BBQ/STERK HOUSE    

Green Tea Restaurant & Youth Hostel    

绿茶青年旅社     

31 Lingyin Rd.灵隐路31号, 10am - 2am, 87888022 

The seating here looks out over the neighboring tea fields.The outdoor arrangement is rare. Cheap beers (15RMB) and nice Yunnan style barbeque. They do chicken, pork, fish and also duck on occasion. If you like the Tent bar, give this place a try. Going on 0ff hours, or booking in advance is a must, as it's always full     

Paulaner Western Bar

宝来纳巴西烧烤 

21/F, XinYu City Hotel, 315 Wenhui Rd.文晖路315号新宇城市酒店21楼, 11 :30am - 2:00pm, 5:30pm - 9:00pm,      85394888-3378     

Grab your shield and turn it upside down. In it you can      put the barbequed meat done on sword-long skewers Alright, just get a plate and bring an empty stomach to the all you can eat Brazilian feast. 6pm-7:30pm is the      best time to get the most meat. No menu needed  

The Oak Grill      

槐树园  

3/F, Holiday Inn, 289 Jianguo North Rd.建国北路289号,  假日酒店3楼,5:30pm-10pm, 85271188-3774  

The chef in the Holiday Inn has injected the Oak with a  menu that does us well. The open kitchen and livingroom-Iike dining area 0ff'er an intimate atmosphere for the steak lover in all of us. English menu available      

BUFFET 

Cafe Rendezvous 

绿荫咖啡厅 

21F, Radisson Plaza Hotel, 333 Tiyuchang Rd体育场路 333号国大雷迪森广场酒店2楼,85158888  

Cafe Le Rendezvous has had a major rework, and is definitely worth another visit. This large dining room has been decked out in maple and teak floors,with tonnes of       space between the tables - all the better for getting to the buffet. And you will be going back to the buffet often. It is vast, with a range of food from all over the world. The  Japanese sushi and sashimi is particularly broad, there is a fine selection of meats, pick n mix pasta, and a full     bread and cheese station.    

BURGERS   

1828 Bar & Grill  

卡卡酒吧     

262 Nanshan Rd南山路262号,5pm - 2am, 87919020. We were waiting for this to happen. 1828 had a lot of      potential, and now it is finally being used. They are one of only two places that do homebrew, and it tastes nice: we particularly like the dark, and it's very reasonable at     24RMB per half a liter. The hand-made hamburgers are    also a steal for what you pay (30RMB). Then you have Paul the friendly manager from Germany. Not too big on    space, but really big on feeling. English menu available     

Paradise Bar/Restaurant   

天上人间     

36 Hubin Rd湖滨路36号(华侨饭店南侧), 11am - 2am,   87062888-6688/6687  

Madame Zhao is spinning her web again and starting   some parties. She, if anyone, should know how it's done. There were probably more beers sold here in 1999 than  in Nauru. They also do a mean burger that many claim to be the town's best. Grab an outdoor seat on a perfect day for wasting the time. English menu available      

CANTONESE

Be For Time 

避凤塘  

38 Pinghai Rd. (MarcoPolo Hotel)平海路38号(马可•波罗 假日酒店裙楼), 9:30am-5am, 87018888-1777 

Gone are the days when everyone had to go to Hong Kong and Canton to do their business, but not gone is   the food. Alright, nothing is as good as having a freshly   cooked rat on the Peak, but the folks at the Bifengtang     chain don't leave anyone hungry all the same. They are also open quite late in case you still go to work at l0am like you used to. And wasn't that nice?  

Craftsman Kitchen     

名京厨房     

108 Moganshan Rd莫干山路108号, l0am - 3am,      88806668    

This place looks like the owners really thought it out. The service is good, sometimes a little too good, and the food is fantastic. They say it's Cantonese cuisine, but the flood we got didn't seem like it. The menu includes Hong Kong, Sushi, and Chinese. We got the Curried Shrimp (ga li xia), which was delicious, and the Curried Crab looked  even better. They promise an English menu soon, but    until then, you can just point at dishes on other tables or select from the small display at the counter

