37 Best Restaurants in Southwestern China, China

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.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Sheraton Hotel, the Rosemary Cafe has outside seating in the middle of a calm pedestrian street, making it a nice place to while away an evening. It may not have the most inspired decor, but don't let that deceive you: the Western menu includes delicious burritos and salads, which you can wash down with a glass of freshly pressed pineapple juice.

Run by an interesting lady from New Zealand, Slice of Heaven is an increasingly popular place for Western fare. The bakery-turned-restaurant boasts a tasty breakfast, some great pizzas topped with local ingredients like goat cheese, and all kinds of bread, buns, and sandwiches. The service can be a bit quirky, but don't let that put you off.

Dali's expat community indulges in its love of pastries at this low-profile little eatery. Surprisingly enough, it also cooks up some of the best Mexican food in town. The prices are more than reasonable, but the seating is limited.

Here you'll find authentic Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or just a dusting of powdered sugar. If you don't have a sweet tooth, sip a cold Belgian ale while you watch the people stroll past. It's easy to miss, as this place is no more than a cutaway in the street with some chairs out front. The Wi-Fi is a plus.

In business for decades, Xinghua Cun is a no-nonsense Chinese restaurant with the usual revolving-top tables and a counter filled with all kinds of homemade liquor. If you look past the spartan decor, you'll notice what this place does best: tasty Yunnanese and local Bai dishes, all served with a smile. The menus are in Chinglish, but ordering is easily done by pointing at pictures.

Inside what was once the residence of General Huang Xuchu, this much-acclaimed restaurant serves excellent versions of classic dishes, such as cold beef slices drenched in lemon juice, pork rolls, and roast duck. The menu includes plenty of pictures for easy ordering. The restaurant accommodates guests in private dining rooms, so noise levels are kept relatively low.