Dianping Must-Eat
Chinese
Dianping Must-Eat
Chinese
Dianping Must-EatBlack Pearl 2◆
Restaurant
Dianping Must-Eat
Thai
Dianping Must-Eat
Dim sum
¥¥Hotpot
This two-storey flagship of the hot pot chain may look quaint on the outside, but the roomy interior sports a modern Sichuanese vibe. The classic spicy beef fat soup base is undoubtedly the star of the show – aromatic, spicy, numbing and rich at the same time. Baby goose intestines need just 15 seconds in the boiling broth to acquire a crisp texture. Round off with old-school sweet, iced jelly soup, the perfect antidote to cool tingling tastebuds.
¥¥¥Innovative
This unobtrusive dining room with an open kitchen is hidden behind its sibling restaurant. The local chef leads a young kitchen team as they invent novel culinary gems that are rooted in Sichuanese traditions, but finessed with Western techniques. The single tasting menu showcases the freshest local produce prepared in a myriad of ways – pan-fried, deep-fried, steamed, grilled… The experience is varied and satisfying.
¥Small eats
If you fancy authentic Chengdu small plates, this tiny, no-frills shop is just the place. Regulars can't get enough of the rabbit head and duck head in mala marinade, but the less adventurous can fix their cravings with items such as pork trotter soup, chicken soup rice, and assorted cold skewers (eg chicken, beef tripe, celtuce) steeped in a flavourful stock generously seasoned with chilli oil and Sichuan pepper.
¥¥¥European
Knockout nightscapes, romantic live music and thoughtful touches make this restaurant a popular spot for marriage proposals. The food is classic European, but features unmistakably local ingredients. The velvety steamed wild-caught yellow croaker is steeped in a rich fish stock seasoned with Puning bean sauce. Also try the peach iron Buddha tea sorbet for a floral-fruity treat. In addition to the á la carte selection, the set menus offer great value.
¥¥Fujian
The entrance may be rather obscure, but it is well worth seeking out Chuanpu for its authentic Fujian cooking. There is no menu – take your pick from the live fish tank near the kitchen. Eel, whelks and razor clams are among the most popular choices. Servers recommend having the eel steamed in black bean sauce to accentuate its fattiness. Other Fujian specialities such as layered pork intestine, and lor mee also live up to their reputation.
¥¥Sichuan
Right in the busy city centre, this elegant restaurant comes with a terrace that offers a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle. The wood-rich interior is equally serene, boasting stylised Chinese motifs. The kitchen excels in home-style Sichuanese favourites and street food, from the incredibly silky Xipu silver carp perfumed with garlic, to seafood-laced, braised pork balls stuffed with salted egg yolks, drizzled in a rich, sticky gravy.
¥¥¥Innovative
The name may conjure up racks of servers with flickering lights, but you can expect a cavern-like interior with chunky, handmade stoneware to match. The “data” here refers to the deconstruction and re-assembly of taste memories by the young kitchen team, who melds eclectic influences from around the world with expressive, cutting-edge techniques. Mapo tofu is a popular staple on the menu, with tableside service that feels interactive and ceremonial.
¥¥Sichuan
In 2012, this restaurant opened its doors on a main drag teeming with dining options. In the modern space, the four-person booths are the tables of choice. The predominantly Sichuanese menu features an array of sea and freshwater fish, such as spicy and sour braised marble goby with pickled string beans and radish. Plump for the starter of seared beef strips with dried tangerine peel – a mild, sweet aftertaste balances the heat of chilli and red oil.
¥¥¥Cantonese
Li Xuan specialises in refined Cantonese cooking underpinned by solid techniques and shrewd judgment. The chef team's strong suits include double-boiled soups, barbecued meats, stir-fries and sweets. Yellow croaker soup with fish maw shows layers of textures and flavours; wok-fried Australian Wagyu beef cubes are juicy and tender, while the chanterelles add a lovely chew. The city views are also fantastic.
