Café China

"This Sichuan mainstay moved a couple of blocks west and became much grander, seating over 300 with three full floors of dining rooms with a 1930s theme. The food remains every bit as good, if a bit pricier. Recommended dishes include pork dumplings in hot oil, luffa and dried scallops, ma po tofu, and especially braised beef in red soup." - Robert Sietsema

"For spicy beef and vats of chili oil, head to this Sichuan restaurant. Preferably with a group. There’s an extensive dim sum menu to sample, not to mention their supersized portions of mapo tofu, peppercorn-covered fish, and saucey lobsters. The checkered floors, chandeliers, and vintage posters make random Tuesday nights feel celebratory, so you might want some people around to drink an extra cocktail with. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine, molly fitzpatrick

"Right now, you could be eating spicy cumin lamb, chengdu wontons, and mapo tofu from Cafe China. Turn your night around with some exceptional food from this Midtown restaurant, available for pickup or delivery when you order on their website. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine

"Café China—from the same people behind Birds of a Feather—was a Midtown staple back when it was at its original location on 37th Street. In a new location just a five minute walk away, they still serve the same crowd-pleasing Sichuan food in a dining room with checkered floors and chandeliers. Sample from the extensive dim sum menu, followed by supersized portions of spicy beef, peppercorn-covered fish, and fatty short ribs with sweet soy sauce broth. A lot of restaurants work well for groups, but it's especially true for Café China. We consider it a requirement to come here with at least three other people." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, diana kuan

"There are three levels of dining at this revamped crowd-pleaser, with upper levels especially conducive for big groups. The restaurant seats over 300, done up in a 1930s-style: tasseled lampshades hanging over tables, black embroidered screens showing swooping birds, airbrushed black-and-white portraits of grandparents, and a general speakeasy atmosphere. The menu has expanded to include other regional cuisines besides Sichuan and Cantonese, along with the inevitable wines and cocktails." - Eater Staff, Beth Landman