Rain Restaurant & Bar   

云水餐厅酒吧  

1/F, Friendship Hotel, 53 Pinghai Rd平海路53号友好饭店1楼, 7am - 3am, 87077888

They call the owner of Yijiaxian LaoDa or "Old Big". He used to be a chef himself, and though he could be, he is   anything but the kind of guy that likes to be in the   spotlight. He knows staff by name and is a real hands-on   owner. In his newest creations, he has put many different  typesof cuisine under the same roof. Japanese, Thai,   Teppanyaki, Continental and Cantonese name a few. We   personally think the Cantonese dimsum is perfect for the way home from the bar. The steamed bun with BBQ pork,shrimp dumplings and roast pigeon reinvigorate. No matter what time you go, the place is a bargain considering the decor and service. Partial English menu available 

Li Fu 

丽府粤慕  

8 Nanshan Rd南山路8号, 10am-10:30pm, 87981718, 87980778  

Guangdong Restaurant with Guangdong staff and  contemporary interior using an eclectic range of materials. Large roof terrace that promises outdoor    eating for the few weeks of the year the weather allows. The menu seemed a little small and definitely priced for a discerning guest, but you get what you pay for: the   presentation and flavours are as eclectic as the decor.

Tao Yuan Chinese Restaurant

桃源中餐厅

Sofitel Xanadu Resort Hangzhou, 3318 Fengqing   Avenue, Wenyan Town, Xiaoshan Area,萧山区闻堪镇凤情大道3318号萧山索菲特世外桃源度假酒店11am   

1 :30pm, 5pm - 1Opm, 83880888   Obviously Xanadu has the eating to match. Taoyuan  Chinese Restaurant serves food from all over China, but the Head Chef is from Guangdong, and it is with Cantonese food that he excels over all the rest. In true southern style there is a large selection of fresh seafood, and most other dishes are on display in the banks of fridges. Never  hasordering been easier. With this 'point and press' method we got a bit carried away, and ended up with Chinese cabbage cooked in stock浓汤竹笙娃娃菜, mushrooms fried with wild vegetables手捏菜炒蘑菇, both simpleand excellent. The ribs and onions cooked over  stones石烧香葱、爆排骨is yet another delicious way to cook pork, and an old favourite, crab fried with niangao青 蟹炒年糕was the highlight. Believe it or not, even the Durian Pastries飘香榴莲酥are delicious. Xanadu is well  worth the trip to Xiaoshan, but is also on the way back  from the airport, so if you hungry after your flight, stop in here

Westlake Spring  

西湖春天  

101-17 Nanshan Rd.南山路101-17号, 9am - 3am, 87035551,87085551

Right in the middle of the many bars on Nanshan road is a great location. Need it be said that this place stays    open almost all night? They serve a mix of local and   Cantonese delights and though the decoration looks   really high-class, the price per head is very reasonable (-50RMB) as long as you stay away from some of the hard to catch fish  

DONGYANG

A Simple Diet

租来馆 

26 Huancheng West Rd环城西路26号, 87921577; 50-1   Qingchun Rd庆春路50-1号; 176 Wenyi West Rd文一西 路才76号,88913623 

Getting back to farmer traditional food is all the trend at the moment in large cities. Simple Diet caters to those   willing to taste millennium old countryside earthy dishes A bilingual menu with loads of pictures ensures that you    will actually be able to eat what you order, and the price range from 6 to 38RMB a dish means your budget should not go through the roof. That is unless you want to go for that turtle stew with herbs at 980RMB/500g or that wild    pig stomach stewed with herbs at 220RMB/400g. English menu available  

FRENCH

Ravaud French Bakery

华欧法式面包房

2/F, Block B, Yellow Dragon Century Plaza, 1 Hangda Rd杭大路1号黄龙世纪广场B座2楼,9:30am - 10:30pm, 87901380; 80 Wener West Rd文二西路80号, 8am  10:30pm, 88369808

FUSION

Linglong Town Restaurant

玲珑小镇  

198 Nanshan Rd南山路198号, 11am - 4am, 87025558   

There is no denying that a bucket of creativity was dumped all over this corner spot. The menu is loadedwith Taiwanese fare including great fried rice, but the  meals are only a small part of the goodness. They have a   long listof tea flavors and also do smoothies (22-28RMB) so big and tasty it's hard to skip dessert. Enjoy it all on   comfy chairs with birds chirping in the background Picture menu available

