CYNN XANADU Hotel Chengdu

Set in a delicate stone garden, this restaurant in a quaint building offers private dining rooms only. The kitchen team painstakingly and faithfully revives nostalgic Sichuanese recipes. For example, the cabbage in chicken consommé takes hours to prepare and boasts a rich, crystal clear broth with exceptional depth. Contrasting textures and a tingling sensation depict the mapo tofu with diced beef and fish snout. Delicate service adds to the experience.

Nestled in a quiet hotel next to Daci Temple, this restaurant is an oasis of calm. The courtyard house exudes historical charm, with the open kitchen lending an airy feel. Hand-picked local produce is used to create light, refined and inspired vegetarian dishes, such as vegan mapo tofu with chanterelles. There is also a set menu that supports small local farms near panda habitats, featuring ingredients like Mianyang porcini and Ya'an radish.

The first Louis Vuitton restaurant in China stars Italian chef Leonardo Zambrino at the helm. Stints in prestigious kitchens in Asia and Europe have helped shape his vision – sophisticated European cuisine paired with Sichuanese flavour profiles. The tasting menus are seasonal, alongside a few à la carte dishes. The room nestles in a circa 1730s heritage building, complete with original brick walls, perforated wood windows and a courtyard.

This popular eatery in the bustling Taikoo Li area started out as a stall in Weishan in 1923. Light years from its humble beginnings, this outpost of the chain in Chengdu features a vintage hipster interior and Sichuan classics on the menu. Besides their signature duck blood curd with pork offal and sliced eel, also try the crispy fen zheng rou – pork coated in seasoned rice flour, steamed and then deep-fried. Expect to see a queue from the moment it opens.

This is the chain’s first outpost and it’s been in business for over a decade. A tank of live fish by the entrance reminds you that river and sea fish are the name of the game here. The menu revolves around novel Sichuan dishes, with a few regional offerings. For an overview of Sichuan cuisine, try the 24-flavour-profile set menu. We also recommend the preserved meat prepared in-house, or the pond loach seared with green Sichuan pepper, depicted by crisp textures and a numbing sensation.

With over 30 years of history, this tiny gem is no secret to locals in search of a bowl of hearty glass noodle soup with braised pork intestines. The toothsome, springy noodles are made in-house. Choose between mala spicy soup and rich white broth. Optionally, order intestine knots on top for an extra layer of texture. And don't miss the piping hot guokui – crispy flatbread with pork and Sichuan pepper filling.

Famous for its flat noodle soup, this eatery inevitably attracts long queues. Diners can see four chefs pulling a piece of dough to make the signature noodles – thin, soft, but with a lovely chew. The choice of toppings is relatively concise, but spicy and mild versions are available. Try the spicy beef with a hint of sweetness, or for a milder option, order the stewed free-range chicken loaded with shiitake aromas.