TLDR
Sleek, modern Chinese dining fusing authentic Chongqing flavors with upscale presentation. A culinary journey to Chongqing with a contemporary twist.
Instagram Posts References
Lunar is presented as a groundbreaking establishment in NYC's Chinese dining scene, specifically focusing on authentic Chongqing cuisine. The restaurant successfully blends traditional, spicy Sichuan flavors with a contemporary and upscale presentation, ensuring that the inherent heat of the cuisine is preserved. The ambiance is described as sleek and modern, contributing to an elevated dining experience. The post highlights a variety of dishes, ranging from unique appetizers and cocktails to main courses and desserts, all met with high praise for their balance of authenticity and artistry. It is positioned as an ideal spot for special occasions like date nights or group dinners, promising a culinary journey that transports diners to Chongqing while offering a truly special experience in the city.
Details
Lunar offers a modern and upscale take on authentic Chongqing cuisine, blending traditional Sichuan flavors with a sleek presentation. This elevated dining experience is suitable for special occasions, promising a culinary journey to Chongqing with a contemporary twist. The menu features a range of dishes from unique appetizers to flavorful main courses and desserts, all prepared with artistry [1].
Food Overview
Lunar is celebrated for its authentic Chongqing and Sichuan cuisine, offering dishes like crispy Chungking Spicy Chicken and Whole Fish with Fresh Chili Pepper [1]. The Chicken Kung Pao is noted for its good spice level and sauce, though some find it lacks traditional Sichuan peppercorns [2]. While many dishes receive high praise for their balance of authenticity and artistry, one user noted that the dry chili chicken dish may have been discontinued [3], [1]. Customers also appreciate unique options like the Chinese Yam with Blueberry Compote and Black Truffle Fried Rice [1]. However, a notable point of contention is the practice of not including rice with entrees, requiring an additional charge [1], [2].
Caveats
One user reported that Lunar may have discontinued the dry chili chicken dish. Additionally, the practice of not including rice with entrees, requiring an extra charge, has been noted as odd and inconvenient by some patrons [1], [2]. A past significant error with a large order also led to a negative experience for one customer [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LUNAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Team Dinner Near 30th And Broadway 10 People For
"This user recommended Lunar, Chili, or Cafe China for Sichuan cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"Lunar & Chili are known for their Sichuan cuisine and are located in the 30s."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Lunar Murray Hill
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Kung Pao Lunar Murray Hill
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Kung Pao Cafe China West 30s
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Sichuan Food In Nyc
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Sichuan Food In Nyc
"The user lists Lunar as their second favorite Sichuan restaurant in Manhattan, after Mountain House."
PositiveFrom post: Antidote In Nyc Is Serving Dry Chili Chicken
"This user reported that Lunar has discontinued the dry chili chicken dish from their menu."
NeutralFrom post: Antidote In Nyc Is Serving Dry Chili Chicken
"This commenter listed Lunar as having a better version of the dry chili chicken dish compared to Han Dynasty."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Chinese Restaurants Preferably In
"The user recommended LUNAR for Szechuan cuisine."
Positive