Top 10 Best Restaurants in Xian – Where to Eat in Xian

Written by Candice Zhao | Updated May 09,2026

If you want to taste authentic local flavors in Xian, the restaurants popular among tourists may not be the ideal choices. Do you want to know what the restaurants truly preferred by locals are? This article is for you.

We will share the top 10 restaurants recommended by the locals, including practical information, like opening hours, signature dishes, average cost, etc. Get ready to embark on your ultimate Xi’an food journey.

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• 1.Xian Restaurant
• 2.Chang’an Da Paidang
• 3.First Noodle under the Sun
• 4.Aihua Belt-thick Noodles
• 5.Tongshengxiang
• 6.Chun Fa Sheng
• 7.De Fa Chang
• 8.Jia San Halal Soup Dumplings – Iconic Halal Soup Dumplings with a Loyal Following
• 9.Weijia Cold Noodles – A Local Chain Favorite for Liangpi and Roujiamo
• 10.Fan Ji Lazhi Roujiamo – Where the Meat Meets the Bread Just Right
• Western Restaurants in Xian
• Tips for Dining in Xian
• FAQs
• Eat with China Xian Tour

1.Xian Restaurant (Main Branch) – A Timeless Banquet of Shaanxi Classics

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 西安饭庄 (Xian Fan Zhuang)
• Cuisine Features: typical Xian cuisine
• Add. of Main Branch: No. 298, East Avenue, Beilin District
• Opening Time: 10:30 – 21:00
• Signature dishes: Golden Award Hulu Chicken, Three Fresh Delicacies in Thick Soup
• Average cost: About CNY 80 – 120/USD 12 – 18

Founded in 1929, Xian Restaurant bears nearly 100 years of history and has been the most representative long-established Shaanxi cuisine restaurant. Now, there are about 10 branches in Xian. The design of each restaurant is themed by ancient Tang or Han Dynasty culture with antique decorations, offering you an immersive experience. You can taste both famous traditional Xian cuisines and snacks and innovative dishes.

In the main branch, a Shaanxi Cuisine Culture Experience Museum is also opened to the public, telling its development history through various cooking wares, seasonings and interactive experiences.

 

2.Chang’an Da Paidang – Theatrical Bites from the Tang Dynasty

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 长安大牌档 (Chang An Da Pai Dang)
• Cuisine Features: Creative Shaanxi fusion dishes
• Add. Of Bell Tower Branch: 1F and 2F, Senyuan Building, No. 39, South Street, Beilin District
• Opening Time: 11:00 – 21:30/22:00
• Signature dishes: Hulu Chicken, “Feizi Xiao” prawn balls, “Mao Bi Su” pastry
• Average cost: About CNY 70 – 100/USD 10 – 15

Themed by the Lantern Festival in the Tang Dynasty, the decoration in Bell Tower Branch is in an ancient and elegant style with red lanterns hung high, creating an atmosphere of the prosperous Tang Dynasty’s marketplace.

Dishes here can be seen as a blend of traditional culture with modern presentation, for example, impressive dishes like brush-shaped “Mao Bi Su” pastry and “Feizi Xiao” prawn balls disguised as lychees. At dinner time, there are also traditional shows, like shadow-puppet performances, which will add theatrical flair to your meal. Are you expecting to enjoy a theatrical dining experience? Just book ahead to get a stage-side seat.

3.First Noodle under the Sun – Bold Biangbiang Noodles Beneath Xi’an Skies

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 天下第一面 (Tian Xia Di Yi Mian)
• Cuisine Features: Chinese northwest dishes, Shaanxi dishes
• Add. of Main Branch: On the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, No. 6, Yanta Road, Yanta District
• Opening Time: 10:30 – 22:30
• Signature dishes: First Noodle under the Sun, Biangbiang Noodles
• Average cost: About CNY 45 – 60/USD 7 – 9

Its signature dish, First Noodle under the Sun, consists of one 3-meter-long noodles served with two bowls of different soups: a southern-style seafood broth and a northern-style spicy and sour topping soup. So you can taste two flavors one time. The Biangbiang Noodles and noodles with minced pork are also beloved by many tourists.

Besides noodles, the restaurant also offers other famous Shaanxi cuisines, like Hulu Chicken, lamb paomo, etc.

4.Aihua Belt-thick Noodles – Retro Eatery for Xi’an’s Widest Noodles

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 爱骅裤面馆 (Ai Hua Ku Dai Mian)
• Cuisine Features: Various types of local noodles
• Add.: Main Branch: No. 6, Baishulin Street, Beilin District; Bell Tower Branch: 1st Floor, Cultural Relics Building, No. 56, South Street, Beilin District
• Opening Time: Main Branch: 09:00 – 22:00; Bell Tower Branch: 08:00 – 00:00
• Signature dishes: Biangbiang noodles, three-in-one noodles
• Average cost: About CNY 20 /USD 3

Aihua Belt-thick noodle becomes famous on the internet recently because of its Biangbiang noodles, which are long and wide, like belts. They are made by hand and have a chewy texture. Topped with meat, vegetables, quail eggs and sprayed with hot oil, the taste of the noodles is quite rich. It has been one of the most famous Xian foods.

