China is renowned for its rich culture, history, and delicious cuisine. From tasty street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, China offers an incredible culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
Chinese cuisine dates back thousands of years and is known for its diverse flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. In addition, the cuisine has been influenced by various factors such as geography, climate, religion, and cultural traditions, resulting in a wide range of regional cuisines throughout the country.
Choosing the best places to eat can be overwhelming with so many options. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 15 best restaurants in China that will tantalize your taste buds with their diverse flavors and dining experiences and leave you wanting more.
Exploring the Best Restaurants in China
China is a country with a rich culinary history and diverse regional cuisines. From spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dim sum, there’s plenty of delicious food to explore. So whether you’re a foodie looking for a unique culinary experience or a traveler looking to explore local flavors, China’s vibrant restaurant scene has something for everyone.
Cai Yi Xuan
Cai Yi Xuan Restaurant in Beijing’s luxurious Rosewood Hotel is a culinary masterpiece that will guide you through the rich and varied flavors of Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant’s sleek, modern décor and traditional Chinese elements create a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic date or special celebration.
Cai Yi Xuan specializes in Cantonese cuisine, and the menu has been carefully crafted to showcase the best of the region’s culinary delights. From succulent roasted meats to exquisite seafood, each dish is expertly prepared using the freshest ingredients and the latest culinary techniques.
Yu’s Family Kitchen
Yu’s Family Kitchen Restaurant in Chengdu is a hidden gem that offers a unique and authentic dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll be transported back to an era of ancient Chinese traditions as soon as you enter the restaurant. The restaurant’s decor blends old-fashioned elegance and rustic charm, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere perfect for a special event or a romantic date.
The restaurant serves delicious Sichuan cuisine dishes prepared using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through generations of the Yu family. The menu reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity, offering a range of dishes bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced taste.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet is located in a secret location in Shanghai, which adds to the exclusivity and mystery of the restaurant. Once you make your reservation, you’ll be picked up from the chosen location and taken to the restaurant, so you’ll feel like you’re embarking on a special culinary adventure.
The restaurant’s minimalist décor and dim lighting create an intimate and immersive atmosphere where you can fully concentrate on the culinary delights that await you. In addition, the three Michelin-starred restaurant features an impressive projection system that creates an ever-changing environment, transporting you to different places and locations during your meal.
The restaurant’s menu changes regularly and features dishes that appeal to all your senses. Each dish is prepared by experts using the finest and freshest ingredients and enhanced by innovative cooking techniques and flavor combinations.
Fook Lam Moon
Fook Lam Moon is in the bustling Wan Chai district, just a stone’s throw from some of Hong Kong’s top tourist attractions. You will be hauled to a world of elegance and culture as soon as you step into the restaurant. With its comfortable seating, soft lighting, and traditional Chinese décor, Fook Lam Moon offers a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for intimate dinners or business meetings.
Fook Lam Moon is famous for its delicious Cantonese cuisine featuring succulent meats, fresh seafood, and flavorful vegetables. The menu has been carefully crafted to showcase the best of Cantonese cuisine, with each dish prepared using only the finest ingredients.
The restaurant is especially known for its roasted meats, which are slow-cooked and served with various delicious dipping sauces. The menu also offers several vegetarian options, making it an ideal destination for those with dietary restrictions.
Asia Bistro
Located in the heart of Beijing, Asia Bistro is a culinary oasis that promises your taste buds a journey through vibrant and diverse Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek and modern décor, combined with traditional Asian elements, creates a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
Asia Bistro’s menu offers various Asian dishes, from classic Chinese dim sum to spicy Thai curries and fragrant Vietnamese pho. All dishes are expertly prepared using the freshest ingredients and authentic cooking techniques, so every bite is a true taste sensation.
Whether for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner, Asia Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal in a stylish and inviting setting.
Yat Lok
Yat Lok is located in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central district, just a short walk from the famous Mid-Levels escalator. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with a few tables and a bustling kitchen where chefs work diligently to prepare food.
The star of the menu at Yat Lok is undoubtedly the roast goose, which is succulent and full of flavor. It’s served with rice or noodles and a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the meat.
In addition to the roast goose, the restaurant offers many other Cantonese dishes, such as barbecue pork, roast pork, and chicken with soy sauce. The dishes are prepared with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality, making Yat Lok a local favorite for many years.
Lost Heaven
Lost Heaven restaurant is located in the trendy Jing’an district of Shanghai, just a short walk from the famous West Nanjing Road shopping district. The ancient Tea Horse Road connected Yunnan with Tibet and inspired the restaurant’s eclectic decor. Traditional Tibetan prayer flags, ornate wood carvings, and colorful lanterns create a warm and inviting ambiance.
The menu at Lost Heaven is a culinary adventure with a blend of Yunnan and Southeast Asian flavors that will delight your taste buds. Each dish is expertly prepared with fresh and local ingredients, from spicy and aromatic beef rendang to fragrant and flavorful chicken curry.
Lost Heaven Restaurant is an enchanting and magical place where you can enjoy a delicious meal of Yunnan and Southeast Asian cuisine in Shanghai.
Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant
In the heart of Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, Jin Xuan offers a culinary experience that puts you at the pinnacle of high-end Chinese fine dining. The restaurant’s decor perfectly blends traditional Chinese elements and contemporary design, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere.
