Top Best Restaurants in Xi’an: A Culinary Guide

Discover the best restaurants in Xi'an with our comprehensive guide! From local street food to fine dining, explore the city's most iconic dishes, hidden gems, and unique dining experiences. Whether you're a tourist or a local, find your next favorite spot in Xi'an's vibrant culinary scene.

Introduction
As one of the four ancient capitals of China with a history of thirteen dynasties, Xi’an’s dietary culture has been nurtured by thousands of years of imperial civilization and the prosperity of the Silk Road. It is not only the birthplace of Shaanxi cuisine, a representative of Northwest China’s cuisine, but also a witness to the integration of multiple ethnic and regional flavors. From the grand imperial banquets of the Tang Dynasty that showcased royal dignity to the simple and hearty street snacks rooted in folk life, every category of Xi’an’s cuisine carries the marks of time and cultural accumulation. For example, the inheritance of Yangrou Paomo is closely linked to the nomadic culture of the Northwest, while the delicate production of Liangpi reflects the wisdom of local people adapting to the climate. Understanding the historical context behind these cuisines will make your dining experience more profound and memorable.

Why Choose a Restaurant in Xi'an?
Xi’an is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience—especially when it comes to food. The city’s culinary landscape is a living testament to its rich history, diverse culture, and its pivotal role along the Silk Road.

Recommended Top Restaurants in Xi’an
A. Local Specialty Restaurants: Taste the Authentic Flavor of Xi’an
a. Classic Shaanxi Cuisine Restaurants
1. Zui Chang'an (Intoxicating Chang'an)
Zui Chang'an (Intoxicating Chang'an) is one of Xi'an's most prestigious Shaanxi cuisine restaurants, helmed by a master inheritor of Shaanxi cuisine's intangible cultural heritage. With the philosophy of "tasting a thousand years of charm in one bite," it perfectly blends Tang Dynasty culinary culture with modern cooking techniques.

* Prime Locations:
· Bell Tower Flagship: No.7 Zhuba Shi, Beilin District (near Meihuali Hotel), just steps from the iconic Bell and Drum Towers
· South Gate Main Store: No.56 Shuyuan Men (near the Shuyuan Gate arch), a serene retreat in the bustling city

* Phone:
· Bell Tower Flagship: +86-29-89629988
· South Gate Main Store: +86-29-87281828

* Opening hours:
· Bell Tower Flagship: Mon to Fri: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00 Sat to Sun: 11:00-22:00
· South Gate Main Store: Mon to Sun:11:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30

* Ambience: Step into Zui Chang'an and be transported back to the glorious Tang Dynasty. The restaurant features carved wooden windows, antique furnishings, melodious guzheng music, and Hanfu-clad waitresses. The three-story courtyard layout exudes an authentic "Chang'an flavor" at every turn.

* Signature Dishes:
· Crispy Gourd Chicken (must-order): One of Shaanxi's top ten famous dishes, with golden crispy skin and tender juicy meat that falls off the bone effortlessly.

· King's Elbow: The restaurant's crown jewel, a massive tender elbow served with savory sauce, perfect for mixing with rice.

· Brush with Flowers (Bristle Pastry): A creative take on tradition, which can be "dipped in ink" (Blueberry Jam) before eating.

· Biangbiang Noodles: Handmade tableside with fragrant chili oil poured dramatically over the noodles.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Osmanthus Wine: Light and sweet, perfect for a gentle buzz.

· Homemade Plum Juice: Tangy and refreshing, ideal for balancing the rich flavors of Shaanxi dishes.

* Price: Approximately 60-100 RMB per person ($8-14), offering excellent value. Discount vouchers (20% off) are often available on Meituan and Douyin.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Arrive before 11:00 to avoid queues; reservations recommended on weekends.

· Window seats on the second floor offer the best photo opportunities with views of the courtyard.

· Private rooms in various styles are available for family gatherings, business meals, or celebrations.

2. Xi'an Fanzhuang (Xi'an Restaurant)
Xi'an Fanzhuang (Xi'an Restaurant) is a century-old time-honored brand and a benchmark for authentic Shaanxi cuisine, dedicated to inheriting the essence of Shaanxi culinary art and presenting the authentic flavors of the ancient capital to diners with a perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern management concepts.

* Prime Locations:
· Bell Tower Branch: 110 South Street (in the Clock Tower Hotel), Beilin District
· Jin Ye Road Store: Jin Ye Lu 38Hao Yue Han GuoJi 2Lou, Xi'an China

* Phone:
· Bell Tower Branch: +86-29-87680880
· Jin Ye Road Store: +86-29-88600033

* Opening hours:
· Bell Tower Branch: Mon to Sun:11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00
· Jin Ye Road Store: Mon to Sun:10:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00

* Ambience: Step into Xi'an Fanzhuang and you will be immersed in the strong traditional charm of old Chang'an. The restaurant is decorated with classic Chinese style, featuring redwood tables and chairs, elegant calligraphy and painting works on the walls, and warm yellow lighting. The spacious dining hall and exquisitely decorated private rooms can meet the needs of different dining occasions, creating a comfortable and nostalgic dining atmosphere.

* Signature Dishes:
· Braised Gourd Chicken (must-order): A classic Shaanxi dish with a history of over 1,000 years, the chicken is deep-fried then braised until golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside.

· Milk Soup with Crucian Carp: A representative delicacy of Shaanxi cuisine, the soup is milky white and rich, the fish meat is fresh and tender, with a unique and mellow taste.

· Golden Edge Chinese Cabbage: A traditional home-style Shaanxi dish, the cabbage is cooked to a crisp texture with a golden and shiny edge, sour and slightly spicy, appetizing and refreshing.

· Three-Silk Roll: A special cold dish made of pig skin, chicken skin and sea cucumber, cut into fine shreds and seasoned with sauce, crispy and chewy.

· Golden Thread Oil Tower: A famous Shaanxi pastry, layered like thin silk, soft and fragrant, served with sweet or savory sauce.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Sweet Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Wine: A traditional specialty of Xi'an, low-alcohol with a strong osmanthus fragrance, sweet and glutinous
· Homemade Sour Plum Juice: Made from fresh plums, hawthorns and rock sugar, sour and sweet, an ideal drink to relieve greasiness

* Price: Approximately 80-120 RMB per person ($11-17), providing great value for authentic Shaanxi cuisine. Group buying vouchers and set meal discounts are available on mainstream platforms such as Meituan and Dianping.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Reservations are highly recommended during holidays and peak dining hours, especially for private rooms.

· The Bell Tower Branch is close to many scenic spots, making it convenient to arrange dining and sightseeing in a single trip.

· English menus and English-speaking service staff are available to provide thoughtful service for foreign tourists.

· The restaurant offers takeaway services, allowing you to enjoy authentic Shaanxi cuisine back at your hotel.

3. Benpao Ba Shancai (Run! Shaanxi Cuisine)
Benpao Ba Shancai is a popular local chain brand of authentic Shaanxi cuisine in Xi'an, a frequent winner of the "Xi'an Must-Eat List" for years. With the philosophy of "inheriting authentic flavors and innovating folk delicacies", it perfectly combines traditional Shaanxi culinary craftsmanship with modern creative presentation, offering cost-effective and hearty dining experiences favored by both locals and tourists.

* Prime Locations:
· Bell Tower Store: 2F, 52 South Street
· The Grand Tang Mall Store: 1st Floor, Unit 16, Building E, North Square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Yanta District (only 30 meters from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), integrated into the Datang Never Sleeps City cultural and tourism block

* Phone:
· Bell Tower Store: +86-29-87320866
· The Grand Tang Mall Store: +86-29-68655288

* Opening hours:
· Bell Tower Store: Mon to Sun:09:00-22:00
· The Grand Tang Mall Store: Mon to Sun:10:00-21:30

* Ambience:
· Bell Tower Store: Features traditional Shaanxi-style decor with vermilion tones, classical lanterns and wooden furniture, complementing the surrounding ancient architecture. The warm and lively atmosphere is suitable for family gatherings and friend meetups, with thoughtful services like children's meals and free baby bibs.

· The Grand Tang Mall Store: Adopts Chang'an workshop-style design with murals of Shaanxi's landscapes and bamboo courtyard embellishments. It’s a perfect match for Hanfu photography, with an outdoor seating area offering views of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and on-site non-genetic lacquer fan making experience.

* Signature Dishes:
· Chang'an Gourd Chicken (must-order): Known as "the top flavor of Chang'an", the chicken has a golden crispy skin and tender juicy meat that falls off the bone easily, served with special salt and pepper dip, and can be enjoyed with stone buns or made into chicken soup.

· Hongchen Feizi Xiao (Romantic Concubine's Smile): A creative dish shaped like lychees, loved for its beautiful appearance and sweet-savory taste, perfect for taking photos.

· Braised Eggplant in Earthen Pot: Soft and flavorful, soaked in rich sauce, paired with fried mo slices for a classic combination.

· Lantian Hele Noodles: Cold-tossed for refreshment, ideal for relieving summer heat, with a chewy texture unique to Shaanxi noodles.

· Mini Roujiamo (Pork Burger): A compact version of the classic, suitable for small appetites, with crispy buns and tender braised pork.

· La Cu Li Ji (80s-style Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin): Tangy and palatable, a representative home-style Shaanxi dish.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Chenyu Peach Blossom Wine: Beautiful in appearance, with a delicate peach aroma and mellow taste, ideal for light intoxication.

· Homemade Sour Plum Juice: Tangy and refreshing, made from fresh plums and hawthorns, perfect for relieving greasiness.

· Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Wine: Low-alcohol with a strong osmanthus scent, sweet and smooth.

* Price: Approximately 55-60 RMB per person ($7-8), offering excellent value. Group purchase packages (such as 68.8 RMB for 3-4 person meals) and discount vouchers (49.9 RMB for 100 RMB coupons) are available on Meituan, Douyin and other platforms.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Bell Tower Store: Arrive before 11:00 or after 14:30 to avoid queues; reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays. It’s convenient to combine dining with visits to Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Huimin Street.

· The Grand Tang Mall Store: The outdoor seating area is perfect for viewing Giant Wild Goose Pagoda; Hanfu wearers can get better photo effects. Non-genetic lacquer fan making is available on-site; inquire about details when ordering.

· Dishes are served in large portions; it is recommended to order appropriately to avoid waste.

· Both stores offer quick serving speeds, suitable for tourists with tight schedules.

b. Iconic Snack Restaurants (Must-Try for Foreign Tourists)
1. AI HUA KU DAI MIAN GUAN
AI HUA KU DAI MIAN GUAN is a well-known local specialty noodle shop in Xi'an, renowned as a "must-eat on Xi'an's food list" and favored by both locals and tourists. Adhering to the philosophy of "authentic craftsmanship, hearty portions", it focuses on traditional Guanzhong belt noodles, using pure manual noodle-pulling techniques to retain the original flavor of Shaanxi's characteristic pasta, offering high-cost-performance and down-to-earth dining experiences.