Shangdu Chinese Restaurant 

香都酒楼  

3-4/F, Merchant Marco Hotel, 38 Pinghai Rd.平海路38号, 马可・波罗假日酒店3-4楼, lOam - lOpm, 87018888-8401    You've got a little surprise here. Not only do they stay   open a bit later than usual, but it's very clean, centrally    located, and cheap enough to take out all of your colleagues(~35RMB per head). Who needs lobster with foie gras every meal anyway? Great homestyle dishes in a place that has been open for more than a few years

Yee,Chino 

玉玲珑 

171 Zhongshan North Rd中山北路171号, 11am - lOpm,  87918788,87070777 

This operation started the whole local fusion craze Though the food might not be as fused as some of the    newer establishments, its atmosphere is still at the head of the pack. Deep red sofa-chairs and copper link shades provide comfort and privacy yet an eyeful enough if there  is someone you fancy at the next table. If not, then focus   on the Bobo Chicken. English menu available.

Yi Jia Xian  

伊家鲜 

221 Baochu Rd.保叔路221号, llam - 2pm, 5pm - lOpm, 87979108, 1-2/F, Tian Hang Hotel, 220 Genshan West Rd艮山西路220号天杭大酒店1-2楼, l1am - 2pm, 5pm   10pm, 86985599 

The interiorof the branch on Baochu road is very hard to describe but is worth mentioning. It is almost as if the inside were an outside. The inner wall is like the outer   wall of European building, and while they would Iook out over coffee drinkers in Europe, you overlook the main  dining area in Yi Jia Xian. Picture menu available. 

HANGZHOU

28 Hubin  

湖滨28

1 IF, Hyatt Regency Hangzhou, 28 Hubin Rd.湖宾路28号   杭州凯悦酒店1楼,87791234 

Here the private rooms are all  custom-fitted and have unique  furniture ranging from new, plush  leather sofas to antique wood tables    Almost everything on the menu also  Comes with a little jazzy twist, but what sets 28 Hubin apart is the bay windows that let you overlook the lake. Book in advance, and set up a  personalized menu. It's not ordinary.    English menu available

Bieyinju Restaurant 

别饮居大酒店  

48 Youdian Road邮电路48号, 9am -9pm, 87035122 

This is a favorite restaurant amongst the locals as a place to get authentic   

Hangzhou cuisine. It's usually crowded at dinnertime, so you might  have to wait twenty minutesor so. It's famous for its soy sauce cured  meats. Try the dried duck with sticky   rice along with the house specialty Bieyin stir fried rice (it's got all sorts of meat and veggies). Reasonably priced. English menu available.   

Chenyi Food Store

尘依食辅  

48 Hangda Rd杭大路48号,    87961919,47-51 Gaoyin Street,高银街47引号, 87800678, 24 Baochu    Road保假路24号, 11 am - 9:30pm,85118818  

This place is small and always full, but the food is worth the wait. What   they are really known for are their   lamb dishes. Try the yang bang zi (roasted lamb leg). Other things to taste are the seafood hot pot (haixian zhi    huo guo) and the selection of gen (thick soup with mashed up stuff-doesn't sound appetizing, but it is). Guys, if you're looking for virility, you've got to get the niu    wei bao (ox tail). Picture menu available.

Grandma's Kitchen  

外婆家 

330 Wener West Rd.文二百路330号, lOam - 2pm, 4pm   9pm, 88920725; 6-1 Macheng Rd.马膛路6-1号, lOam     2pm, 4pm - 9pm, 88051987; 3/F, Zhongtian Mansion, 173   Yugu Rd.玉古路173号中田大厦3楼, 10am - 2pm, 4pm     9pm, 87631555; 103 Jiangbin No同h Rd江滨北环路103 号, lOam - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm, 87150780   

Six years ago that little noodle shop everyone was  addicted to,c1osed up. Theyopened again just across    the street from the High People's Court and now has a  very comprehensive picture menu. If you're still a bit   skeptical about Hangzhou cuisine, this place will cure you. No more stooIs here, but still great food at very reasonable prices (-150RMB/4 people). Lines for lunch  and dinner every day prove that. English menu available   Oriental Favorites Restaurant

