Fodor's Expert Review San Xi Lou

This Mid-Levels eatery is known for the high quality of its spicy Sichuan cuisine. The famous Chongqing spicy chicken is heaped with dried red chili peppers for a sensational tingling, mouth-numbing effect. Another unique creation is the homemade silken tofu, which is bathed in a bright-red spicy broth speckled with chunks of whitefish, chopped scallions, and crunchy roasted peanuts. Those in town during the cold winter months should go for the yinyang hot pot—the fiery-hot side dish is perfect for dunking with thin slices of fat-marbled beef and the local favorite, deep-fried fish skin.