* Prime Locations:
· Dongmutoushi Store (near Bell Tower): 10 Duan Lyu Men, Baishulin Subdistrict, Beilin District
· Duanlvmen Main Store: 1st Floor, Unit 16, Building E, North Square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Yanta District (only 30 meters from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), integrated into the Datang Never Sleeps City cultural and tourism block

* Phone:
· Dongmutoushi Store (near Bell Tower): +86-15934815893
· Duanlvmen Main Store: +86-29-15934815893, 17392235549

* Opening hours:
· Bell Tower Store (near Bell Tower): Mon to Sun:10:00-22:00
· Duanlvmen Main Store: Mon to Sun:09:00-22:00

* Ambience:
Step into Aihua Kuaidai Noodle House and be greeted by a lively and down-to-earth local atmosphere. The store is a typical urban snack bar with simple decoration—clean wooden tables and chairs, bright lighting, and open kitchens where you can watch the chefs skillfully pull belt noodles on site, which is interesting and stress-relieving. The most distinctive feature is that all noodles are served in large stainless steel basins, creating a spectacular scene of "everyone eating from basins" during peak hours. The store is not large but has a fast turnover rate, so you won't have to wait long even if there's a queue.

* Signature Dishes:
· Spicy Oil-Splashed Belt Noodles (must-order): The signature dish of the store, with noodles as wide as a belt and as thick as a coin, chewy and elastic. After being splashed with hot oil, the aroma of chili and sesame seeds bursts out instantly. Served with shredded green onions, garlic and secret sauce, the taste is spicy, fragrant and satisfying.

· Three-in-One Mixed Noodles: A combination of meat sauce, vegetable sauce and spicy oil, with rich ingredients including diced potatoes, carrots, celery and quail eggs. After mixing well, every bite is full of sauce, which is the favorite of diners who love rich flavors.

· Four-in-One Belt Noodles: An upgraded version of the three-in-one, adding fresh vegetables and braised pork slices, with more layers of taste. The portion is extremely generous, and one basin is enough for an adult.

· Braised Pork Burger: A perfect match with noodles. The bun is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with tender and juicy braised pork, with a strong meat aroma.

· Braised Eggs & Tofu Skin: Classic side dishes, the braised eggs are tender and flavorful, and the tofu skin is chewy, which can relieve the greasiness of the noodles.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Bingfeng Soda: A classic local beverage in Xi'an, with a sweet and refreshing orange flavor. It is the "standard configuration" for eating Shaanxi noodles, and the combination of spicy noodles and cold Bingfeng is extremely enjoyable.

* Price: Approximately 20-25 RMB per person ($2.7-3.4), with high cost performance. A single bowl of noodles is about 18-22 RMB, and the three-in-one/four-in-one noodles are 22-25 RMB. Group purchase packages are available on Meituan and Douyin, such as "two bowls of noodles + two bottles of Bingfeng" for 40 RMB.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Peak hours are 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-20:00. Although there is usually a queue, the turnover rate is fast, and the waiting time is generally within 15 minutes. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance to avoid queuing.

· The open kitchen allows you to watch the whole process of making belt noodles, which is a unique experience, especially suitable for taking short videos .

· The portions of the noodles are very large; it is recommended to order appropriately according to your appetite to avoid waste. One basin is usually enough for one person .

· Both stores are close to scenic spots. After dining at the Dongmutoushi Store, you can visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower; after dining at the Duanlvmen Main Store, you can visit the Beilin Museum, which is convenient for combining dining and sightseeing.

· The store accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay and cash, and the waiters are friendly and straightforward. Although there is no English menu, there are pictures of dishes for reference, making it easy to order.

2. Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo (Ziwulu Zhangji Pork Burger)
Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo is a time-honored local snack brand in Xi'an, hailed as the "ceiling of Xi'an roujiamo" by local residents. With a history of over 16 years, it adheres to the philosophy of "fresh ingredients, traditional craftsmanship, and affordable prices", insisting on hand-made techniques and slow-cooking of braised pork with more than 30 kinds of Chinese herbal spices. It has won numerous honors such as "Chinese Traditional Cultural Catering Famous Store" and "Shaanxi Provincial Integrity Management Model Store", and its crispy and juicy roujiamo has become a must-try delicacy for tourists exploring Xi'an.

* Prime Locations:
· Cuihua Road Store: 227 Cuihua Road, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
· Jianshe East Road Store: West Side of Xi'an Advanced Vocational and Technical Training Center, 3 Jian She Dong Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

* Phone:
· Cuihua Road Store: +86-18710998717
· Jianshe East Road Store: +86-15102949182

* Opening hours:
· Cuihua Road Store: Mon to Sun:10:00-22:00
· Jianshe East Road Store: Mon: 07:10-24:00 Tue to Sun: 07:30-01:30

* Ambience:
Both stores feature simple and down-to-earth Shaanxi-style decoration, with ancient-style wooden tables and chairs, bright lighting, and prominent honor walls displaying various industry awards. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the whole process of chefs chopping meat and baking mo (flatbread) on site, with the sound of chopping meat and the aroma of braised pork filling the store. Although the store space is not large, the turnover rate is fast, and the lively dining atmosphere fully reflects the fireworks of old Chang'an. The Cuihua Road Store has more tourists due to its proximity to scenic spots, while the Jianshe East Road Store is more favored by locals for its quiet and comfortable environment.

* Signature Dishes:
· Premium Braised Pork Burger (must-order): Selected front leg pork, slow-cooked for 6 hours with low heat, with fat and lean meat interspersed. The meat is tender and juicy, and a spoonful of hot braised sauce is poured into the mo, making the filling "flowing and fragrant". The mo is hand-made and baked on an iron griddle, with a crispy "iron ring" edge, golden "tiger skin" pattern, and soft inner layer, achieving a perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.

· Shredded Pork Burger (Lean Meat Option): Suitable for diners who prefer lean meat, the shredded pork is soft and not dry, with rich sauce flavor, and the taste is slightly lighter than the premium version.

· Shengcuan Meatball Soup: A classic side dish with roujiamo. Hand-made meatballs are boiled on site, with tight and elastic texture. The soup is simmered with beef bones, added with vermicelli, green vegetables, and wood ear, and seasoned with white pepper to enhance freshness, warming the stomach and relieving greasiness.

· Qinzhen Rice Noodles: Thin but tough rice noodles, served with secret chili oil and mature vinegar, matched with crispy bean sprouts and celery, sour and spicy, which can neutralize the richness of roujiamo.

· Sweet Fermented Rice Egg Soup: Homemade fermented rice with strong wine aroma, mixed with egg flowers, sweet and slightly sour, a perfect dessert after meals.

* Price: Approximately 20-25 RMB per person ($2.7-3.4), with high cost performance. A regular roujiamo is about 12-15 RMB, a premium roujiamo is 18-20 RMB, and a set meal of "1 roujiamo + 1 bowl of meatball soup + 1 bottle of Bingfeng" is about 35 RMB. No group purchase packages for the time being, but the price is uniformly regulated and affordable.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Peak hours are 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-20:00. Although there is usually a queue, the turnover rate is fast, and the waiting time is generally within 20 minutes. It is recommended to visit after 21:00 to avoid crowds.

· The Cuihua Road Store is adjacent to Shaanxi History Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It is recommended to arrange dining after visiting the museum to save travel time.

· There is no English menu in the store, but there are picture menus for reference. The waiters are friendly and can understand simple English orders.

· It is recommended to take a plastic bag from the door to hold the roujiamo to avoid getting oil on your hands when eating.

· Both stores only provide dine-in and take-out services, and do not support food delivery, to ensure the original taste of the freshly baked mo and hot braised meat.

3. Weijia Liangpi (Wei Family Cold Noodles)
Weijia Liangpi is a well-known fast-food chain brand specializing in Shaanxi cold noodles, founded in Xi'an in 1999. Adhering to the philosophy of "Focus, Innovation, and Trustworthiness" , it integrates traditional Shaanxi flavor with Western fast-food operation mode, relying on a standardized central kitchen and cold-chain distribution system to ensure stable food quality . It has won honors such as "Famous Trademark of Xi'an" and "China's Top Ten Featured Noodles" , and its improved cold noodles are favored by both locals and tourists, becoming a representative of Xi'an's casual dining.

* Prime Locations:
· South Street Store: No. 3 South Street, Beilin District (opposite Zhongda International) , a 5-minute walk from Exit B of Bell Tower Station on Metro Line 2, adjacent to Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Huimin Street, located in the core business district with convenient transportation.
· Zhongmao Plaza Store: Unit 4, 1st Floor, Building 1, China Trade Plaza, 118 South Central Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

* Phone:
· South Street Store: +86-29-87219096
· Zhongmao Plaza Store: +86-29-85279263

* Opening hours:
· South Street Store: Mon to Sun: 00:00-24:00
· Zhongmao Plaza Store: Mon to Sun: 07:30-24:00

* Ambience:
Both stores adopt a clean and standardized Western fast-food style decoration, with bright lighting, neat tables and chairs, and open-ordering counters . The South Street Store, located in a bustling business district, has a simple and modern style, with a fast turnover rate, suitable for quick dining. The whole store emphasizes hygiene and order, and the food is served quickly, which is very friendly to tourists with tight schedules.

* Signature Dishes:
· Secret Spicy Cold Noodles (must-order): Weijia's iconic improved cold noodles . The noodles are elastic and chewy, served with cucumber shreds and gluten. The bright red special chili sauce is added with fresh chili, presenting a fusion of spicy, garlic and rapeseed oil flavors, which is deeply loved by local diners.

· Sesame Paste Cold Noodles: Different from the Gansu style, the sesame paste is evenly spread at the bottom, and the chili oil topping is rich . The taste is mellow and not greasy, suitable for diners who like mild flavors.

· Wei's Braised Pork Burger: A perfect match with cold noodles. The bun is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the braised pork is tender and juicy, with a strong sauce flavor.

· Rice Noodles: With good elasticity and distinct rice aroma, the rapeseed oil flavor is prominent . It is served with fresh side dishes and has a light and refreshing taste.

· Spicy Crispy Pork Set Meal: A popular combination on the Internet , including cold noodles (optional rice noodles or wheat noodles), crispy and tender spicy crispy pork, and a drink, which is cost-effective and satisfying.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Bingfeng Soda: The classic "standard match" for eating cold noodles in Xi'an. The sweet and refreshing orange flavor neutralizes the spiciness and relieves greasiness.

· Homemade Sour Plum Juice: Brewed with fresh plums and hawthorns, it is tangy and thirst-quenching, and goes well with various cold noodles.

· Iced Mung Bean Drink: Cool and refreshing, with moderate sweetness, it is an ideal summer drink.

