Atour Hotel Shangyuan Ave Nanjing

Perched atop a hotel tower, the restaurant commands 270° views of the city and the lake; the room is adorned with modern, stylised Chinese motifs. The menu showcases creative Huaiyang cooking with a unique touch – the classic braised pigeon stuffed with bird's nest is now doused in a black truffle sauce. Thanks to his extensive experience, the head chef's meticulous skills are indisputable. Call to ask about items that need to be pre-ordered.

For 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 pepper-scented crispy skin duck and Dun Sheng Qiao – rice paddy eel that is deboned, pounded and deep-fried, before being poached in a meat broth with dried bamboo shoot. The generous portions are ideal for sharing.

This much-loved, family-run noodle shop has been around since 1991. In addition to hand-made wontons, it is also famous for lao lu mian: chewy, slippery and squiggly hand-cut noodles served in a dark, soy-based broth perfumed with an array of spices. Consider ordering add-on toppings, such as braised pork intestine, pork sparerib, and soft-poached egg with runny yolk. Expect to share a table at mealtimes.

For over 20 years, this neighbourhood shop run by a husband-and-wife team has won the hearts of many with its Nanjing-style duck offal glass noodle soup. Toppings include blood curd, intestine and stuffed tofu puffs. The deluxe version also comes with duck heart and gizzard. The clear duck broth is simmered for hours to develop deep umami. It is even better when the broth is soaked up with duck fat Shaobing flatbread or paired with puffed rice crackers to add some crunch.

Back in 1983, the owner's father began selling wonton soup on a bamboo pole. Today, the same wonton soup attracts diners in droves and there's always a queue by the entrance to this place. The hand-wrapped wontons have thin skin and a generous juicy filling. Feel free to sprinkle with dried baby shrimps, pickled mustard stem and chilli oil. Scallion or bean paste flatbread makes a great companion to the dumplings. Open until 1pm; arrive early.

This nature-inspired restaurant in an idyllic setting truly blurs the boundary between nature and culture. Jaw-dropping views can be enjoyed from the main room as well as all private rooms. Depending on the season, there are several set menus, which may include specialities such as peony-shaped tofu in consommé that highlights the ingredients' natural flavours. Cultural elements from tea-making to incense rituals make for a fun-filled experience.

Fast food