3 Best Restaurants in Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing

Some of Chongqing's most authentic Sichuanese dishes are served in this restaurant on the bank of the Yangtze. An after-dinner stroll along the banks of the river is a great cap to the meal. A house specialty is water-boiled fish slices: the "water" actually has liberal amounts of oil, dried chilies, whole Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices that create an explosion of flavor. Other good choices are cold rice noodles, tofu-stuffed dumplings, and spicy fried chicken. If you want a seat overlooking the river, try to beat the dinner rush and arrive by 6 pm.

Slick and comfortable, this modern teahouse is the city's answer to Starbucks. With several locations dotted around the city (with the Jiabin Lu branch boasting awesome river views), Nenlu is the perfect place to escape the heat, crowds, and general pandemonium of navigating the hilly streets. Loose leaf teas from around the world and creative drink options make this place worth the visit. Snacks are also available, but the tea is the highlight.