Small, colorful spot offers a cozy vibe with friendly family atmosphere and no music for clear talks. Enjoy authentic vegan Asian dishes like rich Mapo tofu with purple rice. Many meals are gluten-free when requested with gluten-free soy sauce.
"I love how tasty and varied the vegan dishes are."
"I found the Mapo Tofu to be authentic and delicious."
"I love pairing mapo tofu with purple rice and noodles."
Good to know
Certain menu items that say 'egg' are vegetarian, not vegan.
The lunch specials offer great value.
A lunch box with brown rice upgrade costs less than $10 if paid in cash.
Small space with dim lighting and gears-and-lights sculptures creates a cozy, elegant vibe. Atmosphere feels more like a takeout spot but offers relaxed seating and quiet comfort. Popular for northern Chinese noodles and has a steady flow of takeout orders.
"I love the cozy vibe and tasty handmade noodles."
"The portions are big and filling."
Good to know
The restaurant is currently not operational due to relocation.
The new location on 72nd is not opened yet.
The prices are affordable, around โฌ30 per person.
Small space with intimate seating and walls covered in guest Polaroids creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere blends lively energy with sophisticated decor, making it suitable for casual and special occasions. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option when weather permits.
"I loved the cozy vibe and tasty dishes here."
"The desserts, especially the pineapple treats, were amazing."
"I enjoyed the authentic Hawaiian flavors I found here."
Good to know
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's small size.
Expect a wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant offers a pre fixe menu with wine pairing for $39 during restaurant week.
Small space with unique traditional-modern decor creates an immersive cultural atmosphere. Lighting and background music enhance a cozy, elegant vibe. Seating can feel crowded and some areas are noticeably colder.
"The Mapo Tofu here is delicious with authentic, well-balanced flavors."
"I love the mapo tofu's perfect spicy flavor."
"The hot and sour soup and mapo tofu had just the right spice."
Good to know
The restaurant does not offer the lunch special on Fridays.
NYU students get a discount when they show their IDs.
The portions are enough for one hungry person or two who are not that hungry.
Restaurant offers antique Jiangnan decor with wood and bamboo accents creating a classic, authentic feel. Atmosphere feels elegant and warm, with traditional decorations enhancing the vibe. Dining experience includes flame-cooked dishes and a variety of mild rice wines complementing the food.
"The food tastes authentic and the place looks great."
"I can't wait to come back again."
"The Mapo Tofu is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."
Good to know
Reservation is recommended so you can skip the line.
Dinner wait times regularly hit 60+ minutes, so it's advised to arrive before 6 PM.
Expect a wait due to how popular this restaurant is.
Cozy ambiance with soft lighting and spaced seating sets a relaxed mood. Mapo tofu shines with soft tofu and bold flavors, including fish options. Staff excel in gluten-free care, offering wheat-free dishes and smart advice for safe dining.
"I loved the dim sum and the whole dining vibe."
"The food was delicious and the place felt cozy."
"I found the Mapo Tofu to be very flavorful."
Good to know
Happy hour offers $4 beers and $5 wines from 4-7pm on weekdays.
Lunch specials provide good value, with vegetarian options available.
The restaurant is kid-friendly and suitable for family dining.
Boho chic design sets a tropical vibe with comfy seats and soft lighting. Interactive hibachi chefs bring live entertainment with jokes and music. Mapo tofu has a mild spice that pairs well with veggies. Almost all dishes are gluten free, with staff ready to guide you.
"I found so many gluten-free options here."
"I love ordering Mapo tofu and dumplings here."
"The Mapo tofu tastes good but isn't spicy enough."
Good to know
The Hells Kitchen musical is currently showing on Broadway.
Elephant Ear is open until 12:00 AM.
Elephant Ear can accommodate last minute reservations for large groups.
Spacious spot blends Western and Eastern design with live jazz music on Wednesdays. Mapo tofu shines with bold, spicy flavor and smooth texture, including a crab variation. Gluten-free options vary but can be really good. Hip bar adds a tropical vibe.
"I loved the Mapo Tofu and other dishes I tried."
"The Mapo Tofu was boldly spicy and full of flavor."
"The Mapo Tofu here is solid."
Good to know
Reservations are required to dine at a table.
Customers are expected to leave their table within 1.5 hours if the restaurant is booked.
Happy hour is until 6 PM.
Spacious interior with dog-friendly seating suits groups and offers a lively vibe despite some background noise. Mapo tofu shines with balanced spice and soft tofu, paired well with rice noodles. Gluten-free options are plentiful, making it a gluten-free friendly spot for diverse diners.
"I loved the cozy vibe and fresh dishes."
"The Mapo Tofu here is always delicious and flavorful."
"The Mapo Tofu here is so flavorful and perfectly spicy."
Good to know
Happy hour runs until 7 pm during the week with food and drink specials.
Lunch specials are available and offer good value.
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up after 6 PM.
Space blends modern Chinese design with warm lighting and plush seating, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Live jazz music and a sleek bar enhance the vibe, making it lively without reaching club intensity. The rooftop adds an elevated experience with views and a retractable roof.
"I loved the authentic food and warm, cozy atmosphere."
"Jason guided me through the gluten-free options with great recommendations."
"The Mapo Tofu is nicely numbing and spiced."
Good to know
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
Parking is easy and available nearby for those driving in.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.