* Price: Approximately 18-25 RMB per person ($2.5-3.4), with high cost performance . A single serving of cold noodles is about 10-15 RMB, and the popular "1 cold noodle + 1 braised pork burger + 1 drink" set meal is about 30 RMB. Super value group purchase packages (such as 19.9 RMB single-person meal, 39.9 RMB double-person meal) are available on Meituan and Douyin.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Peak hours are 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-20:00. The turnover rate is fast, and the average waiting time is within 10 minutes. It is recommended to avoid peak hours for a more comfortable dining experience.

· The South Street Store is close to many scenic spots. It is recommended to arrange dining after visiting Bell Tower and Drum Tower to save travel time.

· The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Lamp City Store is suitable for dining after visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Datang Never Sleeps City. The landscape seats need to be occupied in advance on weekends.

· There is no English menu in the store, but there are picture menus for reference. The waiters can understand simple English and provide ordering assistance.

· The store supports Alipay, WeChat Pay and cash payment, and also provides takeaway services, which is convenient for taking food to the hotel or scenic spot to eat.

c. International Fusion Restaurants: Meet Diverse Taste Needs
1. LOTUS
LOTUS Restaurant is a prestigious Black Pearl-recommended restaurant in Xi'an, renowned for its integration of Tang Dynasty cultural charm and international culinary art. Nestled in the ancient Tang-style complex adjacent to Datang Furong Garden, it is helmed by Singaporean executive chefs and adheres to the philosophy of "oriental aesthetics meets western flavors" , creating a high-end dining experience that combines exquisite dishes, elegant environment and thoughtful service. It has become a top choice for romantic dates, high-end gatherings and cultural tourism dining in Xi'an.

* Prime Locations:
No.99 Furong South Road, Datang Furong Garden South Gate, Tangshi A3 Room

* Ambience:
Step into Lian Restaurant and you will be immersed in a low-key luxurious Tang-style garden. The restaurant features a traditional Chinese courtyard design with flying eaves, curved corridors and water-side pavilions, seamlessly blending with the adjacent Datang Furong Garden scenery . The interior is decorated with warm wooden partitions, soft light chandeliers and exquisitely arranged flower art—champagne roses paired with eucalyptus leaves create an elegant and unpretentious atmosphere . It has private rooms of various styles and an open-air courtyard area; the summer-limited "Midsummer Water Lily" courtyard bar is particularly popular, offering a cozy space for micro-drinking under the stars . The whole restaurant is quiet and comfortable, with thoughtful service that makes diners feel at ease, and every corner is perfect for taking atmospheric photos.

* Signature Dishes:
· Foie Gras with Cherry (must-order): A classic creative dish, the foie gras is processed into the shape of cherries, with a crispy outer skin and a smooth inner texture, paired with sweet and sour sauce to neutralize greasiness.

· Caviar Appetizer: Selected high-quality caviar, served with homemade crispy bread and sour cream, highlighting the fresh and delicate flavor of the ingredients.

· Australian Chilled Angus M3 Ribeye: Premium Australian beef, cooked to the desired doneness with precise temperature control, the meat is tender and juicy with a rich beef aroma.

· Tomahawk Steak: A signature main course for sharing, the steak is large in portion with a crispy surface and tender interior, served with black pepper sauce and seasonal vegetables.

· French Baked Snails: Fresh snails baked with garlic butter, fragrant and tasty, paired with crispy bread to soak up the sauce.

· Opera Cake: A classic French dessert, with layers of chocolate sponge cake and coffee cream, not sweet or greasy, with a rich aftertaste.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Midsummer Water Lily: A summer-limited cocktail, made with vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice and soda water, with a refreshing taste and beautiful appearance.

· Blossom in Midsummer: A signature cocktail with gin as the base, blended with white orange peel liqueur, egg white and pomegranate syrup, with a smooth and mellow taste.

· Premium Wine Selection: The restaurant offers over a thousand kinds of wines from around the world, with professional sommeliers providing pairing recommendations to match different dishes.

· Fresh Fruit Tea: A non-alcoholic option, brewed with seasonal fresh fruits, sweet and refreshing, suitable for all ages.

* Price: Approximately 550-1200 RMB per person ($75-165), with diverse options including regular a la carte, set menus and private custom meals. The regular set meal is about 550-800 RMB per person, and the private custom meal can reach 1200 RMB per person depending on ingredients and needs . Seasonal limited packages (such as 520 romantic set meals) are occasionally launched, and it is recommended to follow the official platform for updates.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is mandatory, especially for weekends, holidays and private rooms. It is recommended to book 2-3 days in advance and note special needs (such as romantic arrangement, dietary taboos) when reserving.

· The restaurant is adjacent to Datang Furong Garden; it is recommended to arrange dining after visiting the scenic spot to save travel time. The night view of the courtyard bar is particularly charming, and it is recommended to make a reservation for evening dining.

· English menus and English-speaking service staff are available to provide thoughtful assistance for foreign tourists.

· The restaurant has a parking lot for self-driving visitors; you can inquire about parking details when reserving.

· The summer-limited courtyard bar "Midsummer Water Lily" has couple tacit challenge activities, with the opportunity to win free cocktails and snacks.

2. Green Jasmine Restaurant (Green Molly)
Green Jasmine Restaurant is a well-known high-end Western restaurant chain in Xi'an, renowned for its authentic Italian flavors and romantic atmosphere. It has won popularity among locals and tourists for its unique decorative styles (Mediterranean style and cityscape viewing) and exquisite dishes, and is hailed as a "top-tier romantic dating restaurant" in Xi'an. Adhering to the philosophy of "integrating global flavors with local aesthetics", it focuses on high-quality ingredients and meticulous cooking techniques, creating a diverse dining experience that combines taste and scene.

* Prime Locations:
South Gate View Store: Northwest Corner, 8th Floor, Heshenghui, South Ring Road (70 meters northeast of Exit D2 of Yongning Gate Metro Station), directly accessible via the No. 2 dedicated elevator between Starbucks and Weizhuoyin on the 1st floor of the mall. It overlooks the entire South Gate and city wall scenery, adjacent to Yongning Gate and Xi'an Museum.

* Ambience:
Takes "city wall viewing" as the core advantage, with three functional areas: the western area overlooks the Welcome Square, the northern area faces the city wall and gate directly, and the outdoor area (to be opened) allows diners to enjoy the breeze and historical atmosphere. The interior is exquisitely decorated with elegant tableware and warm lighting; the night view is particularly charming when the lights are on, creating a full romantic atmosphere.

* Signature Dishes:
· Pan-Seared Filet Mignon (must-order): Cooked to the desired doneness with precise temperature control, the meat is tender and juicy, served with small potatoes that complement the flavor perfectly.

· Dry-Aged Steak (South Gate View Store exclusive): Stored in an imported professional dry-aging beef cabinet, the meat has a rich flavor and tender texture, a premium choice for steak lovers.

· Sicilian Garlic Cheese Prawns: Fresh and Q-tender prawns baked with garlic and cheese, with a strong fragrant flavor, making people want to lick the plate clean.

· German Sausages with Sauerkraut: A classic Western appetizer, the sausages are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with sour sauerkraut to relieve greasiness.

· Baked Potato Skins & Bolognese Lasagna: Traditional Italian delicacies, the baked potato skins are crispy and fragrant, and the lasagna is layered with rich meat sauce, full of flavor.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Premium Red Wine & Sparkling Wine: The restaurant offers a variety of imported wines, with professional staff providing pairing recommendations for different dishes.

· Fresh Fruit Tea: A non-alcoholic option brewed with seasonal fruits, sweet and refreshing, suitable for all ages.

· Premium Wine Selection: The restaurant offers over a thousand kinds of wines from around the world, with professional sommeliers providing pairing recommendations to match different dishes.

· Orange Blossom Drinks (seasonal limited): Light and fragrant, paired with spring dishes to enhance the taste layering.

* Price: Approximately 180-260 RMB per person ($25-36). Gaoke Building Store has an average consumption of 184 RMB per person; South Gate View Store has an average consumption of 258 RMB per person. Cost-effective group purchase packages are available on Douyin and Meituan, such as 188 RMB for a double set meal (including salad, main course and drink) and 518 RMB for the spring orange blossom double set meal. The packages can be refunded at any time if not used and automatically refunded when expired.

* Tips for Visitors:
· South Gate View Store is popular for its viewing advantage; it is recommended to make a reservation 1-2 days in advance, especially for window viewing seats. The restaurant provides free romantic decoration services for birthdays and anniversaries upon request.

· South Gate View Store has a dedicated parking area for self-driving visitors; you can inquire about parking details when making a reservation.

· It is recommended to arrange dining at the South Gate View Store in the evening to enjoy the beautiful night view of the city wall, and combine it with a visit to Yongning Gate and Xi'an Museum to save travel time.

3. Sultan Middle Eastern Cuisine
Sultan Middle Eastern Cuisine is a renowned halal fusion restaurant chain in Xi'an, famous for integrating authentic flavors from Turkey, Egypt, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. As the first branch in Northwest China, it inherits the brand's 18-year craftsmanship heritage, adhering to the philosophy of "no artificial additives, pure natural ingredients" and focusing on traditional Middle Eastern cooking techniques. It has become a popular spot for experiencing exotic food and romance, favored by both locals and tourists for its unique atmosphere and exquisite dishes.

* Prime Locations:
· Saige Store: 7th Floor, No.7024, Saige International Shopping Center, Yanta District (a 5-minute walk from Xiaozhai Metro Station Exit C), adjacent to Daxingshan Temple and Xiaozhai Business District, integrating shopping and dining.
· Vientiane City Store: 4th Floor, L416-L417, Runze Commercial Center, No.2899 Chang'an South Road, Qujiang New District (a 10-minute walk from Qujiang Cultural Industry Zone Metro Station), with a unique terrace overlooking the "Tree of Life" landscape, adjacent to Qujiang New District Scenic Area.

* Phone:
· Saige Store: +86-29-89327929
· Vientiane City Store: +86-17629201836

* Opening hours:
· Saige Store: Mon to Sun: 10:30-22:00
· Vientiane City Store: Mon to Sun: 11:00-22:00

* Ambience:
· Saige Store: Replicates Turkish street scenes with Middle Eastern-style lanterns, carpet decorations and wooden partitions. The dining area is lively and immersive, with open cooking stations where you can watch chefs roast shawarma on site. It’s suitable for friend gatherings and family meals, with a strong exotic atmosphere.

· Vientiane City Store: Takes "scenic dining" as its highlight, featuring a rooftop terrace with views of the Tree of Life. The interior is decorated with Arabic-style murals and soft lighting, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for evening meals under the stars. It’s an ideal choice for romantic dates and photo shoots, with thoughtful details like private booths and custom table settings.

* Signature Dishes:
· Shawarma (must-order): Marinated deboned chicken thighs roasted with pineapple and onions, freshly sliced and served with hand-made pita bread. The meat is juicy and tender, bursting with flavor when bitten, and can be paired with pickles and special sauces for a DIY experience.

· Egyptian Mom's Dish: A hearty specialty with tender chicken, pomegranate and Middle Eastern spices, served with pocket pita bread. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is full of home-style warmth.

