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Local picks in New York

Mapo tofu

Made for those who measure the quality of a kitchen solely by the numbing heat of its mapo tofu.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated June 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Stylish mix of modern and classic Chinese decor creates a cozy, romantic vibe with soft classical music. Mapo tofu is spicy and flavorful, vegetarian-friendly, and affordable. Spacious seating and bright, clean space make dining relaxing and enjoyable.

Spicy and flavorful, the Mapo tofu comes in a vegetarian version without pork. It offers a satisfying spice level and is both tasty and affordable.

People are saying

"I thought the seafood here was a fantastic option for lunch."

"The Chinese food here, especially the mapo tofu, is so satisfying."

"I'll be back for the flavorful, spicy Mapo Tofu."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1 soup dumplings as a promotion.

2

The Sunday special offers 50% off dim sum and appetizers.

3

The restaurant has specials each night of the week.

02
Din's Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Newly renovated space blends Chinese-style ambient lighting with simple design for a calm vibe. Mapo tofu delivers a spicy kick and melts in your mouth, perfect with rice. Seating suits small groups but noise rises during busy dinner hours.

Mapo tofu offers a spicy kick and melts in your mouth. It pairs well with rice and stands out as a very tasty dish here.

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're amazing."

"You have to try the sauerkraut fish soup; it's authentic and spicy."

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be very good and spicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is accommodating to large parties, suitable for groups of 7 or more.

2

You can refill the rice noodles for free, making it a great value.

3

The dry hotpot is affordable and comes in a hefty amount.

03
Four Season Joyful image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a clean, cozy space with comfortable seating and a calming atmosphere. Lunch specials include large portions of Mapo tofu served quickly, known for its authentic Szechuan flavor. Generous servings make it great for both quick meals and relaxed dinners.

Lunch specials feature large portions of Mapo tofu served quickly. The dish consistently tastes delicious and pairs well with other items like string beans and shredded beef with hot peppers.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The Mapo Tofu here is spicy, tingly, numbing, and delicious."

"The lunch specials here are a great value and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special that provides great value.

2

Four Season Joyful has a variety of vegetarian-friendly options.

3

Portions are generous, making it a good value for the price.

04
Tofubox image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Small, colorful spot offers a cozy vibe with friendly family atmosphere and no music for clear talks. Vegetarian and vegan Asian dishes shine with authentic flavors and generous portions. Mapo tofu is a highlight, rich and paired with purple rice for a satisfying meal.

Mapo tofu stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with purple rice. Portions are generous and the dish is consistently well-prepared alongside other vegan options.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dishes here, like the chili oil wontons, are amazing."

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be authentic and delicious."

"The portions here are generous and the prices are fair."

Good to know

1

Certain menu items that say 'egg' are vegetarian, not vegan.

2

The lunch specials offer great value.

3

A lunch box with brown rice upgrade costs less than $10 if paid in cash.

05
Breeze image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space offers clean, modern decor with baby blue floral centerpieces creating a classy vibe. Cocktails deliver unique, well-balanced flavors that pair perfectly with authentic Sichuan cuisine. Mapo tofu features soft tofu in a peppery sauce, balancing heat and texture like top spots in Singapore.

Soft tofu blends with a peppery sauce for a balanced heat and texture. The dish matches flavors found in Singapore and stands out among New York options.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, with a delightful numbing mala spice."

"The Sichuan Chinese food here is shockingly good and flavorful."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu here was amazing."

Good to know

1

You have to come here for the weekday lunch specials.

2

Each soup dumpling is $2.50, and a single serving of purple rice is $10.

3

The kitchen is closed at 10:40 PM on Saturdays, despite posted hours.

06
Chiko image 1
Chinese restaurant

Elegant, cozy spot shines with authentic Mapo tofu that is both comforting and light. Spotless decor creates a serene, intimate vibe perfect for quiet meals. Small menu and limited hours keep it exclusive but beloved by locals.

Mapo Tofu here is deeply comforting and feels healthy and light. It comes with spicy garlic oil and mushrooms, making it phenomenally delicious and a dish people crave often.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu here is out of this world."

"This fried chicken is so juicy, it might be my favorite."

"The vibe inside is so cozy and chill."