彩云轩 

13 Beishan Rd北山路13号, 1 0:30am - 11 pm, 87964550   

Most every point on Beishan road is a postcard. Just    near the start of the Broken Bridge, dining next to the post cards is possible in this narrow,oId time restaurant  It keeps quiet and is perfect for dinner for two.The location demands higher prices(around 150-250Rmb/couple)but if offers a view unlike many others.Super ice cream and  and coffee down the road in La Pela are a great excuse   for a walk afterward. English menu available  

Zhl Wei Guan 

知昧观 

83 Renhe Rd仁和路83号, 8am - 9pm, no number   

Zhiweiguan has many different types of restaurants  varying from high-class to fast-food. We've got the fast    food one here because when you're in the U.S., you've   got to do a burger in McDonalds, and when you're in  Hangzhou,. you've got to do the dumplings in   Zhiweiguan. Don't be frightened by theordering process; it's a little old-style. Buy about 15RMB's worth of ticketsat the counter. Then go to the, food and point to what you    want. The guy will take your ticket and give you the ticket    change. If you have too much in the end, you can get    cash back at the cashier. 

HOTPOT 

Alaska Seafood Hotpot   

阿拉斯加海鲜火锡  

8 Dongpo Rd.东坡路8号,87172590 While the fast food dynamo Zhiweiguan  has done very well with it's upscale  restaurant on Gaoyin street, we're not  sure how well their hotpot spot on Hubin  road will do. It's clean, and the staff are   trained well, but though Alaskan king crab is very tasty, it is a little more than expensive and doesn't have the disease    curing propeerties of a shark's fin. As far    as normal hotpot goes, it's more than   good. Picture menu available  

Chuanwei Guan

川昧观 

161 Qingchun Rd.庆春路161号, 11am 4am, 87246728, 87246738, 80 Fengqi  Rd凤起路80号85191962; 169 Huansha Rd.淀纱路160号, 87917669;  160   

We don't like to get on the chain   restaurant bandwagon, but if hotpot is what you want, then this is one of the  best. Particularly nice is the really bigrolls of meat that can accompany the  steaming pot of healthy broth. In   addition they serve a variety of Sichuan   dishes including the favorite numbingfish head soup. They also stayopen   late at night for those after-bar cravings English menu available.   

Little Sheep 

小肥羊 

263-1 Tiyuchang Rd体育场路263-1号, 85101717, 80 Moganshan Rd莫干山路  80号,88821717 

Expelling the flames of a hotpot into the toilet the morning    after is not on some people's agenda. And when they    want the pot and not the hot, they go to the Little Sheep  It is a little bland and not too flashy, but some of us have to go to work in the morning. 

HUNAN

The Red Years

火红年代  

Chao Ming Hotel, 100 Jianguo North Rd建国北路100号 潮鸣宾馆, 9am - 2am, 87229570; 220 Jingzhou Rd.    (Cross Of Wener West Rd.),和竞舟路220号(文二西路和竞舟路交界口), 88921873 

We know this short girl from Hunan who is constantly  upset with all the bland food around here. She even balks    at the hotpot in Chuanwei Guan. So once a month or so we get brave and join her to have food spicy enough to  rip the paint off a Porsche. Authentic Hunan cuisine with  authentic Funan (ha!) accented wait-staff.   

INDIAN

Asoka Indian Restaurant 

阿育王印度餐厅

Suruo Livingroom, 48 Qiushi Rd. (near Lvyuan Garden)    求是路48号苏若客厅(绿园群楼上87996163, English  service: 13735805351   

Danny and Yogi have been in action again, this time with the newish Asoka Indian Restaurant. On the way in you    are met with a bar and pool. Upstairs has a feel of a tea  house with sofas, books and magazines. Crispy    vegetable samosa and Manchurian vegetable balls, the   inevitable and delicious vindaloo, tasty deep fried   prawns, home made Indian cheese in a yellow dahl, the  food kept coming at a very decent pace until we were burst. When you go, don't forget to ask Yogi if there any  dishes noton the menu as he usually has a couple of new ones up his sleeve. If you are into Indian movies, there are some shown at various times during the week

Haveli

天度   

77 Nanshan Rd南山路77号, 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 2am,    87079677,87029177 

These cozy premises situated just near the lake in a    free-standing building are decorated with hand carved    wood beams and sheer pastel curtains. The menu issmaller than a dictionary but very inclusive at the same    time. Loud music as the evening gets later. English menu available.   

