8 of the Best Western Restaurants in Chengdu (when you need a break from the Sichuan peppercorn)

The bold and unique flavors of traditional Sichuanese cuisine such as spicy Hot Pot, Mapo Doufu and Kung Pao Chicken are adored by millions of people around the world. But while local flavors can be satisfied with innumerable bustling eateries around Chengdu, the growth of western restaurants in the city has been rapid over the past few years. For passing travellers, expats, and locals looking for something different and tasty, here is a collection of some of my favorite Western style restaurants in Chengdu.

 

Located in the busy neighborhood of Tongzilin, this little pizzeria makes delicious thin and thick crust pizzas with over 30 toppings and fresh homemade sides including garlic knots, mozzarella sticks and buffalo wings. Add that to a front row view of handmade pizza dough being skilfully tossed in the air by Mike himself and you have the best pizzeria in town. Don’t forget to make reservations before you go because they get quite busy. Get more information here.

Just around the corner from Mike’s Pizza Kitchen is this sweet treats nirvana selling meticulously prepared warm donuts, French patisserie, cheesecake, coffee and fresh fruit juice. Run by the experienced and amiable American baker Johnny whose love for pastry inspired him to learn to make a great donut, Johnny 5 Donuts is a place not to be missed for any sweet-toothed traveller.

Tucked away in the corner on Renmin South Road, this cozy restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home. Although on the pricier end of the scale, they have an impressive drinks menu and all time classic American meals such as baby back ribs, New Zealand fillet steak, pulled pork and buffalo chicken sandwiches. Find out more here.

This rustic themed restaurant is a utopia for anyone who loves classic American smoked barbecue. Their extensive menu features a large collection of wines, beers and everything BBQ, from smoked ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket to potato salad, cornbread, biscuits and ranch beans and 6 different types of homemade BBQ sauce to compliment your meal. Begin your authentic American BBQ journey here.

Chengdu is quickly making a name for itself on the rapidly growing map of craft beer cities in China and globally. With a selection of over 50 imported and locally brewed craft beer, cocktails and a large European food menu, including salads, sliders and steaks, this bar is one of the best places to spend the evening. Keep an eye out for their special fun nights with beer pong, ladies night, food and drink promotions and a daily happy hour from 2pm to 8pm here.

Specialising in authentic hamburgers with homemade condiments, sauces, buns and pickles, this little burger joint uses American Red Label and imported Angus cuts to make the best hamburgers in town. Their burgers come with savoury toppings including onion jam, mustard, BBQ sauce, Swiss cheese and sides including french fries made from scratch. Pair that with one of their inventive and delicious cocktails for a delightful culinary experience. Get more information about location and opening hours here.

Situated in the busy upscale outdoor shopping mall of Taikoo Li in downtown Chengdu, this western restaurant, originally from Shanghai, has an extensive drinks menu and foods including salads, sliders and steaks. It offers a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating where you can sit on the pedestrian street of the mall and enjoy a delicious meal. What’s more, its close proximity to the renowned Kuan Zhai Alleys and the Sichuan Specialty Shopping Center will give you a chance to shop for souvenirs and explore the traditional culture of Chengdu.

Staying true to its name, this restaurant offers a variety of fresh salads, hot soups, sandwiches, pasta, fresh juices and smoothies and was recently awarded the Seven Star for Outstanding Contribution award for serving high quality, healthy and delicious food. Located down the street from Blue Frog, this restaurant offers indoor seating with a good view of the Taikoo Li mall as well as comfortable outdoor seating with patio umbrellas and friendly servers. Find out more here.

 

Once you have satisfied your taste buds with delicious American flavors and you feel ready to embrace the Sichuan spice again, go on a Chengdu Food and Beer Tour where you will taste Chengdu’s most authentic local food including handmade dumplings, spicy noodles and stone baked bread. Feel like a local as you indulge in the spicy flavors of the Sichuan cuisine with unlimited beers and sodas while absorbing the culinary culture and atmosphere.