Good to know

1

Takeout is the only option available right now.

2

The restaurant has stopped delivering through apps like Doordash.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

07
Twilight Lounge 朝暮 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy space blends contemporary decor with warmth for soft conversation. Classic Mapo Tofu offers fluffy tofu with rich sauce and meat, showcasing authentic flavors. Perfect for casual dates or quiet meals with an intimate vibe.

Classic Mapo Tofu features fluffy, flavorful tofu that melts in your mouth and is well-coated in sauce. It includes meat, adding to its authentic taste and careful preparation.

People are saying

"The Lunch Spot staff, especially Wan, were so kind and professional."

"I loved the rich Duck Fried Rice, it was perfectly cooked."

"The Mapo Tofu here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 pm, including weekends, with a small selection of beer, wine, and sake.

2

The restaurant offers a solid lunch special that is popular among locals.

3

The dining area can get chilly due to strong air conditioning; dress accordingly.

08
许厨 Xu Chu image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small, cramped space with authentic Sichuan cuisine offers large, spicy portions. Mapo tofu pairs well with hearty dishes like beef noodles and duck blood stew. BYOB policy and lively, loud atmosphere create a relaxed, low-key vibe.

Mapo tofu comes alongside dishes like cucumbers and beef noodles or with clam special, duck blood stew, and tomato with eggs. It fits well with a variety of hearty, savory options.

People are saying

"I found authentic Sichuan cuisine here."

"The flavors here are delicious and the portions are huge."

"The Mapo Tofu portions were massive, you get so much food."

Good to know

1

For 7 people, ordering 5 dishes is sufficient to feel very full.

2

The portions are huge and prices are reasonable.

3

Expect to wait for a table if you arrive late on weekends.

09
Moon Wok image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy spot offers authentic Chinese flavors with a casual vibe and upbeat music. Mapo tofu shines with a just right spicy kick and no meat. Bibimbap version is especially delicious. Generous portions make it great for takeout or dine-in.

Mapo tofu comes with a just right spicy kick and is served without meat. The bibimbap version stands out as especially delicious.

People are saying

"The Chinese food service here is so attentive and professional."

"The soup dumplings are so juicy with perfectly thick skin."

"The Mapo Tofu here is flavorful and just the right amount of spicy."

Good to know

1

They are starting a special promotion next weekend that includes a free dessert.

2

The lunch specials are reasonably priced for the portion size and quality of food.

3

The portions are large and offer good value.

10
Chuan Bistro 三杯叙 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Ancient-style decor and live performances create a magical atmosphere. Guests wear Hanfu outfits and enjoy watching dancers and musicians during meals. Authentic Sichuan flavor shines in Mapo Tofu, perfectly paired with rice for a true taste experience.

Authentic Sichuan flavor defines the Mapo Tofu here. It pairs well with rice and stands out among other dishes like kung pao chicken and skewers.

People are saying

"The food here tastes incredible and is very delicious."

"The Szechuan food here is authentically numbing and spicy."

"The Mapo Tofu is silky, rich, and packed with authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to confirm the dance performance schedule before your visit.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a live dance show from 7-8pm every night.

11
川霸王 Szechuan House image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small family-run spot serves authentic Sichuan cuisine with enormous portions at fair prices. Mapo Tofu shines with a perfect balance of flavor and heat in a calm, quiet setting. Regulars love the spicy, flavorful dishes like cumin lamb and lunch specials.

Mapo tofu offers a nice balance of flavor, heat, and texture that stands out on Main Street. The lunch special is popular and delivers a divine taste not easily found elsewhere.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The braised fish and boiled fish in chili oil are must-haves."

"I'd recommend the Mapo Tofu; it's divine with balanced flavor and heat."

Good to know

1

Portions are enormous, so one dish can often serve multiple people.

2

They validate parking if you spend over $50.

3

Weekday lunch specials start at $8 for large portions with a soup.

12
The Best Sichuan 一品成都21 image 1

Spacious dining offers a calm, cozy vibe with authentic Sichuan flavors. Mapo tofu shines with numbing spice and silky texture, especially the spicy vegetarian version. Free ice cream and simple decor add to the warm, welcoming feel.

