Garden Inn Yile Road Branch

This long-standing institution boasts a classical landscaped garden complete with pavilions, bridges and water features. It makes the perfect backdrop for a dim sum lunch. The food is mostly Cantonese, with the odd dish from other provinces. Try their banded grouper two ways – steamed fillet rolls are silky and juicy; deep-fried bones are spiced up with peppered salt. Private rooms are worth splurging on for special occasions.

A hawker-stall-turned-restaurant now with two branches – this casual, bustling three-storey joint is prized for its authentic Cantonese food. The juicy, flavoursome roast goose has been a big hit for the past 20 years. Other specialities include salted pork trotters, Zhu Ji steamed chicken, and blackened barbecued pork. Pastured pork soup with mung bean-stuffed lotus root tastes delicious and delivers interesting textures.

This multifaceted dining concept in a heritage building is supervised by celebrity chef Lan Guijun. It hits the spot every time, thanks to quality ingredients, deft execution and thoughtful service. A few set menus are available – all require pre-ordering. The assortment of six small plates in a silver box highlights the varied taste profiles in Sichuanese fare. Try also the five-colour cold noodles with spiny lobster, and golden thread noodle soup.

Though Zijin occupies two adjoining ground-floor units, there is barely an empty seat throughout the day. For over 10 years, locals have been fans of the impeccable barbecue meats, which are displayed in all their glory at the front of the shop. The signature goose braised in premium soy boasts velvety meat and deep flavours. Double-boiled soups, stir-fries and claypot dishes are also popular. Come early, as certain items tend to run out.

The chain started life as a stall, before this hugely popular outpost opened in 1996. The veteran crew follows ancient recipes to craft its reasonably priced Cantonese fare. The signature Ze Ze eels are swamp varieties served sizzling in a claypot; the fried mantis shrimp in spiced salt bursts with sweetness; and the house-made ice cream is a must. Only private room reservations are accepted. Otherwise, come early to beat the long wait at peak hours.

This street was once known for the sheer number of seafood restaurants on it. Though most of its competitors were shuttered for good, Xin Ji is still going strong after over 30 years of service. And of course, picking live critters from the fish tank at the door is part of the ritual. If you have no idea what to pick, try their signature eel dishes – freshwater eel braised with roast pork and swamp eel rice, both boasting fatty, firm flesh.

Since opening in 2018, this tiny shop has been jam-packed with diners, so expect to share a table with strangers at peak hours. It is named after a street in the owner's native Hong Kong and has nearly 30 types of claypot rice in dai pai dong style, plus three kinds of double-boiled soups. Try their claypot rice topped with assorted Cantonese preserved meats – and savour every grain enrobed in perfumed oil and the crispy crust on the base.