杭州印度小厨      

61 Nanshan Rd南山路61号,87074777      

A bit further down the road from Kana's, in what used to    be Omar Cafe, is the second Indian restaurant to open in town. The menu is complete with authentic regional food,   and the price for a group of four is reasonable (250 300RMB). We especially like the dining room set up and  the soft music, not to mention their southern style chicken  curry (32RMB) which can beordered spiCY or mild Regardless, the Spring Onion Parota (18RMB) is always   good to wipe your plate

ITALIAN

CJW Italian Restaurant & Bar   

CJW意大利餐厅

85 Nanshan Rd.南山路85号. 10:30am - 4am, 87068857  The parks haven't required entrance tickets in years, but    many of the ticket collecting stations are still around. In    house just on the corner of Nanshan road and Hefang street, this former park entrance has now turned into    a   conveniently    located restaurant

teahouse/bar/lounge. The menu focuses on reasonably priced Italian food-think a little cheaper than Pizza Hut    with smoking allowed. It's open late, but the menu gets much smaller after nineo'clock. English menu available

Peppino   

巴比诺

East Building, Shangri-la Hotel, 78 Beishan Rd北山路78 号,香格里拉饭店东楼,5:30pm - 10:30pm, 87977951-23    Rare is it that we put any restaurant at the top of any category, but for this one it's unavoidable. The combined    expertise of Chefs Bob and Caesar make for an  unmatched duo. Though the restaurant's been open for years, they keep pushing the buttonson what is possible    The antipasto starts the hungry off well. Brick oven baked    pizzas put the chain stores to shame. Imported steaks  are done the way you want them, and we've always beenimpressed with the wait staff's dessert recommendations Plan for a long evening in a most ambient setting.    English service with a slight New York accent available.  

Valentino 

华伦天奴意式餐厅  

26/F, Radisson Plaza Hotel, 333 Tiyuchang Rd体育场路333号国大雷迪森广场酒店26楼, 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm     10:30pm, 851588884602  

The high-rise location of Valentino's boasts views and  specializes in pasta, pizzas and great steaks. An affordable wine list offers servings by the glass so you don't have to stick to one variety and everything is so chill that you don't have to rush through that Grand Marnierwhen you're done. English menu available.

JAPAN

Imarigawa  

伊万里川日本料理   

2/F, Grand Metro Park Hotel, 2 Pinghai Rd平海路2号维   景国际大酒店 2 楼 , llam - 2pm, 5pm - 1Opm, 87088088- 2727

This restaurant is in a hotel, but it doesn't feel that way at all. Home is more like it. Imarigawa combines fantastic food with an unintimidating wait staff and surroundings better than most. Its loyal clientele serve as more than proof. The prices are comparatively higher, but when was the last time you watched a Yankee game over expe rtly cut sashimi? English menu available.

Isagaya Japanese Restaurant

居酒屋日本桥亭

l/F, Guohuo Tower,168 Zhong he Central Rd 中河中路 168 号 , 国货大厦 1 楼 ,5am - 12pm, 87219776

This well kept secret has alluded most every one except those from Japan. Owner/chef/waiter/h o鼠 , Mr. Fu, spent over nine years in Tokyo honing skills that are not put to waste. Sashimi plates run from 68 to 98RMB and are made with fish so fresh that the supplier must also be a secret known only to Mr. Fu

Mei Jia Japanese Restaurant

美佳日本料理

2/F, Merchant Marco Hotel, 38 Pinghai Rd. 平海路 38 号 , 马可·波罗假日酒店 2 楼 , 10am - 10pm, 87018888-1701 Many of the all-you-can-eat places are very similar, but we found that the menu here bigger than most. Well, at least it looked a lot bigger, and that's what our friends from Japan said. The seating is also close to the windows giving it an o pen feeling. (138RMB per head)

Warakute Japanese Restaurant

和乐亭日本料理

39 Huansha Rd.i 浣沙路 39 号 , l0am - 11pm, 87070699 If cozy could be written fifty times in a row without being offensive that is what this introduction would be. Everything about this place makes you wish they had an apartment attached for rent. The authentic homestyle cooking is also not to be ignored. Take out lunches start at 25RMB and the all you can eat deal is 138RMB drinks included.

