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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Mapo tofu spots

You have a specific craving for mapo tofu and won't settle for anything less than the real thing.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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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

"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

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.

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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 mapo tofu here is the best I've had."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu here was amazing."

"I loved trying the mapo tofu and dumplings together."

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.

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

"I love how spicy and tasty the mapo tofu is."

"The vegetarian mapo tofu has great flavor and spice."

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.

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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 love how spicy and tasty the Mapo Tofu is."

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

"I enjoyed trying the Mapo Tofu and other dishes."

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.

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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

"I love how cozy and clean the place feels."

"The food is fresh, delicious, and filling."

"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.

06
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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."

"I keep coming back for the tasty mapo tofu."

"I think this place has the best mapo tofu around."

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
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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

"I love the authentic flavors and big portions here."

"The crab roe tofu and mapo tofu taste amazing."

"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
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Space blends modern Chinese design with warm lighting and plush seating for a cozy yet sophisticated feel. Mapo Tofu offers numbing spice and soft texture, true to Chinese style but mild on flavor depth. Live jazz and a sleek bar add a lively vibe without overwhelming the atmosphere.

Mapo Tofu comes out super soft with a numbing spice that matches what you'd find in China. It has good heat but could use more depth of flavor to stand out more.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic food and warm, cozy atmosphere."

"I would give this place five stars."

"The Mapo Tofu is nicely numbing and spiced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

2

Parking is easy and available nearby for those driving in.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

09
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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

"The food is bold, authentic, and comes in huge portions."

"It's a cozy spot with amazing, tasty food."

"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.

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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 love their spicy Szechuan dishes and highly recommend them."

"The food is delicious and tastes very authentic."

"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.

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

"The mapo tofu tastes authentic with just the right spice."

"I always pick the mapo tofu with pork here."

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.

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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 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

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.

13
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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 food is fresh and tastes amazing."

"The mapo tofu had great flavor and mild spice."

"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.

14
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Enormous space with bright pink decor sets a trendy vibe. Mapo tofu offers bold, spicy flavors with beef, perfect alongside dan dan noodles. Two bars and loud music create a lively atmosphere ideal for groups and celebrations.

Mapo tofu delivers rich, bold flavors with a perfect level of spice. It often includes beef and pairs well with dishes like dan dan noodles and crispy eggplant.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu here is perfectly seasoned and very tasty."

"I loved how tasty the mapo tofu was."

"The noodles and mapo tofu packed bold, real flavors."

Good to know

1

You only have one hour to eat.

2

The drag brunch supports KoreanKnine Rescue.

3

The pours during happy hour are ample and set a decadent mood.

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Open space blends modern style with a cozy vibe and minimalist interior. Mapo tofu offers savory, slightly spicy seasoning and suits vegetarians well. Warm decor and cute toys on tables create a comfortable, intimate atmosphere despite limited seating.

Mapo tofu comes with savory, slightly spicy seasoning and pairs with egg noodles or rice noodles. It suits vegetarians and offers a well-balanced flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful and comforting dishes here."

"The prices here are reasonable and fair."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was very good."

Good to know

1

The business hours are until 8:30 PM for takeout orders.

2

You may need to queue upon arrival due to limited seating.

3

Customers should be aware that takeout orders are only accepted until 8:30 PM.

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Enjoy authentic Sichuan spice in a quiet spot with an 80's nostalgic vibe and soft country music. Mapo tofu delivers bold, spicy flavors perfect for heat lovers. Clean and calm, it suits relaxed dining or business meetings with a unique American diner feel.

Mapo tofu stands out for its authentic Sichuan spice and bold flavors. It is notably spicy, so it suits those who enjoy heat in their dishes.

People are saying

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be a must-try, really delicious."

"I love the spicy kick in their mapo tofu."

"The mapo tofu had a strange texture and no meat."

Good to know

1

The price for chicken & broccoli is $16.

2

One dish is enough for 3 to 4 people.

3

Portion sizes are big enough for 2 people.

