Most Famous Traditional Restaurants in Hangzhou

Looking for authentic Zhejiang or Hangzhou dishes? These time-honored restaurants—some with over 100 years of history—serve the most classic local flavors. Whether you’re after West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce or Dongpo Pork, here are the top spots to savor traditional Hangzhou cuisine!

Lou Wai Lou Restaurant (楼外楼) 150+ years

Address: 30 Gushan Road, Solitary Hill, Hangzhou (孤山路30号)

Highlights: China’s oldest restaurants (founded 1840s, Qing Dynasty). Sits by West Lake at the foot of Solitary Hill; visited by Zhou Enlai, Chen Yi, and foreign VIPs.

Signature:

  • West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce (西湖醋鱼)
  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
  • Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡)
  • Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)
  • Sister Song’s Fish Broth (宋嫂鱼羹)

Tian Wai Tian Restaurant (天外天) 100+ years

Address: 2 Tianlan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (西湖区天岚路2号)

Highlights: Located at Feilai Hill near Lingyin Temple; offers West Lake views while dining. Serves vegetarian dishes and has a peaceful, natural setting.

Signature:

  • West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce (西湖醋鱼)
  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
  • Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡)
  • Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)

Shan Wai Shan Restaurant (山外山) Historic

Address: Botanic Garden, 8 Yuquan Road, Xihu District (西湖区玉泉路8号植物园内)

Highlights: Tucked in the Botanic Garden by West Lake; features ancient-style decor. Second-floor balcony lets diners enjoy meals in the sunshine; serves Sichuan and Cantonese dishes too.

Signature:

  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
  • Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)

Tian Xiang Lou Restaurant (天香楼) Old-brand

Address: 447 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou (延安路447号)

Highlights: A classic old-brand restaurant; specializes in fish head dishes. Also serves Sichuan, Anhui, and Jiangsu cuisines for diverse choices.

Signature:

  • Fried Chicken with Fresh Chestnut (栗子鸡)
  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
  • West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce (西湖醋鱼)
  • Fish Head Dishes (各式鱼头)

Zhi Wei Guan Restaurant (知味观) Old-brand

Address: 83 Renhe Road (near Dongpo Road) (仁和路83号,近东坡路); most popular branch at Yang Gong Di (杨公堤)

Highlights: Famous for authentic Hangzhou snacks; Yang Gong Di branch offers lake views. Prices are slightly high but worth it for quality flavors.

Signature:

  • Steamed Buns (小笼包)
  • Cat Ear Noodles (猫耳朵)
  • Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
  • West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Sauce (西湖醋鱼)

Kui Yuan Guan Noodles Restaurant (奎元馆) Qing Dynasty

Address: 124 Jiefang Road, near Zhonghe Gaojia (解放路124号,近中河高架)

Highlights: Founded in Qing Dynasty; known as the "best noodle shop in South China." Serves over 100 kinds of noodles at affordable prices.

Signature:

  • Sautéed Shrimp & Eel Noodles (虾爆鳝面)
  • Bamboo Shoot & Salted Pork Noodles (片儿川)

Grandma’s Kitchen (外婆家) Value-for-money

Address: 2/F, 3 Hubin Road, near Pinghai Road, Shangcheng District (上城区湖滨路3号2楼,近平海路)

Highlights: Lakeside location with homelike decor; friendly service and affordable prices. Combines traditional flavors with modern twists.

Signature:

  • Chicken Cooked with Longjing Tea (龙井茶香鸡)
  • Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡)
  • Fried Shrimp with Longjing Tea (龙井虾仁)

Wang Run Xing (Emperor Meal) Restaurant (皇饭儿) Qing Dynasty Tale

Address: 71-75 Zhongshan Road Middle, Hangzhou (中山中路71-75号)

Highlights: Inspired by a Qing Dynasty folk tale (emperor praised a farmer’s dish). Serves traditional Hangzhou flavors; popular with non-local food lovers.

Signature:

  • Fish Head Braised with Tofu (鱼头炖豆腐)

Relevant SEO Keywords

Chinese: 杭州传统餐厅 推荐 2025、楼外楼 西湖醋鱼 地址、知味观 小笼包 杨公堤、奎元馆 虾爆鳝面
Chinese: 杭州老字号餐厅 排名、外婆家 龙井茶香鸡 价格、皇饭儿 鱼头炖豆腐 攻略、杭州传统美食 必吃
English: Hangzhou traditional restaurants 2025、Lou Wai Lou West Lake fish address、Zhi Wei Guan steamed buns、Kui Yuan Guan eel noodles
English: Hangzhou old-brand restaurants、Grandma’s Kitchen Longjing chicken、Wang Run Xing tofu fish head、Hangzhou traditional food must-try
Planning to savor Hangzhou’s traditional cuisine without rushing? Stay near top restaurants! Visit www.hangzhourentals.com to find verified apartments—many are within 15 minutes’ walk of Lou Wai Lou (West Lake), Zhi Wei Guan (Renhe Road), or Grandma’s Kitchen (Hubin Road). Our bilingual team helps you rent a cozy home, making your Hangzhou food tour relaxed and enjoyable!