Sichuan & Hunan inspired Chinese w/ authentic mala spice. Great for groups & dates. Dim sum & veg options.
This Midtown Chinese restaurant is a culinary gem, drawing inspiration from Sichuan and Hunan cuisines. It's celebrated for its authentic mala spice and vibrant atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions from casual business dinners to romantic dates. Diners rave about the mapo tofu and a range of other flavorful dishes, including vegetarian options.
This restaurant offers a refined take on Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, with a particular emphasis on authentic 'mala' spice. The mapo tofu is frequently highlighted as a standout dish. Other popular items include dim sum, spicy soft shell crab, cumin lamb, and a variety of vegetable dishes like dry-fried string beans and braised cabbage. While generally well-received, some minor inconsistencies in preparation have been noted by a few diners.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper, Mapo Tofu, wontons in chili oil, duck fried rice, crispy eel, and dry-fried string beans. The 'curiously tasty chicken' and braised cabbage also receive praise."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the authentic Sichuan flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and suitability for group dining. It's frequently recommended for its quality and delicious dishes.
Important Note
Some users have noted that the quality can be inconsistent, particularly concerning the Kung Pao dish. There is also a sentiment from some that other restaurants like 'Chili' may now offer superior Sichuan cuisine, with some chefs from Cafe China having moved there.
"This user recommended Cafe China for Chinese cuisine."
Positive"Cafe China is recommended for its good food, ease of reservation, and availability of nice semi-private spaces suitable for large groups."
Positive"A brief, positive comment stating that Cafe China is awesome."
Positive"Cafe China is listed as a commonly recommended Chinese restaurant that can accommodate crowds and is usually easy to reserve."
Positive"Cafe China is listed as a restaurant recommendation."
Positive"Cafe China is suggested, particularly for its fish dishes, along with any Sichuan spot."
Positive"This commenter suggests that the dish pictured may be Chongqing chicken, a Sichuan dish, and recommends Cafe China as a place that offers more refined versions of this dish."
Positive"Cafe China is mentioned as a recommendation for Chinese food."
Neutral"Cafe China was mentioned as a potential option for group events, possibly working for lunch or dinner depending on the exact group size."
Neutral"Cafe China is recommended as a place for Sichuan cuisine."
Positive"Cafe China is mentioned as having nice drinks for happy hour, though their happy hour ends early."
Positive"Cafe china is considered good, but less memorable than Che li. The commenter doubts it would be as good as a Sichuan restaurant for braised pork."
Neutral"Cafe China was listed as a special shoutout by the commenter."
Positive"The 'curiously tasty chicken' at Cafe China is praised, as is their perfectly braised cabbage."
Positive"This user simply recommended Cafe China."
Positive"The user is interested in Cafe China, noting that a family member also recommended it, and is considering it for a meal."
Positive"Cafe China is listed as a dining option."
Positive"This user mentioned that Chili, a restaurant suggested as an alternative for Szechuan food, is possibly run by former staff of Cafe China and that there was some 'drama' during Cafe China's renovation period."
Neutral"This user suggested that Chili might serve better Szechuan food and is located nearby."
Negative"This user enjoys the flavor of hot green peppers in dishes but needs to pick them out due to their spice intolerance."
Neutral
