Lou Wai Lou

About

Founded in 1848 during the Qing Dynasty, Lou Wai Lou is the most iconic restaurant in Hangzhou, famously situated on Solitary Hill. It has served world leaders and literary giants for over a century. The restaurant is the guardian of traditional 'Zhejiang Cuisine' (Zhe Cai), emphasizing fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. Dining here offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the West Lake through its grand windows. Expert recommendation: You must order the 'West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy' and 'Dongpo Pork', which are the definitive versions of these dishes. Pro tip: It is extremely popular; try to arrive by 11:00 AM for lunch to secure a window-side table and avoid a long wait.

Highlights

• Hangzhou's most historic restaurant
• Famous West Lake Vinegar Fish
• Dining with imperial history
• Lakeside Gushan Hill location

Amenities

Why go

• Try Lou Wai Lou for a dining experience connected to the local food scene.
• Focus on hangzhou's most historic restaurant during the visit.
• Also look for famous west lake vinegar fish.

Know before you go

• Allow about 90 on site, excluding transfers and queues.
• Confirm current service hours, temporary closures, and any dining restrictions before departure.
• Check the exact branch and entrance because similarly named venues may exist in the same city.

Tips

• Choose the visit period according to live opening information, weather, and the surrounding route.
• Keep the meal close to the preceding or following attraction to avoid a separate cross-city transfer.
• Carry the venue name and address in Chinese for navigation and branch confirmation.