¥¥¥Sichuan
The modern room boasts a water screen that veils the lush green exterior. The glazed showcase housing gourmet dried seafood like fish maw and sea cucumber is also eye-catching. Of course, wine buffs won’t miss the glass wine cellar boasting a fine collection. Polished Sichuanese defines the menu, with a fondness for seafood. Try the twice-cooked eel that boasts fatty meat, while chillies, garlic leaves and black beans impart deep flavours.
¥¥Sichuan
The entrance, which is framed by two memorial arches with a pond in its centre, leads into a traditionally appointed dining room. It stages a show of Sichuan ‘face changing’ opera every evening at 7pm for a cultural-culinary experience. The menu is mostly Sichuanese, with an emphasis on Chongqing snacks and nibbles. Try stewed yellowhead catfish in peppery stock with scallion which is silky and flavoursome. Portions are big enough for sharing, so bring your mates!
¥¥Vegetarian
Bamboo blinds, wooden furniture, elegant plants and sheer curtains impart serenity. The set menu changes every 15 days to reflect the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar; even the house-fermented vinaigrette used is different. Seasoned with ginger, garlic and chilli, the food is mostly Sichuan-style, with vegan items craftily disguised as meat and fish – bovine bolete as pork liver, bamboo fungus as beef tripe, konjac as squid.
¥¥Sichuan
This iconic Guangzhou brand famous for Sichuanese cooking had already acquired lots of buzz before opening its first outpost in Chengdu. Located in an upmarket shopping and dining mall, the three-storey building sees a mix of Song Dynasty details and Western Sichuan motifs, complete with a stunning courtyard. The menu covers most Sichuanese classics, such as cabbage in consommé, fish slices in hot chili oil and the cold appetiser, sliced pork belly in garlicky chilli sweet soy.
¥¥¥Sichuan
Set on Anshun Bridge, mentioned by Marco Polo in the 13C, The Bridge is celebrity chef André Chiang’s debut dining venture in mainland China. The score reveals his modern take on Sichuanese fare, delivering refined touches and mindful plating. There are over 10 different pickles to choose from, each imparting a different flavour. Also try the famous street snack, stuffed pancake with novel fillings like tiramisu and durian.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 55 reviews
The Bridge in Chengdu offers traditional Sichuan cuisine in an elegant setting. Reviews highlight high food quality, particularly the 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and praise the beautiful dining room and private spaces. Service is generally professional, with many staff speaking fluent English. However, inconsistencies exist; some guests reported slow service, forgotten items, or perceived discriminatory treatment. Value perceptions are divided: while some find it affordable compared to Western standards, others consider the prices excessive for the portion size and flavor nuance. The ambiance is widely appreciated, though recent changes have drawn criticism from long-time patrons. It remains a notable destination for those prioritizing atmosphere and refined presentation over consistent value.
Suitable for travelers prioritizing ambiance and refined traditional cuisine, with advance booking recommended.
¥Noodles
Open only from 10am to 2pm, this neighbourhood joint on a quiet street is inspired by the 1980s with ceiling fans, a mint green fridge, wooden benches and other knick-knacks that open the floodgates of nostalgia. Similarly, the concise menu stars old-time local favourites, such as steamed rice dressed in lard and spiced soy. String bean noodles are another must-try – al dente noodles tossed in a spicy sauce, topped with ground pork and string beans.
¥¥Sichuan
This hole-in-the-wall eatery in a residential district may be stuck in the 1990s, but its delicious Sichuan home cooking transcends time. It prides itself on eel dishes – wild onion eel is a seasonal delicacy; Tongfu eel is spicy and aromatic, whereas red-braised eel imparts a mild zing. You can expect heirloom recipes rarely found elsewhere like pork liver curd soup with bamboo fungus and potsticker duck squares, but which must be pre-ordered.
¥¥Chinese Contemporary
Inside a historic courtyard house-turned hotel, this private dining concept opened its doors in 2018. It only accepts reservations for parties of 2 to 10 diners and menus are tailor-made according to guests’ preferences. Novel Sichuanese fusion dishes are underpinned by solid skills and exquisite plating, complemented by Cantonese, Guanfu, Huaiyang and even Western items. Try kung pao prawns and chargrilled beef ribs in black pepper sauce.
