Hunan Tapas in Great Neck closes

One of Long Island's newest Chinese restaurants has closed after only about six months in business. Hunan Tapas opened in Great Neck in July, and quickly became a critics' pick as one of the only places to get spicy Hunan dishes like sour pickled intestines and smashed chilies with century egg. It was included in Newsday's list of Top Chinese restaurants of 2025, among other standout spots serving Sichuan, Northern Chinese and dim sum. 

A sign posted on the restaurant's door dated Jan. 31 says: "We are very sorry to inform you that Hunan Tapas will cease operations starting from Feb. 1, 2026. If you have any unused cash-purchased group-buying vouchers, please contact us for a refund. Thank you!" 

The furnishings, tables and chairs were still sitting inside the restaurant at 69 Middle Neck Rd. Even the fish in the decorative koi pond were still swimming around. The restaurant phone number has not been disconnected, but it rings and rings. Owner Chi Zhang did not respond to a request for comment.

A recent Instagram post on Hunan Tapas' page advertises a new collaboration between Hunan Tapas and a Japanese restaurant in lower Manhattan called Suteishi. The restaurant, which opened Feb. 4 at 24 Peck Slip, is billed as "Japanese craft meets Hunan fire, a collaboration bringing bold new flavors to Manhattan." 

The Great Neck restaurant is an outpost of Zhang's original Hunan Tapas, based in Long Island City, Queens. The recipes are inspired by Zhang's mother, who is from the Southern Chinese province known for its fresh and spicy stir fries. But Zhang was trying to meld those flavors with Chinese American fare, creating a large menu with both Cantonese and Hunan staples, often unmarked. The venue itself was also a tricky spot, as it had hosted a number of short-lived restaurant concepts over the past few years, including Mr Keke ramen and Ramen Totem.