The Best Restaurants in Hangzhou

Hangzhou dining is defined by the rhythm of the West Lake and the seasonal obsession with Longjing tea leaves, which weave through the local palate like nowhere else. Cooking here prioritizes the delicate, light profiles of river fish and bamboo shoots over heavy spice. Chefs treat these ingredients with a restraint that reflects the city’s historic garden culture.

The most serious eating happens in the quiet villas near the lake and the secluded hills of the tea plantations. Longjing Manor is the place to head if you want a kitchen that mimics the cycles of the local harvest; it holds a Michelin star. Hubin 28, which placed at no. 52 on La Liste, is the go-to for those who value traditional techniques in a setting that frames the landscape. For a more intimate, refined approach to regional classics, Jie Xiang Lou holds a Michelin star and pulls from the quiet traditions of the surrounding district.

Dinner service peaks when the summer heat fades and the night air becomes cool, drawing diners out to the lakefront tables. The city slows significantly during the winter months, shifting the focus toward hearty, warming broths in the warmer, indoor dining rooms. Weekend evenings remain the busiest time to dine across every major neighborhood. We keep track of these shifts to ensure our list only includes the venues that define the current local standard.