· Flame Clay Pot Beef: A ceremonial main course. The clay pot is heated with flame and cracked open at the table, revealing tender and flavorful beef soaked in rich sauce. It’s perfect for sharing and pairs well with rice.

· Middle Eastern Mixed Dip Platter: Five kinds of homemade dips including hummus and cheese sauce, served with crispy flatbread. Each dip has a distinct taste, suitable for appetizers.

· Angry Grapes: A creative Turkish dish with an interesting name, featuring sweet and savory flavors that are popular among diners.

· Kunafa Ice Cream: A classic Middle Eastern dessert. Warm, cheesy kunafa paired with cold ice cream creates a "hot and cold" texture that’s rich and not cloying.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Turkish Black Tea: Served with mint and rock sugar, brewed in traditional Turkish teapots. It’s fragrant and mellow, helping to relieve greasiness.

· Hand-Shaken Cranberry Juice: Freshly squeezed with a bright appearance and tangy-sweet taste. It’s photogenic and refreshing, perfect for pairing with spicy dishes.

· Fresh Fruit Juice: Seasonal options like pomegranate and orange juice, 100% pure with no added sugar, suitable for all ages.

· Non-Alcoholic Mint Lemonade: Cool and refreshing with a hint of mint, ideal for summer dining.

* Price: Approximately 115-120 RMB per person ($16-17). Cost-effective group purchase options are available on Meituan and Douyin, such as 69 RMB for 100 RMB discount vouchers (up to 5 per table) and 188 RMB for two-person set meals. The a la carte menu ranges from 38-198 RMB per dish, with generous portions suitable for sharing.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is recommended, especially for the terrace seats at Vientiane City Store (book 1-2 days in advance) and peak dining hours (12:00-14:00, 18:00-20:00).

· Saige Store is close to Daxingshan Temple; after dining, you can visit this thousand-year-old temple to experience the collision of ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures.

· Both stores provide basic English menus and halal certifications, making them friendly to foreign tourists and Muslim diners.

· Parking is available at the shopping mall parking lots (Saige International and Vientiane City), with convenient self-driving access.

· The shawarma has a "DIY eating guide" on the table; follow the instructions to wrap the meat, vegetables and sauces in flatbread for the most authentic taste.

d. Vegetarian and Healthy Restaurants: For Special Dietary Needs
1. He·Shangcheng Comfort Food Space (LOTUS)
He·Shangcheng Comfort Food Space is a high-end vegetarian restaurant in Xi'an that has been listed on the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for two consecutive years, hailed as the pinnacle of vegetarian dining in Xi'an. Breaking the stereotype of traditional vegetarian food, it adheres to the core philosophy of "original ingredient flavors, Zen-inspired comfort dining". Adopting a chef-customized set menu format, it combines natural ingredients such as mushrooms and fresh vegetables with innovative cooking techniques, making it a top choice for business dinners, romantic dates and high-quality gatherings.

* Prime Locations:
T11 Flagship Store: Northeast Corner, 2/F, Building F, Hesheng Jingguang Center, Fenglin Road, Yanta District (8-minute walk from Exit C, Zhangba 1st Road Station, Metro Line 6). Located in the high-end T11 BLOCK business district, it is surrounded by premium office buildings and shopping malls, offering great convenience for dining and leisure.

* Ambience:
The restaurant features an overall Zen-inspired Chinese style, with warm lighting paired with walnut wood furniture, creating a tranquil and healing atmosphere. Green plants are scattered throughout the space, and the minimalist lines and negative space design exude elegance. Stepping inside feels like walking into an art gallery. The hall is spacious and quiet, accompanied by melodious background music. The private rooms offer excellent privacy with exquisite decorative details, ideal for important banquets or intimate gatherings. Every corner is carefully arranged with soft, non-dazzling lighting—every snap is a high-quality photo, perfectly balancing aesthetics and comfort.

* Signature Dishes:
· Dendrobium, Kelp and Chayote Soup (must-order): Made without any artificial seasonings, it is slow-steamed for 4 hours. The soup is clear and pure, with the natural sweetness of kelp and chayote blending with the mildness of dendrobium—fresh and not greasy.

· Wild Mushroom Garden: A medley of rare wild mushrooms paired with seasonal fresh vegetables, boasting rich layered textures and strong mushroom aromas that highlight the original flavors of the ingredients.

· Gorgon Fruit, Sweet Beans with Peach Gum: Visually appealing with fresh colors, it combines the chewy texture of gorgon fruit, the crispness of sweet beans and the smoothness of peach gum, delivering a refreshingly sweet taste without cloying.

· Stuffed Tricholoma Matsutake: Whole matsutake mushrooms are stuffed with a mixture of mashed potatoes, carrots and celery. The outer layer is savory and fragrant, while the filling is soft and tender, offering a delightful burst of flavors.

· Fried Rice with Oil-Fried Termitomyces: A classic staple choice, it combines quinoa, oil-fried termitomyces and Chinese toon sprouts. The grains are distinct and aromatic, and refills are complimentary.

· Sweet Red Bean and Osmanthus Brew: A post-meal dessert with soft red beans and a delicate osmanthus fragrance, it has a moderate sweetness and provides a clean, refreshing finish.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Freshly Squeezed Seasonal Fruit Juice: 100% pure juice with no added sugar. Pomegranate juice and pear juice are highly recommended—sweet and tangy, they cut through greasiness and complement the vegetarian menu perfectly.

· Herbal Soothing Tea: Brewed with chrysanthemum, wolfberry, dried tangerine peel and other ingredients, it is warm and mellow with a lingering sweetness, aiding digestion and suitable for pairing throughout the meal.

· Green Grape Sparkling Water: A refreshing non-alcoholic option with fine bubbles, it balances the flavors of richer vegetarian dishes and is equally pleasing to the eye and palate.

· Peach Gum and Snow Pear Sweet Soup: A nourishing post-meal drink with sweet, juicy snow pears and smooth peach gum, it is gentle and invigorating.

* Price: Approximately 476-500 RMB per person ($66-$70). The restaurant mainly offers set menus in three tiers: 399 RMB/person, 599 RMB/person and 799 RMB/person. Cost-effective group-buying packages are available on Douyin and Meituan, such as a 399 RMB two-person set (including 12 dishes covering appetizers, main courses, soups, staples and desserts), which can be refunded anytime if unused and expires automatically.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is mandatory—especially for weekends, public holidays and private room bookings. When reserving, you can note any dietary restrictions (e.g., allergens, flavor preferences).

· The restaurant is located inside Hesheng Jingguang Center mall, with a paid parking lot available. Self-driving visitors can directly navigate to the mall parking lot and take the dedicated elevator to the 2nd floor.

· Basic English communication and simplified English menus are available, facilitating ordering for foreign tourists. All dishes are 100% vegetarian, containing no eggs, dairy, honey or other animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for strict vegans.

· Staple foods in the set menu (e.g., fried rice with oil-fried termitomyces, spicy oil-splashed noodles) can be refilled for free with no extra charge.

· Though it is a bit far from the core scenic spots, you can stroll around the high-end T11 BLOCK business district after dining to experience Xi'an's modern urban vibe.

2. Suxin Teahouse·Zen Vegetarian Restaurant
Suxin Tea House·Zen Vegetarian Restaurant is a highly representative Zen-inspired vegetarian brand in Xi'an, founded by a Buddhist monk and deeply rooted in Zen culture. With the core philosophy of "Pure Heart, Authentic Taste, and the Unity of Zen and Tea," it perfectly blends authentic Shaanxi-style vegetarian cuisine with a Chinese Zen experience. The restaurant specializes in fresh vegetarian dishes made without pre-prepared ingredients. Thanks to its tranquil environment amidst the bustling city, highly private private rooms, and dishes that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing, it has become a preferred destination for urban dwellers seeking relaxation, business meetings, private gatherings, and a Zen-inspired experience.

* Prime Locations:
· Zhongmao Store: Room 401, 4th Floor, Building B, Dining Hall, China Trade Plaza, 118 Chang'an North Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China (Near Party Bar)
· Xiaozhai Store: Room 01, 20th Floor, Orient Hotel, 393 Zhuque Street, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

* Phone:
· Zhongmao Store: +86-29-63393117
· Xiaozhai Store: +86-29-85231777

* Opening hours:
· Zhongmao Store: Mon to Sun: 10:00-22:00
· Xiaozhai Store: Mon to Sun: 10:00-22:30

* Ambience:
Both stores feature a profound Zen-style Chinese decoration, integrating elements of "quietness, elegance and return to simplicity".

· Zhongmao Store: Located in the high-rise area of the shopping mall, it creates a quiet Zen space isolated from the noise of the mall. The interior uses a large number of natural materials such as bamboo and stone, with simple and elegant low tables and futon seats. The dining area and tea-tasting area are clearly separated, and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the street view of the South Gate. The private rooms are equipped with tea sets and calligraphy and painting works, suitable for both formal business talks and casual tea gatherings with friends.

· Xiaozhai Store: Stepping into the store, you will be greeted by a winding waterway running through the entire space, echoing the ancient "qushui liushang" (wine flowing downstream) scene. The interior is decorated with log tables and chairs, light yarn curtains and elegant calligraphy and paintings. The private rooms are named with Zen-inspired themes, with strong privacy, and the faint fragrance of tea and sandalwood fills the air, making people instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

* Signature Dishes:
· Boiled Vegetarian Tripe (must-order): A popular signature dish loved by diners. The vegetarian tripe is made of plant-based ingredients, with a chewy texture exactly like real tripe. Served with spicy and fragrant sauce, it has the same taste as Sichuan-style maoxuewang, satisfying the craving for heavy flavors of vegetarian diners.

· Lotus Jasmine: A refreshing and elegant dish made by stir-frying jasmine flowers with eggs. The taste is fresh and tender, and the aftertaste is filled with the fragrance of jasmine, which is unique and memorable.

· Fennel Potato Tendons: A characteristic Shaanxi-style vegetarian dish. The potato tendons are chewy and elastic, paired with the unique aroma of fennel, and the taste is rich and layered.

· Braised Tofu with Spicy Oil: A classic Northwest-style cold dish. The old tofu is tender and fragrant, poured with hot oil and seasoned with chili powder and green onions, which is spicy and appetizing.

· Northwest Dough Drop Soup: A warm and comforting home-style dish. The soup is sour and sweet with tomato juice, and the dough drops are soft and glutinous. It is especially popular in winter and many diners come specifically for this dish.

· Rushi Cake: A creative Zen-style pastry. The filling is made of pomelo peel, pomelo pulp, apple puree and steamed chrysanthemum, with a sweet and refreshing taste and a strong floral fragrance.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Ancient Tree Black Tea: A premium tea recommended by the store, with a mellow taste and a long aftertaste. It is paired with vegetarian dishes to relieve greasiness and enhance the Zen experience of dining.

