Authentic Sichuan cuisine w/ indulgent flavors & generous portions. Retro Shanghai vibe, creative cocktails.
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant offers an indulgent dining experience with generous portions and a retro 1930s Shanghai vibe. Many reviewers compare it favorably to other popular Sichuan spots, with some even noting that former chefs from a now-closed establishment have brought their expertise here. The food is described as having a greasier, more indulgent quality, and the cocktails are also a hit.
This restaurant serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, with many dishes receiving high praise. Fan favorites include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao dishes, and cumin lamb. Some reviewers note that the food can be greasier in a more indulgent way. There are also positive mentions of vegetarian options like Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu.
"Highly recommended dishes include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao dishes, cumin lamb, Chongqing chicken, and tea smoked duck fried rice. Vegetarian options like Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu are also praised."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its delicious and authentic Sichuan dishes, often comparing it favorably to other popular establishments in the city. The generous portions and flavorful, albeit sometimes greasy, food are frequently highlighted.
Important Note
One user reported a less consistent experience, finding the three pepper chicken to be rubbery and the vermicelli dry. Another found the laziji to be disappointing, though this was an outlier opinion.
"Chili is mentioned as a common recommendation for Chinese food in NYC."
Positive"This commenter recommended Chili on 37th, highlighting its cozy atmosphere and solid vegan options, specifically mentioning mapo tofu."
Positive"Chili Milli is recommended as a place for Sichuan food."
Positive"Chili is mentioned as a Chinese restaurant near Midtown."
Positive"This user clarified that they were referring to the Sichuan restaurant, not the American chain, and commented on the lack of 'cultured folks'."
Neutral"Chili, a Sichuan restaurant (not the American chain), is described as one of the user's favorite restaurants in the city, offering good food at decent prices. Specific dishes like cumin lamb, carp, and twice-cooked pork are highly recommended."
Positive"This user confirmed that Chili serves excellent Szechuan food and was surprised by the downvote on the previous comment."
Positive"This user asked if Chili is close by, noting it serves excellent Szechuan."
Positive"CheLi is mentioned as another good option for soup dumplings (XLB) further south, and the establishment is also behind Mountain House, a recommended Szechuan restaurant."
Positive"Cumin Lamb at Chili was listed as a standout bite."
Positive"This user listed Meili as a recommended restaurant for large groups."
Positive"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
