Café China

Eleven years ago when Cafe China opened on the edge of Murray Hill steps from the Morgan Library, it caused an uproar. While Chinese food had always been a common lunch option among office workers in this commercial neighborhood, this place added Sichuan specialties to its mainly Cantonese menu, and dishes were a giant hit. Soon, the neighborhood was a nest of Chinese restaurants flaunting Sichuan options, and this was one of the early factors that helped Sichuan evolve into New York City’s favorite Chinese cuisine.