You can also try other famous local noodles, like three-in-one noodles, Qishan noodles with minced pork and noodles with dipping sauce. The restaurant is not large, but the wooden tables and chairs and retro decorations will take you back to old Xian.

 

5.Tongshengxiang – Where Paomo Becomes Cultural Heritage

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 同盛祥 (Tong Sheng Xiang)
• Cuisine Features: offers both authentic paomo and traditional halal cuisines
• Add.: No. 5, West Street, Lianhu District
• Signature Dish: Mutton or Beef Paomo (bread soaked in meat soup)
• Opening Hours: 11:30 – 21:00
• Average Cost: about CNY 40 – 50/USD 6 – 7

This is a century-old Muslim restaurant established in 1920 that also successfully makes Paomo a national intangible cultural heritage dish. Their broth is rich and flavorful and the flatbread is delectably chewy. Enjoying paomo with pickled garlic and spicy sauce, you will taste the best flavor.

This classic eatery preserves traditional paomo-making techniques which have been passed down through generations, giving diners a warm and hearty taste of Xi’an heritage. Other recommended halal dishes include basin mutton, stir-fried dishes and halal hot pot.

6.Chun Fa Sheng – Time-Honored Hulu Tou Paomo Specialist

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 春发生(Chun Fa Sheng)
• Cuisine Features: Shaanxi snacks
• Add. of Main Branch: No. 25, Nanyuanmen Street, Beilin District
• Signature Dish: Hulu Tou Paomo
• Opening Hours: 10:30 – 21:00
• Average Cost: about CNY 40 – 50/USD 6 – 7

Established in 1920, Chun Da Sheng has been recognized as a time-honored brand of China in 2006. Its Hulu Tou Paomo is a provincial intangible cultural heritage, featuring richly flavored, aromatic soups made from pork intestines. Tearing the bread into small bites and soaking them in the hearty soup, it’s time to enjoy a bold, rustic flavor.

The restaurant also offers local specialties, like bangbang meat, spicy sheep’s blood with garlic, etc. It is a must-visit place for adventurous eaters eager to explore Xi’an’s more intense and distinctive flavors.

7.De Fa Chang – Dumpling Banquet Artistry

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 德发长 (De Fa Chang)
• Cuisine Features: Varieties of fancy dumplings
• Add.: No. 5, West Street, Lianhu District
• Signature Dish: Dumpling Feast
• Opening Hours: 11:00 – 21:30
• Average Cost: about CNY 40 – 80/USD 6 – 12

De Fa Chang is famous for the “dumpling banquet”, which is characterized by dozens of shapes and flavors of dumplings. Insisting on “one dumpling, one form, one flavor”, the dumplings are more than food, but also an edible work of art. If you want to enjoy the banquet, remember to book earlier. It will be the highlight of your Xian tour.

Culinary experts at De Fa Chang also craft playful dumpling designs that look like flowers, animals, and even Chinese characters. Till now, a total of over 300 types of dumplings have been created, earning the “Guinness World Record” for the restaurant with the most dumpling varieties. So, each bite is a blend of craftsmanship and flavor.

 

8.Jia San Halal Soup Dumplings – Iconic Halal Soup Dumplings with a Loyal Following

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 贾三清真灌汤包子馆(Jia San Qing Zhen Guan Tang Bao)
• Cuisine Features: Representative of characteristic soup dumplings in Xian
• Add.: No. 93, Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District
• Signature Dish: Beef soup dumplings, mutton soup dumplings
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:30
• Average Cost: about CNY 25 – 40/USD 4 – 6

Founded in 1884, this restaurant already has a history of over 140 years. Two of the most important things of dumplings made here are the delicate skins and savory soup that bursts on your first bite. Fillings include beef, lamb, or three-flavor combinations—perfectly paired with a warm bowl of eight-treasure porridge. A delicious halal alternative to the typical xiaolongbao, cherished by locals and visitors alike.

9.Weijia Cold Noodles – A Local Chain Favorite for Liangpi and Roujiamo

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 魏家凉皮 (Wei Jia Liang Pi)
• Cuisine Features: Abundant food options from famous local snacks, like cold noodles and roujiamo, to hamburgers
• Add.: Plenty of branches in Xian, some are near tourist attractions like Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Opening Time: mostly 07:30 – 22:00
• Signature dishes: Secret recipe cold noodles, cold noddles with sesame, roujiamo
• Average cost: About CNY 20 – 30/USD 3 – 4

For international travelers, Weijia Cold Noodles will be the top place to taste the cold noodles. The secret recipe cold noodles is favored by both locals and tourists. It tastes spicy and sour. If you can not accept spicy food, try cold noddles with sesame. Remember to pair the cold noodles with roujiamo.

