9 Best Restaurants in Shenzhen, Pearl River Delta

The classy decor and warm ambience are good reasons to dine at 1881, but the delicious food is what makes this one of the most popular restaurants in Shenzhen. Located inside the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, 1881 specializes in classic Sichuan and Northern Chinese cuisines, and it's particularly well known for its wood-fired Peking duck. Also on the menu are a slew of Chinese wines and teas.

The restaurant shuts down for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so be sure to call ahead.

The ultramodern vibes at 360° complement sweeping views of Shenzhen's equally modern skyline. The restaurant takes up the top two floors of the Shangri-La Hotel and offers a big selection of Western dishes in a somewhat odd picture menu. The standouts include the grilled tiger prawns with polenta, the baked scallops with XO sauce, and just about any of the steaks.

As the name suggests, the decor here is in various shades of blue—walls, ceilings, and even the mellow lighting. The restaurant is especially well known for its expertly prepared fish dishes. If you're really in the mood for decadence, try the dessert tray: chocolates, pastries, and several different types of mousse.

This Cantonese-style restaurant is one of the few in Shenzhen that offers the feel of a grand ballroom. Fangdu's two floors are decorated with chandeliers and opulent carpets. This is a good place to fill your stomach with decent dim sum, but be sure to get there before 2 pm—otherwise you'll be stuck with some less appealing noodle and dinner dishes. The service is friendly and speedy, but don't expect any English.

This favorite is known for its international cuisine and truly unique selection of Chinese teas. The glass-domed roof and smart-casual ambience make it a popular spot for Shenzhen's movers and shakers. Afternoon tea is highly recommended.

This is definitely not your average curry house. The Nepalese chef offers cuisine from both Northern India and Nepal. The restaurant is especially well-known for its tandoori dishes and its selection of naan.

This is a hidden treasure amid Shenzhen's vast number of restaurants. It's famous for its Peking duck, said to be just as good as that in Beijing, and for its fish soups, served in hubcap sized bowls. The catfish and pickled vegetable soup is velvety and the fish melts in your mouth. The smaller side dishes, mostly vegetables, offset the heavier fare. The waiting area in the front has birds in cages, and you're offered tea and pumpkin seeds while you wait.

This patisserie is a great place to take a break while shopping at the nearby MixC mall. Sugar Box offers a wide variety of homemade chocolates, cakes, and breads, as well as coffee, tea, beer, and wine. Savory items include mini sandwiches, salad, and pizza. The relaxing outdoor atmosphere makes it great for people-watching and whiling away the afternoon.

Amazing views of the fishing boats and ferries of Shekou Harbor to the east and Nanshan Mountain to the north are yours at Yokohama. This is a good place to rest before taking the ferry to Hong Kong or Macau. The sashimi is the freshest around, and the other dishes are the real deal. The clientele is mostly Japanese, which is always a good sign. Try a side dish of oshinko (traditional Japanese pickles)—unlike many lesser Japanese restaurants in China, Yokohama takes no shortcuts with its oshinko, and offers eight different types.