The restaurant’s menu offers authentic Cantonese cuisine emphasizing seafood dishes. The dishes are meticulously prepared by the restaurant’s master chefs, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. Be sure to try the main dish, braised abalone with black mushrooms and vegetables, which is considered the best in the city.
In addition to the Cantonese specialties, Jin Xuan offers several other regional Chinese dishes and vegetarian options. This ensures that there is something for everyone.
The Kitchen Table
The Kitchen Table is located on the 6th floor of the Guangzhou W Hotel, in the heart of the city’s bustling Tianhe district. The restaurant boasts a sleek, modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows showing stunning city skyline views. Plus, you can watch the chefs expertly prepare your meal in the open kitchen.
The restaurant offers an eclectic mix of Western and Asian cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu offers everything from classic burgers and pizzas to traditional Cantonese dishes and Japanese sushi. One of the restaurant’s highlights is the interactive dessert bar, where you can watch the pastry chefs whip up delicious treats before your eyes.
The restaurant offers special events and promotions, including afternoon tea, brunch, and seasonal menus.
JiangNan Wok
JiangNan Wok is located in the heart of Nanjing, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions. It promises to take you on a culinary journey through the flavors of the Jiangnan region of China. The simple but elegant décor with wooden tables and chairs gives the restaurant a warm and inviting feel.
The menu at JiangNan Wok is inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Jiangnan region, which is known for its delicate flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Each dish is expertly prepared and tasty, from classic dishes such as braised pork belly and fried rice to lesser-known specialties like Steamed Yellow Croaker.
If you’re looking for authentic Jiangnan cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming environment, JiangNan Wok is worth a visit.
Wan Li Restaurant
Wan Li Restaurant is located in the InterContinental Nanjing, on the 45th floor of the hotel. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the city, and the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to take in the sights as you dine. In addition, the restaurant’s luxurious décor, with its ornate chandeliers and plush furniture, conveys a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
The restaurant is known for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine, prepared with the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The menu features numerous dishes, including succulent roasted meats, delicate dim sum, and fresh seafood. The restaurant also provides a range of vegetarian dishes, so there is something for everyone.
In addition to food, Wan Li Restaurant offers an extensive wine list of international and local wines and an impressive selection of Chinese teas.
Cafe Cha
Cafe Cha is located in the heart of Beijing’s central business district, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists. It offers a unique dining experience combining traditional Chinese tea culture and modern cuisine.
The restaurant is elegantly decorated in a modern style. The restaurant’s highlight is the tea bar, where guests can enjoy a selection of premium Chinese teas handcrafted by experienced tea sommeliers.
The menu at Cafe Cha offers a range of innovative Chinese dishes inspired by the country’s rich culinary heritage. Among the restaurant’s signature dishes is Peking duck, cooked to perfection and served with traditional spices and pancakes. Other must-try dishes include the braised beef ribs and the pan-fried sea bass with soy sauce.
The restaurant also offers a unique tea menu, where each dish is paired with a different type of Chinese tea to enhance the flavor and texture of the food.
Canton Disco
Located in Shanghai’s trendy French Concession neighborhood, Canton Disco is a unique restaurant that offers a new take on traditional Cantonese cuisine. When you enter this Michelin-star restaurant, you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere that’s as funky as sophisticated.
The décor is a playful mix of ancient Chinese elements and modern design, with neon lights and colorful murals on the walls. The open kitchen adds to the lively atmosphere, as you can watch the cooks at work while they prepare your meal.
Canton Disco’s menu combines classic Cantonese dishes and modern, original variations. You’ll find everything from dim sum to fried noodles to succulent roasted meats. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of cocktails and craft beers, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends.
Lanting Restaurant
Lanting Restaurant is a culinary gem in the beautiful city of Hangzhou. It promises to take you on a delicious journey through the rich and varied flavors of Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant’s elegant décor and traditional Chinese elements create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a special event or a romantic date. The dining room features beautiful Chinese artwork and ornate wood carvings that charm the restaurant.
Lanting Restaurant specializes in Hangzhou cuisine, one of China’s most famous and popular regional cuisines. Each dish, from West Lake fish to Dongpo pork, is expertly prepared, using the freshest ingredients and the latest culinary techniques. The menu also features a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, making the restaurant an ideal destination for those with dietary restrictions.
Taian Table
Located in the heart of Shanghai’s trendy French Concession neighborhood, Taian Table is a hidden gem that offers an intimate and memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s simple, elegant decor creates a cozy, intimate ambiance perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
With only 24 seats, guests are guaranteed an exclusive and personal dining experience. Taian Table has been awarded three Michelin stars, recognizing its exceptional culinary standards.
Taian Table offers a unique and creative tasting menu that showcases the best European and Asian flavors. Each dish is beautifully presented and skillfully prepared with the freshest and most innovative ingredients.
The menu changes frequently, but standouts include the scallop with kaffir lime and ginger foam and the slow-cooked beef with celery puree and truffle sauce. With its intimate atmosphere, innovative cuisine, and prime location, it’s no wonder Taian Table has become one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Conclusion
China is a culinary paradise with a rich and diverse food culture. From traditional Cantonese cuisine to modern fusion dishes, there is something for every palate.
Whether you’re a foodie on a culinary adventure or just want to enjoy a delicious meal, these restaurants will provide you with an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you wanting more. So pack up your bags and embark on a culinary journey through China’s vibrant gastronomic scene.
