Restaurants in Guilin

Best Restaurants in Guilin, China:

Guilin, nestled among the limestone karst peaks of Guangxi province, is celebrated for its spectacular scenery and its vibrant culinary scene. From piping-hot bowls of rice noodles to refined Cantonese cuisine, Guilin’s restaurants offer a remarkable range of flavours. Here’s a curated guide to the best restaurants in Guilin, each offering a distinctive dining experience.

1. Chunji Roasted Goose (椿记 烧鹅) – Iconic Cantonese-Style Roast Goose

This famed restaurant is heralded for its signature dish: a perfectly roasted goose with crisp skin and aromatic sweetness. Founded in Guilin, Chunji has become a local legend among food lovers.

Location: No. 2 Middle Zhongshan Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Must-try: Roasted goose, honey-glazed BBQ pork, durian cake

2. Jinlong Zhai (金龙寨) – Authentic Local Cuisine in a Traditional Setting

Jinlong Zhai offers Guilin-style dishes in a restaurant designed with classic Chinese décor and a comfortable ambience. It’s praised for both its food and atmosphere.

Location: Floor 4, Shanhu Lake Hotel, Guilin Central Square, Xiufeng District
Must-try: Stone-pot shrimp from the Li River, glutinous ribs, steamed custard buns

3. MC Found (麦香坊) – Great Value Local Dining with Guilin Noodles

MC Found is renowned for serving Guilin’s beloved rice-noodle specialty (“mifen”) alongside other regional staples. It’s popular among locals and visitors alike for its authentic flavours and warm setting.

Location: Various outlets (e.g., No. 7 Xinyi Road)
Must-try: Guilin rice noodles, beef burrito with black pepper, pan-fried pork dumplings

4. Taste Made Restaurant (味道制造) – Modern Dining with a Local Twist

For something a bit more upscale, Taste Made blends the essence of Guangxi cuisine with modern culinary techniques, offering stylish dining in Guilin.

Location: No. 19 Li River East Road, Guilin
Must-try: Stone-pot beef, turbot fish, signature spicy salt pork trotter

5. Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) Indian Cuisine – A Taste of Home for International Travellers

For travellers seeking non-Chinese cuisine, Kali Mirch offers consistently good Indian food in Guilin along with vegetarian and halal options, making it a solid choice for diverse dietary needs.

Location: No. 5 Renmin Road, Guilin
Must-try: Butter naan, chicken tikka, mutton curry, biryani

6. Guo Ji Oil Tea House (郭记油茶馆) – Unique Local Specialty & Tea Culture

For an authentic Guilin experience beyond full meals, try the “oil tea” (you cha) at a traditional tea house. This spiced tea drink accompanied by rice cakes and nuts reflects local ethnic culinary traditions.

Location: 7 Xinyi Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin
Must-try: Oil tea with crispy rice, peanuts, scallions

Tips for Dining in Guilin

• Peak local dishes: Don’t miss Guilin rice noodles (mifen) and snail rice noodles (luosifen).

• Budget accordingly: Many authentic local restaurants offer excellent value (30-80 CNY per main dish), while fine dining can cost significantly more.

• Aspiring gourmet: Book ahead for premium venues like Taste Made or Jinlong Zhai—weeks in advance during peak tourist seasons.

• Language note: Some menus may lack English. Save the restaurant name and address in Chinese to show at the door.

• Payment: Many urban restaurants accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay or Alipay) — carry some cash just in case.

Whether you’re indulging in Cantonese roast goose, slurping rice noodles for breakfast, or sipping a traditional oil tea, Guilin’s dining scene enriches a visit to this scenic region. Use this guide to discover the best restaurants in Guilin and taste the local culture one bite at a time.