¥¥¥Sichuan
Zigong is famous for its thriving salt industry that brought wealth and an extravagant food culture to the city. This kitchen skilfully melds Zigong cooking with Huaiyang and Cantonese elements: the slow-cooked spicy ox tongue is both soft and toothsome; the time-honoured recipe of braised yak hoof in roasted chilli sauce is best enjoyed with plain noodle soup. Reservations are mandatory and menus can be tailored to diners' budgets.
¥¥Sichuan
This cultural dining concept spreads across several elegant rooms dotted with pierced carvings and calligraphy reliefs. The Chinese stacking food box motif symbolises culinary heritage. Various ingredients are prepared in traditional Sichuanese ways to great effect, examples being the crispy-skinned pigeon enhanced by Sichuan pepper, or the velvety fish tofu shaped like a crescent moon, with a veil of bamboo fungus and covered in a consommé.
¥¥¥¥European Contemporary
With only 12 counter seats framing the open kitchen, Pairedd offers an intimate dining experience and close interaction with the young chefs. As its name suggests, wine is at the core of its brand DNA and the set 10-course tasting menu is designed to complement the seven-glass wine flight. Dishes change with the seasons, but meat and seafood form the backbone of the menu: expect Fujian seafood in summer and local produce from Sichuan in winter.
¥¥Beijing Cuisine
The brand is created by a kitchen team from Beijing aims to re-create royal recipes and street food with modern techniques. Some dishes are tweaked to cater to the Sichuanese palate. Try their low-fat Peking duck that is grilled twice to drain excessive fat, yet remarkably, the flesh remains juicy and tender. The Beijingese sugar fritter is fluffy and golden, and a surprising drizzle of balsamic vinegar cuts the richness.
¥¥¥Sichuan
The chef is a Chengdu native with over three decades of experience. His menu is a roll call of the most iconic recipes from the province, showcasing unique local produce and varied flavour profiles. Pre-order delicacies like tea-smoked duck with crispy skin and flavoursome meat. The classic mapo tofu is creatively paired with house-made rice jelly, delivering interesting textures. Round off with bird’s nest ice jelly sweet soup.
¥¥¥Innovative
Chefs Bruce and his partner Justin opened Brustin in 2023 in a design-forward space in line with the artistic flair of the Tianfu Art Park complex that houses it. The dinner prix-fixes have 12 to 15 courses, re-interpreting Sichuan cuisine with Western techniques and an emphasis on seasonality. Diners can take home the paper menu, which features illustrations by local artists. Exquisite food is matched by the professional service of the servers and sommelier.
¥¥¥Sichuan
Although there are only six tables in the main dining room, there are private rooms with solariums, balconies and tea brewing rooms spread over two floors. A stylish, peaceful vibe reigns throughout the spacious, comfortable interior. The kitchen team crafts a menu of traditional Sichuanese fare such as fuqi feipian – sliced beef brisket and tripe in Sichuan pepper sauce. Their signature spicy pork belly, slow-cooked in an earthen jar over a wood fire, is rich and flavoursome.
¥¥¥Fujian
This restaurant in an upmarket shopping mall serves an array of Fujian dishes with a Sichuanese twist. Most produce and seafood is shipped from Fujian, including squid from Zhangzhou, which is cooked in typical Sichuanese shuizhu style. The nourishing soup "Buddha jumps over the wall" is made with gourmet dried seafood for briny-sweet richness. For dessert, panna cotta with dai hong pao oolong tea melds velvety texture with floral earthiness.
¥¥Hunanese
The Hunanese brand manager and kitchen team strive to re-create specialities from their home province as authentically as possible. The must-try fish head steamed with five different chillies flown in from Hunan mesmerises with a complex depth of spiciness, remarkable umami and punchy tartness. The 18-second stir-fried Xiangxi yellow beef uses the clod cut, rife with meaty flavour, in conjunction with chillies and aromatics for a real kick.
