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I made reservations and picked a menu well in advance of an anticipated group of 50. Got the entire back room for ourselves. The owners were willing to do this on a Saturday night. The atomosphere was much nicer than a typical Chinese restaurant. More like a homey atmosphere that I wish I had available for a family gathering in NYC. It's easily accessible by public transportation and parking outside was free after 7 - a unexpected real plus compared with Chinatown. The food was excellent. A mixture of hot and not so hot food. One of the owners gave good advice about how to choose a mix of dishes to serve a mixed crowd. We had a number of vegatarians in the crowed and most of the dishes without meat could be made as vegetarian. There were rave reviews of the fragrant fish filet, mixed mushrooms, chinese greens, and ma po tofu. Even the people who normally don't eat Chinese food beacuse of the oil were happy eating several of the dishes (mixed mushrooms and greens, fish) served in broth sauces. The scallion pancakes were the hit of the appetizers and steamed vegetable dumplings came in a close second. They offered both white and brown rice and were willing to serve half and half to accomodate all of the people. They were also very flexible - asking when to bring food (as guests wandered in). The service was a bit confused at times. The package included house wine and beer on tap, but I'm still not sure guests got that message from anyone on the staff. On balance the wait staff was friendly and did a good job. There was no problem when we decided to add an a la carte dessert and cut portions in half to serve the group. In the end, although the group was a bit smaller than anticipated they only charged for the number of people who attended - wow. I can't wait to go back on my own to try more of their food. Only it will be hard to choose what to order - too hard to choose between the many dishes I want to try and those I already enjoyed. China Cafe was just what we were looking for - good food in a home-like casual atmosphere. We couldn't have asked for more. An excellent value for the money.

Chinese food, in the city of late, has turned so tarted up that anything natural-ie.flavor, texture, "good taste- " has definitely gone missing. So, it was with high hopes that we embarked to the unhappening nabe of 30's off Fifth. On a whim and a hunch we were hoping Cafe China would live up to the early yelps of mighty yummy food. Instead, what we found were some mention worthy hits alongside some definite dishes to avoid. The cyber babble about Dumplings in hot oil begged questions- our rating was that this was not the A+ dish we'd read about- but a solid B+. The dumps that came to us were a bit stingy on their inside porkfill, and their slippery texture from the oil made us think Big Business Slickster. The all touted Tea Smoked Duck came as a generous plate of Aflack pieces but showed a lack of restraint -heavy was the hand on the smoker. Green beans were crunchy perfection and Fish Fillets with a tot of ginger and heat tasted soothing rather than sublime. However, the real kicker was that this 7 month young newbie of a resto already has down the annoying seating habit of pushing the less desirable tables first. At 6:00 on a MONDAY night when we requested the back room we were told it was all full. Nosy parkers, we went for a look see and surprise! It actually was less than 30% occupied. C'mon people, there's no barrier of any kind that serves as an excuse for a lack of professional hospitality. Cafe China sits in an off the beaten track location with decor that's little more than a few old glam photos tacked onto the walls and some funky paint colors.Yes, it's better than the average asian joint, still, an eager to please attitude would mean a lot. For Cafe China to continue to serve up Lucky Rice it needs to lose the western attitude!

Nothing about this restaurant met expectations. Both food and service was poor and it is also expensive. The pork dumplings in Chili sauce were okay and the sauce on the blossom fish was good. But there was little fish actually in the fish. Everything else we ordered was bland! Mushrooms and Bok Choy were fresh but flavorless. Spare ribs were also tastless and steamed, making them more like tastless washed out pot roast than pork. I didn't like the duck although some of my party thought it was okay. And the service was poor. Lots of people running around, but they didn't seem to have much purpose. They didn't change the plates so fish bones and duck bones remained on the small plates. When we asked however, they did bring fresh plates. Then they began removing plates even before we were done and when one of our party took out his credit card, and just put it down on the table very near him, a waiter came & grabbed it. We hadn't even gotten our bill and there was more than one credit card yet to come. Had to protest very quickly. The restaurant was crowded and I don't get what all the hoopla is about. Overpriced, poor service, not good food, and obviously we will never be back.

Order the baby ribs in bamboo leaves and tell me this isn't the best Chinese food in Murray Hill. If you want Chinese fusion or General Tso's chicken this isn't the place to go to.

We have recently moved, so we are on the hunt for a solid new Chinese spot to order from. We read the reviews and expected some tasty vittles! However, this was quite a disappointment. One person, wrote this is the best chinese in the city, seriously people? The food was weak from Dim Sum to entree.

I love Sichuan food and have lived in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Beijing. China Cafe has authentic Sicuan, especially the spice and the flavors but its kitchen is a work in progress. The husband and wife team owners are terrific and the chef is experienced. Needing work are the dan dan noodles (mushy noodles); the pot stickers (ouside pi or shell is too thick); and the ma po tofu (way too salty). On the mark are the simple baby cucumbers, the three pepper chicken, the scallion pancakes and the spicy cumin lamb. Enjoy.

This is mid town's best kept secret! The food is absolutely amazing! For all those spice lovers - do not miss the three chili chicken! Its to die for!! Its spicy! But soooooo good! Adorable lil place, absolutely going back again and again and AGAIN!