KOREAN

De Shou Gong

德寿宫酒家

336 Tiyuchang Rd 体育场路 336 号 , 11am - 10:30pm, 85153348 It's hard to remember a time when this place was here This experienced family-run establishment serves up barbeque and hot-plate cooked meats complemented with the regular starters. The Kedi just around the corner is pe rfectly set for gum runs. Read-I o ts of garlic. Picture menu available.

High Class Korean Restaurant

含地天

l/F,lnternational Garen,156 Tianmushan Rd 天目山路 156 号国际花园 1 楼 , l1am - 9:30pm, 88925985

For years, the only place to get Korean food was the place on the Tiyuchang  road and Zhongshan r oad. Now you have at least twenty to choose from and they are growing by the handful. One of the newest and most notable is High Class Korean Restaurant. We aren't Korean food experts, but on the night we went, it was quite busy with people speaking the language, and that can't be a bad sign. It was clean, the wait staff were friendly, and the menu, with little chilies denoting spiciness, was cool. Do we need to mention the garlic? Eat here and y o u can be sure the mosquitoes will not be biting. It was als o quite nice to see that owner was there making sure everything was running smoothly. Expect to spend just under a hundred a person

Korean Village

韩国村

479 Zhongshan Central Rd. 中山中路 479 路 , l0am - 10pm, 87026200

It began as a small part of the Zhongshan hotel, but when it started to take over the whole restaurant, they moved onto the side. N o w it enjoys a location of its own. Wooden beams, large tables and great barbequed beef create an easy atmosphere for small or large groups Stock up on the white Korean wine as well; it is very reasonably priced. Picture menu available

MACANESE

Macau Street Restaurant

澳门街

1 IF, Citic Industrial Bank Building, 90 Yan'an Rd 延安路 90 号中信银行大楼 1 楼 , 10:30am - 1Opm, 87033100, 87033200

The southern end of Yan'an road is finally maturing Macau Street offers comfy wood tables and chairs with soft greens and yellows, and lighting is pleasantly softer than normal. If restaurants in Macau serve a wide range of curries, shark fin, roasted little pig and a variety of iron pan dishes then this place is authentic. If they don't, does it matter? The pawpaw clams (25RMB) were flav o rfuland the braised eggplant (28RMB) made nicer with a little goose liver thrown in

MEXICAN/AMERICAN

Maya Bar

玛雅酒吧

94 Baishaquan 自沙泉 94 号 , (79 Shuguang Rd 曙光路 79 号 ) , 7pm - 2am, 87997628

If we only put this place in the bar section, you might miss it, and miss out o n some damn good grub. Every time we've been there, they have chicken burritos (30RMB) and nachos (50RMB) cooking up in the back

Every time we've seen someone eat one, they get this huge smile on their face-us included. They've even been known to do barbeques and chili, but there is no rhyme or reason to it as far as we can see. They buy the town out of avocados and sour cream (each 5RMB extra), s o get there on Tuesday just as their shipment comes in to ensure the most complete feast. English menu available.

NORTHERN CHINA

Dong Lai Shun

东来顺

Shu Garden, 278 Moganshan Rd 莫干山路 278 号墅园 , 10am -10pm, 88802717, 88802696

North of Wener road, Moganshan road is really nothing but ordinary. How this garden got there we don't kn o W Leave it to the Beijingers in the end. They have stuffed a hotpot piano into what could be dubbed a hutong. If the Little Sheep is bland, then this hotpot broth is like air Cool is the coal chimney vessel they serve it in. Go also fora r o asted lamb leg to round it off

Pian Yi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant

便宜坊烤鸭馆

3/F, Tai Zi Lou, 205 Yan'an Rd. 延安路 205 号太子楼 3 楼 , l1am -1:30pm, 5pm - 9pm, 87087122-828 Duck-duck-duck-Beijing! Go to the capital no more, for the duck is here. These little quacking fajitas are great after eating rice everyday for the last century. The duck, cut and served at the tab 怡 , is also interesting to see. At 7RMB a plate, it is also cheap to order as many wraps as your duck needs. The Great Wall might be far, but at least you can eat like a "man." Picture menu available.