¥¥Taizhou
The on-trend decor feels laid back; the menu showcases an array of home-style Taizhou classics, including seafood from the East China Sea, which can be steamed, braised, served in a sizzling claypot or even fried with chillies and aromatics. The pork tripe and chicken in gingery broth, a winter favourite, is served piping hot in a claypot for exceptional flavours. Try also shi bing tong – a pancake roll filled with pork, eel and vegetables.
¥¥Sichuan
Once a protégé of the Sichuan culinary master, the young owner chose to open her first venture in a secluded, serene hotel. She aims to re-create ancient Sichuan recipes, using precise techniques and premium ingredients from around the world. Braised mandarin fish topped with chillies boasts tender flesh in an aromatic, spicy sauce. Guaiwei chicken is dressed in a blend of over 20 condiments for layered, complex flavours.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Hidden Place in Yeraoda is a lively, noisy pub featuring rock music and karaoke. Food quality receives mixed reviews, with some noting decent options while others report hygiene issues like pests. Service is inconsistent, with complaints about rude staff and reservation errors. The venue is cramped with tight table spacing, and loud music hinders conversation. Entry restrictions, such as banning sandals, have caused negative experiences. While happy hour deals exist, the overall value is diminished by operational inefficiencies and a chaotic atmosphere. It suits young groups seeking energetic socializing but is unsuitable for those preferring quiet dining or refined service.
Suitable for young groups seeking a loud, energetic rock atmosphere, but not recommended for diners prioritizing quiet conversation or refined service.
¥¥¥Sichuan
The culinary score offers novel twists on Sichuanese cooking. The dishes taste authentic, but also explore dimensions that differ from typical Sichuanese fare. The plating is minimalistic and contemporary. Try kung pao bird’s nest inspired by the 24 taste profiles of Sichuanese cuisine – velvety bird’s nest enrobed in a crunchy shell of kung pao sauce. White ferula mushroom and abalone are laced in Sichuan pepper oil loaded in numbing goodness.
¥¥¥Vegetarian
The Taiwanese vegetarian restaurant chain chose a verdant location by the river for their first outpost in mainland China. The lofty interior is inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhism, imparting a calming vibe. Three set menus are offered, with thoughtfully named and meticulously plated courses inspired by kaiseki cuisine. Vegetables and mushrooms take pride of place on the menus; some dishes are given a Sichuanese twist with mala seasoning.
¥¥Cantonese
In 2021, the Hongkong owner opened Nan’s Gourmet at this dining hub. In the F&B business for over 40 years, he convened a kitchen team of mostly Guangdong natives to capture the essence of Cantonese cooking. The menu features classics like dim sum, Cantonese barbecues, double-boiled soups and sizzling claypot dishes. Try the steamed pork patty with sweet dried cabbage – the springy half-fatty pork in a briny-sweet seasoning is simply addictive.
¥¥Sichuan
Named after a poet from the Tang Dynasty, this branch of the chain opened in 2018 in a scenic area famous for its flowering plum trees. Two rustically styled buildings are connected by lush greenery. The menu features Sichuan home cooking and river fish, such as yellowhead catfish prepared in a myriad of ways. But most diners prefer it simmered in a spicy, tangy broth perfumed with green Sichuan pepper and Chinese patchouli. Reservations recommended at weekends.
¥¥¥Sichuan
Since graduating from culinary school, the owner-chef always wanted to open a one-of-a-kind establishment like this. The room is furnished in a rustic country style and is divided into zones, while food-related artefacts add interest to the experience. Traditional Sichuanese flavours are re-invented with Western techniques, witty word play and arty presentations. Standouts include fish head with artisan gluten noodles in a golden pea soup.
¥¥¥Sichuan
From its lake-side location and lush garden, to private rooms with spaces for chess playing, flower watching and incense burning, every nook and cranny of Silver Cottage exudes an elegant aura à la Song Dynasty. The menu features Sichuan classics, like the painstakingly prepared dish snowflake minced chicken, all prepared with the freshest produce. Diners must book a private room and live Chinese zither recitals make the experience unforgettable.
Dianping Must-Eat
Restaurant
¥¥¥Hotpot
Chinese
¥¥¥Italian
Italian