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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown South

Unique Chinese food

You are tired of the same predictable menus. You want Chinese food that offers something you cannot find anywhere else.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
DAO Dim Sum & Chinese Cuisine image 1
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Chinese restaurant offers a cozy ambiance with soft lighting and spaced-out seating that avoids crowding. Background music blends relaxing jazz with Chinese and Cantonese songs, creating a nonchalant yet classy atmosphere. Interior features beautiful decor and a spacious layout uncommon for similar venues.

Soup dumplings stand out as especially scrumptious and highly praised. The menu also features shumai, spring rolls, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour chicken with a fiery kick, all served with chrysanthemum tea.

Dishes feature unique flavors with standout items like truffle dumplings and shrimp pea sprout dumplings. The Tso's chicken also offers a distinct twist.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is great, especially the dumplings."

"It's a really cozy and welcoming spot."

"The dumplings here are unique and taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $4 beers and $5 wines from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Lunch specials provide good value, with vegetarian options available.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly and suitable for family dining.

02
Growl Growl - New Style Hot Pot Bowls 新派麻辣烫 image 1

Asian hot pot restaurant offers wide broth variety and fresh ingredients in a clean, cozy space with complimentary dessert bar including soft serve ice cream. Atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly with modern, tasteful decor featuring hanging fabrics and plants. Customers customize sauces and enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors alongside globally inspired options.

Offers eight broth options including authentic Sichuan and globally inspired flavors. Features nearly 80 premium ingredients like abalone, frog legs, and various meats and vegetables for a customizable hot pot experience.

Offers a modern hotpot experience that stands out from typical options in the city. Combines unique flavors and presentation not commonly found in midtown.

People are saying

"The broth was rich, flavorful, and comforting."

"The Chinese food broths were so flavorful and not too salty."

"It's unique how you pick all your ingredients from giant fridges."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers nearly 80 premium ingredients to customize your hot pot.

2

Expect a 20% discount during the soft opening period.

3

Complimentary ice cream dessert is provided to every customer.

03
The Handpulled Noodle | Hell’s Kitchen image 1

Small space with wrap-around barstools offers views of the street and people walking by. Atmosphere blends 1920s Shanghai film vibe with jazz music and exposed brick featuring Mandarin newspaper articles. Energy feels clean and vintage, providing a calm spot away from busy city areas.

Hand pulled noodles stand out with authentic texture and flavor. Dumplings come with beef and cilantro fillings, and Bao Buns add variety to the menu.

Hand-pulled noodles offer a unique texture and flavor. Meat alternatives like jackfruit and seitan provide distinct options for vegetarians and vegans. All flavors stand out as uncommon and interesting.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are amazing, especially the fried pork and chive."

"The hand-pulled noodles and dumplings here are amazing."

"I found the noodles here to have such unique flavors and styles."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers gluten-free noodles and customizable spice levels.

2

Portion sizes are large, making it ideal for sharing or a big appetite.

3

Prices are reasonable, providing good value for the portion sizes.

04
CHILI image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Vintage Chinese decor blends with upscale 80s style and low lighting to create a romantic yet lively atmosphere. The space feels packed and bustling, with tables close together and a loud, energetic vibe. Staff engage actively, adding unique touches like Polaroid photos and table side theater.

Bold, authentic Szechuan flavors define the menu with dishes like crispy, non-greasy scallion pancakes and surprisingly delicious vegetable potstickers. The food delivers a strong, genuine taste of Sichuan cuisine.

Atmosphere channels the 1930s vibe with a distinct feel. Kung pao chicken offers a unique twist with a solid Szechuan spice level despite its basic nature.

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 food here is unique, with dishes like the stunning spicy fish stew."

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.

05
LUNAR image 1
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary space with Sichuan-style decoration creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The environment stays clean and tidy, enhancing the authentic dining experience. Cocktails and local Sichuan dishes add to the distinctive vibe.

Offers authentic Sichuan cuisine with a slightly modern feel. Dishes like mapo tofu come in large portions for sharing, and the chili wontons and soup dumplings are made to perfection.