Mapo tofu features a perfect balance of numbing spice and silky texture. The vegetarian version comes with extra spice and pairs well with rice for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food here to be excellent and authentic."

"I loved the lunch special; it was delicious, fast, and affordable."

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be super yummy and a perfect 10."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the roast duck; call in advance.

2

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 4 PM.

3

Expect an 18% gratuity automatically added to your bill.

13
Jiang Nan NYC image 1
Chinese restaurant

Cozy, stylish decor blends with creative Chinese elements for an authentic vibe. Mapo tofu shines with a very flavorful profile and a sweeter twist. iPad ordering adds convenience, making dining smooth and elegant.

Mapo tofu stands out with a very flavorful profile and excellent execution. It leans sweeter than usual but remains a favorite alongside dishes like soup dumplings and dan dan noodles.

People are saying

"The food here is wonderfully prepared and flavorful."

"The soup dumplings here are wonderful."

"The Mapo Tofu is rich, silky, and deeply flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend dining to avoid long waits.

2

Dining time is limited to one hour during peak hours.

3

A promotion offers free steamed pork soup dumplings with orders over $30 from noon to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.

14
Buddha Asian image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with balanced spiciness in mapo tofu. Dishes like Chinese dumplings and drunken noodles complement the menu well. Warm decor and soft music create a charming, relaxed dining experience.

Balanced level of spiciness makes the mapo tofu suitable for those who enjoy spicy food. It pairs well with dishes like Chinese dumplings and drunken noodles.

People are saying

"The fried rice here is delicious and amazing every time."

"I got takeout and it was still hot and fresh."

"The Mapo Tofu has a balanced level of spiciness."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a cheaper menu from 11 am to 4:00 pm.

2

Happy hour features discounted food and drinks from 4 pm to 6 pm.

3

The lunch special is $9.95 and includes rice and a soda or soup.

15
Chow House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with traditional-modern decor offers a cozy, elegant vibe. Fiery, hearty mapo tofu shines with perfect heat and rich flavor. Vegetarian option is absolutely delicious, making the experience memorable despite some crowded seating.

Fiery and hearty, the mapo tofu delivers a perfect level of heat and rich flavor. The vegetarian version stands out as absolutely delicious and leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

"The food here tastes authentic and flavorful, not too oily."

"The fish soup was rich, flavorful, and had super tender fish slices."

"The Mapo Tofu here is delicious with authentic, well-balanced flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not offer the lunch special on Fridays.

2

NYU students get a discount when they show their IDs.

3

The portions are enough for one hungry person or two who are not that hungry.

16
Alley 41 蜀巷 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior with large fish tank creates a cozy vibe for dinner dates. Mapo tofu offers silky tofu in spicy chili oil with a fresh touch of leeks. Tablet menus make ordering smooth and easy.

Silky tofu blends with a spicy chili oil and a numbing Sichuan peppercorn heat. Leeks add a fresh balance to the perfectly soft texture.

People are saying

"The Szechuan food here is bold, authentic, and wonderfully flavorful."

"The fish here is so tender and flavorful."

"The Mapo Tofu is silky, spicy, and perfectly numbing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance for dining at Shuxiang.

2

Bring cash to receive a 15% discount on your bill.

3

The restaurant does not accept mobile payments or Apple Pay.

17
Ren 稔 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Narrow space with rounded arches offers a calm, elegant vibe. Mapo Tofu shines with perfect spice balance alongside tasty scallion pancakes. Quiet weekend nights make it a cozy, fresh spot for relaxed dining.

Perfect balance between spice and flavor defines the Mapo Tofu here. It stands out as a delicious dish alongside other favorites like shredded chicken and scallion pancakes.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu here is incredibly spicy and flavorful."

"The rice wine panna cotta was unique and loved."

"The scallion pancakes are so golden, crisp, and flaky."

Good to know

1

The menu features a wide variety of vegetarian options.

2

Expect a casual atmosphere perfect for dinner or date night.

3

The restaurant offers Chinese tapas, not typical large portions.

18
Upon The Palace image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant shines with elegant atmosphere and live jazz in the basement. Mapo tofu is a key dish, often ordered alongside Shanghai dumplings and Peking duck. Stylish decor and park views add to the cool, lively vibe.

