On our recent jaunt to London, we had a goal to get some Sichuan food. We love it and unfortunately it is one of the few cuisines completely missing in our current location. Until visiting The Sichuan, I'd say our surprising all-time favorite was Sichuan Cottage in rural North New Jersey (see my Yelp review and don't miss it if you have the opportunity). However, The Sichuan has eclipsed that fine restaurant and is now at the top of my list. We arrived in a seriously jet lagged state from our nearby Shoreditch flat on a frigid Wednesday evening. One of the two manager gentlemen warmly welcomed us and spent a lot of quality time discussing the huge menu, drink options, etc. We took his recommendations - for Westerners familiar with Sichuan food, liking spice/heat but not wanting full spice level, etc - and they were spot on. I have to note, he went out of the way to correct us when we wanted to order an extra dish and accurately pointed out that their portions are very generous. He was absolutely right but how many restaurant people will talk customers OUT of ordering extra food? We started with some of the "refreshing fungus" - perfect wood ear type mushrooms in an amazing preparation of fresh herbs and a few peppers. This was a revelation. Never had anything like it before and we both loved it. For our mains we had Gung bo Chicken and a special Twice cooked fish that was off menu but he said is a customer favorite. The chicken was classic, complex, tongue tingling and delicious. For me, I think I prefer Sichuan Cottage's and perhaps they were holding off a bit on the Sichuan peppercorns but for us that evening, that was probably the right call. The fish was amazeballs! One of the best dishes I've ever eaten - lightly battered and very lightly/perfectly fried - crunchy but still very juicy in a dry wok preparation with cumin , peppers, etc. Really astounding. OK...we returned for a second dinner as we just couldn't stay away. That evening, Friday, the restaurant was at capacity but the same sweet owner?/manager found room for us at a larger communal table (that led to meeting a delightful local bar owner who hooked us up - see my Aviary review) so...always go with the flow folks. That time we had to get the fish again along with the pork with green peppers (rich, luscious, perfectly hot) and the green beans/ground pork - best version of these I've ever eaten. The Sichuan is a wonderful, welcoming, outstandingly run restaurant turning out some of the best Sichuan food you will ever eat. What are you waiting for? read more