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Ren
Master Critic Review
Ren
8.3
Ren is a newer modern Sichuan restaurant doing tapas-style small plates, from crunchy golden tofu to mapo tofu and spicy cumin lamb, in a sleek East Williamsburg room. It’s quieter and more intimate than neighboring spots, built for lingering over tea or cocktails and sharing a spread rather than one big entrée.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy golden tofu, Mapo tofu, Spicy cumin lamb
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tapas-style Sichuan plates ideal for splitting several things at once.
Who should go: Small groups or couples who like sharing spicy plates.
When to visit: Dinner service; slightly later for a calmer room.
What to order: Crunchy tofu, mapo tofu, spicy cumin lamb.
Insider tip: Build your own tasting by mixing dim sum with larger plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; plan for a few blocks of walking or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine but the room leans stylish.
Noise level: Low to moderate - easy to hold a full conversation, even on busy nights.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners typically seat within 10–20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetable-forward dishes including tofu, mushrooms, and greens.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with guidance; tofu and vegetable dishes can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Selective - rice-based dishes and some proteins work, but soy-heavy sauces limit true gluten-free options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, shareable plates, and a calm room make it easy to talk and connect without feeling rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early dinner; weekend evenings are much easier with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—spicy flavors, small plates, and a quiet room skew toward adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, stylish Sichuan dinner focused on sharing plates and lingering rather than high-energy crowds.
Skip if: You want huge portions, budget pricing, or a loud, bustling Sichuan atmosphere.