+1 202-466-7790
Nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, Sichuan Pavilion offers an inviting gateway into the vibrant world of Sichuan cuisine. Located conveniently at 1814 K St NW, just off Farragut North, this cozy restaurant has long been a cherished destination for those craving authentic flavors that capture the essence of this fiery culinary tradition.
Stepping inside Sichuan Pavilion, diners are welcomed by a warm, comfortable atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined. It’s a place where friends and families gather to share generous portions served family style, embracing the communal spirit that defines Chinese dining. The attentive service and subtle touches—like the steaming hot tea on arrival—add a layer of comfort that feels truly personalized.
The menu is a treasure trove for spice lovers and those seeking bold, layered flavors. Highlights include the Chicken with Hot Dry Pepper, where tender chicken bites are kissed by piquant chili peppers and mouth-tingling numbing Sichuan peppercorns. The Beef Stew Noodle Soup Sichuan Style offers a rich, savory broth brimming with tender beef and silky noodles that soothe and satisfy. For a lighter yet equally flavorful option, the Crab Meat with Asparagus Soup combines delicate seafood sweetness with vibrant green asparagus, creating an elegant balance.
Vegetarian options impress as well, especially the iconic Ma Po Tofu with its silky tofu cubes enveloped in a perfectly balanced spicy and numbing sauce, or the Sautéed Spinach with Fresh Garlic and Hot Oil, which offers a lively garlic aroma and a subtle heat that invigorates the palate. For those who enjoy pork, dishes like the Twice-Cooked Pork and Pork in Garlic Sauce deliver tender meat infused with bold, authentic Sichuan spices.
The culinary craftsmanship shines through in specialties like the Earl Grey Tea Smoked Duck and Crispy Duck Half, where smoky, aromatic flavors marry with perfectly crisp skin—a treat for both the eyes and palate. Complementing the savory dishes, the Scallion Pancake crisp on the outside yet soft inside, offers a delightful textural counterpoint.
Guests have raved about the genuine flavors and welcoming ambiance. Mohan Sun recalls Sichuan Pavilion as a comforting taste of home, appreciating its accessibility and cozy vibe. Caleb Stapp, visiting with his large family, praised the restaurant’s prompt service despite their late arrival and described the food as fantastic and authentically Chinese—as recommended by a local Chinese Lyft driver. Bo consistently enjoys favorites like mapo tofu and spicy chicken with dry pepper, highlighting the perfect harmony of bold flavors and spice that never disappoints. J Vanek appreciates the generous portions and the thoughtful details, from perfect Kung Pao Chicken to a tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken, recommending it enthusiastically.
For spice aficionados, Sichuan Pavilion delivers a rich, textured, and invigorating culinary experience deeply rooted in tradition yet comfortably approachable for all levels of adventurous eaters. Whether you’re a seasoned Sichuan food lover or exploring this vibrant cuisine for the first time, Sichuan Pavilion promises a memorable journey through the tantalizing tastes of Sichuan province in the vibrant setting of Washington, DC.
Contact them at +1 202-466-7790 to reserve your table and dive into a world where spice, aroma, and texture come together in perfect harmony.
Visited again in April 2025. Great food as usual. Glad to see that the restaurant is popping! Sichuan Pavilion was one of the few Chinese restaurants I could get to without a car when I moved to the area 10 years ago. It provided a taste closer to home and a cozy atmosphere where I could relax. To that point, the restaurant was conveniently located (right off Farragut N.) and had more authentic options. For Sichuan fare, I’d recommend chicken with hot dry pepper, beef/fish fillet in hot sauce, and pork/chicken/eggplant in hot garlic sauce. They are all seasoned with great flavors. You can also ask for recommendations. As a rule of thumb, dishes start with general Tao, sweet and sour, sesame, orange flavored, protein with broccoli etc. are Chinese American creation. They’re fine but skip those if you want to try more authentic and regional cuisines.
We, a family of 7, came in about 2:30 PM. They were set to close at 3:30 for their afternoon break but moved quickly to seat and serve us. The food was fantastic. We’d asked a Chinese Lyft driver for a recommendation and he said this was the most authentic Chinese food in DC. I’m not an authority on the authenticity, but it was very tasty. The dishes were served family style. The not dish we didn’t like was the Jellyfish - but I had bought that as an experiment and we didn’t really expect to like it!
Whether it’s a group dinner or a casual meal, Sichuan Pavilion has authentic and flavorful Sichuan dishes in a comfortable setting. Some of my favorites include the mapo tofu, spicy chicken with dry pepper, fish fillet, and bean strings with ground pork—all packed with bold flavors and the perfect balance of spice. The quality has remained consistently good. The service was quick and attentive, with staff regularly refilling tea and ensuring a great dining experience.
Nice, quaint neighborhood Chinese restaurant with great selection, ample portions and reasonably priced. The hot tea they bring is a nice touch. My Kung Pao Chicken was perfect, and the Sweet and Sour Chicken had a nice tangy taste to it. Would definitely recommend!
One of the representative Sichuan cuisine restaurants in DC, offering authentic and richly flavored spicy and numbing dishes. Their spicy hot pot is especially recommended; the broth is rich and layered, and the side dishes are fresh and plentiful. The Mapo Tofu has a perfectly balanced spiciness and numbing sensation; the tofu is tender and smooth, and while the spiciness is intense, it's not overwhelming. The ambiance is simple yet cozy, perfect for sharing a meal with friends or family. The waiters are friendly, and the bill is processed quickly.
One of my favorite restaurants! I crave their fish in hot sauce and mapo tofu all the time. Service is always great and very attentive. Food is always consistent and steaming hot. Definitely a must!
Went on a Saturday evening for dinner date, seated immediately without waiting. The servers are authentic Chinese people. Quick service and food came out fast and delicious! Would definitely come again. One of the good places for Sichuan restaurants in DC
We visited this restaurant on Independence Day, a group of four. The owner and all the staff were incredibly warm and friendly, recommending dishes based on our preferences. In total, we tried the Mapo Tofu, Basil Eggplant, Sliced Beef and Tripe in Chili Sauce (Fuqi Feipian), Poached Fish Slices in Hot Chili Oil (Shui Zhu Yu Pian), and Homemade Beef Tendon. The portion sizes were just right, the flavors weren't too salty, and the spice level wasn't overwhelming. Overall, the ingredients were fresh and the taste was great. Our favorite was the Basil Eggplant; the sauce was incredibly rich and flavorful, and the four of us devoured it.