· Fresh Pumpkin Juice: A refreshing drink made by mixing steamed pumpkin and soybean milk in a ratio of 1:3, with no added sugar. It has a light pumpkin fragrance and a smooth texture, suitable for all ages.

· Homemade Green Grape Sparkling Water: A non-alcoholic option with fine bubbles and a fresh and sweet taste. It can neutralize the spiciness of dishes and is visually appealing.

· Zen Herbal Tea: Brewed with chrysanthemum, wolfberry and other herbs, it is warm and soothing, helping digestion and suitable for drinking throughout the meal.

* Price: Approximately 80-120 RMB per person ($11-17). Cost-effective group-buying packages are available on Douyin and Meituan, such as the "Ancient Tree Black Tea + Four Vegetarian Dishes" package (original price 421 RMB, group-buying price 199 RMB) and the 139 RMB private room gathering package (including tea, refreshments and four vegetarian dishes). A la carte dishes range from 38-88 RMB, with generous portions suitable for sharing.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is recommended, especially for private rooms and weekend dining. You can note your preference for a water-view seat (Xiaozhai Store) or a window seat with street view (Zhongmao Store) when reserving.

· The Xiaozhai Store is close to Xingshan Temple. After dining, you can visit this thousand-year-old temple to experience the integration of Zen culture and traditional Chinese culture.

· The Zhongmao Store is located in Zhongmao Plaza, with paid parking available in the mall parking lot, which is convenient for self-driving visitors; it is adjacent to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and you can arrange a combination of "dining + temple tour" in the afternoon.

· There is no English menu in the store, but there are detailed picture menus for reference. The waiters are friendly and can provide simple ordering guidance.

· The portions of staple foods such as flower rolls and dough drop soup are large; it is recommended to order appropriately according to the number of people to avoid waste. Free hot water is available in the store for self-service brewing.

e. Themed Restaurants: Experience the Unique Culture of Xi’an
1. Daming Palace Banquet
Daming Palace Banquet is a landmark immersive Tang-style themed restaurant in Xi'an, focusing on "panoramic immersive Tang culture dining show". Adhering to the core positioning of "reproducing the court banquet etiquette and dietary style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty", it integrates Tang-style cuisine, traditional performances, and imperial rituals. With the unique model of "one person, one meal, one dish with one performance", each course corresponds to a segment of Tang history or legend, allowing diners to experience the grandeur of the Tang court while tasting delicacies. It has become a benchmark venue for cultural tourism check-ins, theme gatherings, and immersive cultural experiences in Xi'an.

* Prime Locations:
Unit 1, 1st Floor, Building B, 6 Duchen Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

* Opening hours:
Mon to Sun: 10:00-14:00 (lunch session, performance starts at 12:30), 17:00-21:00 (dinner session, performance starts at 18:30)
· Note: Please arrive 30 minutes in advance for check-in and costume experience (if needed)

* Ambience:
The restaurant takes "time travel to the prosperous Tang Dynasty" as the design core, creating a full-scene immersive experience from entering the store to dining.

· Before the banquet: There is a costume studio offering Tang-style Hanfu makeup and hair styling services (130-200 RMB per person, including clothing, hairstyle and makeup, with free luggage storage). Diners can experience traditional rituals such as "hand-washing ceremony" and "incense burning and tea tasting" to enhance the sense of substitution.

· Dining area: The main hall adopts a column-free design with a rotating central stage, ensuring 360-degree unobstructed viewing for every seat. There are two types of seats: 1st floor Supreme Seat (interactive area, closer to the stage) and 2nd floor View Seat (quiet and suitable for photography). The overall decoration features Tang-style elements such as red lacquer wood, silk curtains and lotus patterns, and the 2nd floor terrace with lighting is a popular spot for ancient-style photos.

· Performance experience: The 90-minute performance covers Tang-style dances, poetry recitations, and historical scene reproductions, perfectly matching the serving sequence of dishes, creating a "eating while watching, integrating food and scene" experience.

* Signature Dishes:
· Camel Hoof Soup (must-order): A classic Tang imperial dish corresponding to the "Silk Road Tribute" performance. Simmered with camel hooves, fungi and crispy rice, the soup is sour, salty and fresh, highlighting the original flavor of ingredients.

· Chang'an Gourd Chicken: Served with the "Neon Feather Dance" performance. The chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and deep-fried, with a crispy outer skin and tender meat, paired with stone cake for a distinctive Shaanxi flavor.

· Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions: A high-end dish in the set menu. The sea cucumber is soft and glutinous, absorbing the rich sauce, with a mellow taste and sufficient nutrition, corresponding to the "Wanguo Lai Chao" (All Nations Coming to Pay Tribute) scene.

· Steamed Grouper: Fresh and tender without bones, steamed with ginger and scallions to retain the original flavor. It is served with the "Cultural Exchange on the Silk Road" performance, symbolizing the integration of foreign flavors in the Tang Dynasty.

· Roasted Beef: Selected high-quality beef with a crispy outer layer and juicy interior, full of milk flavor. It is paired with the "War and Peace" historical scene, and the strong taste contrasts with the emotional performance.

· Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: A nourishing soup with sea cucumber, abalone, shiitake mushrooms and other ingredients. The soup is rich and mellow, which is the first course of the banquet, setting the tone for the luxurious imperial meal.

· Golden Melon Lily: A sweet and refreshing appetizer. The soft golden melon is paired with tender lily bulbs, relieving greasiness and preparing the palate for the subsequent dishes.

· Huma Cake: A classic Tang-style staple food. The cake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a strong sesame fragrance, and can be paired with soup for a more authentic taste.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Fucha (Fujian Tea): Free refills are available throughout the meal. The mellow and mild taste can relieve the greasiness of rich dishes, and it is a classic drink in Tang-style banquets.

· Tang Palace Osmanthus Wine: Low-alcohol liquor with a strong osmanthus fragrance. Sweet and mellow, it perfectly fits the imperial banquet atmosphere and is suitable for toasting during the meal.

· Non-alcoholic Sweet Drink: A fruity sweet drink with a delicate taste, suitable for diners who do not drink alcohol, especially matching with sweet dishes.

· Fresh Pomegranate Juice: 100% fresh squeezed without added sugar. The sweet and sour taste is refreshing, balancing the rich flavor of the banquet dishes.

* Price:
Approximately 298-698 RMB per person ($41-$97). The pricing is based on seat levels:
· Lunch Session: 298 RMB/person (2nd floor View Seat), 598 RMB/person (1st floor Supreme Seat, with priority interaction rights).

· Dinner Session: 398 RMB/person (2nd floor View Seat), 698 RMB/person (1st floor Supreme Seat, with exclusive gift).

· Additional Services: Tang-style makeup and styling 130-200 RMB/person (free to keep the costume for 24 hours); Children's Set Meal 108 RMB/person (for children over 6 years old).

· Group-buying Packages: Combined tickets including Daming Palace National Heritage Park admission and restaurant set meal are available on Meituan and Ctrip, starting from 376 RMB/person.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is mandatory. It is recommended to book 2-3 days in advance, and note dietary taboos (such as allergies, vegetarian needs) when reserving.

· Free parking is available at the entrance of the restaurant, which is convenient for self-driving visitors; public transportation is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid traffic jams.

· To fully experience the immersive atmosphere, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance for makeup and styling. Birthday diners can enjoy free makeup services (please inform when reserving).

· Simple English menus are available, and the service staff can provide basic English communication to assist foreign tourists.

· The performance includes interactive sessions such as "feihualing" (poetry game) and actor group photos after the show. Choosing the 1st floor Supreme Seat can get more interaction opportunities.

· The set meal includes 12 courses, with sufficient portions. It is not recommended to order additional dishes to avoid waste.

2. Leyan·Flourishing Tang
Leyan · Flourishing Tang is a landmark immersive Tang-style "dining + performance" complex located in Xi'an's Chang'an Twelve Hours Theme Block. Adhering to the core concept of "integrating poetry, dance, food and skills to reproduce the grandeur of the Tang court", it creates a unique "one dish, one scene, one performance" experience by combining Tang-style imperial cuisine, traditional art performances and cutting-edge technology. Every diner can wear Hanfu, interact with NPCs of Tang celebrities, and immerse themselves in the prosperous Tang atmosphere while tasting delicacies, making it a top choice for cultural tourism check-ins, theme gatherings and immersive cultural experiences in Xi'an.

* Prime Locations:
2nd Floor, West Escalator outside the South Gate of Chang'an Twelve Hours Theme Block, Mandi Square, East of The Grand Tang Mall, Yanta District. It is a 5-minute walk from Exit A of Datang Furong Garden Station on Metro Line 4. Adjacent to Datang Furong Garden and Datang Never Sleeps City, it realizes the seamless connection of "dining + scenic spot tour".

* Phone:
+86-29-89666000 (Advance booking is mandatory; please confirm the reservation 1 day in advance and note the number of people and dietary needs)

· Note: Please arrive 30 minutes in advance for check-in and Hanfu fitting; the restaurant operates normally even during the block's maintenance period.

* Ambience:
The restaurant takes "time travel to the prosperous Tang Dynasty" as the design core, creating a full-scene immersive experience from entry to dining.

· Pre-dining Experience: A Hanfu fitting room is available, providing free Hanfu rental (including basic hairstyles; exquisite makeup and hair styling costs 130-200 RMB per person). There are also traditional rituals such as "hand-washing ceremony" and "incense appreciation" to enhance the sense of substitution.

· Dining Area: The space is decorated with Tang-style elements such as lotus lanterns, silk curtains and blue and white porcelain, with deep red and golden as the main tones. The seats are divided into three grades: 1st Row (interactive area, closest to the stage), 2nd Row (viewing area) and 3rd-4th Rows (value area), all with unobstructed viewing angles. The naked-eye 3D projection technology makes Li Bai's poems "float" in the air, creating a dreamy scene.

· Performance Experience: The 90-minute performance is performed by the original cast of Chang'an Twelve Hours, covering Tang-style dances such as Dunhuang Feitian and Neon Feather Dance, poetry recitations by Li Bai and Wang Wei, and court etiquette shows. Each course is served with a corresponding performance, realizing the integration of "eating while watching".

* Signature Dishes:
· Feizi Xiao (Concubine's Smile, must-order): A creative dish inspired by "one ride of red dust concubine smiles". It is made of shrimp and cheese shaped like lychees, with a fresh and tender taste and a hint of sweetness, corresponding to the "Lychee Tribute" performance.

· Four Exquisite Cold Dishes Platter: A pre-meal appetizer that reproduces the Tang court cold dish style, including four delicacies such as Qinchuan beef and fresh shrimp, with exquisite presentation like cultural relics.

· Nishang Yuyi (Neon Feather Garment): A dessert matching the classic Tang dance of the same name. It is made of mango puree and coconut milk, shaped like a dancing skirt, with a soft and smooth taste and a strong milk fragrance.

· Huxuan Feast (Whirling Dance Feast): A stir-fry dish integrating Western Regions flavors, with fresh lamb and seasonal vegetables, highlighting the cultural integration of the Tang Dynasty, corresponding to the Hu dancer's performance.

