If you are looking for a restaurant right on the lakeside, you will be disappointed by the choice and variety. Real estate is too expensive here and it is reflected in the exorbitant restaurant prices.

A more economical place to have a meal is in one of the many restaurants along Yan'an Road. Try Nanfang Restaurant for Suzhou cuisine. If you had too much Chinese food, you can try Haifeng Western Restaurant. Other streets worth exploring for culinary delights are Jiefang Road and Zhongshan Road.

If you are on Solitary Hill (Gushan) and looking for good and inexpensive food, go to Louwailou. Specialties include the West Lake fish in vinegar sauce and the shrimp ball.

A famous Hangzhou dish is Beggar's Chicken. The bird is stuffed with herbs and fresh lotus, then slowly baked in a clay pot. Another "must try" is Dongpo meat (braised and steamed pork).