Authentic Szechuan & Dim Sum in Midtown. Upscale, group-friendly, and a former Michelin-star holder.
This beloved Midtown Chinese restaurant, a former Michelin-star recipient, offers a refined yet accessible Szechuan dining experience. Known for its authentic flavors and elegant ambiance, it's a go-to for everything from solo lunches to group dinners, with a menu boasting both classic and inventive dishes.
This restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, with specific highlights like the 'wontons in chili oil,' 'mapo tofu,' and 'Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper.' Many dishes are recommended, including 'duck fat fried rice,' 'kung pao chicken,' and 'dry-fried string beans.' While most feedback is positive, a few diners have noted minor inconsistencies or a preference for other Sichuan restaurants.
"Highly recommended dishes include the 'Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper,' 'wontons in chili oil,' 'mapo tofu,' 'duck fat fried rice,' 'kung pao chicken,' and 'dry-fried string beans.' The 'crispy eel' and 'tea-smoked duck' are also noted favorites."
Customers consistently praise the authentic Szechuan flavors and the restaurant's ability to accommodate groups. While generally highly regarded, some reviews suggest minor inconsistencies or preferences for competing establishments.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest that while good, consistency can vary, and a few diners prefer competing Sichuan restaurants like Chili.
"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"This user frequently orders the Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper from Cafe China for lunch, finding it to be a perfect choice. They also confirmed that Cafe China offers a lunch special that includes pot stickers and cucumbers."
Positive"This user highly recommends several dishes from Cafe China, including duck fried rice, crispy fish fillet, pig trotter, chicken with yellow chives, and lofah with dried scallop, stating they are go-to orders."
Positive"This user commented that the Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper dish from Cafe China looks super yummy."
Positive"The post is about the Shredded Beef With Hot Green Pepper, which is described as amazing and a potential top-ranked dish. Another user mentioned ordering it for lunch multiple times, calling it perfect."
Positive"Cafe China is recommended as a good modern Sichuan restaurant near Bryant Park."
Positive"This commenter expressed a less favorable opinion of Cafe China, stating it has worsened since its relocation. They prefer other options for Chinese cuisine."
Negative"A brief recommendation for Cafe China."
Positive"This commenter recommended Cafe China, noting it can accommodate large parties and has good food and service. They have successfully hosted a group of 16 there."
Positive"The user explains that Cafe China's older location was on 37th and Madison, and if the inquirer has been to a location not off Madison, they have already visited the newer one."
Neutral"In response to a question about when Cafe China moved, the user clarifies that the previous location was on 37th and Madison, implying the current one is the newer location."
Neutral