SEAFOOD

Shipu Yulaoda Seafood World

石浦渔老大海鲜大世界

108 Gucui Rd 古翠路 108 号 , l1am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm, 88480509/88480507

Large restaurant serving seafood from the marine park that you visit on the way in. There is a huge a array of seafood or tering for this busy restaurant. This place is for the food and not the decor, which is reminiscent of an era surpassed recently by restaurants hiding their rather meagre culinary offerings with OTT decoration

SCHUAN

Fire Dragon Restaurant

火龙堂酒店

190 Gudun Rd. 古墩路 190 号 , 88970575, 169 Wenyi West Rd. 文一西路 169 号 , 88862429, 9am - 2am Another great little joint has opened up on Gudun Road The tables seem a little low or my legs a little thick, so you get to push back, roll up your shirt tails and a trouser leg, cross your ankles and eat the piles of mud bugs (香辣小龙虾 ) like you have been in Hangzhou forever. Also on offer are slow baked lamb legs - they must be the foreleg as you get one each to gnaw on. Delicious and tender, but maybe your date might worry when she sees you chewing half a leg like the barbarian you are. Being a family style restaurant y o u should have a g o at the Family-Style Toufu. ( 家常豆腐 ) How do they get the skin of the toufu crispy?

Sichuan Pickle Restaurant

川昧泡菜馆

Turn right at the third small lane after Maya Bar, Bai Sha Quan, Shuguang Rd 曙光路白沙泉 46 幢房子边上的小弄堂右拐 , lOam -1Opm, 87993941

If you can find this tiny place tucked in an alley off Baishaquan you are in for a treat. All of Mr. Zhou's efforts have gone into the grub, and it is apparent right from the beginning with the home made pa o cai. All spices are shipped in from Chongqing by his family as the local chilies are 'just not good enough', and he uses tonnes of them in his wickedly h o t Laziji. (Spicy chicken). The Huiguorou (Twice cooked pork) is yummy, and the Spicy flaked fish soup (malayu) is hot enough to bring tears to the eyes of the most self-respecting mala veteran. For something a little less explosive, try the pork omelette or gongbao jiding. (Kungpao Chicken).

Xiang Xiang Guan

香乡馆

6-8 Jincheng Garden, Jingzhou Rd 竞舟路金城花园商铺 6-8 号 ,88930929

It's always crowded for a reason-no not the atm o sphere, because you essentially eat y o ur meal at an indoor picnic table-it's the food. The wait staff is cu rt but efficient, which is nice when you're starving. If you're in the West, stop by here for the shrimp on the barby (Chuan Shao Xia). Those of you wh o love chowder will really get into the Wu Gu Feng Deng. For really good Sichuan food, go here to chow down.

SHANGHAI

Crystal Garden

玉瞰麟

2-7 Dongpo Rd. 东坡路 2-7 号 , 11am - 10:30pm, 87067777,87086858

It's hard to get in here on most nights and we have heard a rumor that might explain things. Could it be true? They use no MSG? That's what they say, though we do find it hard to believe. How would we kn o w? We became immune to the side effects years ago. Backless stools put you back in a time where drinking liqu o r o ut of a b o wi wasc o mmon. Picture menu available.

Hill Street · Cai Die Xuan

西街·彩螺轩

175 Nanshan Rd 南山路 175 号 , 10am - 9:30pm, 87131718

The Soong family is legendary. It was early last century when Carrlie make his millions in printing bibles, amongst other things, in Shanghai. His children were not typical Son TV. was thought to be the richest man in the world at one time. Daughter Ailing was thought to be the one who made the cash. Qingling, the wife of Sun Yatsen, was the patriot, and Meiling, the wife of Chiang Kaishek, was by far the most elegant and eccentric. When she vacati o ned in Hangzhou, she frequented this lakeside villa. Fusion and Shanghainese cuisine with Soong Meiling appeal. English menu available.

SOUTH-EAST ASIAN

Banana Leaf

蕉叶

1-2/F, Overseas Chinese Hotel, 39 Hubin Rd 湖滨路 39 号 华侨饭店 1/2 楼 , 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 11pm, 87072345 Having started the Thai trend in Guangzhou, there are now Banana Leaf restaurants in seven cities throughout China, and because of this presence, they are able t o have the staff come in not only from different parts of China but also Thailand and the Philippines. If you want the most authentic curry, you have to go to a street vendor on the c o rner in India, but if it is a fun time full of a little singing and dancing, then Banana Leaf is a g o . Their layout is perfect for parties of two, twenty or more. English menu available.