17
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Spacious interior and vibrant atmosphere create a cozy setting. Mapo Tofu stands out with bold, spicy flavor and perfect Szechuan heat. Inventive cocktails add to the thoughtful dining experience with authentic Chinese dishes.

Bold and spicy with the signature numbing Szechuan heat, the Mapo Tofu has a perfect level of spice that builds gradually. Seasoning is well done with an extra pick of spiciness, making it impeccably prepared.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu has a bold, numbing Szechuan heat."

"I loved the crab glass noodles and crispy shrimp."

"I'm excited to come back because the food is authentic and balanced."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Wednesday evening, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Dim sum brunch is available on weekends, perfect for larger groups.

3

The restaurant is laptop-friendly, making it a good spot for remote work.

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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

"I loved the flavorful mapo tofu and other dishes."

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

"My group loved the mapo tofu and other dishes."

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.

19
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Ancient garden theme and wooden houses create an authentic Sichuan vibe. Mapo tofu is tender with intense spice that pairs well with rice. Private rooms offer a high-end feel for group dinners in a cramped but stylish space.

Very tender with a saucy texture and genuine Sichuan spice. Stands out for its intense flavor and pairs well with rice.

People are saying

"The Mapo Tofu here is amazing, and the staff are so attentive."

"The Mapo Tofu is tender, flavorful, and pairs well with rice."

"The spice here is real Sichuan, especially in the Mapo Tofu and spicy chicken."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a 90-minute dining time rule, even for menu orders.

2

Avoid visiting during the weekend hours if you do not have a reservation.

3

Customers should be cautious about the spiciness of the food.

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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 food is always delicious and full of flavor."

"The portions are large and satisfying every time."

"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.

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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

"I love the cozy vibe and delicious food here."

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

"The pumpkin cakes and spicy dishes really stood out to me."

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.

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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 food was delicious with bold, spicy flavors."

"I can't wait to come back and try more."

"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.

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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 love how the food tastes authentic and fresh."

"It's a cozy spot where I enjoy eating with friends."

"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.

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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

"The food tastes real and full of flavor."

"I love how easy and tasty their takeout is."

"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.

25
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Small space with minimal modern design creates a calm, cozy vibe. Mapo Tofu shines with bold, authentic taste and balanced spicy heat. Guests enjoy complimentary palate-cleansing oranges after meals, enhancing the quiet dining experience.

Packed with szechuan pepper and spicy heat, the Mapo Tofu delivers a flavorful and oily experience. It stands out as a dish rich in bold, authentic taste.

People are saying

"The food is authentic, tasty, and portions are generous."

"The Mapo Tofu is packed with bold, spicy flavor."

"The Mapo Tofu here is packed with flavor and Szechuan pepper."

Good to know

1

There is a great lunch special available.

2

The restaurant allows walk-ins on Thursday evenings.

3

There are gluten-free dishes available.

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Sichuan restaurant offers a cozy space with authentic Szechuan dishes like Mapo tofu known for its rich, spicy flavor. Lunch specials include Mapo tofu and Hunan chicken at great value. Clean setting with real plants creates a peaceful vibe for diners.

Mapo tofu stands out with a rich, spicy flavor that many find memorable. It pairs well with dishes like eggplant and Hunan chicken, often featured in lunch specials priced around $15 including tax.

People are saying

"I had the best Mapo tofu ever."

"I had the best Mapo tofu I’ve ever had."

"The Mapo tofu tastes way too salty."

Good to know

1

There is a lunch special for $10, making it a great deal.

2

The meal costs around $15, offering good value.

3

The restaurant serves authentic Sichuan Chinese food.

27
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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

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

"I loved how flavorful and spicy the mapo tofu was."

"The mapo tofu and chili oil dumplings tasted great together."

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.

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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 Mapo Tofu here is outstanding and perfectly balanced."

"The Mapo Tofu is delicious and perfectly spicy."

"I love trying their spicy dishes like Mapo Tofu and cumin lamb."

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.

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

"The mapo tofu was silky with perfect spicy numbness."

"The mapo tofu had a nice kick but no pork."

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.

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