· Tang Palace Jade Dew Tofu: Steamed tofu with shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots, with a tender and smooth texture, inspired by the "jade dew" in Tang poetry, and paired with the poetry recitation performance.

· Giant Sheng Nu (Sesame Pastry): A classic Tang-style dessert from the "Shao Wei Banquet" menu, made of sesame, cheese and honey, fried until crispy, retaining the traditional flavor of the Tang Dynasty.

* Beverage Recommendations:
· Tang Palace Osmanthus Wine: Low-alcohol liquor with a strong osmanthus fragrance, sweet and mellow, perfectly matching the rich flavor of imperial dishes, suitable for toasting during the meal.

· Poetry-inspired Herbal Tea: Brewed with chrysanthemum, wolfberry and jasmine, it is warm and soothing, helping digestion and suitable for drinking throughout the meal.

· Fresh Pomegranate Juice: 100% fresh squeezed without added sugar. The sweet and sour taste is refreshing, balancing the rich flavor of the banquet dishes.

* Price:
Approximately 288-388 RMB per person ($40-$54), with pricing based on seat grades:
· Lunch Session: 288 RMB/person (3rd-4th Rows), 328 RMB/person (2nd Row), 388 RMB/person (1st Row, with priority interaction rights)

· Dinner Session: Same as lunch session pricing; holiday matinee pricing is consistent with lunch session

· Additional Services: Exquisite makeup and hair styling 130-200 RMB/person; free for children under 1.2 meters (no separate seat, no Hanfu included)

· Group-buying Packages: Combined tickets including Chang'an Twelve Hours Theme Block admission and restaurant set meal are available on Dahe Ticket and Ctrip, starting from 376 RMB/person.

* Tips for Visitors:
· Advance reservation is mandatory. It is recommended to book 2-3 days in advance for weekends and holidays to ensure the desired seat grade.

· The restaurant is not located inside the theme block; please enter via the west escalator outside the south gate of the block as indicated.· To fully experience the immersive atmosphere, it is recommended to arrive 1 hour in advance for Hanfu fitting and photo taking.

· Simple English menus are available, and the service staff can provide basic English communication to assist foreign tourists.

· After dining, you can visit the Chang'an Twelve Hours Theme Block to experience more than 100 daily performances and interact with NPCs of Tang celebrities.

· The set meal includes 8 groups of 24 dishes with sufficient portions; it is not recommended to order additional dishes to avoid waste.

Regional Food Clusters in Xi’an: One-Stop Exploration of Flavors
1. Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie): The Fusion of Halal Flavors and Street Culture
* Address: West side of Zhonggulou Square, Lianhu District, Xi'an (at the entrance of Beiyuanmen)

* Overall Characteristics: A food street with a history of hundreds of years, concentrated halal food, strong ethnic customs, and a lively atmosphere

* Recommended Core Restaurants and Snacks: Jia Yong Xin (Yangrou Paomo), Liu Ji Mianpi (Liangpi), Halal Roujiamo Stores, Candied Hawthorns (Tanghulu)

* Dining Tips for Tourists: Avoid peak hours (12:00-14:00, 18:00-20:00) to reduce queuing; distinguish between genuine and fake specialty stores (look for stores with long-term operations and good reviews); try small portions of multiple snacks

* Combination with Sightseeing: Adjacent to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Great Mosque of Xi’an, it is recommended to arrange a half-day tour (sightseeing + dining)

2. Yongxing Square: A Gathering of Shaanxi’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Snacks
* Address: West side of Zhonggulou Square, Lianhu District, Xi'an (at the entrance of Beiyuanmen)

* Overall Characteristics: Focus on Shaanxi’s intangible cultural heritage food, covering snacks from various cities in Shaanxi (Xi’an, Baoji, Weinan, etc.), with a strong cultural display nature

* Recommended Core Restaurants and Snacks: Qinzhen Liangpi Store, Guanzhong Roujiamo, Baoji Niangpi, Shaanxi Grain Wine Tasting

* Dining Tips for Tourists: There are many snack stalls, suitable for group sharing; some stalls provide free food samples; the square has a food culture exhibition hall, which can be visited before dining to understand the origin of snacks

* Combination with Sightseeing: Located in the old city area, close to the City Wall’s East Gate, you can walk to the City Wall for a walk after dining

3. Qujiang New District: High-End Dining and Theme Dining Cluster
* Overall Characteristics: Gathered high-end fine dining restaurants, Tang-style theme restaurants, and scenic spot-viewing restaurants, focusing on high-quality dining experience and cultural immersion

* Recommended Core Restaurants: Yu Yan Gong (Tang Dynasty imperial cuisine), Tang Style Restaurant (Tang-style theme), Bell Tower View Restaurant

* Dining Tips for Tourists: Most restaurants require advance reservations (especially on weekends and holidays); the price is relatively high, suitable for special dining occasions (such as romantic dates, celebration dinners); some restaurants have dress codes, so it is recommended to check in advance

* Combination with Sightseeing: Adjacent to Datang Furong Garden, Datang Never Sleeps City, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and other scenic spots, it is suitable for matching with night tours

4. High-Tech Zone: International Fusion and Fashion Dining Cluster
* Overall Characteristics: Gathered international fusion restaurants, fashion light meal restaurants, and foreign-style restaurants, suitable for tourists who are not used to local flavors or pursue fashionable dining experiences

* Recommended Core Restaurants: Fusion Garden (Sino-Western fusion), Asian Flavor Fusion (Asian fusion), Green Light Meal (healthy light meal)

* Dining Tips for Tourists: Most restaurants provide full English menus and international payment methods; the dining environment is fashionable and comfortable, suitable for casual dining; it is convenient to reach by subway

* Combination with Sightseeing: Close to Qujiang Pool Site Park, you can arrange a combination of "fashion dining + leisure park tour"

Deep Dive into Xi’an Cuisine Culture
A. Core Characteristics and Cultural Roots of Shaanxi Cuisine
1. Flavor Characteristics
The flavor of Shaanxi cuisine is deeply rooted in the geographical and climatic characteristics of Northwest China. Xi’an, located in the Guanzhong Plain, has a continental monsoon climate with cold and dry winters and large temperature differences between day and night. In ancient times, local residents relied on farming and animal husbandry for a living, and long hours of outdoor work required high-calorie and strong-flavor food to replenish physical strength and resist the cold.

The "salty and fragrant" base flavor comes from the smart use of local condiments such as soybean paste, chili oil, and Chinese prickly ash. Salty taste can effectively supplement the electrolytes lost by the human body due to sweating, while the rich fragrance from stewing and simmering can enhance the appetite. The moderate sour and spicy taste is mostly derived from local vinegar (such as Fuping vinegar) and dried chili. Sourness can relieve greasiness, and spiciness can dispel cold, which perfectly matches the local climate and people’s dietary needs.

2. Ingredient Characteristics
Shaanxi cuisine takes local ingredients as the cornerstone, with wheat, mutton, beef, potatoes, and other ingredients as the mainstay, which is closely related to the regional agricultural and animal husbandry characteristics of Xi’an.
· Wheat as the staple food: The Guanzhong Plain has fertile soil and sufficient sunlight, which is very suitable for wheat growth. For thousands of years, wheat has been the main grain crop in the region, thus giving birth to a variety of pasta dishes in Shaanxi cuisine, such as paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup), youpo noodles (oil-splashed noodles), and biangbiang noodles. These pasta dishes are not only filling but also easy to preserve, which is in line with the living habits of local people.

· Animal husbandry-derived ingredients: Xi’an is adjacent to the grasslands of Northern Shaanxi and Gansu. Abundant grassland resources have nurtured a developed animal husbandry industry, making mutton and beef important non-staple food ingredients in Shaanxi cuisine. Mutton, in particular, is known for its tender meat and less fishy smell. It is often used in stews and soups, which can warm the body and nourish qi, and is deeply loved by local people.

3. Cooking Techniques
Shaanxi cuisine boasts a wide range of cooking techniques, including stewing, boiling, frying, stir-frying, and steaming, each of which reflects the character of the people in Northwest China.
· Stewing: The embodiment of "slow cooking" concept: The classic dish mutton paomo is a representative of stewing technique. The mutton is stewed with bones for more than 4 hours over low heat, during which time Chinese angelica, astragalus, and other herbs are added to remove the fishy smell and enhance the nutrition. This slow stewing method not only makes the mutton tender and easy to chew but also integrates the flavor of bones and herbs into the soup, embodying the Northwest people’s down-to-earth and patient character.

· Stir-frying and splashing: Highlighting bold and unrestrained character: Youpo noodles is a perfect example of combining boiling and splashing techniques. The noodles are boiled until cooked, then placed in a bowl with chopped green onions, garlic, chili powder, and Chinese prickly ash. Hot oil is quickly splashed on the seasonings, creating a sizzling sound and a strong aroma. This straightforward and efficient cooking method shows the bold, unrestrained, and straightforward character of the people in Guanzhong area.

B. The Evolution of Xi’an’s Classic Dishes: From Past to Present
1. Millennium-Old Snacks: The Inheritance and Innovation of Roujiamo, Liangpi, etc.
· Roujiamo: Known as "the Chinese hamburger", roujiamo has a history of more than 2,000 years. In the past, the meat was stewed with more than 20 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines such as star anise, cinnamon, and licorice over low heat for more than 3 hours, with a mellow and salty flavor, and the meat was tender enough to melt in the mouth. Today, while inheriting the ancient stewing recipe, many vendors have innovated flavors, such as adding spicy sauce to create spicy roujiamo, or using black pepper to make a refreshing version, catering to the diverse tastes of modern people. In addition, the bun has also been optimized— the traditional crispy bun is retained, and a soft bun option is added for people who don’t like too crisp food.

· Liangpi: As a summer delicacy in Xi’an, liangpi has always been loved for its cool and refreshing taste. Traditional liangpi is made of wheat starch or rice starch, with a chewy texture, and seasoned with vinegar, chili oil, garlic water, and bean sprouts, with a sour and spicy flavor. In recent years, innovative flavors have emerged one after another, such as sesame paste liangpi, which is rich and fragrant, and rattan pepper liangpi, which has a numbing and refreshing taste. Some shops even launch fruit-flavored liangpi, such as watermelon liangpi, which is a perfect combination of sweetness and sourness, bringing a new taste experience to tourists.

2. Imperial Dishes to Folk Dishes
Xi’an was the capital of the Tang Dynasty, a period when imperial cuisine reached its peak. Many imperial dishes at that time gradually spread to the folk and were improved to become popular local delicacies, with Hulu Chicken (Bottle Gourd Chicken) as the most representative one.

