3 Best Restaurants in Guangzhou, Pearl River Delta

Earning a string of culinary awards since it opened in 1935, this legendary place is one of the best-known restaurants in town. The setting is classic Canton, with flower-filled courtyards surrounded by dining rooms of various sizes. The food is some of the finest in the city, with house specialties like "Eight Treasures," a mix of poultry, pork, and mushrooms served in a bowl made of melon. Other Cantonese dishes include duck feet stuffed with shrimp, roasted goose, and of course, dim sum. If you're staying on the eastern side of the city, there's also a branch at 112 Tiyu Dong Lu in Tianhe.

For fine Cantonese in a more sophisticated setting, Jiang by Chef Fei is a popular choice. The style and service here are miles away from the more casual Cantonese restaurants, and the dainty dim sum creations are equally as memorable. Chef Fei puts a contemporary twist on classic Cantonese cuisine, with creative dishes such as slow-cooked beef shank with chili sauce, Canadian red coral mussels with kale, and pan-fried goose and radish dumplings that are shaped like swans. There is also a great selection of tea and wines that you can pair with your meal.

On the edge of Liwan Lake, this famous restaurant has a series of teahouse rooms and landscaped gardens interconnected by paths and bridges that have the feel of a Taoist temple. One room is built on a floating houseboat. Signature dishes include scallop pumpkin soup, baked crab legs, and crispy pork belly. The dim sum is highly recommended, as the restaurant is known for its beautiful presentation along with its fresh flavors. Make reservations or expect long lines.