37 Best Restaurants in Southwestern China, China

Inside a renovated railroad station, this restaurant has outdoor seating and a historic atmosphere that are just as appealing as the menu full of tasty Yunnan dishes. The structure was built in the early 20th century by French colonists, and was once the terminus of the 535-mile railroad linking Hanoi to Kunming. Try some fried rubing (a local goat cheese), a spicy salad of chrysanthemum greens, or grilled tilapia. Don't pass up anything made with Yunnan's prized cured ham. The English portion of the menu is somewhat confusing, though pictures of most of the options help pick up the slack.

Sour fish soup, Guiyang's signature dish, is the specialty at this venerated local joint. Choose a fish from the tanks, select your other ingredients, and mix your own sauce. The soup—an import from the city of Kaili—and the fish will then be cooked at your table. If it's too spicy, remember that a bit of white rice—not water—is one good method for dousing culinary flames. There are no reservations, so expect to have to wait in line a bit on weekends or holidays. There's another branch on nearby Shengfu Bei Jie.

Regularly packed to capacity and brewing some of Kunming's best coffee using a custom blend of Yunnan beans, Salvador's also has an extensive food menu. About half of its ingredients are organic, and more are being added regularly, with the goal of becoming one of the few entirely organic eateries in China. Popular main dishes include burritos, quesadillas, and falafel. The place has Wi-Fi and comfy sofas for lounging, along with outdoor seating ideal for people-watching on bustling Wenhua Xiang.

Without a doubt the best organic Chinese restaurant in town, Tusheng Shiguan is a must for anyone who wants to try the finest Yunnan cuisine. Don't miss the erkuai (rice pancakes), the fuzhu (a tofu-skin dish whose misleading name translates to "rotten bamboo") or the ginger beef dish, and ask which vegetables are in season. The inside and outside seating is comfortable, and the service is most hospitable. Make sure to order rice if you're having spicy dishes, and try a small jug of the home-brewed corn liquor.

This often hectic eatery may be the best place in Kunming to enjoy Dai cuisine, which is known for its liberal use of chili peppers. If you want to go straight for the heat, try the gui ji or "ghost chicken," a cold salad that is slightly sour and extremely spicy. Tamer options include pineapple rice, fennel omelets, dried beef, wild mushrooms, fried fish, and tapioca with cookies in coconut milk. Dai cuisine features many dishes and ingredients that are foreign even to coastal Chinese residents. There are other branches of this chain throughout town.

Tucked away in an alley off bustling Wenlin Jie, As You Like is a quaint vegetarian restaurant and deli. The freshly baked bread, healthy salads, and all kinds of pastries will make your mouth water, and the pizzas are some of the best around. It's in an old house, so tall people will have to mind their heads, but the food more than makes up for it.

Tired of the local rice noodles? This is where many transplants from northeastern China come to dine on traditional dongbei cai. A large dumpling menu is complemented by a full range of northeastern favorites, such as moo shu pork and disanxian (eggplant, potatoes, and green peppers in a brown sauce). Wash it all down with a cold Harbin beer. The staff is friendly, and the menu has photos and descriptions in English.

For a taste of one of Yunnan's major cash crops, head to the Bird Bar, which grows, roasts and grinds its own coffee beans. The owner's love for antique buildings clearly shines through in the coffeehouse's cozy, old-fashioned interior.

Popular with locals and expats alike, this place stands for quality pizza and other American-style snacks and fast food, such as meatball sandwiches and a range of salads. Pizza can be ordered per slice or as a whole, with massive sizes for groups. For somewhere with such broad appeal, the drink menu is unsurprisingly extensive, including several craft beers from around the world.

On a cozy corner on bustling West Street, Café China serves addictive rotisserie chicken made from a highly guarded local recipe. The kitchen roasts between 12 and 18 chickens each night, so in-the-know diners call at least an hour in advance. One whole chicken will set you back Y50. In addition, the kitchen also turns out shepherd's pie and sandwiches on baguettes.

A longtime favorite specializing in Western and Chinese classics as well as some local Bai specialties, Café de Jack serves good breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and the strongest cup of coffee in Yunnan. All three floors are a bit different: the first floor feels like a bar, the second floor is more like a restaurant, and the rooftop is a perfect place to kick back with a beer. Catch up with the rest of the world via computer terminals or Wi-Fi.

If you're ready for a truly local experience, look no further than Chunji Roast Goose. No surprises here: this Cantonese restaurant serves exactly what it says on the facade. Done in a style reminiscent of Beijing duck, the geese are roasted in a charcoal oven, until the skin is crispy and the meat deliciously succulent. A quarter serves two. Good, local food in China often comes with a noisy environment, and that's true here, so be prepared to share your table with others, or come early to avoid the crowds. Although the waitstaff do their utmost to serve everyone, few of them speak more than a few words of English.

Try the durian cakes. While the fruit may be an acquired taste, you just might acquire it quickly here.

Hidden inside a leaning shack, this little dumpling palace wraps the best jiaozi in Dali and the surrounding region. Other dishes are on offer, depending on what's available in the local markets. The menus have been kindly translated into English by expat regulars, but they don't mention the selection of splendid house-made liquor. The owners both hail from China's freezing northeastern reaches.

