Qiantang Garden (Shuangyushu North Road)

The owner opened this joint in early 2000s to serve signature dishes from his hometown of Ningbo, especially seafood – his close connections with fishermen back home mean he gets the freshest catch shipped to him daily. Pick from the fish tank, or try specialities such as oil-blanched river shrimps seasoned with a dash of vinegar and grated ginger. Hairtail cooked in myriad ways is also popular, perfect with house-made waxberry juice.