Lou Wai Lou (1848) is the canonical Hangzhou cuisine restaurant — on Solitary Hill at the north end of West Lake, lakeside seating with the Su Causeway in view. Signature dishes: West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼, the marquee — sweet-sour-tender grass carp, ¥168), Beggar's Chicken (叫化童子鸡, baked in lotus leaves + clay, served opened tableside, ¥298), Dongpo Pork (东坡肉, braised pork belly named after Su Dongpo, ¥98 a piece), Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁, stir-fried with Longjing tea leaves, ¥168). ¥250-400/person for full meal. Book ahead — lakeside windows are HARD to get on weekends. Multiple branches across Hangzhou but the Solitary Hill original is the one. Combine with West Lake afternoon walk.

Address

30 Gushan Rd, West Lake

孤山路 30 号

Highlights

West Lake Vinegar Fish (西湖醋鱼)The signature dish; sweet-sour grass carp ¥168
Beggar's Chicken Tableside Service¥298; lotus-leaf baked + clay, opened in front of you
Dongpo Pork¥98/piece; Su Dongpo's namesake braised pork belly