Mapo tofu appears alongside dishes like Shanghai pan-fried dumplings and Peking duck. It stands out as a key part of the menu with a notable presence in multiple orders.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I always enjoyed the yummy and fresh Chinese food here."

"The Mapo Tofu arrived piping hot and did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

A bottle of still water costs $14.

2

The restaurant charges $6 for 4 extra pancakes with peking duck.

3

They have lots of seafood options.

19
Blue Blossom 青花 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior with Chinese porcelain decor sets a calm mood. Mapo tofu offers rich, spicy flavor that pairs well with other dishes. Open kitchen adds ceremony while guests enjoy bold flavors and crafted cocktails.

Mapo tofu stands out with its rich, spicy flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like xiaolongbao and broiled spicy fish.

People are saying

"The fish dishes here are delicious and flavorful."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and friendly."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was the best in NYC."

Good to know

1

It is worth booking ahead to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

You can walk in for dim sum and Peking duck without a reservation.

3

Order salted chicken in advance, as it takes over 30 minutes to prepare.

20
Grand Sichuan image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Small space offers spacious seating and a cozy vibe for casual dining or takeout. Menu features authentic Sichuan dishes and American-style options with large portions for sharing. Mapo tofu shines with perfectly balanced spice, great with rice or fried noodles, even without meat.

Perfectly balanced spice defines the mapo tofu here. It pairs well with rice and fried noodles and works great even without meat.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I loved their Szechuan food; it was delicious and authentic."

"The Mapo Tofu here is delicious, especially with rice."

Good to know

1

You can bring your own alcohol.

2

The price for the lunch special is great.

3

Delivery is free on orders over $15.

21
Hui image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot with soft jazz and stylish decor offers a warm, lively vibe. Mapo tofu shines with thicker oil yet balanced flavor. Perfect for those craving authentic Sichuan tastes in a chill, family-friendly setting.

Thicker oil in the Mapo tofu stands out but it stays balanced without being too oily. The dish fits well with other favorites like homestyle tofu and dry pot, offering a solid Sichuan flavor profile.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and delicious."

"I found the most authentic Szechuan flavors here."

"This Mapo Tofu has a perfect creeping numbing heat."

Good to know

1

On weekdays, they have a lunch special that is the perfect size and price.

2

Hui has a happy hour deal that is considered a hidden gem.

3

The restaurant can get busy, so customers should be patient.

22
Local Roots Bubble Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Rooftop garden creates a quiet oasis with scenic views and a clean, relaxing vibe. Vegan Mapo Tofu shines with purple sticky rice and bold flavors. Unique Asian-inspired snacks and bubble tea textures complete the specialty food court experience.

Offers a vegan Mapo Tofu served over purple sticky rice with a flavor that stands out. The dish consistently impresses and pairs well with drinks like the Yuzu Arnold Palmer.

People are saying

"The strawberry yuzu lemonade was fizzy and well balanced."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was definitely worth the hype."

"I found the sesame miso cookie to be perfect and delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices for non-matcha drinks are $6 each, with toppings costing extra.

2

No credit card surcharge is applied; only standard NYC sales tax is added.

3

The establishment uses local ingredients and partners with regenerative farmers.

23
Sichuan Garden image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine with a calm, elegant vibe. Mapo Tofu is spicy and rich, paired well with crisp sides like cucumber. Decor and jazz music create a relaxed atmosphere enjoyed by mostly Chinese regulars.

Mapo Tofu comes spicy and rich, standing out alongside dishes like Shanghai Sprouts and double-cooked pork. It pairs well with lighter sides like crispy cucumber and snow peas.

People are saying

"The authentic Sichuan Chinese food here is amazing, especially the Mapo Tofu."

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're yum yum in your tum tum."

"The Mapo Tofu's peppercorns tingled every part of my tongue."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available with more space towards the back.

2

Their weekday lunch specials offer a lot of food at a good price.

3

The portion sizes at Sichuan Garden are generous.

24
The Best Sichuan image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Sichuan flavors offers a calm vibe and spacious seating. Mapo tofu delivers balanced heat and pairs well with dry-fried green beans. Staff bring a lively edge to the simple, modern design.

