10 Best Restaurants in Southwestern China, China

Inside a renovated railroad station, this restaurant has outdoor seating and a historic atmosphere that are just as appealing as the menu full of tasty Yunnan dishes. The structure was built in the early 20th century by French colonists, and was once the terminus of the 535-mile railroad linking Hanoi to Kunming. Try some fried rubing (a local goat cheese), a spicy salad of chrysanthemum greens, or grilled tilapia. Don't pass up anything made with Yunnan's prized cured ham. The English portion of the menu is somewhat confusing, though pictures of most of the options help pick up the slack.

Popular with locals and expats alike, this place stands for quality pizza and other American-style snacks and fast food, such as meatball sandwiches and a range of salads. Pizza can be ordered per slice or as a whole, with massive sizes for groups. For somewhere with such broad appeal, the drink menu is unsurprisingly extensive, including several craft beers from around the world.

If you're ready for a truly local experience, look no further than Chunji Roast Goose. No surprises here: this Cantonese restaurant serves exactly what it says on the facade. Done in a style reminiscent of Beijing duck, the geese are roasted in a charcoal oven, until the skin is crispy and the meat deliciously succulent. A quarter serves two. Good, local food in China often comes with a noisy environment, and that's true here, so be prepared to share your table with others, or come early to avoid the crowds. Although the waitstaff do their utmost to serve everyone, few of them speak more than a few words of English.

Try the durian cakes. While the fruit may be an acquired taste, you just might acquire it quickly here.

Behind a school and a police station, Foguang Yuan is a true oasis of peace and quiet. The restaurant is actually several dining areas built around a patch of jungle. The traditional architecture and tropical setting merit a visit, but the restaurant also serves an excellent array of Dai and Chinese classics. English menus are available, but they aren't necessarily up-to-date. If in doubt, you can always venture into the kitchen and point to what looks good.

Kali Mirch's spices and chefs come directly from India, and it's a delicious option if you're looking to take a break from Chinese food and approximations of Western food. The tandoori chicken, curry mutton, palak paneer, and pulao rice are but a few of the solid dishes here; the outdoor tables are a good place for people-watching.

The traditional Tibetan decor, pleasant atmosphere, and helpful staff make this one of Lijiang's better dining options. The kitchen serves Tibetan, Chinese, and Naxi cuisine, as well as familiar dishes like lasagna and French fries.

Louis XIII is Chinese-run but nevertheless cooks up quality Western as well as Chinese dishes. The menu even features a pizza with the infamous durian, which is a pleasant surprise—if you like durian. A second major draw is its setting, which is downright cozy and a bit classy.

As much a cultural experience as a culinary adventure, Makye Ame is known for its Tibetan and Indian song-and-dance performances. The shows are enjoyable, but can be hard on the eardrums. For a quieter meal, ask for one of the rooms in the back or in the cozy teahouse upstairs. Food-wise, Makye Ame serves a large variety of Tibetan dishes, including stone-cooked yak, malai kafta (large potato and cashew balls in a curried yogurt sauce), and an incomparable platter of xianggu (shiitake mushrooms). A cold Lhasa beer or some homemade yogurt wine rounds out one of the city's more memorable meals.

Norman's Kitchen, or simply N's Kitchen, serves a classic selection of Western food at reasonable prices. Diners eat on the second floor, from which vantage point they can watch tourists leisurely stroll by. Also available are bus tickets and tourist and hiking information.

A favorite with expats, this bright, sunny eatery serves international favorites like Japanese-style katsu don (pork cutlets in a savory sauce). This is also the town's top choice for fresh bread, good coffee, and, especially, American-style breakfasts. It's a nice place to hang out with a cup of tea or a beer at night. There's a good book collection and free Internet access.