2 Best Restaurants in Guiyang, Southwestern China

Sour fish soup, Guiyang's signature dish, is the specialty at this venerated local joint. Choose a fish from the tanks, select your other ingredients, and mix your own sauce. The soup—an import from the city of Kaili—and the fish will then be cooked at your table. If it's too spicy, remember that a bit of white rice—not water—is one good method for dousing culinary flames. There are no reservations, so expect to have to wait in line a bit on weekends or holidays. There's another branch on nearby Shengfu Bei Jie.

Understated decor, comfy seating, and high-quality imported coffee turned into tasty beverages by skilled baristas are the highlights here. There are also savory panini on homemade bread, as well as a wide selection of teas, smoothies, and desserts. The affable American owner, who's often here, always tries to make visitors feel at home. The smoking area is separated from the rest of the dining area.