Hulu Chicken originated in the Tang Dynasty and was a royal banquet dish. According to historical records, the dish was made by selecting fat and tender local chickens, marinating them with wine and spices, boiling them in clear soup until half-cooked, then steaming them until tender, and finally deep-frying them until golden and crispy. The finished chicken was shaped like a bottle gourd, hence the name. In the Tang Dynasty, only royal families and nobles could enjoy this delicacy. After the decline of the Tang Dynasty, the cooking method of Hulu Chicken spread to the folk. Folk chefs optimized the process to make it more suitable for family cooking— reducing the types of spices, simplifying the steaming steps, and using a combination of frying and stewing to make the chicken more flavorful and affordable. Today, Hulu Chicken has become a must-try dish in Shaanxi cuisine restaurants, loved by both locals and tourists.

3. Modern Creative Shaanxi Cuisine
In recent years, with the rise of food tourism, high-end restaurants in Xi’an have begun to integrate traditional Shaanxi cuisine techniques with contemporary culinary aesthetics, creating a new wave of creative Shaanxi cuisine.

· Innovative presentation: Classic dishes are given a new look through delicate plating. For example, traditional mutton paomo is no longer served in a large bowl, but divided into small portions— the soup is made into a jelly-like shape with molecular cooking technology, the bread is cut into small cubes and baked until crispy, and the mutton is sliced thinly and placed on top, with a few mint leaves as decoration. This not only retains the original flavor but also makes the dish more visually appealing, suitable for taking photos and sharing on social media.

· Integration of cross-regional ingredients: Creative Shaanxi cuisine combines local ingredients with ingredients from other regions to create new flavors. For example, biangbiang noodles are paired with seafood such as scallops and shrimps, and the soup is seasoned with coconut milk, creating a unique combination of Northwest pasta and Southeast Asian flavors. In addition, some restaurants use local ingredients such as Qinling wild vegetables and Lintong pomegranates to make desserts, such as pomegranate glutinous rice cake, which is sweet and soft, breaking the stereotype that Shaanxi cuisine only has heavy flavors.

C. Dining Etiquette and Customs in Xi’an: Respect and Adaptation
Dining etiquette in Xi’an is simple and practical, inheriting the traditional etiquette of the Guanzhong area while being close to daily life, making it easy for foreign tourists to follow.

· Eating noodles with chopsticks (tips for beginners): Noodles are the staple food of Shaanxi cuisine, and most local people eat noodles with chopsticks. For beginners who are not familiar with using chopsticks, there are two tips: First, hold the chopsticks firmly but not too tightly, and roll the noodles gently to form a small ball, which can prevent the noodles from slipping; second, when eating long noodles such as biangbiang noodles, you can lift the noodles slightly and suck them into your mouth (it is polite to slurp softly— this is a sign of liking the food in local culture).

· Sharing dishes in groups (etiquette of taking food): When dining with a group of people in Xi’an, it is common to order multiple dishes and share them together. The key etiquette points are: Use public chopsticks or serving spoons to take food from the shared plates; do not pick and choose food randomly, or stir the dishes with your own chopsticks; take an appropriate amount of food each time, and do not take too much to avoid waste.

· Not wasting food (the concept of "valuing grain" in Northwest China): Due to the relatively arid climate in Northwest China, grain production was not stable in ancient times, so the concept of "valuing grain" has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the local people. When dining in Xi’an, it is impolite to leave a lot of food on the plate— if you can’t finish the food, you can ask the restaurant for a takeaway box to pack it up. In addition, local people usually eat up all the noodles in the bowl, because "eating up the noodles" symbolizes "a full and prosperous life" in traditional culture.

* Dining in Muslim Restaurants
Xi’an has a large Muslim population, and Muslim restaurants are all over the city, famous for their authentic mutton dishes and snacks. When dining in Muslim restaurants, you need to abide by halal food taboos:
· Do not bring non-halal food (such as pork, alcohol) into the restaurant;
· Dress appropriately— avoid wearing overly exposed clothes;
· Do not talk loudly or make noise during meals;
· Follow the restaurant’s rules— some Muslim restaurants do not allow smoking, so please comply.

D. Regional Differences in Xi’an’s Dining: Urban and Suburban Characteristics
1. Urban Dining: Diversity and Convenience
The urban area of Xi’an (including Beilin District, Lianhu District, Yanta District) is a gathering place for catering, integrating traditional old brands, modern chain restaurants, and creative Shaanxi cuisine restaurants, which can meet the diverse dining needs of tourists.

· Traditional old brands: Concentrated in the Bell Tower and Drum Tower area, these restaurants have a history of decades or even hundreds of years, such as Laojiayangroupaomo and Tongguanroujiamo. They adhere to traditional recipes, with authentic flavors, and are suitable for tourists who want to taste the most classic Shaanxi cuisine. The dining environment is simple and rustic, and the price is affordable, with an average per capita cost of 30–50 yuan.

· Modern chain restaurants: Distributed in commercial districts such as Qujiang New District and High-tech Zone, these restaurants include fast food chains, hot pot restaurants, and barbecue restaurants, which are suitable for tourists who want to eat quickly.

· Creative Shaanxi cuisine restaurants: Mostly located in high-end shopping malls or cultural blocks, these restaurants focus on the integration of tradition and innovation, with exquisite dishes and elegant environments. They are suitable for tourists who want to experience high-end Shaanxi cuisine. The average per capita cost is 100–200 yuan, and some restaurants also provide Tang Dynasty-style performance services during meals, creating an immersive dining experience.

2. Suburban Dining (Near Scenic Spots Such as Terracotta Army, Huaqing Pool): Farm-Style and Authentic Flavors
The suburbs of Xi’an (including Lintong District, Chang’an District) are adjacent to major scenic spots such as the Terracotta Army and Huaqing Pool. The catering here is dominated by farm restaurants, focusing on farm-style dishes made with local ingredients, which are deeply loved by tourists who want to experience rural life.

· Farmhouse restaurants near the Terracotta Army: Located in Lintong District, these restaurants use local ingredients such as Lintong pomegranates, Qinling wild vegetables, and free-range chickens to make dishes, such as pomegranate chicken, wild vegetable pancake, and stewed chicken with mushrooms. The dishes are simple and rustic, with a strong rural flavor, and the per capita cost is about 40–60 yuan. After visiting the Terracotta Army, tourists can come here to enjoy a hearty farm meal, and some restaurants also provide free parking services.

· Farmhouse restaurants near Huaqing Pool: Located at the foot of Lishan Mountain, these restaurants are famous for their "Lishan stone pot fish" and "Huaqing tofu". The stone pot fish is cooked in a stone pot with local freshwater fish, with a spicy and fragrant flavor; Huaqing tofu is made with local soybeans, with a tender and smooth texture. The dining environment is close to nature, with tables placed under the shade of trees, and tourists can enjoy the scenery of Lishan Mountain while eating.

Useful Tools and Resources for Dining in Xi’an
1. Translation Apps
Language barriers are one of the biggest challenges for foreign tourists when dining in Xi’an. The following translation apps with offline Chinese-English translation functions are highly recommended, which can effectively solve the problems of menu translation and communication with restaurant staff.

· Google Translate: It supports offline Chinese-English mutual translation. Before your trip, you only need to download the "Chinese-English" offline language package in the app. During use, you can use the "camera translation" function to scan the menu text, and the translation result will be displayed in real time. It also supports voice translation, which is convenient for communicating with staff who do not speak English (e.g., asking about ingredients, flavor preferences). It is compatible with both iOS and Android systems.

· Baidu Translate: It has a professional "food terminology translation database", which is more accurate for the translation of Shaanxi cuisine-specific terms (e.g., Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Youpo Noodles). The offline function is easy to set up—enter the "offline translation" module, select the "Chinese-English" language package to download. In addition, it provides a "phrase book" function, and you can save common dining phrases in advance for quick call-up.

2. Dining Recommendation Platforms
The following two mainstream local dining recommendation platforms have official English versions, integrating restaurant evaluations, menu displays, and reservation services. They are reliable tools for foreign tourists to select restaurants in Xi’an.

· Meituan: The English version can be switched directly in the app settings (find "Language" and select "English"). It covers nearly 90% of the restaurants in Xi’an, from street snacks to high-end creative Shaanxi cuisine restaurants. Each restaurant page includes detailed information such as user real evaluations (with pictures), English menu previews, per capita consumption, business hours, and location navigation. It also supports online reservation and takeaway ordering, and the payment process supports international credit cards.

· Dianping: It is famous for its professional restaurant evaluation system. The English version classifies restaurants by "cuisine type" (e.g., Shaanxi Cuisine, Muslim Food, Creative Cuisine) and "scenic spot proximity" (e.g., Near Bell Tower, Near Terracotta Army), which is convenient for tourists to search according to their travel routes. It provides exclusive discounts for many restaurants (e.g., set meal discounts, cash coupons). The reservation function supports special requests (e.g., dietary restrictions, window seats), and the customer service can provide English consultation.

3. Emergency Contact Information
In case of food safety problems, sudden physical discomfort, or other emergencies during dining, you can call the following hotlines for help. The operators of these hotlines can provide English service support.

· Food Safety Complaint Hotline: 12315
It is used to handle complaints about food safety issues during dining (e.g., expired food, unhygienic dining environment, false publicity of ingredients). When calling, you need to clearly state the restaurant name, address, specific problem, and your contact information. The relevant departments will investigate and deal with it in a timely manner.

· Emergency Medical Hotline: 120
It is used for emergency medical assistance when you experience sudden physical discomfort (e.g., food allergy, stomachache, dizziness) during dining. When calling, you should accurately report the restaurant’s location, your symptoms, and the number of people in need of help. Ambulances will be dispatched as soon as possible. It is recommended to keep the restaurant’s address (preferably in Chinese) ready to report quickly.

4. Xi’an Food Map Obtainment Channels
(1) Airports and high-speed rail stations: Free to take at the tourist information desks in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Xi’an North Railway Station;
(2) Hotel concierge: Most star-rated hotels and tourist-themed hotels in the urban area provide free food maps for guests. You can ask the front desk staff for them when checking in;
(3) Scenic spot service centers: Available at the visitor centers of major scenic spots such as the Bell Tower and Terracotta Army.

Practical Dining Tips for Foreign Tourists
1. Book Ahead for Popular Spots (and Check the Rules)
· Prioritize reservations for high-demand venues: For Michelin-starred restaurants, family-run local gems with limited seats, or eateries in tourist hotspots, make reservations 1–3 weeks in advance (or even earlier during peak travel seasons like holidays or festivals).
· Check for dress codes: Some upscale restaurants require formal attire (e.g., no shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops). Casual spots usually have no restrictions, but it’s always safe to dress neatly.
· Use local booking platforms: While international apps like TripAdvisor or OpenTable work in many places, local platforms (e.g., Dianping in China, Tabelog in Japan) often have more accurate availability and user reviews from locals.
· Note reservation details: Confirm the number of guests, dietary restrictions, and whether the reservation is for lunch or dinner. Some restaurants only hold tables for 15–30 minutes past the reservation time.