Butterfly Laguna

湖蟆

House E, Xihutiandi, 147 Nanshan Rd 南山路 147 号西湖 天地 E 楼 , 11:30am - 11:30pm, 87027711

At the Butterfly Laguna, dump a nice green chicken curry (45RMB) over the rice and order a napkin to wipe the sweat 0 ff your brow; it has got s o me heat. They also serve a great combo appetizer plate (98RMB) if you are looking for a few snacks with some friends on one of those nice afternoons. English menu available.

Crystal Jade Garden Restaurant

翡翠花园酒家

No.10 Buildi ng , 147 Nanshan Rd 南山路 147 号 10 号楼 , 87026618,87027887

The name conjures up th o ughts of richness and sumptu- ousness, and so it sh o uld. The food is rich and sumptu- ous. Crystal Jade Garden has got some things right. The huge high-flying menu that includes shark's fin, abalone and a range of fresh seafood, (bring a fistful of dollars). There are also some more down to earth dishes with flavours taken mostly from Shanghai but also from all o ver East and Southeast Asia. Aside from the food, the service is discreet and efficient, and the surroundings are comfo rt able, spacious and simply good-looking. English menu available.

Curry Bistro

澄江轩粤来

391 Wantang Rd 万塘路 391 号 , 11am - 4am, 88868271 Just across the street from Wumei, down the road perpendicular to Wenyi road, is a pleasant surprise in Curry Bistro. The curries (red, green, yellow, etc.) go for 20-30RMB and are quite enough for one with leftovers. Throw a greeting to the jolly owner from down south, and she will surely warm up in n o time. English menu available.

TEPPANYAKI

Shan he Teppanyaki

山禾铁板烧·料理店

137 Huangcheng East Rd. (next t o Trust Ma rt ) 环城东路 137 号 ( 好又多凤起店西入口 ),11:30am11pm,

87077058

TONGLU

Jiang Hu Yuan

江湖原

328 Wen'er Rd. 文二路 328 号 , 11am - 9pm, 88081234 For those of you who think that Tonglu is a part of Hangzh o u, y o u might be right, at least geographically speaking. Taste buds talking though and you would be far o 仔 Tonglu has quite its own cuisine. Lots of fish -江湖烤鱼。 r Jianghu Baked Fish is yet another way of cooking a carp, if you thought you had already had them all. Ask for this with Mandarin ( 桂鱼 ) or Perch ( 箩鱼 ) for a few less bones. Another specialty of this new restaurant is reminiscent of a Thai dish, Beef Wrapped in Lettuce Leaf, and a Tonglu local soup, The Whole World in One Pot - 一锅天下 - has those juicy marrow filled bones t o suck on

TURKISH

Doner  Kebab

158YuguRd 玉古路 158 号10:30am9pm,13857149403

Tired of the generic Western fare served up in y o ur local fast fo o d restaurant? Then check this place out for a tasty alternative. Oliver from Germany and his wife, Zhu Xiao, just opened up their small eatery right across from Zheda. Less than 25RMB will get y o u with a Doner Kebab, beverage, and soup and leave you feeling completely satisfied. English menu available

XI AN

Lao Shan Noodle Restaurant

老陕西馆

204 Gudun Rd. 古墩路 204 号 ,9:30am - 10pm, 88979884 They have just redecorated, it's a place make all kinds o f Xi'an handmade noodles. And if you make a trip there, be sure to try the Xi'an style sandwich (rou jia mo). It's the most popular thing they sell there. It's a small pita-like bread that's stuffed full of mutton and spicy green peppers, and it only costs 5RMB.

Xin Jiang

Jin Xing Xinjiang Restaurant

津星新疆饭店

Tian Du Hotel, 522 Zhongshan North Rd. 中山北路 522 号 天都饭店内 ,9:30am - 9pm, 85104136 Haven't had a hump for a while? No problem. Inset from the r o ad just behind the entrance to Tiandu Hotel are Xinjiang delights ranging from camel and roast lamb leg to big-plate chicken and f 时 ed nan, not to mention lamb skewers that make the roadside versions seem inedible. Beer is also available for those who do that thing. We like it that they are in their old location again. It's much cozier. English menu available.

Talimu Uygur Restaurant

塔里木维族馆

175 Hedong Rd.; 河东路 175 号 ,9am - 2am, live music and dance from 6:40pm to 11 pm, 85239054, 13666602837