Authentic Sichuan dishes stand out with unique flavors unlike typical U.S. Szechuan spots. Highlights include whole fish, fried glutinous rice balls, and fish stomach with a distinct texture.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, authentic, and has great textures."

"This Chinese food is authentically Sichuan, with fragrant, numbing, and spicy flavors."

"The fried glutinous rice balls here are a unique flavor combination."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two hours in advance for dining.

2

The restaurant has a strict 90-minute time limit for dining.

3

Lunar charges a 20% mandatory tip for groups of 6 or more.

06
Peppercorn Station 青花椒 纽约 image 1

Small space with minimal modern design and a quiet, cozy atmosphere offers a calm dining experience unlike typical Chinese restaurants. Guests often find spicy dishes with balanced heat and enjoy complimentary palate-cleansing oranges after meals.

Authentic Sichuan cuisine shines with dishes like the spicy hot pot, crispy chicken, and Mapo tofu. The use of green Sichuan peppercorns in beef and the Szechuan style dry noodles stand out for their bold flavors.

Ma Po Tofu delivers a numbing sensation with balanced flavor and mild spice. Bamboo salad stands out as unique and delicious.

People are saying

"The soup here is super numbingly spicy and rich."

"I found the Sichuan Chinese food here to be very authentic."

"The ma po tofu has a unique numbing sensation and unexpected flavors."

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.

07
Café China image 1
Sichuan restaurant

Space combines vintage Shanghai decor with private dining rooms that suit groups well. Atmosphere feels quiet and classy, with dim lighting and soft music enhancing the experience. Energy stays calm, attracting diners seeking authentic Sichuan flavors in an elegant setting.

Spicy, numbing mapo tofu stands out alongside Dan Dan noodles and pork dumplings in chili oil. Braised pork Szechuan style and tea duck add rich, savory depth to the menu.

Food offers a unique experience with every dish. Preparation stands out as nicely done and distinct.

People are saying

"The Szechuan food here is authentic, with bold, complex flavors."

"This authentic Chinese food has bold, complex, and vibrant flavors."

"The Szechuan dishes here have a unique, authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential, as wait times can reach 40-60 minutes.

2

The last seating is at 9:30 PM, with the kitchen closing at 9:45 PM.

3

The venue is suitable for large groups and events, including family surprise parties.

08
Octo Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior features modern decor, classy arches, and cool jazz music creating a warm and welcoming vibe. Generous seating and private rooms accommodate large groups comfortably. Atmosphere suits both casual dining and special occasions with a clean, contemporary style.

Peking Duck comes with tender meat and crispy skin, often available at a discount. Mapo Tofu offers a numbing, spicy taste with a silky texture. The cumin pork ribs bring a full Sichuan-style flavor.

Cocktails feature unique flavors not found elsewhere. Dishes like the mala beef brisket stew with fried rice and Kkanpunggi with nachos offer distinctive twists on traditional recipes. Decor includes unique art on the walls.

People are saying

"I loved the Korean-Chinese food, especially the jjajangmyun and tangsuyook."

"The Chinese food's Peking duck is tender with crispy skin."

"The food here is delicious with unique Korean-Chinese fusion flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table.

2

The last call for seating is at 8:30 PM on Sundays.

3

The weekend brunch deal is $12.95.

09
Calle Dao image 1
Restaurant

Cuban-themed restaurant offers vibrant decor and innovative cocktails in a spacious setting suited for large groups. Outdoor dining includes heated seating, while music sets a lively, enjoyable tone. Seating can be tight, and noise levels rise during large parties, affecting conversation.

Bao buns stand out as a highlight here. Dishes like XO lobster noodles and shrimp wontons bring strong flavors, while the ginger salmon with bok choy offers a fresh twist.

A fusion of Chinese and Cuban cuisine creates a unique menu with dishes like ropa vieja noodles and black rice paella. Drinks also stand out with their awesome and unique flavors.

People are saying

"I'd come back for the happy hour and creative fusion food."

"The Cuban-inspired Chinese food, like spring rolls, was a rare, delicious fusion."

"The fusion of Cuban and Asian flavors is uniquely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM with $2 oysters.

2

Brunch offers unlimited drinks for $29.99.

3

Reservations are recommended for groups, especially during dinner rush.

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Midtown South, New York

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