Our Zone 第五空间 家常川菜 — Restaurant in Boston

When I say this owner and her husband know what is authentic Sichuan food, I mean it.

This small restaurant is a hidden gem in Brighton. I genuinely believe their presence elevates the neighborhood.

Their menu is small because (1) their dishes are carefully selected and (2) they continue to remove unpopular dishes throughout the year and add new dishes that they master.

The place looks frill-less from the outside, but their dishes can take you on a trip to inland China with just one bite.

Note:

Their foods are SPICY and can be oily. But whoever cooks knows that oil is essential to some delicious dishes. If you care deeply about a diet and can’t slack for a day, Sweetgreen is two miles away. Also, don’t ask them to reduce the spiciness or oil because it’s like asking KFC not to fry their chicken——it’ll be soulless.

However, if you are adventurous and curious about the real Sichuan dishes without leaving Boston, this is where you should go. I didn’t grow up eating spicy food, but I’ve come to adapt the spicy taste and quite like it. Now my boyfriend and I come here every weekend to try a new dish and have made this our weekly ritual.

Still, be prepared for some tastebud kicks, because you are going to experience...

This has to be my favorite restaurant in Boston. I never had Sichuan food before going here six months ago, but even now - after having had Sichuanese cuisine elsewhere - Our Zone is still my go-to. The owner and staff are wonderful, welcoming people; the restaurant is always clean and quiet; and the food is divine.

I want to express how every dish I've had here has been delicious, and I am more and more impressed and ecstatic each menu item I try. That being said, here are some highlights:

-- I'd recommend their hot pot for someone new to Sichuan cuisine, as it's a great introduction to mala seasoning. Share it!

-- The duck blood and tripe hot pot is my go-to: the blood curd is silky smooth, and the tripe tender and toothsome.

-- The popcorn chicken is my favorite fried chicken dish in Boston - it's perfectly crunchy and tender, and the plum powder (li hing mui? not sure) is delicious.

And to avoid making this an essay, I also love the fish & pickled cabbage soup (tangy & refreshing); the green bean & spinach noodle (a great cold appetizer); and the leek & pork dumplings.

The restaurant does have limited seating so I would recommend calling ahead on busier nights, otherwise there tends to be...

The food was mediocre at best, but we were surprised when the server rudely asked for more tips. Tips should be a representation of quality of service, and should never be forcefully asked. Watch out if you go.

Edit: per the owner’s response, I would like to clarify the scenario. We had four people in our party, and we originally gave a 12% tip. The server collected the receipts before we left the restaurant, and upon seeing the tipping amount, asked us to give more. There was nothing wrong with the service, and we felt that our tip was a very reasonable amount. This is why we were surprised to be asked before we left the restaurant. It is both unprofessional and inattentive to collect receipts before customers leave and ask customers to modify...