It's time to take advantage of this excellent (read: super hot) weather and take every opportunity to be outside (or under the nearest AC unit, your call). Here's a list of our top picks for Guangzhou's best al fresco dining spots, because food and drinks taste even better in the open air.
1920
Boasting what could be Yuexiu’s most exclusive patio vibe, 1920’s rooftop terrace is the place to see and been seen on Jianshe Liu Malu. Al fresco diners can bask in the casual-yet-elegant atmosphere while enjoying authentic German edibles and sipping on 1920’s city-renowned Long Island iced tea – one of the strongest pours in town, by our assessment.
Bar 5
Located on the roof of LN Hotel 5, with a view of the riverside and striking Haizhu Bridge, this little-known al fresco bar offers front-row seats to one of the most picturesque nightscapes around.
Brez'n
Opened last year at Kingold International Financial Center, located near Zhujiang New Town Metro Station, is Brez’n. Brightly lit by natural light and antler-shaped pendants, this Teutonic tavern is housed on the complex's first floor, beside the Happy Monk. The venue greets white-collar workers out for lunch or happy hour drinks with glass walls and brisk colors. In addition to hearty Bavarian food and Paulaner brews, Brez’n has a rocking outdoor area composed of wooden patio furniture and tent-sized umbrellas to offer much-needed cover from South China’s blistering sun.
Canton Place
All of Canton Place is one big happy patio, really. A myriad of great eateries await in this culinary coliseum, most of which boast an al fresco area for sunny-day snacking or a warm evening of wining and dining. Of the restaurants here that boast a patio, we recommend Mi Casa, 1920 and Element Fresh.
Element Fresh Taikoo Hui
Taikoo Hui’s rooftop is awesome day or night for many reasons, one of the most commonly cited being foodie favorite Element Fresh. Notable for healthy options – including a substantial salad menu, delicious mains, a kid’s menu and no frills cocktails, this restaurant’s patio is the perfect place to stuff your face and catch a buzz in the blistering-hot Guangzhou sun.
See listing for Element Fresh Taikoo Hui.
The Happy Monk Kingold Century
Located in the heart of Zhujiang New Town, The Happy Monk Kingold's patio can host roughly 90 people and is perfect for afternoon pints or devouring plates of their legendary Cajun chicken bites. If you prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of Zhujiang, consider visiting The Monk’s Jianshe Wu Malu or Happy Valley locations – both of which have epic patios as well.
See listing for The Happy Monk Kingold.
Kui Yuan Café
Housed on the second floor of a mansion built in 1922, the patio of Kui Yuan Café is the perfect spot to cozy up with a novel and relive the charm of historic Dongshankou.
See listing for Kui Yuan Café.
Mercato
A new arrival on Guangzhou’s dynamic F&B scene, Mercato is as upscale as it comes, whether you seek a lively atmosphere by the bar or an intimate dinner under the stars. Take your meal al fresco or enjoy stunning post-meal views of Zhujiang New Town from the commodious outdoor patio. Just don’t flinch when you get the tab; whoever said Guangzhou was cheap obviously hasn’t been to K11 Mall.
Morton’s Grille
Perched on the fifth and sixth floors of International Grand City, just outside Liede station, Morton’s Grille treats visitors to breathtaking views of the Pearl River, Canton Tower and the cityscape beyond. Book an outdoor table in advance to make the most of your romantic splurge.
See listing for Morton’s Grille.
Paulaner Brauhaus
On the opposite end of the Taikoo Hui rooftop from Element Fresh is Guangzhou’s equally popular Paulaner Brauhaus. This outdoor patio area is popular year-round (they have heaters for the cooler months) with schnitzel lovers, fans of delicious German beer and those who just like to people-watch.
See listing for Paulaner Brauhaus.
The Roof Bar
The best kind of bar is a rooftop bar, and the best kind of drinks are drinks with a view. It’s what Instagram was made for – not those pseudo-artsy shots of Sunday brunch. Trendy imported swills like Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo Chardonnay (RMB360) and Yamazaki 12 Year (RMB1,580) are on offer here, as are vintage wines and champagnes, premium cocktails, cognacs and whiskies – all at prices one would expect to pay in such a swish establishment. Come sip a cocktail on the top of the world and take in the awe-inspiring expanse of our city from 70 floors up.
Wilber’s
Nestled in one of Guangzhou’s original old town alleyways, Wilber’s serves up artistic presentations of meringue filled with fruits and prune clafoutis with vanilla sauce until as late as 2am. Wander around the back of this boutique restaurant to find a secluded terrace fit for starry-eyed diners or a simple nightcap with friends.
For more recommendations and reviews, see our bars and restaurants page. To see more helpful guides to living in Guangzhou, click here.
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