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Land of Plenty
Master Critic Review
Land of Plenty
8.1
Decade-old Sichuan specialist delivering authentic spicy dishes with the traditional seven-flavor balance in a clean, efficient midtown setting. The neighborhood favorite serves reliable mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and fiery dry pot preparations at reasonable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Pork with Sweet Miso Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Authentic Sichuan heat with traditional seven-flavor balance at midtown convenience
Who should go: Spice lovers and office workers seeking quality lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch for efficient service
What to order: Mapo tofu extra-mala, pork with sweet miso sauce, dan dan noodles
Insider tip: Ask for extra mala spice level—they'll customize heat to your preference
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking scarce in Midtown. Nearby garages on 58th/59th St run $25-40. Subway (N/R/W to Lexington-59th) is easiest
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—white-tablecloth setting but jeans are fine. No dress code enforced
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly during dinner, livelier at lunch rush. Reviews describe it as 'quiet and comfortable' for talking
Weekend wait: 10-20 min without reservation; reservations accepted via phone or Resy
Weekday lunch: Can get crowded with office workers—arrive before 12pm or expect a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—stir-fried five spice tofu, dou miao (pea shoots), vegetable dishes available. Limited dedicated section but options exist
Vegan options: Limited—a few tofu and vegetable dishes can be made vegan. Specify no oyster sauce when ordering
Gluten-free options: Accommodating—rice dishes, many stir-fries work. Staff will advise on soy sauce substitutions if asked
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice—white-tablecloth atmosphere feels elevated without being stuffy. Moderate noise allows easy conversation. Sharing dishes breaks the ice naturally. Not super romantic, but comfortable and impressive for the price.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for dinner, but lunch can pack out with Midtown office crowds. Weekday dinner walk-ins are generally fine. Weekend evenings, calling ahead is smart—they take reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—Yelp flags it as 'good for kids' and reviews mention accommodating families with strollers. Milder dishes available (orange beef, lo mein). Just note most signature dishes pack real Sichuan heat.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Sichuan heat at midtown prices without the Flushing trek. Cleaner, more polished atmosphere than typical Chinatown spots. Efficient lunch service for office workers on the clock.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Sichuan (try Birds of a Feather) or maximum heat intensity (Mala Project). Also not the move for Cantonese/dim sum cravings—this is strictly Sichuan.