Blue Willow 夜来湘

"It's a New York rite of passage to find yourself near Columbus Circle and unsure where to eat dinner. Blue Willow is a very good option, especially when you're looking for a bit of a scene. This Chinese spot on 56th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, has velvet banquettes, busy bartenders, and standout mapo tofu—it holds up against prodding chopsticks and gravity, and you can taste the fermented black beans hiding in the tingly, mala-spice sauce. The menu veers Sichuan and Hunan, and has tons of vegetarian options. In other words, if you are responsible for planning a Midtown work dinner, Blue Willow really does have something for everyone, plus cocktails, and a fun enough atmosphere that isn't too this or too that." - Arden Shore

"If you live near Central Park South and need some great Chinese food, check out this Sichuan and Hunan restaurant on 56th. Their mapo tofu is one of the city’s best versions—its silky tofu cubes hold up against prodding chopsticks, and you can taste the fermented black beans hiding in the tingling, mala-spice sauce. Ordering is available from all the food delivery platforms listed here. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine

"When you walk around Central Park, there's always the moment when you think to yourself: "Oh right, this is what it feels like to not be surrounded by concrete and people." To ease your post-walk transition back into city life (your normal state of being), check out this Szechuan and Hunan restaurant on 55th between 6th and 7th. Its booths with tall dividers will give you a nice feeling of isolation, and you'll get to have spicy pork spare ribs and mapo tofu." - kenny yang

"If you’re near the bottom of Central Park and looking for great Chinese food, check out this Szechuan and Hunan restaurant on 56th. With its velvet banquettes and frilly lamps, the space is perfect for a date night or a meal with some visiting family members. Their mapo tofu is one of the city’s best versions—its silky tofu cubes hold up against prodding chopsticks, and you can taste the fermented black beans hiding in the tingling, mala-spice sauce." - bryan kim, sonal shah, kenny yang, carina finn koeppicus

"If you’re near the bottom of Central Park and looking for great Chinese food, check out this Szechuan and Hunan restaurant on 56th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. The velvet banquette, frilly chandelier-filled indoor space is chic enough to bring your boss, a date, or family visiting you in the city. While they currently offer indoor and outdoor seating, know that their food travels well for pick-up and delivery too. Their mapo tofu reminds us of the city’s best versions—its silky tofu cubes hold up against prodding chopsticks and gravity, and you can taste the fermented black beans hiding in the tingling, mala-spice sauce. " - carina finn koeppicus