Michelin-starred Sichuan cuisine in Midtown. Known for its authentic flavors, lively ambiance, and must-try mapo tofu & Kung Pao.
This Midtown Chinese establishment is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and has maintained a Michelin star for seven years, a testament to its consistent quality. The restaurant offers a refined yet lively atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions from dates to group dinners. Popular dishes showcase bold flavors, with highlights including mapo tofu, spicy soft shell crab, cumin lamb, and a highly recommended Kung Pao.
Specializing in authentic Sichuan cuisine, this restaurant is lauded for its bold and distinctive flavors. Highlights include mapo tofu, spicy soft shell crab, cumin lamb, and Kung Pao. It also offers vegetarian options and has been recognized with a Michelin star for its consistent quality.
"Highly recommended dishes include the mapo tofu, wontons in chili oil, Kung Pao, dry-fried string beans, and braised beef in red soup. The tea-smoked duck and crispy eel have also been specifically praised."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the authentic Sichuan flavors and refined atmosphere, consistently recommending it for its quality and overall dining experience.
Important Note
One user noted that the restaurant might not have sufficient vegetarian options for a group with diverse dietary needs. There are also mixed opinions regarding the consistency and 'wokhei' smokiness of their Kung Pao dish.
"Cafe China is recommended for those looking for Sichuan cuisine, indicating it's a well-regarded option."
Positive"This user recommended Cafe China for a meal with parents, citing its great food and similar vibe to Potluck Club, noting that it is not loud."
Positive"After clarification, the user acknowledges Cafe China is not in Chinatown but reiterates that their crispy eel is good."
Positive"This restaurant was initially recommended, with a specific mention of their crispy eel dish."
Positive"The user simply lists Cafe China as a recommendation."
Positive"The user suggested Cafe China, mentioning its location around 36th street."
Neutral"Regarding Cafe China's Kung Pao, the user notes that while the seasoning and peppercorn/chili balance are perfect, the chicken is not always well-seared and the dish can be soupy. They also mention that the sauce tends to be thin and would prefer it thicker, and while the dish is awesome, texture of the chicken could be improved."
Positive"The user considers the Kung Pao at Cafe China to be their preferred version, despite some reservations. They find the seasoning to be on point with perfect use of peppercorn and chili, and appreciate the wokhei smokiness."
Positive"Cafe China is ranked third among preferred Kung Pao spots, although it can be inconsistent. They use Sichuan peppercorns but sometimes lack smokiness."
Neutral"Despite not being a personal favorite, Cafe China is acknowledged as better than the criticized dish, though it lacks smokiness."
Neutral"This restaurant is listed as a repeat spot."
Positive"This restaurant is recommended."
Positive"Cafe China is listed as a dining option."
Neutral"Responding to a recommendation, this user found Cafe China to be mediocre for Kung Pao, stating it lacked 'Wokhei' during their experiences."
Negative"This commenter simply recommended Cafe China."
Positive"The original poster noted that Cafe China is similar to the inconsistent quality previously experienced, often lacking the desired wok smokiness despite using Sichuan peppercorns."
Neutral"This commenter noted that Cafe China had a Michelin star before moving and was unassuming and delicious."
Positive"Although not specifically about the squirrel fish, this user finds Cafe China to be a consistently good restaurant, highlighting their Mapo tofu."
Positive"The user recommended Cafe China as another option for the dish."
Neutral"Cafe China is recommended as a strong option for private dining. Their smallest private room has a $500 minimum spend, which seats up to ten people, and can be booked online."
Positive