Mapo tofu stands out with its spicy, flavorful profile and balanced heat. It pairs well with dishes like dry-fried green beans and spicy chicken, offering a rich depth without overwhelming the palate.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and incredible."

"I found the Sichuan food here to be incredibly authentic and flavorful."

"The Mapo Tofu here is packed with bold, authentic Sichuan spice."

Good to know

1

A 20% tip is automatically added to your bill, so check your receipt.

2

The restaurant closes at 10:00 PM, but last seating is at 9:30 PM.

3

The lunch special ends at 3 PM, not 4 PM as advertised.

25
CHILI image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Vintage Chinese decor and low lighting create a romantic yet lively vibe. Mapo tofu offers a rich, spicy flavor that stands out. Staff add charm with Polaroid photos and table side theater, making the experience both engaging and memorable.

Mapo tofu stands out with a rich, spicy flavor that many find memorable. It pairs well with dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and scallion pancake for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Sichuan Chinese food here is phenomenal and often spicy."

"Our server William was super attentive and made us feel taken care of."

"The Mapo Tofu here is outstanding and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The lunch special from Monday to Friday is a super bargain.

2

Lunch finishes at 3 PM.

3

Reservations are recommended as this spot is always packed.

26
Zhongzhong Noodles - Bronx image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Small, cozy spot with wooden interior offers a calm, welcoming vibe. Mapo Tofu with Rice tastes homemade and pairs well with fried chicken. Quiet, comfortable setting makes it perfect for a relaxed meal.

Mapo Tofu with Rice stands out, served alongside fried chicken and wontons in chili oil. The version here tastes homemade and beats other places easily.

People are saying

"Their mapo tofu is the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"The soup dumplings were homemade, fresh, and flavorful."

"Their Mapo Tofu is better than other places."

Good to know

1

The prices for a bowl of noodles are average and offer great value.

2

The wait time for to-go orders is around an hour and a half.

3

The restaurant has plentiful vegetarian options.

27
Sauerkraut Fish image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese spot shines with authentic Sichuan flavors and a clean, modern interior. Mapo tofu impresses in both hearty and vegan versions. Bright atmosphere and lively music make dining cozy and fun.

Mapo tofu comes in hearty yet light and vegan versions. Both the regular and vegan options deliver amazing flavor.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be really authentic and delicious."

"The vegan Mapo Tofu tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

The meal costs $25 per person with plenty of leftovers.

2

Portion sizes are generous; a combo for two can feed six.

3

You can get 12% off by writing a review.

28
Sky Pavilion 川雲涧 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Multiple screens create a Chengdu-inspired atmosphere in a relaxed space with great music. Authentic Sichuan cuisine shines with bold, numbing spice in Mapo Tofu, offering a silky, balanced heat. Fresh ingredients keep flavors genuine near a busy urban area.

Mapo Tofu delivers an authentic Sichuan flavor that is aromatic and silky with a balanced, not too spicy heat. The dish features bold, numbing spice and pairs well with fresh, well-balanced ingredients.

People are saying

"The Sichuan food here is so authentic, with bold, numbing flavors."

"The fish here is melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"The Mapo Tofu here has that perfect numbing Sichuan spice."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 10:30 PM.

2

You can pay via credit card.

3

The portions are large and the prices are reasonable.

29
The Best Sichuan 一品成都39 image 1
Delivery Chinese restaurant

Upscale interior with high ceilings and a beautiful bar creates a serene vibe. Mapo tofu shines with authentic spice and offers both vegetarian and pork options. Warm lighting and traditional decor make it child-friendly and lively.

Mapo tofu offers a perfect amount of spice with a flavorful and authentic taste. Options include a vegetarian version and one with pork, both highly praised for being delicious and well-balanced.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I found the Sichuan cuisine here to be really authentic and delicious."

"The Mapo Tofu was delicious and had an amazing tingly flavor."

Good to know

1

Customers should tell the server what level of spicy they would like.

2

Customers are not allowed to sit at the restaurant without ordering 3 dishes, one per person.

3

An 18% tip is mandatorily applied to the bill.

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