Guangzhou's ten best cultural restaurants

Tipped to be the city's best restaurant serving up Western favorites is a cutting edge eatery located within a former colonial villa residence. The well-stocked bar at the venue occupies the ground floor while dining rooms is located upstairs in both enclosed, patio and veranda options in settings that are both cozy and eclectic. Known for its Italian dishes some of the must-try items on the menu include its squid ink pasta and the range of homemade desserts.

Located on the shores of Liwan Lake the Cantonese cuisine hub is the toast of the town when it comes to garden restaurants. Set up as early as 1947 this affordable and renowned Chinese eatery is one of the most elegant dining spaces in Guangzhou. Hot-pick menu items include its quail eggs and shrimp roe dish and whole white gourd soup while the chicken with herbs is also a crowd favorite.

Housed in a stylish palatial mansion with colonial overtones this traditional Cantonese restaurant in Liuhuahu Park is another must- experience culinary highlight for serious Chinese food lovers. The dim sum is one of the true heroes of the menu here which also features roasted mackerel and abalone dishes among its many signature dishes. Boat dining is another option at the venue which houses several dinner boats.

For Chinese cuisine with a modern twist look no further than Jiang by Chef Fei. As one of the city's most sought after young chefs the Chinese dishes created in the kitchens of this inspired eatery takes fine dining to another level.

Dating back to 1880 this elegant diner is one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Guangzhou. Spread out across 4 floors the venue's menu includes more than 200 items including shallot chicken and some of the best dim sum in the city. Tao Tao ginger dishes are also hot favorites at the establishment which has served illustrious local writers and painters in its rich history.

Having opened its doors in 2002 La Seine is the best French restaurant in the city by many accounts. Serving both traditional and modern French cuisine in a chic setting some of the most delectable menu items here includes the foie gras, escargot and its signature desserts.

Located in the Sinopec structure in the heart of the Tianhe CBD this trendy eatery specializes in southern specialties from the USA. Serving up such southern classics as Jambalaya and Gumbo the locale is the best place to dig in to Mac N Cheese dishes and fried chicken. Bread and pastries are also available here as well as a classic collection of sandwiches.

An award-winning restaurant serving up Chinese and continental cuisine the appeal of this well-known eatery is its excellent service and panoramic location in Tianhe.

Occupying the heart of the city this deliciously vintage restaurant is one of the most sought after dining hubs in Guangzhou. Encircled by a landscaped garden the venue serves up French fare the likes of Bourgogne snails and other French classics with a modern twist. Those based in Ascott IFC Guangzhou, or similar serviced apartments Guangzhou has on offer will be within close range of the locale.

Occupying the 105th floor of the Canton Tower this revolving restaurant is one of the most romantic dining hubs in the city with 360 degree views of Guangzhou. Specializing in French favorites such as lobster bisque this reputed name in French cuisine rub by Chef Philippe is a must-visit highlight in Guangzhou.