Recommended Hangzhou Restaurants And Reservation Methods

Hangzhou’s culinary scene blends tradition with innovation, offering dishes that reflect the city’s poetic heritage and freshwater bounty. Start with West Lake Vinegar Fish (Hu Po Yu Feng), a sour-sweet delicacy made with locally caught carp. At historic restaurants like Lv Lou Restaurant (founded in 1873), this dish is prepared using age-old techniques. For something uniquely Hangzhou, try Dragon Well Tea Shrimp (Longjing Xiaren)—fresh shrimp fried with fragrant Longjing tea leaves, available at spots like Xi Hu Yi Qing Fang near the lake. Don’t miss Dongpo Pork (Dong Po Rou), slow-cooked pork belly named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, best enjoyed at Zhi Wei Guan.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront dining with sunset views. Most upscale restaurants offer WeChat mini-program booking (ask for a QR code on their website) or phone reservations. For last-minute plans, use platforms like Meituan or Ctrip to check real-time availability.

How do I experience authentic tea culture in Hangzhou?

Tea is to Hangzhou what wine is to Bordeaux. Visit the Longjing Tea Plantation in Longwu Village, where you can pluck tea leaves and sip freshly brewed green tea. Many teahouses, such as Xi Hu Qian Gu Hu Pavilion, offer immersive experiences: watch tea masters fry leaves in wok pans, then relax on bamboo chairs with a cup of Mid-Autumn Tea (Bai Hao Yin Zhen). For a modern twist, Tea Boat hosts floating tea ceremonies on West Lake, where waiters serve tea while you glide past lotus flowers.

Pro tip: Buy tea directly from Lion Peak (Shi Feng) vendors—prices are 30% lower than tourist shops. Look for Yu Qian Longjing (pre-Qingming Festival harvest) for the finest quality.

Where should I go for a riverside dinner with a view?

The Qiantang River and West Lake set the stage for Hangzhou’s most romantic dining. At Sunset Lake Villa, tables overlook lotus-covered waters, ideal for trying lotus root stuffed with pork (Yuan Yang Yu Sai Jin). For nighttime vibes, Hefang Street transforms into a lively food hub with stalls serving dingesshang hotpot (Guo Ge La Xia)—a spicy, communal broth perfect for chilly evenings.

For a splurge, Palazzo Versace offers Italian-Chinese fusion by the river, but book weeks ahead. Budget-friendly option: Jiuxiang Chinese Restaurant on Beishan Road, where you can sip yellow wine (Huang Jiu) while watching lanterns flicker.

What local snacks should I try between meals?

Hangzhou’s street food tells stories of its Silk Road history. Wu Shan Night Market is a goldmine for bites like:

• Dingyi Xianling Gao: Glutinous rice cakes filled with red bean or sesame.
• Longxiao Su: Flaky pastry wrapped around pork floss.
• Song Tea Ice Cream: Matcha-infused ice cream topped with edible gold foil.

For a savory fix, grab Xi Hu Niu Rou Fan (beef oxtail soup) from a cart near Wulin Square. Wash it down with Wahaha Soy Milk—a local brand since 1987.

How can I combine food with cultural adventures?

Elevate your trip by linking meals to Hangzhou’s heritage. After breakfast at Narayan Restaurant (renowned for southeast dumplings), cycle along the West Lake Trail to burn calories. In the afternoon, take a tea-picking workshop at Meijiawu Tea Plantation, followed by lunch at a tea farmer’s home. Evening options:

• Impression West Lake Show: Dine at Zhejiang Hotel before the performance.
• Song Dynasty Town: Eat pan-fried Song Dynasty cakes while watching archery displays.

For a deep dive, join a culinary tour with Hangzhou Chowventure—they’ll guide you through markets, teach you to wrap Xi Hu Chun Juan (spring rolls), and reveal hidden gems like Grandma’s Kitchen in Xiaoshan District.

Quick Reference: Top Restaurants & Tips

Tip: Dining peaks at 6:30 PM—arrive early or reserve!