The best places to eat in Hangzhou

Having shed its former image as “China’s food desert”, Hangzhou is now a celebrated foodie destination, following the release of its first Michelin Guide in 2023. With the launch of a direct high-speed rail service between Hong Kong and Hangzhou, exploring this entrepreneurial city’s rich and varied dining scene has never been easier. 

From traditional Jiangnan classics to contemporary favourites, discover the flavours and dishes that define Hangzhou at these nine must-visit restaurants in the Chinese Mainland.

1. Sense

Set amid the stunning scenery of Hangzhou’s famed West Lake, Sense offers a dining experience grounded in nature and Chinese aesthetics. Helmed by chef Jay Zhao, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2025 thanks to an imaginative tasting menu channelling the spirit of the Jiangnan region. Each carefully crafted dish draws inspiration from landscapes, poetry and history, paying tribute to the romance of Hangzhou and its surroundings. Expect creative presentations, such as drunken shrimp in pickled radish “boats” and lotus seed ice cream dressed with caviar. 

2. Fang Lao Da Noodles (方老大面馆)  

This no-frills noodle shop is best known for its pian’er chuan mian, a Hangzhou speciality made with preserved vegetables, bamboo shoots and sliced pork, served either with dry noodles or as a soup. For an indulgent twist, order it with crispy river eel and shrimp, or add a slice of dongpo pork – a traditional Chinese delicacy said to be invented by the celebrated Hangzhou poet Su Dongpo. Make time to browse the market for seasonal fruits and delicacies after your meal.

3. Lou Wai Lou (楼外楼) 

This century-old restaurant situated along West Lake is a must for first-time visitors to Hangzhou. All the classics are here: beggar’s chicken – baked in clay then theatrically cracked open tableside – melt-in-your-mouth dongpo pork – and vinegar fish prepared with freshly caught West Lake carp. Be sure to request a second-floor table overlooking the lake, or step onto the balcony for panoramic views. Together, the environment and food offer the quintessential Hangzhou experience.

4. Guiyu (桂语山房) 

Located in a secluded osmanthus forest near West Lake, Guiyu is a Michelin-starred destination that feels like a serene retreat, especially in the autumn months. The menu draws from Zhejiang traditions, with dishes like thin-sliced beef boiled in mineral water from nearby Hupao Spring (delicate, but with a surprising kick), a rich eight-treasure tofu stew topped with sea urchin, and snow crab braised with lily bulbs and black truffle. Each dish is artfully plated, and tableside fortune-telling and traditional tea ceremonies add an extra layer of hospitality.

5. L’éclat 19

Chef Olivier Elzer brings French culinary technique to Hangzhou classics at this fine-dining destination inside the Vallie Hotel , awarded its first Michelin star in 2025. Tasting menus blend seasonal ingredients with French flair, resulting in dishes like red prawns with bottarga and caviar, and Iberico pork with persimmon purée. For a more relaxed experience, the afternoon tea menu presents reimagined regional bites – including beef béarnaise buns and Longjing tea cannelé. Table pieces replicating iconic Hangzhou landmarks add a playful touch to the interiors.

6. Cha Ren Cun (茶人村) 

After a day exploring the tea plantations of Longjing Village, a stop at Cha Ren Cun is the ideal way to unwind. Housed inside the China National Tea Museum, this traditional teahouse overlooks the surrounding tea fields, offering both beauty and tranquility. The restaurant’s signature dish, a rich mandarin fish and lake crab stew, is a crowd-pleaser. But it’s the desserts that steal the show: handmade sweets like osmanthus-glazed yam and steamed millet cakes are perfect accompaniments to your afternoon tea.

7. Hefang Street 

Though often packed with visitors, Hefang Street still delivers when it comes to snackable fare. As you amble along this historic street, which is lined with traditional shops and eateries, you can munch on skewers, savoury stuffed pastries and Hangzhou classics such as flaky scallion pancakes. A standout establishment is Nan Song Huji (南宋胡记) , a bakery famous for its not-too-sweet mung bean cakes. It’s the perfect introduction to the subtle flavours of Chinese desserts in a city that takes its sweets as seriously as its savoury dishes.

8. Old Folk’s Restaurant (老头儿油爆虾) 

Old Folk’s began in the late-1980s as a humble street-side operation with only a handful of tables, where crowds would line up for sizzling plates of fried shrimp. The eatery has since grown into a beloved chain with multiple branches around the city. Visit the original flagship location in Shangcheng District to sample the signature oil-exploded river shrimp (you bao xia), both sweet and savoury. By night, the lively setting draws city dwellers looking to unwind over bold flavours.

9. Pu Shu (朴墅) 

Combining traditional flavours with a minimalist aesthetic, Pu Shu offers a fresh take on regional staples. The menu riffs on Hangzhou comfort food – think claypot rice with house-cured sausage, braised short ribs and soy-simmered river fish. Choose your branch based on the vibe you’re after: the Qingzhuwu location near West Lake has bright, airy interiors, while the Xihu branch , near the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, charms with its nature-immersed scenery. Either way, expect a relaxed yet memorable dining experience.