Another must-try food in the restaurant is the hamburgers, which are almost the same as the picture on the menu. The meat patty is thick and juicy and the bread is soft. Most diners praise that it is more delicious than that sold in traditional fast food restaurants.

10.Fan Ji Lazhi Roujiamo – Where the Meat Meets the Bread Just Right

• Chinese Name (Pinyin): 樊记腊汁肉夹馍(Fan Ji La Zhi Rou Jia Mo)
• Cuisine Features: Snacks and fast food
• Add.: No. 53, Zhubashi Street, Beilin District
• Signature Dish: Roujiamo (braised meat sandwiches)
• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 21:30
• Average Cost: about CNY 15 – 20/USD 2 – 3

Roujiamo is reputed as a legendary Xi’an staple. And Fan Ji Lazhi Roujiamo is often dubbed the “original” and best roujiamo by the locals. Their flatbread is crispy and lightly toasted and their richly seasoned braised meat is always tender yet not greasy. For tourists, the seasoning is also just right. If you have time for only one street snack, this is widely considered an unbeatable choice.

 

Western Restaurants in Xian

Besides local restaurants, Xian, as an international tourism city, also provides very abundant options of western cuisine. Especially in the business circles like Bell Tower and Xiaozhai and near attractions like Datang Everbright City, the western restaurants are densely distributed. Some are in the shopping mall like SEGA in Xiaozhai, and some are in alleys like Zhongliu Lane near Bell Tower. You can combine your tour with the restaurant.

Recommended Upscale or Fine Dining Restaurant

• Louts (莲西餐):near the south gate of Tang Paradise, No. 99, Furong South Road, Yanta District. It offers both French cuisine and fusion dishes and features a romantic environment.
• B&G51Restaurant (B&G51餐厅): 51^st floor of Crowne Plaza Xi ‘an, No. 1, Middle Section of Zhuque Road, Beilin District. This is a French cuisine restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal meanwhile appreciating the cityscape.
• WEI (WEI全味西餐厅): 1^stfloor of W Hotel, No. 333, Qujiangchi East Road, Qujiang Street, Yanta District. This restaurant offers a buffet with a wide range of global cuisines. And on weekends, a hot pot buffet is also available.

Tips for Dining in Xian’s Popular Restaurants

• When eating paomo, especially in the century-old restaurants, diners need to break the buns by themselves and then hand the buns over to the chef for cooking.You can also try it.
• The roujiamo, cold noodles, and Ice Peak soda make the most popular set among the Xian locals.
• The Xi’an food is relatively greasy, high in salt, and a bit spicy. If you prefer to be lighter, inform the waiter when ordering that you want “less spicy”or “less salt”.
• Avoid the peak dining hours in popular restaurants: 11:30 – 13:00, 17:30 – 19:30. Otherwise, you will probably have to wait in a long queue. And your dining experience may be compromised.
• There is no tipping customary in Xian. All the services are included in the meal fee, so you only need to pay the bill.

FAQs about Food and Restaurants in Xian

What are the best restaurants near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower in Xian?

Xian Restaurant, De Fa Chang and Tongshengxiang are the best and most popular restaurants.

How much does a typical meal cost in Xi’an?

In general, the cost depends on your food options. The street snacks are popular and affordable. A bowl of cold noodles is about CNY 8 – 12/USD 1 – 2 and one roujiamo takes about CNY 10 – 12/USD 1.5 – 2. So about CNY 20/USD 3 is enough for a dinner or lunch. Of course, you may want to try some local cuisines, like Hulu Chicken. Then it is recommended to choose some hot local restaurants, whose expense is usually about CNY 50 – 100/USD 7 – 15 per person.

Which foods make the best souvenirs to take home from Xi’an?

A popular choice is the crystal cake sold by Demaogong Pastry store. Many locals send it as a gift during the festival. A bag of sour plum powder is also a nice choice. It is easy to preserve and brew. Just add water into the powder, it becomes plum syrup. If your friend loves spicy food, how about buying a bottle of chili oil sauce, a famous local sauce which is fragrant but not very spicy.

Eat Through Xian with China Xian Tour

Xian is not only an ancient capital, but also a food paradise. We can customize an Xian tour to combine the famous local restaurants and scenic spots. If you join a Best Xian Day Tour which lunch is left to your own interest, just tell our guide your requirement, the guide will lead you to any one restaurant above or other popular restaurant according to your interest.

What’s more, we also have a dumpling-making class. You can learn to make and eat the dumplings made by yourself. This will be an unforgettable experience. So do not hesitate to contact China Xian Tour.