Shizilou
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Shizilou

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A 300-year-old Nanjing institution serving authentic Huaiyang cuisine in an antique setting with painted rafters and carved beams.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Shizilou

Shizilou

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 300-year-old Nanjing institution serving authentic Huaiyang cuisine in an antique setting with painted rafters and carved beams.

"The food was truly awesome! Chefs here are no less than chefs in a five-star restaurant."

TIP

Try the 'Shizitou'

Don't miss the signature 'lion's head' meatballs, a must-try dish praised for its succulence.

Fresh Ingredients, Authentic Taste

Enjoy very fresh ingredients and authentic, delicious flavors. The boss is enthusiastic and the environment is good.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Cuisine

Huaiyang Chinese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+86 25 8360 7888

Address

29 Shiziqiao St, Gulou, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210009

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Step back in time with antique architecture, featuring painted rafters and carved beams, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.

Signature Lion's Head Meatballs

Signature Lion's Head Meatballs

Savor the succulent 'shizitou' (lion's head meatballs), large orbs of pork stewed in a clear, flavorful broth.

Restaurants in Beijing to Shanghai
Authentic Huaiyang Cuisine

Authentic Huaiyang Cuisine

Experience one of China's "four great traditions" with fresh ingredients and authentic, delicious flavors.

Restaurants in Beijing to ShanghaiGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

POV: You finally found the city that feels like a movie set. Nanjing's tree tunnels are another level. 🍂 #Nanjing #ChinaTravel #CityAesthetics #AutumnVibes #TravelGoals
@hengbin2
2.3M likes • 9M views

Try the 'Shizitou'

Don't miss the signature 'lion's head' meatballs, a must-try dish praised for its succulence.

Fresh Ingredients, Authentic Taste

Enjoy very fresh ingredients and authentic, delicious flavors. The boss is enthusiastic and the environment is good.

Nestled in the picturesque Niushou Mountain of Nanjing, Usnisa Palace is a marvel of Buddhist architecture and cultural significance. This serene destination offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit for travelers. 1. Visit the Thousand-Buddha Hall The Thousand-Buddha Hall is a stunning three-story dome, 28 meters high. At its heart is the Great Stupa of Usnisa, insp...
@thechinatrips
1.2K likes • 63.1K views
Today marks #China's 11th National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims. During the six-week massacre in 1937, Japanese invaders brutally killed about 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers. On this day, let's review President #XiJinping's remarks at the first such ceremony held in #Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, in 2014.
@peoplesdaily_renminribao
177 likes • 11.2K views

Consider the Potstickers

If you're looking for something else, the oversize potstickers are also a popular choice.

🏙️The next station is Xinjiekou #Nanjing #China #trends #traveldiaries #chinatravel #city
@discovernanjing
883 likes • 66.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the 'Shizitou'

Don't miss the signature 'lion's head' meatballs, a must-try dish praised for its succulence.

Fresh Ingredients, Authentic Taste

Enjoy very fresh ingredients and authentic, delicious flavors. The boss is enthusiastic and the environment is good.

Consider the Potstickers

If you're looking for something else, the oversize potstickers are also a popular choice.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners praise Shizilou for its authentic and delicious Huaiyang cuisine, with a particular highlight on the signature 'lion's head' meatballs. The restaurant's historic ambiance, featuring antique architecture, adds to the overall charming dining experience. While specific complaints are minimal in the provided data, the focus is overwhelmingly positive on food quality and atmosphere.

"(Translated by Google) The food stalls are good.

(Original)
大排档不错。"

李建荣

"(Translated by Google) The ingredients are very fresh, the taste is very authentic and delicious, the boss is enthusiastic, and the environment is very good and quiet.

(Original)
食材非常新鮮,味道非常地道也很好吃,老闆熱情,環境很好,很安靜。"

Tina Liu

"(Translated by Google) It was nice to go there with friends

(Original)
和朋友一起去过不错"

IT TX ZM

What People Like

Authentic and delicious Huaiyang cuisine
Signature 'Lion's Head' meatballs
Historic and charming ambiance

What People Dislike

No significant complaints mentioned in provided data

Frequently Asked Questions

Shizilou is renowned for its authentic Huaiyang cuisine, particularly its signature 'lion's head' meatballs, and its historic ambiance with antique architecture.

Restaurants in Beijing to ShanghaiGoogle Review

The restaurant boasts a history of over 300 years and is said to have its name inscribed by the Qing Dynasty poet Zheng Banqiao.

Nanjing Restaurant,10 Best Nanjing Restaurants,Nanjing dining,Nanjing Food StreetNanjing Restaurants, Where to eat in Nanjing

Shizilou serves Huaiyang cuisine, which is one of the "four great traditions" of Chinese cooking.

Restaurants in Beijing to Shanghai

Yes, the oversize potstickers (guotie) are also mentioned as a popular and tasty option.

Restaurants in Beijing to Shanghai

The restaurant has a unique and charming atmosphere due to its antique architecture, including painted rafters and carved beams.

Nanjing Restaurant,10 Best Nanjing Restaurants,Nanjing dining,Nanjing Food StreetNanjing Restaurants, Where to eat in Nanjing

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Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Beijing to Shanghai

Near the Shanzi Road Market, this bustling restaurant is a popular purveyor of Huaiyang cuisine, one of the "four great traditions" of Chinese cooking. Try the signature "lion's head" meatballs ( shizitou), large and succulent orbs of pork stewed with vegetables in a clear soup; the oversize potstickers ( guotie); or, if you're feeling brave, the stinky tofu, malodorous but surprisingly tasty.

Visit Source →
suzhouprivatetour.com

Nanjing Restaurant,10 Best Nanjing Restaurants,Nanjing dining,Nanjing Food Street

Shizilou RestaurantThis restaurant is one of the times honored and the most treasured brand in Nanjing and boasts of having a history of more than 300 years now. It is built in a rather antique style comprising of painted rafters and carved beams. According to the locals, the restaurant’s name, Shi Zi Lou, was actually inscribed by the revered and esteemed painter and poet, Zheng Banqio during the era of the Qing Dynasty.

Visit Source →
yangtzeriver.org

Nanjing Restaurants, Where to eat in Nanjing

This restaurant is one of the times honored and the most treasured brand in Nanjing and boasts of having a history of more than 300 years now. It is built in a rather antique style comprising of painted rafters and carved beams. According to the locals, the restaurant’s name, Shi Zi Lou, was actually inscribed by the revered and esteemed painter and poet, Zheng Banqio during the era of the Qing Dynasty.

Visit Source →
Shizilou (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide