Authentic Chongqing & Hunan w/ sleek, modern vibe. Known for spicy dishes & elevated dining experience.
This Chinese restaurant, focusing on authentic Chongqing cuisine, offers a culinary journey that blends traditional Sichuan flavors with a contemporary and upscale presentation. The ambiance is described as sleek and modern, providing an elevated dining experience perfect for special occasions. It's considered a strong contender for Sichuan food in Manhattan, with dishes like the Chicken Kung Pao receiving praise for spice and sauce, though some found portions small and rice an extra charge.
This restaurant specializes in authentic Chongqing and Hunan cuisine, with a strong emphasis on spicy Sichuan dishes. The Chicken Kung Pao is often recommended for its spice and sauce, though some users noted the absence of Sichuan peppercorns and an extra charge for rice. While some dishes are praised for their authenticity and boldness, others are described as 'hit or miss'. The restaurant has also discontinued certain popular dishes like the dry chili chicken.
"The Chicken Kung Pao is frequently mentioned as a good dish with a nice spice level and excellent sauce. Users also recommend the restaurant for its spicy Hunan and authentic Chongqing cuisine."
Customers generally have a positive view, highlighting the authentic and spicy Sichuan/Hunan cuisine. Some minor complaints include the lack of included rice and occasional menu changes.
Important Note
Rice is not included with entrees and incurs an additional charge. Some users have found certain dishes to be inconsistent ('hit or miss'), and popular dishes like the dry chili chicken may be discontinued.
"Lunar & Chili are known for their Sichuan cuisine and are located in the 30s."
Neutral"The portions at Lunar felt smaller compared to Chili, and the practice of not including rice with entrees, requiring an extra charge, was found to be odd and inconvenient."
Negative"The Chicken Kung Pao from Lunar is good with a nice spice level and excellent sauce, though it lacks Sichuan peppercorns and has a moderate amount of wok hei. It does not come with rice, which is an additional cost not clearly indicated. The restaurant previously made a significant error with a large order, leading to a refund and a negative experience."
Negative"The commenter mentioned Lunar is located across the street and presumed it has a good Kung Pao, but found their other dishes to be hit or miss."
Neutral"The user ranks Lunar as a close contender to Birds of a Feather, potentially even surpassing it, for Sichuan cuisine. This opinion is based on their personal experience growing up with Sichuan food."
Positive"The user lists Lunar as their second favorite Sichuan restaurant in Manhattan, after Mountain House."
Positive"This user reported that Lunar has discontinued the dry chili chicken dish from their menu."
Neutral"This commenter listed Lunar as having a better version of the dry chili chicken dish compared to Han Dynasty."
Positive"The user recommended LUNAR for Szechuan cuisine."
Positive"Lunar is mentioned as a restaurant that also serves the specific Sichuan dish the original poster is looking for, identified by its Chinese name and as 'sliced beef in chili broth'."
Positive"A user recommends Lunar as a good option for takeout."
Positive"LUNAR in Manhattan was listed as a recommendation, likely for Szechwan sliced beef chili pepper soup or similar Szechwan dishes, in response to the initial post's query."
Neutral"A user particularly likes Lunar, noting its Swedish minimalist decor and authentic Chongqing food, and suggests it might be the easiest to get a reservation for despite being bustling."
Positive"A user generally states that Lunar is good."
Positive"Recommends Lunar specifically for the spiciest Hunan cuisine."
Positive
