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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Midtown South's best

Mapo tofu and food

Made for those who hunt for the specific, tongue-numbing heat of authentic mapo tofu as their primary culinary goal.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated April 2026
01
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Chinese restaurant

Multiple screens create a Chengdu-inspired atmosphere in a low-key, nicely decorated space. The vibe is pleasant and relaxing with great music enhancing the experience. Authentic Sichuan cuisine draws a crowd seeking genuine flavors 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.

Authentic Sichuan cuisine shines with generous portions and delicious flavors. The food delivers a true taste of Chinese cooking rarely found outside Chengdu.

People are saying

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

"The food here is incredibly authentic and flavorful, especially the numbing spice."

"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.

02
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Delivery Chinese restaurant

Upscale interior with high ceilings and a beautiful bar creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. Warm lighting and traditional Chinese decorations set a child-friendly and lively vibe. Cocktails like mojitos stand out alongside authentic Sichuan flavors.

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.

Authentic Sichuan flavors shine through in every dish, matching the food from Sichuan province closely. The menu offers a genuine Chinese dining experience with bold, traditional tastes.

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.

03
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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.

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.

Food features fantastic flavors and great cocktails. Dining offers consistently amazing service and a memorable experience.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was great and authentic."

"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.

04
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Cozy ambiance with soft lighting and spaced seating sets a relaxed mood. Mapo tofu shines with soft tofu and bold flavors, including fish options. Food impresses with consistent quality and service is amazingly attentive, making every visit a pleasure.

Mapo tofu offers a very flavorful experience with versions including fish. The tofu is soft rather than fried, differing from dishes like General Tso's tofu.

Excellent Chinese food stands out with consistently great flavors and quality. Service matches the food with amazing attentiveness, making every visit enjoyable.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be really good."

"I found the Mapo Tofu to be very flavorful."

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.

05
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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.

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.

Sichuan cuisine here is authentic and flavorful, with spice levels that can be adjusted. The menu offers a unique take on traditional Chinese dishes, delivering consistent and delicious tastes.

People are saying

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

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

"The food here is incredibly flavorful and authentic Sichuan."

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.

06
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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.

Mapo tofu offers a numbing and spicy taste with a silky texture. It suits those who prefer less heat and stands out compared to versions at other Chinese restaurants.

Offers premium Korean-style Chinese cuisine with an interesting menu. Food is consistently delicious and pairs well with the great service.

People are saying

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

"The jellyfish salad is sweet and crunchy."

"The Mapo Tofu here is perfect if you can't handle spice."

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.

07
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Chinese restaurant

Space combines casual fancy Chinese decor with warm, relaxing lighting and music. Atmosphere stays pleasant and comfortable, often quiet due to limited crowding but can feel rushed because of time limits. Guests find it authentic and beautiful, suited for casual dining with friends.

Soft texture and mild spice define the mapo tofu here. It carries a flavorful punch but can be a bit oily at times.

Food features authentic Szechuan flavors with well-seasoned dishes that are consistently tasty. Staff pay close attention to dietary needs, such as checking for allergens like mushrooms.

People are saying

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

"The Szechuan food here is authentic and packed with flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Customers are given only 30 minutes to eat on Mondays.

2

An automatic 18% tip is added to the bill.

3

Roast duck needs to be booked in advance.

08
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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 and numbing, the mapo tofu stands out with a rich, bold flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like twice cooked pork and eggplant, making it a highlight on the menu.

Food stands out with excellent quality and a fantastic vibe. The cumin lamb is a notable dish among the amazing offerings.

People are saying

"The spicy fried fish was decadent and amazing."

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

"I found the Mapo Tofu here to be the best I've ever had."

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.

09
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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.

Warm and spicy with a comforting heat, the Mapo Tofu features a bold chili kick and authentic flavors. Some versions include meat even when ordered without, and a few find it less intense.

Exceptional Sichuan cuisine offers a blend of traditional and modern Chinese dishes. The food is consistently fantastic and beautifully crafted, delivering an amazing dining experience.

People are saying

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

"It's a sleek, modern spot with a classy, relaxed vibe."

"The Mapo Tofu is rich, numbing, and has that classic Sichuan mala kick."

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.

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Midtown South, New York

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