2. Navigate Menus with Confidence (Overcome Language Barriers)
· Look for picture menus or QR codes: Many tourist-friendly restaurants provide menus with photos, which is a lifesaver if you don’t speak the local language. For modern spots, scan the QR code on the table to access digital menus with translations, reviews, and recommended dishes.
· Use translation tools wisely: Download offline translation apps (e.g., Google Translate, Papago) before your trip—they work without Wi-Fi and can translate menu text via camera scan. Save common phrases like “Is this dish spicy?”, “Does this contain nuts/dairy?”, or “Can I have this without garlic?”
· Ask for local recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the server, “What is your most popular dish?” or “What do locals order here?” They will often suggest hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist-focused part of the menu.
· Start small with set menus or tasting menus: If you’re unsure what to order, opt for a set menu (fixed-price meals with a pre-selected sequence of dishes) or a tasting menu. This is a cost-effective way to try a variety of local specialties without overordering.

3. Follow Basic Table Etiquette (Avoid Cultural Faux Pas)
· Chopstick etiquette: Don’t stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice (it resembles a funeral ritual), and don’t use chopsticks to tap your bowl (it’s considered rude to restaurant staff).
· Tipping norms vary by country: This is one of the most confusing parts for tourists—here’s a quick guide:

4. Handle Payment Smoothly
· Check accepted payment methods: Before ordering, confirm if the restaurant accepts credit cards, mobile payments, or only cash. Small local eateries and street food stalls often only take cash, so keep enough local currency on hand.
· Mobile payment hacks: In China (WeChat Pay/Alipay), mobile payments are ubiquitous. Link your foreign card to local payment apps if possible, or ask your hotel front desk to help you set it up.

5. Address Dietary Restrictions and Allergies Clearly
· Be specific about your needs: If you have food allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish), lactose intolerance, or follow a special diet (vegan, halal, kosher), inform the server before ordering. Use simple, clear language or show a translated note (e.g., “I am allergic to peanuts—please make sure there is no peanut oil or peanut products in my food”).
· Check for cross-contamination: For severe allergies, ask if the kitchen uses separate utensils or cooking surfaces for allergen-free dishes. Some restaurants may not be able to accommodate strict allergy needs, so it’s safer to choose specialized eateries (e.g., vegan cafes, halal restaurants) if necessary

6. Price and Budget Tips
· Know the price range before entering: Check online reviews or local travel blogs to learn about a restaurant’s average per-person cost. Avoid walking into high-end restaurants blindly—this can save you from an awkward “sticker shock” when you get the bill.
· Opt for lunch instead of dinner at upscale spots: Many fine-dining restaurants offer the same high-quality dishes at a lower price for lunch. This is a great way to enjoy gourmet food without breaking the bank.
· Share dishes to save money and try more flavors: In countries where portion sizes are large (e.g., the US, Australia, China), sharing 2–3 dishes among 2 people is more cost-effective than ordering individual meals. It also lets you sample a wider variety of local flavors.
· Take advantage of lunch specials and happy hours: Many casual restaurants and cafes offer discounted lunch sets, while bars and pubs have happy hour deals (e.g., cheaper drinks and snacks) during off-peak hours (usually 3–6 PM).
· Avoid tourist traps for budget-friendly meals: Restaurants near major attractions often mark up prices significantly. Walk a few blocks away from the tourist crowds—you’ll find more affordable and authentic local eateries.

7. Flavor Adjustment Tips
· Communicate your preferences politely before cooking: Most restaurants are happy to adjust the flavor of your dish—just ask politely before your food is prepared. Common requests include “less spicy”, “more salt”, “no sugar”, or “extra garlic”.
· Know local flavor profiles to set expectations: Different regions have distinct flavor traditions. For example, Sichuan food in China is known for its numbing-spicy taste, while Thai food balances sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors. Knowing this helps you make informed requests.
· Ask for condiments to adjust flavors yourself: If you’re unsure about the restaurant’s ability to customize dishes, ask for extra condiments (e.g., chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup) on the side. This lets you tweak the flavor to your liking at the table.
· Be mindful of cultural flavor norms: In some cultures, certain flavor combinations are sacred. Avoid making overly specific or unusual requests that might go against local culinary traditions.
· Try the original flavor first: If you’re curious about a local specialty, order it in its original form first. If the flavor is too strong or not to your liking, you can ask for adjustments for your next order.

9. Embrace Local Dining Experiences (Go Beyond Tourist Traps)
· Eat where the locals eat: Avoid restaurants with large signs in English or menus tailored for tourists. Instead, look for small eateries with a line of local customers—this is a sign of authentic, affordable food.
· Try street food (safely): Street food is a highlight of many destinations, but follow these rules to stay safe: choose stalls with fresh ingredients, high turnover (food doesn’t sit out for long), and clean cooking areas. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood, and drink bottled water instead of tap water.
· Don’t fear “strange” foods: Be open-minded about local specialties (e.g., stinky tofu in China, haggis in Scotland, or balut in the Philippines). Even if you don’t love it, trying it is part of the travel experience.

10. Transportation and Location Tips
· Nearby Scenic Spots Matching: Recommend restaurants near major scenic spots (such as the Bell Tower, City Wall, Terracotta Army) to save travel time
· Transportation Guide:
Xi’an has a convenient and tourist-friendly transportation system. Here’s how to get to your chosen restaurant easily via subway, taxi, or shared bikes:

* Additional Tips:
· Table seating hierarchy: At round tables, the seat facing the door is reserved for the most senior guest. Let your host or elders sit first before choosing your seat.
· Toasting etiquette: When toasting elders or superiors, hold your glass lower than theirs to show respect. It’s polite to finish the drink if it’s a small shot of baijiu (Chinese liquor).
· Accept “hospitality food” graciously: Hosts often put food on your plate as a sign of hospitality. Even if you’re full, take a small bite to show appreciation.
· Tea is for rinsing too: In some regions (e.g., Guangdong), the first pot of tea is used to rinse cups and chopsticks, not for drinking. Wait for the server to replace it with fresh tea.

FAQs
Q1: Do most restaurants in Xi’an provide English menus?
A: High-end restaurants, international fusion restaurants, and restaurants near major scenic spots basically provide English menus; small snack stores may only have Chinese menus. It is recommended to prepare a translation app (such as Google Translate) or ask the hotel concierge for help in advance.

Q2: Is tipping customary in Xi’an restaurants?
A: Tipping is not a common custom in Xi’an. There is no need to give tips in most restaurants; if you are satisfied with the service, you can give a small amount of tips, but it is not mandatory.

Q3: What should I do if I have dietary restrictions (such as vegetarianism, gluten intolerance)?
A: You can choose specialized vegetarian restaurants; when dining in other restaurants, clearly inform the waiter of your dietary restrictions. Most chefs can adjust the dishes accordingly. It is recommended to write down the dietary restrictions in Chinese in advance for better communication.

Q4: What are the peak dining hours in Xi’an? How to avoid crowds?
A: The peak dining hours are usually 12:00 - 13:30 (lunch) and 18:30 - 20:30 (dinner). You can choose to dine 1-2 hours earlier or later than the peak hours, or make reservations in advance to avoid waiting in long queues.

Q5: Can I take food away from restaurants in Xi’an?
A: Yes, most restaurants provide takeaway boxes (usually free or with a small fee). You can directly ask the waiter for takeaway services.

Xi'an is not just a destination; it's a culinary adventure waiting to unfold at every corner. From the bustling food stalls in the Muslim Quarter to the refined, elegant restaurants that showcase the city's rich heritage, Xi'an’s food scene offers something for every palate and every occasion. Whether you’re savoring an iconic Roujiamo on the streets or indulging in a multi-course feast that tells the story of centuries-old culinary traditions, every meal in Xi'an is a chance to connect with the city's culture, history, and vibrant community.

Your Way Holiday’s Ultimate Guide to Xi’an’s Best Restaurants: Must-Try Dining Spots and Culinary Delights

We design private and tailor-made Xi'an tours customized to your travel style at affordable local prices. You’ll enjoy the comfort of a private, spacious car and the company of a professional local guide with over 5 years of experience, dedicated exclusively to you or your group. From transportation and tickets to authentic dining experiences (we always recommend the dishes most loved by locals), everything will be arranged according to your preferences. Please take a look at some of our most popular Xi’an tours below:

Packages to Xi'an: Explore Ancient China on a Xian 2-Day Private Family Tour Xi'an History Tour: Uncover the Glory of the Tang Dynasty in China’s Ancient Capital

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Transportation Methods	Guide
By Subway	· English Announcement Advantage: All Xi’an subway lines are equipped with dual Chinese-English announcements for station names, transfers, and exits. Foreign tourists don’t need to worry about getting lost due to language barriers. · Step-by-Step Guide: (1) Download a map app (e.g., Amap, Baidu Maps) and set the language to English. Search for your target restaurant, and the app will recommend the best subway route. (2) Purchase a one-way ticket from the vending machine (accepts cash and mobile payments) or use a transportation card. The vending machines support English operation. (3) Pay attention to the line number and direction. For example, to get to the Bell Tower, take Line 2 and get off at Bell Tower Station; to reach the South Gate of the City Wall, take Line 2 to South Gate Station. (4) After exiting the subway, follow the pedestrian signs or use the map app to walk to the restaurant (usually 3–10 minutes).
By Taxi	· Address Tips for Foreign Tourists: (1) Save the Chinese Address: Most taxi drivers in Xi’an may not speak fluent English, so save the restaurant’s Chinese name and address on your phone. Show the screen to the driver directly—it’s the fastest and most accurate way. (2) Use Translation Apps: If you want to communicate verbally, use apps like Google Translate or Papago to translate phrases like “Please take me to this restaurant” into Chinese and play the audio for the driver. · Key Reminders: (1) Ensure the driver turns on the meter—official taxis in Xi’an use metered pricing, which is fair and transparent. (2) Taxis to the Terracotta Army Scenic Area are available at the city’s taxi stands; the journey takes about 40–60 minutes from downtown Xi’an.
By Shared Bikes	· Suitable Scenarios: Shared bikes are perfect for short-distance travel (within 3 kilometers), such as from the subway station to the restaurant or between nearby attractions. · Step-by-Step Guide: (1) Download the App: The main shared bike brands in Xi’an are Meituan Bike and Hello Bike. Download the corresponding app, register an account, and bind a payment method (supports international credit cards in most cases). (2) Scan to Unlock: Locate a bike with the app, scan the QR code on the handlebar to unlock it. (3) Riding Rules: · Follow traffic rules and ride on bike lanes only. · Pay attention to the no-parking zones (marked by red lines or signs)—parking in prohibited areas will result in additional fees. · Lock the bike properly after use to end the trip. · Recommended Routes: Riding from Bell Tower Station to Laojiayangroupaomo (Bell Tower Branch) takes only 2 minutes; cycling from South Gate Station to Chengqianggen Shaanxi Cuisine takes 3 minutes. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s streets.

The Best Restaurants in Xi’an: A Guide to the City’s Top Dining Experiences

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