What should you eat when visiting West Lake? Start with Hangzhou cuisine. A West Lake day is not just about scenery—it’s also a chance to taste the city’s most iconic flavors.

Classic Must-Visit Picks

West Lake State Guesthouse · Ziwei Hall

Hidden near West Lake, just off the willow-lined Yanggong Causeway, the West Lake State Guesthouse has one of the best settings in town: lake on three sides and hills behind. Its Chinese restaurant, Ziwei Hall, is a leading representative of Hangzhou cuisine. If you’re unsure where to eat by the lake, this is a safe and impressive choice.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still dine at Ziwei Hall. Their West Lake Vinegar Fish is widely seen as one of the benchmark versions in the city. The setting is part of the appeal: after your meal, you can stroll the quieter lakeside paths nearby.

Address: Building 8, West Lake State Guest House, No. 18 Yanggongdi
Recommended Dishes: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Tiger Spring Water Matsutake Rice, Dongpo Braised Pork, Shrimp Marinated in Bayberry Wine
Business Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00
Reference Price: 461 RMB per person

Call: 0571-87979889

If you decide to dine there, it's best to make a reservation a few days in advance. Especially on weekends, you should book at least three days ahead. When making the reservation, you can request a window seat. You can download "Dianping App" and book online directly.

Four Seasons Hotel · Jin Sha Ting

If you want the most refined high-end Chinese dining by West Lake, Jin Sha Ting at the Four Seasons is a top contender. It is one of Hangzhou’s most decorated restaurants and is often regarded by serious diners as a pinnacle of modern Hangzhou cuisine.

The kitchen is known for constant innovation. The menu updates frequently through the year, and each round introduces new seasonal ideas.

Like Ziwei Hall, Jin Sha Ting sits inside the scenic area, surrounded by pavilions, lotus ponds, bamboo, and courtyards. It delivers a true two-in-one experience: delicate Hangzhou flavors in a beautiful West Lake setting. If you can’t get a full dining reservation, afternoon tea can still be a worthwhile stop.

On the "Black Pearl List" within Hangzhou's culinary scene, more than half of the spots are dedicated to the exquisitely crafted Hangzhou cuisine. Among them, Jinsha Ting has consistently maintained its three-star status, not only due to its unwavering quality but also because of its continuous innovation. While keeping a few fixed classic local dishes from becoming monotonous, the seasonal menus introduced according to the time of year have also become a winning strategy for attracting diners.

Address: No. 5, Lingyin Road
Recommended Dishes: Crispy Skin Chicken with Salted Egg Yolk, Braised Pork with Abalone, Longjing Steamed Milk, Sister Song's Fish Soup
Business Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:30-21:00
Reference Price: 717 RMB per person

It's essential to book in advance, the earlier the better. Generally, based on experience, booking about two weeks ahead should be sufficient. The phone call number is 0571-81135188.

Hangzhou Junyue Hotel · Hubin 28 Chinese Restaurant

Another famous option is the Grand Hyatt’s Chinese restaurant, Hubin 28. It represents a refined style of Hangzhou cuisine and has long been a favorite “must-try” for visiting food lovers.

The space draws on Jiangnan courtyard design, with layered views that change as you move. On the menu, you’ll see a blend of Jiangnan and Hangzhou styles. The signature “Gold Medal Braised Pork” is one of the standout dishes many diners remember most.

Offering authentic Hangzhou, Huaiyang, and Suzhou cuisines, among other major Jiangnan culinary traditions, this place truly elevates gastronomy to its finest. The exquisite presentation of the award-winning braised pork is a testament to this, with slices of pork meticulously layered and arranged into a perfect pyramid shape. The dish is crafted from carefully selected pork belly, with just the right balance of fat and lean meat, sourced from the ribs. Complemented by the welcoming sight of an old horse-drawn carriage, the elegant tableware, and the live performance of traditional instruments like the pipa and guzheng, the dining experience here transforms into pure indulgence.

Address: 1st Floor, Hyatt Hotel, No. 28 Shanghu Bin Road (near Pinghai Road)
Recommended Dishes: Gold Medal Braised Pork, Jiangnan Prosperity Chicken, Sister Song's Fish Soup, etc.
Business Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:30-21:30
Reference Price: 442 RMB per person

Remember it is always suggest to book a table in advance, you can download "Dianping App" to book online, or call 0571-87791234.

Xiexiang Lou

Compared to the other three hotels, Xiexiang Lou appears slightly more niche, yet it is truly a hidden gem for many seasoned diners, and its cuisine is nothing short of stunning.