Behind a school and a police station, Foguang Yuan is a true oasis of peace and quiet. The restaurant is actually several dining areas built around a patch of jungle. The traditional architecture and tropical setting merit a visit, but the restaurant also serves an excellent array of Dai and Chinese classics. English menus are available, but they aren't necessarily up-to-date. If in doubt, you can always venture into the kitchen and point to what looks good.

A 20-minute walk from Yangshuo's center, the Village Retreat is an excellent place to enjoy a healthy breakfast, filling lunch, or a romantic dinner with views of the surrounding scenery. Trained by European masters, the chef clearly understands how Western food ought to taste—without neglecting the Chinese menu. You may find yourself astonished by signature dishes such as sirloin steak served with Belgian-style fries. Finish your meal with coffee or a milk shake and a piece of their magnificent chocolate cake.

Understated decor, comfy seating, and high-quality imported coffee turned into tasty beverages by skilled baristas are the highlights here. There are also savory panini on homemade bread, as well as a wide selection of teas, smoothies, and desserts. The affable American owner, who's often here, always tries to make visitors feel at home. The smoking area is separated from the rest of the dining area.

Kali Mirch's spices and chefs come directly from India, and it's a delicious option if you're looking to take a break from Chinese food and approximations of Western food. The tandoori chicken, curry mutton, palak paneer, and pulao rice are but a few of the solid dishes here; the outdoor tables are a good place for people-watching.

Beloved by expats, this closet-size café is an escape from the hustle and bustle of West Street. On any given night, English teachers can be found sampling tasty Chinese-style dumpling soups and drinking beer in the cobblestone pavilion.

The traditional Tibetan decor, pleasant atmosphere, and helpful staff make this one of Lijiang's better dining options. The kitchen serves Tibetan, Chinese, and Naxi cuisine, as well as familiar dishes like lasagna and French fries.

In addition to well-known Chinese dishes, this extremely popular restaurant serves a number of less-common dishes, such as bamboo stuffed with sticky rice, or stir-fried mountain vegetables.

This little restaurant may have the best Western food in Guilin. The menu is straightforward: pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are made when you order. The cozy urban decor creates an ideal environment for reading a book, checking your email, or planning the next step in your trip. Most of the young, friendly staff speaks English.

Louis XIII is Chinese-run but nevertheless cooks up quality Western as well as Chinese dishes. The menu even features a pizza with the infamous durian, which is a pleasant surprise—if you like durian. A second major draw is its setting, which is downright cozy and a bit classy.

As much a cultural experience as a culinary adventure, Makye Ame is known for its Tibetan and Indian song-and-dance performances. The shows are enjoyable, but can be hard on the eardrums. For a quieter meal, ask for one of the rooms in the back or in the cozy teahouse upstairs. Food-wise, Makye Ame serves a large variety of Tibetan dishes, including stone-cooked yak, malai kafta (large potato and cashew balls in a curried yogurt sauce), and an incomparable platter of xianggu (shiitake mushrooms). A cold Lhasa beer or some homemade yogurt wine rounds out one of the city's more memorable meals.

Popular with locals but unknown to most travelers, this family-owned restaurant serves an amazing array of local dishes, with a focus on fish from the Li river. There are no English menus, but the owners will bring you into the kitchen and let you pick out what you want. It is hard to find: look for it on the small street two blocks north of the bus station, next to the large statue of Guanyin, the Buddha of Compassion.

This is a good place to compare notes with other travelers, as many people come here to buy tickets, book tours, or get travel information. One of the few places in Jinghong with an English-speaking staff, Meimei Café serves Western and Chinese favorites, as well as great coffee and juices. Open from early morning to late at night, the terrace is a splendid place to enjoy the sunrise.

Opened by a Frenchman who was once a hotel chef and his Chinese wife, Mekong Café is a favorite with all sorts of travelers. Backpackers, expats, couples as well as locals gather on its large front and back patios to enjoy afternoon dessert, delicious French cuisine, Chinese classics, or simply a drink to recover from the Jinghong heat. The chef's exquisite carpaccio salad is also great value for money. Like the Meimei Café, Mekong also offers various travel services and tours.

Whether you believe in good karma or not, Mood Food Energy Café is a great destination for excellent vegetarian and vegan food, as well as juices. The cuisine is eclectic, with Mexican wraps and Indian soups sharing the same menu. If you're just thirsty or looking for a treat, why not have a power shake or spoon away at a tapioca dessert? Inside and outside are conceived as an oasis of peace, so you can attempt to align your chakras as you refuel for the day.

Norman's Kitchen, or simply N's Kitchen, serves a classic selection of Western food at reasonable prices. Diners eat on the second floor, from which vantage point they can watch tourists leisurely stroll by. Also available are bus tickets and tourist and hiking information.

A favorite with expats, this bright, sunny eatery serves international favorites like Japanese-style katsu don (pork cutlets in a savory sauce). This is also the town's top choice for fresh bread, good coffee, and, especially, American-style breakfasts. It's a nice place to hang out with a cup of tea or a beer at night. There's a good book collection and free Internet access.

This vegetarian restaurant serves a variety of mouthwatering creations, including almond rolls, crispy tofu skin in a spicy sauce, and a vegetarian version of the famous Shanghainese shizi tou (meatballs). The Zen-like interior adds to the calm atmosphere, helping diners forget about the hubbub outside. The staff is helpful, there's an English menu, and the prices are very affordable.