ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Dim Sum in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
CHILI
8.6
CHILI dresses Chinese cooking in a 1930s-inspired room, pairing dim sum and shareable plates with cocktails and a buzzy Midtown East crowd. It reads more like a modern supper club than a takeout joint, with polished service and dishes that lean bold and spicy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Har gao and pork dumplings in chili oil, Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Three pepper chicken and spicy soft shell crab
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven Chinese spot with dim sum, spicy plates, and theatrical decor.
Who should go: Dinwrs wanting Chinese flavors with cocktails and scene-y energy.
When to visit: Prime Friday and Saturday evenings for full bar buzz.
What to order: Har gao, pork dumplings in chili oil, three pepper chicken.
Insider tip: Order a mix of dim sum and larger plates and let the kitchen stagger courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking and nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks. Street parking is very difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine with a polished top, but many guests lean cocktail-night chic.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — energetic vibe, you can talk but expect some background buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dim sum options, tofu dishes, and stir-fried greens.
Vegan options: Limited — a handful of vegetable-based dishes can be prepared vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — naturally gluten-free rice and vegetable dishes available, but soy sauce is widely used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the glamorous room, shareable plates, and cocktail program create an easy icebreaker with strong date-night energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are competitive — reservations are strongly recommended for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the late-night energy, cocktails, and loud vibe skew adult-focused. Better for teens during earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Stylish Chinese dining with cocktails, buzzy atmosphere, and plates designed for sharing on a night out.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, traditional regional Chinese cooking, or budget-friendly portions without the nightlife feel.