The signature dishes inspired by the 24 solar terms, with a monthly updated seasonal menu, truly reflect their thoughtful approach. What’s even more unique is the serene and elegant ambiance of the place. The entire restaurant is designed in a retro Chinese style, evoking a sense of tranquility akin to "a winding path leading to a secluded spot." In short, a visit here will not disappoint.

Address: 1st Floor, Grand Hyatt Hotel, No. 28 Hubin Road (near Pinghai Road)
Recommended Dishes: Vietnamese Braised Beef, Lemongrass Curry Prawn Pot, Wild Vegetable Puff with Yunnan Ham, Spicy Wine-Soaked Sea Snails
Business Hours: 11:00-13:30, 17:00-20:30
Reference Price: 750 RMB per person

If you've already tried them all, here are some new or highly cost-effective Hangzhou-style restaurants to explore.

Cost-effective choice

Seafood House

Located at the foot of Phoenix Mountain in Hangzhou, Mantou Hill, nestled by the roots of the Southern Song Dynasty imperial city, is one of the oldest residential areas in Hangzhou. Today, Tiaozhou Bay here has gathered a cluster of Hangzhou's most artistic private kitchens, each offering flavors that are consistently excellent, making it an ideal spot for friends to meet for a meal.

Among these, Seafood House stands out as a top contender in the realm of private kitchen cuisine. Signature dishes like steamed Yongchang stinky tofu with chopped chili and crispy pork intestines are deeply rooted in local flavors. The menu is thoughtfully adjusted according to the seasons, and the craft beers served in the restaurant are also excellent, making it a delightful spot to enjoy a drink.

Address: Room 101, Building 3, No. 45 Tiaozhouwan, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou
Recommended Dishes: Steamed Yongchang Stinky Tofu with Chopped Chili, Crispy Pork Intestine, Sour Soup Bullfrog, Secret Recipe Conch
Business Hours: 11:00～14:00, 17:00~21:30
Reference Price: 99 RMB per person

Qiantang Kitchen

At the Hangzhou Cuisine Museum, in addition to the exhibition halls, there are three restaurants. Among them, "Hangzhou Flavor" and "Dongpo Pavilion" offer private rooms or large tables, which require advance reservations. For smaller groups, "Qiantang Kitchen" is the most suitable option, offering the best value for money.

When ordering, there's no need to overthink it. Dishes like West Lake Vinegar Fish, Mother's Braised Pork with Eggs, and Crab Roe Tofu are generally safe bets. If the weather is nice, you can even sit on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by greenery, which is quite delightful.

Address: Inside the Hangzhou Cuisine Museum, 9 Fenghuangshan Road (near Nanshan Ceramic Market)
Recommended Dishes: Dongpo Braised Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Sister Song's Fish Soup, Mother's Braised Pork with Eggs, Crab Roe Tofu
Opening Hours: 10:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30
Average Price: 126 RMB per person

Deming Restaurant

Every city has its famous "hole-in-the-wall" eatery, and in Hangzhou, it's undoubtedly Deming Restaurant. Mention Deming Restaurant, and it's safe to say that almost everyone in Hangzhou knows about it. Nestled in a small alley, this Hangzhou-style eatery has always maintained the most authentic local flavors, exuding a strong sense of everyday life, with fresh ingredients to boot.

Must-try dishes include the crispy pork intestine, the fresh and delicious Qiantang River white bass, and the braised pork that is rich but not greasy... Every dish is a hit, and you can hardly go wrong with any choice. Even if you have to wait in a long line, it feels worth it. During peak times, you might even need to make a reservation several days in advance.

Address: No. 36, Huyu Road (West side of Building 3, Bagua New Village)
Recommended Dishes: Crispy Pork Intestine, Braised Pork, Braised Shrimp, Stir-Fried Pork Kidney
Business Hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30
Average Price: 120 RMB per person

Ba Xian Gou Hai

Located in the same Bagua New Village, on the same road as the renowned Deming Restaurant, this delightful little eatery is called "Ba Xian Gou Hai." Nestled in a deep alley of the bustling city, it has only been open for three or four years but has already become a household name.

What's cherished here is the most homely and authentic home-cooked flavor. A visit here is never complete without ordering the signature crispy pork intestine, which is first braised and then fried, offering a delightful crunch that sets it apart from others. It's precisely this authentic Hangzhou taste that draws many diners and food enthusiasts from afar, who not only enjoy their meal but also take some home.

Address: No. 36, Huyu Road, Shangcheng District
Recommended Dishes: Home-style stewed rice cake with yellow croaker, crispy pork intestine, pickled pepper bullfrog
Business Hours: 10:30～21:30
Reference Price: 99 yuan per person