Pic courtesy of Szechuan Gourmet
Not too many luscious lunch options around Bryant Park and the central branch of the library, which is why Szechuan Gourmet was so madly welcome when it opened a couple of years ago. But this place would brighten up any neighborhood with its unflinchingly spicy—but nuanced-spicy, not just tongue-thrashing—rendition of one of the spiciest Chinese regional cuisines. Try the blazing dan dan noodles or the stir-fried pork belly with chili-spiked leeks—and come for dinner, too, not just lunch. It’s worth heading to midtown for this, even on a weekend night. Not the sexiest of interiors, but the food makes up for it five times over.
Szechuan Gourmet. 21 W 39th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves.; (212) 921-0233.
Prices/Features: Moderately Priced/Vegetarian-Friendly