo xiáo niăo(marinated and roasted quail with a salad of cilantro, scallion, green peppers and celery) and gùi huā fēng mì liáng zòng zi (a chilled rice cake steamed in bamboo leaves and topped with flower-infused honey). The 40-seat spot features brick walls, graphic Pop Art and exposed air ducts snaking across the high ceilings.