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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown South

Mapo tofu and fried rice

You expect your mapo tofu to have the right kick and your fried rice to be the reliable foundation that ties the meal together.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
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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.

Duck fried rice stands out with rich flavor and texture. Other options include fried rice with preserved vegetables, Kung Pao chicken fried rice, and fried rice with chili oil.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the duck fried rice; it's so flavorful."

"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.

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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 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.

Chicken fried rice stands out with rich flavor and great texture. The shrimp fried rice also offers a delicious option with fresh seafood taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

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

"I had the best fried rice I ever tasted."

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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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.

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.

Black truffle fried rice stands out with its strong truffle flavor and aromatic quality. Variations like truffle beef fried rice balance the truffle taste without overpowering, while the fried rice pairs well with fish dishes despite being oily.

People are saying

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

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

"I highly recommend the truffle fried rice."

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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Cozy ambiance with soft lighting and spaced seating sets a relaxed mood. Mapo tofu shines with soft tofu and rich flavors, while pork fried rice impresses with balanced seasoning and fresh texture. Background jazz and Cantonese songs add a classy touch.

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.

Pork fried rice stands out with its balanced seasoning and fresh, light texture. Varieties like Yangzhou and Chicken Pineapple offer distinctive flavors that are less salty than typical Yangzhou styles.

People are saying

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

"The fried rice here is super delicious and very fresh."

"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.

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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.

Mala beef brisket stew pairs with fried rice for a unique flavor combo. Truffle seafood fried rice offers a rich taste, and seafood fried rice shines with a touch of black bean sauce.

People are saying

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

"The king crab fried rice was the most delicious."

"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.

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Sky Pavilion 川雲涧 image 1
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.

House special fried rice highlights Sichuan flavors with a strong, spicy kick. Fried rice is perfectly cooked but often comes with salty and spicy seasoning that can be intense.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the green onion fried rice to be unique."

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.

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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 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.

Duck fried rice stands out with its fluffy texture and rich flavor, also available in gluten-free options. The shrimp and Chinese sausage fried rice offers a tasty, savory mix that many enjoy.

People are saying

"The spicy fried fish was decadent and amazing."

"The fried rice here is fresh, crisp, and delicious."

"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.

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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.

Truffle fried rice stands out with its rich, earthy flavor. It pairs well with dishes like spicy chicken and sautéed pea shoots.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the truffle fried rice; it's super delicious."

"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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