The best places to eat in Guangzhou

Summer Palace

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Casual Dining

The Summer Palace is a sprawling imperial garden offering a serene escape with stunning landscapes, intricate architecture, and a rich history. Visitors consistently praise its vastness, the beauty of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, and the…

Taian Table

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Well-honed European techniques are put to use in the display kitchen to turn the best ingredients from around the world into creative, contemporary works of art. There is just one eight-course tasting menu and it changes bi-monthly, with a "best of"…

Jiang by Chef Fei

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

The elegant, relaxing interior, which showcases a happy marriage between East and West, has recently been refurbished to suit the tastes of a younger generation. Its Cantonese fare strikes a balance between tradition and creativity, with timeless…

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

As in other branches of this Singapore-based chain, the kitchen team never fails to deliver quality dishes thanks to inspired insights and honed skills. The must-try black pepper mud crab exudes an intoxicating aroma and seafood flavour, while…

Jade River

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Diners here unwind with a cup of tea freshly brewed by tea masters. The traditional garden, water features, exquisite woodwork and artisan Manchurian windows give it a serene feel. The food is, of course, no less impressive. Steamed sunflower…

Chōwa

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

TV may well have changed the life of the Hong Kong chef who helms Chōwa – after honing his skills in Western cooking, Louis Tam was inspired to explore Franco-Japanese fusion food by a Japanese TV drama. The seasonal six- and eight-course tasting…

Yu Garden

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

As an art lover, Chef May chose to open her place away from the city, in an airy space adorned by artworks on loan from the gallery nearby. Tables are well spaced out, but consider booking a private room for special occasions. Fujian cuisine…

Stiller

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Named after the owner-chef who also runs Taian Table, Stiller is a different dining concept altogether. Start the meal with a personalised cocktail at the bar or the lounge area by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Then head to the colourful dining room…

Song

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Christened after the dynasty and a nod to the owner's name, this award-winning place has pillars covered with stainless steel bricks and gigantic glass-feathered wings hung from the mirrored ceiling that lend an eerie sense of space. Standouts on…

Lei Garden (Yuexiu)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

This outpost of the Hong Kong-based chain is well known among locals and tourists for its nicely made traditional Cantonese fare, such as crispy roast pork belly, and slow-boiled or double-boiled soups. Kick off your meal with chilled jellyfish…

Yu Yue Heen

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

The head chef, who hails from Guangdong, has been cooking professionally since the age of 15 and has extensive experience at hotels in Shanghai and Nanjing. Each dish embodies the utmost finesse and attention to detail. The range of dim sum at lunch…

BingSheng Private Kitchen (Tianhe East Road)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

The decor mimics quaint mansions in the Xiguan district, with prints depicting Cantonese opera stories on the walls. The menu focuses on healthy cooking with seasonal, organic ingredients. Signature dishes include braised Doumen mud crab with hairy…

Lai Heen

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Lai Heen champions modern Cantonese cooking made with the best ingredients and deeply rooted in tradition. The signature steamed sunflower seed-fed chicken must be pre-ordered; the crispy-skinned lemongrass squab wins many hearts. Try the braised…

Lingnan House

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Perforated windows, ceiling fans and chandeliers impart retro Lingnan flair. Chef Feng also bases his recipes on Lingnan traditions and seasonal local produce, but slightly tweaked to the local palate and spruced up with unique creativity. His…

Hongtu Hall

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Besides river views and stunning murals, Hongtu Hall is prized for its exquisitely crafted dim sum ranging from the classics to novel creations, as well as velvety congee and juicy roast meats. Make sure to try their shrimp dumplings and shrimp…

Suyab Courtyard・Pickmoon Gourmet

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

This restaurant on the same premises as a furniture shop and a Japanese tearoom is helmed by the experienced Chef Fai. The kitchen delivers refined Chaozhou dishes, with menus tailored to availability of ingredients, as well as guests' budget and…

BingSheng Mansion (Xiancun Road)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

In a main dining room and 32 private rooms, all exuding understated glamour, this place champions innovative and refined Cantonese fare. It serves hand-crafted dim sum, a rare thing these days. The menu has an array of double-boiled tonics, such as…

Yong

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

This multifaceted dining concept in a heritage building is supervised by celebrity chef Lan Guijun. It hits the spot every time, thanks to quality ingredients, deft execution and thoughtful service. A few set menus are available – all require…

Wisca (Haizhu)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

The Singapore-based chain opened its first outpost here in 2019. The head chef from Hong Kong ensures that Chaozhou traditions are respected in the kitchen, while adding a refined touch to his repertoire. The fried tofu skin roll in sweet and sour…

Xin Ji

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Fine Dining

This street was once known for the sheer number of seafood restaurants on it. Though most of its competitors were shuttered for good, Xin Ji is still going strong after over 30 years of service. And of course, picking live critters from the fish…

Plant-Based Kitchen

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Casual Dining

Without the escort of a waiter, you would never spot the unobtrusive (sign-free) entrance to this eatery. Once seated at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, diners admire as the 14-course vegetarian tasting menu is unfolded. The chef excels at…

Dr. Xu's Wellbeing Branch (Tianhe)

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Casual Dining

Founder Dr. Xu is a postdoc in Chinese medicine and the restaurant doubles as a museum showcasing his collection of antiques and rare herbs. Diners appreciate the tonic effects of double-boiled soups, such as the abalone liver soup with wild…

Liang Jia Cai Guan

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Casual Dining

Its facade may not be grand, but regulars don’t come for the glitz.. Originally a food stall in Changdi Road over 40 years ago, it has moved to a three-story building in the old town of Haizhu district, but the chefs, the menu and the affordable…

Zijin Shi Fang

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province · Casual Dining

Though Zijin occupies two adjoining ground-floor units, there is barely an empty seat throughout the day. For over 10 years, locals have been fans of the impeccable barbecue meats, which are displayed in all their glory at the front of the shop. The…