B+01Qiang Ye Fan DianNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis restaurant comes from humble beginnings as a street hawker stall. Thanks to the unrelenting support of the city's foodies for over 30 years, it has expanded into a two-storey restaurant serving Jiangsu cooking alongside Cantonese favourites…$$$$$View details
B+02Xin Fang YuanNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningNow run by the third-generation owner, this family business opened its doors in 1959. The decor is no great shakes, but authentic old-time Nanjing flavours, generous portions and wallet-friendly prices have won it acclaim. Be sure to try their…$$$$$View details
B+03Zhuo Yan · Zhuo MianSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningBehind the name – a nod to Suzhou's famous Zhuozheng Garden – an eclectic decor melds traditional Chinese and bold modern aesthetics. At lunchtime, it's all about Suzhou noodles: the soy-based broth is packed with deep flavours, thanks to the…$$$$$View details
B+04Yangzhou Yan (38 Changchun Road)YangZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis grand place with imposing architecture is perched on the shore of Slender West Lake, its traditional Chinese motifs evoking poetic elegance. Intricate knife skills are evident in the Yangzhou classic of shredded dried tofu dressed in sesame oil…$$$$$View details
B+05L'Arôme in the skyNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningPerched atop a sky-scraping hotel tower, the lofty room affords stunning views of the city's skyline, complemented by blue fabric sculptures suspended from the white ceiling. The owner, a Nanjing native living in Paris, opened the restaurant in 2021…$$$$$View details
B+06Liu She JiYangZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningFor over 20 years, this homely noodle joint tucked away in an alley has been building a loyal following for its flavoursome slow-boiled broth, handmade "jumping" noodles kneaded with a bamboo pole, and an array of toppings cooked à la minute. The…$$$$$View details
B+07Chao 27SuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningA Chaozhou native himself, the chef knows his ingredients inside out and ensures dishes are made as authentically as possible. Preserved ingredients such as the aged dried radish in the beef soup, salted lemon in the duck soup, and green olives in…$$$$$View details
B+08Pin Ning FuNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThe views of Nanjing with Xuanwu Lake and Mt Zijin in the background are a major draw. But the updated Huaiyang and Nanjing delicacies, deftly crafted by the experienced head chef, are the key to its allure. The crystal pork aspic boasts meaty…$$$$$View details
B+09Cai Gen Xiang Xiao GuanYangZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis long-standing restaurant in Yangzhou enjoys a stellar reputation among foodies from near and far for its Huaiyang cuisine. It has moved many times over the decades, before settling in this nondescript alley in 2023. Home-style classics are its…$$$$$View details
B+10Jin Jing GeSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThe elegantly furnished room has an airy feel thanks to the full-length windows that reveal views of the pond. With years at the luxury hotel chain under his belt, the Shanghainese chef imbues Jiangsu classics with new ideas to keep the menu fresh…$$$$$View details
B+11XiuSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningXiu is the Chinese word for embroidery, an art form for which Suzhou is famous. It makes sense that silk upholstery adorns the room, a feature that exudes elegance. The menu is made up of Jiangzhe dishes and a few Sichuan and Cantonese choices…$$$$$View details
B+12Lao Chen JiaSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThe simple, cosy room focuses on straightforward, deftly crafted Jiangsu classics. With dad and son in the kitchen and mum in charge of the front of house, it has built a loyal fanbase over the past 30+ years thanks to warm service, good food and…$$$$$View details
B+13Wan Guo Chun Garden RestaurantNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis restaurant is famous for its traditional Huaiyang dishes underpinned by intricate knife work as well as precision in cooking temperatures and times – think chrysanthemum tofu, thinly shredded dried tofu with eight treasures, and sautéed…$$$$$View details
B+14Du Shi Li De Xiang CunNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis unassuming-looking joint in a residential building has been in operation for over 20 years and locals are hooked on the home-style Jiangzhe dishes. With about 40 items on the menu, it's all killer, no filler. Top picks include "ruan dou" rice…$$$$$View details
B+15Yu Chuan (Xuanwu)Nanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis century-old mansion, decorated with wainscoting, a coffered ceiling and 1950s chairs, is located in an art community. While not a prima facie setting for a Chinese restaurant, the kitchen team of Sichuan natives cooks up authentic fare from…$$$$$View details
B+16Xizhou HallSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningInspired by the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, the decor sports slatted floor-to-ceiling windows, pendant lanterns and a view of a koi pond. In addition to cuisine from his hometown, the Yangzhou chef deftly prepares Suzhou dishes and roast duck. His…$$$$$View details
B+17Fang PoNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningSince the 1970s, the owner has been treating customers to iconic Nanjing-style small bites at this no-frills shop. Black rice balls, the favourite breakfast for many, comprise black sticky rice with bilberry leaves and stuffed with meat. End on a…$$$$$View details
B+18Xin Ju Feng Cai Guan (Taijianlane)SuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningIn Suzhou's bustling shopping hub, this household name dates back to 1904. For over 20 years, this branch has been serving traditional Suzhou fare and seasonal delicacies to hungry shoppers. The Chinese sleeper fillet in wine lees sauce has silky…$$$$$View details
B+19Jin Ling Yang Jia Hun Tun Dian (Caodu Lane)Nanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningFor over 30 years, this place has been packed with wonton soup lovers throughout the day. The room has seen better days, but regulars clearly don't consider that a deal breaker. Wontons are wrapped on the spot, cooked à la minute and jazzed up by…$$$$$View details
B+20Li Ji Qing Zhen GuanNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis century-old halal joint...$$$$$View details
B+21Wei Ji Ao Mian Guan (East Baita Road)SuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningThis shop is famed for its Aozao noodle soup, a Kunshan speciality and designated as intangible cultural heritage. Just a stone's throw from Pingjiang historic quarter, the restaurant is clean and cosy, albeit not particularly spacious. The noodles…$$$$$View details
B+22Exquisite BocuseSuZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningBreathtaking lake views are the backdrop for this expansive room housing a modern art installation. The restaurant serves the same menu as its Beijing and Shanghai counterparts. Well-made Cantonese and Jiangzhe dishes please the palate, with poultry…$$$$$View details
B+23Quyuan Teahouse (Changchun Road)YangZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningLegend has it that Emperor Qianlong visited the private residence of a salt trader in the 18C, naming it Quyuan, meaning "intriguing garden". Nestled in lush greenery by Lake Shouxi, it is now a teahouse that is famous for its Huaiyang fare…$$$$$View details
B+24Guang Ying Ju · Lao Zheng XingNanjing, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningFor over three decades, this local darling has been serving traditional Nanjing cuisine, including painstakingly crafted recipes that are hard to come by these days. In the hand-written vintage menu, you will find classics like Sichuan…$$$$$View details
B+25Yi Yuan (Siwangting Road)YangZhou, Jiangsu Province · Casual DiningNext to Siwang Pavilion in the city centre, Yi Yuan has ample floor space for the biggest of banquets, and tables are plentiful – meaning customers often don't have to wait for a table. Better still, portions are generous and prices affordable. The…$$$$$View details