While Shenzhen offers a host of delectable Guangdong fare, what’s really enticing about this mega metropolis is that thanks to an influx of migrants from all over the world and China, there’s a real range of quality cuisine on offer. Whether you want to impress with fancy Italian food, or you’re after quality dim sum to wow a travelling business partner with, we’ve served up a list of ten tasty addresses to sink your teeth into.
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel
Restaurant, Chinese
Part of one of China’s first Shangri-La hotels. this high-end restaurant has a reputation for serving up delicious dim sum, the Cantonese breakfast classic. Take your seat in elegant surroundings, and you’ll have a choice of rice dishes, vegetables, and noodles from a menu where Huaiyang cold options sit alongside Sichuan and Chiu Chow dishes.
For another sophisticated and luxurious restaurant in a hotel, try 1881 at the Grand Hyatt. Focusing more on delicious Northern Chinese cuisine, they specialise in wood-fired Beijing duck, and also serve up popular kong bao style shrimp. With its cozy but chic vibe, this is a great venue to enjoy Chinese fare of high quality.
Ba Shu Feng
Restaurant
Though Shenzhen’s popular Sichuanese restaurant used to be in a rustic multi-storey venue but has moved to a shopping mall basement, that hasn’t taken away from its legendary quality. Dishes range from the mild to the tongue-numbing, and queues on weekends can be long.
Xingli at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Restaurant
Specialising in Chiu Chow dishes, the menu at this elegant eatery is extensive, with over 100 choices for dim sum. With choices ranging from the local to the international, this restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel also offers the best of spicy Sichian cuisine in a stylish setting.
The Kitchen
For those craving a good, home-cooked meal to offset the homesick blues, The Kitchen rustles up great western dishes at affordable prices and is a bit of a magnet for expats in the area drawn by the no-frills, intimate establishment. Located in nightlife hub Coco Park, The Kitchen is known for its great service, quality food and fun vibe. With a diverse menu that includes pizzas, burgers and even Tex Mex, it’s hidden behind a couple of bars and can get a bit noisy but is well worth a visit.
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Palletto at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Restaurant, Italian
Located on the second floor of The Ritz-Carton Hotel, Italian restaurant Palletto is the place to go if you’re pining for the delicate, sophisticated flavours of Rome in an atmosphere that is both swish and modern. The extensive menu features a full range of delicacies including antipasti, grilled seafood and beef carpaccio, while the wine list boasts a good range of a quality wines to be savoured.
BAIA
Bar, Restaurant
A stalwart restaurant in Shenzhen’s Seaworld entertainment complex, BAIA boasts quality fare from the Mediterranean in a comfortable but sophisticated venue. Expats cite it as a great place to grab a burger and commend its diverse range of tipples – the space doubles as a bar and grill. With outdoor seating available, a dinner here can make for a classy evening out.
HaidiLao (Youyi Cheng)
Part of a chain of popular and very affordable hotpot restaurants across China, Shenzhen’s HaidiLao is a great place to enjoy the convivial charms of traditional hotpot, a spicy dish that’s especially popular in winter. With legendary customer service, freshly made noodles and complimentary snacks throughout the evening, this beloved joint is worth prebooking if you want to go at peak times.
Bollywood Cafe
Cafe, Indian
With its friendly and attentive staff, Bollywood Cafe serves up a diverse range of high-quality authentic Indian food that’s hard to come by in Shenzhen. This no-frills establishment is tucked away in shopping distric Luoho, where you can tuck into to masala dosa or dal makhani at affordable prices.
Willy’s Crab Shack
Another convival place to eat that feels homely and serves up non-local fare, this family-run restaurant is modelled after American crab shacks and is popular among expats wanting a taste of home in a welcoming and vibrant space in old Shekou. Doubling as a bar, its has daily beer and wine specials to complement its seafood and pizza dishes. Regulars commend the large portions, with its crab cake coming particularly highly recommended.
