Authentic Sichuan grub w/ a retro Shanghai vibe. Generous portions, great cocktails, and some say Michelin-level quality.
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant in Midtown East offers a vibrant dining experience with a retro 1930s Shanghai vibe. Reviewers frequently praise the authentic flavors, generous portions, and the quality of dishes, with some even mentioning Michelin-star chefs. It's a popular spot for both its indulgent, flavorful food and well-crafted cocktails, often recommended as a superior alternative to other well-known Chinese establishments.
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant is highly regarded for its authentic and flavorful dishes, often described as having a more indulgent and generous portion style. Popular recommendations include Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Wontons, and various chicken dishes like Chongqing Chicken. While most feedback is positive, one reviewer found the three pepper chicken to be rubbery and the vermicelli dry. The restaurant also offers vegetarian-friendly options like the Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu.
"Highly recommended dishes include Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Wontons, and Kung Pao. The Truffle Beef Tenderloin, Spicy Soft Shell Crabs, and Rice Wine Soup are also highlighted positively."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, often noting generous portions and great cocktails. Many consider it a top-tier Chinese dining experience.
Important Note
One reviewer found the three pepper chicken to be rubbery and the vermicelli dry, indicating potential inconsistency in food quality on certain occasions. Another noted that while good, the Kung Pao dish might have had a slight imbalance in spice and sweetness.
"This commenter recommended Chili (Szechuan) as a good vegetarian-friendly option near the user's office. They specifically highlighted the Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu as vegetarian dishes."
Positive"Chili's portions were noted as gargantuan when compared to Lunar."
Positive"Chili is recommended over Cafe China, as it was opened by the old chefs from Cafe China after they moved. The user states that Chili has now surpassed Cafe China in quality."
Positive"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
Positive"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
Positive"The user agreed that Chili's Kung Pao was good but noted that they might have used too much peppercorn and the sauce was a bit too sweet, otherwise enjoying the dish."
Neutral"The user mentioned ordering Kung Pao chicken from Chili and found it to be good, but not great."
Neutral"Chili on 37th is suggested as a dining option, with a note that its rice wine soup presentation creates a fine dining experience, despite the restaurant's casual interior."
Positive"In response to a negative experience, this commenter still loves Chili's mapo tofu and tea smoked duck fried rice."
Positive"Despite frequent recommendations, the commenter was very disappointed with the laziji at Chili, suggesting it might have been an off day."
Negative"Chili is mentioned as a dining option."
Positive"The commenter recommends Chili for Sichuan food, stating it is very tasty."
Positive"Chili is mentioned as a dining option."
Positive"This commenter stated they prefer Chili for all dishes when compared to Cafe China."
Positive"The commenter expressed a strong preference for Chili over Cafe China, mentioning that many chefs from Cafe China now work at Chili, which is located in the same area."
Positive"The author mentions 'Chili' located on 37th street."
Neutral"A short, positive response to the comment about trying the Kung Pao."
Positive"This commenter expresses their love for the restaurant, ranking it among their top 5 Chinese restaurants in the city. They are looking forward to trying the Kung Pao."
Positive"In response to a question about spice level, the commenter states the dish was not extremely spicy but suggests that requesting it spicier might be possible."
Neutral"This user is asking about the spice level of the food, specifically inquiring about the Kung Pao."
Neutral
