Hangzhou’s Best Pizza & Western Food Options

For centuries, travelers have been drawn to Hangzhou for its serene West Lake, ancient tea fields, and poetic landscapes. The city is a living postcard of classical China. But the modern traveler’s palate often craves variety, and after days of indulging in exquisite Dongpo Pork and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, a familiar, comforting slice of pizza or a perfectly cooked steak can feel like a revelation. The culinary scene in Hangzhou has evolved dramatically, weaving a new thread of international flair into its rich, traditional tapestry. This isn't just about finding food from back home; it's about discovering how global flavors have found a unique and delicious home in one of China's most beautiful cities.

The rise of Western cuisine in Hangzhou is a direct reflection of its growing status as a global hub for tech, tourism, and trade. The influx of international professionals, students, and a more worldly local population has created a demand that passionate chefs and restaurateurs have been thrilled to meet. What you'll find here is not merely imitation, but often innovation—a fascinating fusion of techniques and ingredients that pays respect to both its origin and its new home.

Beyond the Slice: The Quest for Authentic Pizza in Hangzhou

The search for great pizza is a global pastime, and in Hangzhou, it’s a journey that takes you from the bustling streets of the CBD to the quiet, artsy corners of the city.

The Neapolitan Sanctuary: La Goccia

Tucked away near the Grand Canal, La Goccia is as close as you'll get to a trip to Naples without a plane ticket. The centerpiece of the intimate, warmly lit dining room is the massive, hand-built, wood-fired oven, imported directly from Italy. The magic here is in the details: the Caputo flour, the San Marzano tomatoes, the Fior di Latte mozzarella, and the 00-specific salt. The result is a pizza with a characteristically puffy, leopard-spotted cornicione (the crust edge) that is soft, chewy, and faintly smoky. Their Margherita is a masterpiece of simplicity, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine. It’s a favorite among expats and Italian visitors who claim it’s the real deal, and a must-visit for any pizza purist exploring Hangzhou.

The New York-Style Institution: Moondog Pizza Bar

If your idea of pizza is a large, foldable slice with a thin, sturdy crust and generous toppings, then Moondog Pizza Bar in the lively Xihu Tiandi area is your spot. With a vibe that channels a downtown NYC joint—exposed brick, dim lighting, and a constant buzz of conversation—Moondog serves up pies that are satisfying and familiar. Their pepperoni pizza, with its crispy, cupping pepperoni and slightly greasy (in the best way) surface, is a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends after a day of sightseeing, share a pie and a pitcher of local craft beer, and soak in the energetic atmosphere. It’s less about delicate artistry and more about hearty, delicious comfort food.

The Creative Fusion: Bao Ta Lu 45

No exploration of food in China is complete without acknowledging the brilliant local twists. Bao Ta Lu 45, named after its address, is a trendy spot that isn't afraid to experiment. While they serve classic pizzas, their signature creation is a testament to Hangzhou's fusion spirit: the Longjing Cha Smoked Duck Pizza. Imagine a base brushed with a subtle hoisin-like sauce, topped with tender, smoky tea-infused duck, scallions, and a sprinkle of fresh Longjing tea leaves. It sounds unconventional, but it works beautifully, offering a savory, aromatic, and uniquely Hangzhounese pizza experience that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

A Cut Above: Exceptional Western Entrees and Fine Dining

While pizza is the universal language of comfort, Hangzhou’s upscale Western dining scene has also matured, offering everything from rustic European classics to modern American fare.

The Steakhouse Experience: The Brew by SL

Located with a stunning view of the Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) on the city's outskirts, The Brew is worth the trip. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a microbrewery and a premier steakhouse. Their dry-aged steaks are the main attraction. Sourced from high-quality Australian and American beef, the steaks are cooked to perfection over an open grill. The ribeye, with its rich marbling, is a standout. Pair it with one of their house-brewed beers—perhaps a robust stout or a crisp pilsner—and you have a meal that rivals any top steakhouse in the West. The industrial-chic ambiance, combined with the lake view, makes for a memorable dining occasion, perfect for a special night out.

Rustic Italian Elegance: VITA

Perched on the shores of West Lake inside the Banyan Tree Hotel, VITA offers an unparalleled fine-dining experience. The setting is breathtaking, with panoramic windows framing the iconic lake and its pagodas. The menu is a journey through Italy, crafted with precision and flair. It’s not just about pizza here; it’s about handmade pastas like silky pappardelle with a rich wild boar ragu, succulent osso buco, and fresh seafood risotto. Their wine list is extensive and expertly curated. Dining at VITA is as much about the visual feast as it is about the culinary one, making it a top recommendation for a romantic evening or a celebratory dinner that encapsulates the luxury and beauty of Hangzhou.

Modern Gastropub Fare: The Salted Egg

In the heart of the Zhongshan Road shopping district, The Salted Egg offers a more casual but equally delicious take on Western food. This gastropub has become a local favorite for its creative spins on classic dishes. Think a decadent truffle mac and cheese, a juicy burger with aged cheddar and caramelized onions on a brioche bun, and their famous fish and chips with a light, crispy batter. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, filled with a mix of locals and foreigners. It’s the ideal spot to refuel after a long day of shopping and exploring the city's historic center.

Pairing Your Meal with the Hangzhou Vibe

The beauty of enjoying Western food in Hangzhou is that it often comes with a side of incredible ambiance, deeply connected to the city's tourist hotspots.

Imagine finishing a hike through the bamboo forests of Yunqi Bamboo Trail and heading to a place like La Goccia for a well-earned pizza. Or, after a day of cruising on West Lake, dressing up for an elegant dinner at VITA, watching the sun set over the water as you sip a fine Chianti. A trip to the historic Hefang Street for souvenirs and traditional snacks can be perfectly capped off with a hearty meal and a craft beer at The Salted Egg. These culinary experiences are not isolated; they are woven into the very fabric of your travel itinerary, providing delightful contrasts and moments of familiar comfort.

The city's craft coffee scene, which has exploded in recent years, also pairs wonderfully with its Western food offerings. Grabbing a perfectly pulled espresso from a minimalist café in the Nanshan Road art district before a pizza lunch is a ritual for many in-the-know visitors. The international and local communities in Hangzhou have created a dynamic ecosystem where food, drink, and culture intersect seamlessly.

Finding these gems is part of the adventure. While international apps like Google Maps can be unreliable, local platforms like Dianping are indispensable. A quick photo-scan of a menu or using a translation app can help you navigate, but often, the English-speaking staff at these establishments are accustomed to guiding international guests. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations; the chefs and owners are usually passionate about their craft and eager to share their best dishes with you.

From the timeless tranquility of its ancient pagodas to the vibrant, modern energy of its culinary scene, Hangzhou offers a complete and satisfying travel experience. The quest for the perfect pizza or a sublime steak leads you to discover another layer of the city—a layer that is cosmopolitan, creative, and warmly welcoming. It proves that in Hangzhou, you can have it all: the profound beauty of a landscape that has inspired poets for a millennium, and a meal that can comfort a traveler’s soul, no matter where they call home.