Top 15 Best Restaurants in Shenzhen for Families and Expats 2026

For Hong Kong families, authentic Cantonese yum cha is a comfortable entry point into Shenzhen dining. Tang Court and similar high-end Cantonese teahouses in the Luohu and Futian hotel districts serve impeccable har gow, siu mai, cheung fun, and roasted meats at prices noticeably lower than equivalent quality in Hong Kong. Budget CNY 80-150 per person (HKD 86-160). Dim sum service runs 7am-3pm daily; reservations recommended on weekends.

The Sea World Culture and Arts Centre plaza in Shekou (南山区蛇口海上世界) is Shenzhen's original expat dining hub, lined with international restaurants, bars, and cafes. Options include Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, Italian pizza, and international brunch spots. This area is 5 minutes from the Shekou Ferry Terminal (direct ferries to Hong Kong's China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun). Budget CNY 80-200 per person (HKD 86-215) depending on venue.

Xiabu Xiabu (呷哺呷哺) is a fast-casual individual hot pot chain extremely popular with families for its single-serving pots, fixed-price set menus, and clean, cheerful restaurants. Each diner gets their own personal pot of broth with a wide selection of fresh ingredients. Set meals start at CNY 45 per person (approx. HKD 48). Child-friendly with English picture menus at most Shenzhen locations. Found throughout Shenzhen's major shopping malls.

Tai Er is one of China's fastest-growing restaurant brands, famous for a single signature dish: Sichuan-style fish in sour-and-spicy pickled cabbage broth (酸菜鱼). The restaurants are lively, colourful, and designed with families in mind, and the signature dish is genuinely memorable. Budget CNY 70-100 per person (HKD 75-108). The mild version is suitable for children aged 8 and up. Found at MixC and Coastal City malls in Shenzhen.

Nayuki (奈雪的茶) was founded in Shenzhen in 2015 and is one of China's premier premium tea-and-fresh-bread chains, known for its Instagram-worthy fruit teas, soft pretzels, and Japanese-style milk breads. An essential stop for families exploring Shenzhen's food culture. Drinks cost CNY 20-38 (HKD 22-41). Clean, bright interiors with comfortable seating; excellent for a mid-afternoon break with children. Multiple locations across Shenzhen.

Hong Kong families familiar with Din Tai Fung will find the Shenzhen branches offer the same precision-crafted xiaolongbao and Taiwanese comfort food at marginally lower prices. The Shenzhen outlets are located in upscale malls including MixC Shenzhen and Coastal City, with Chinese and English menus. Budget CNY 100-160 per person (HKD 108-172). Consistently clean and child-friendly with high chairs available.

Bingsheng is a well-regarded Cantonese seafood chain with roots in Guangzhou, popular with Shenzhen business diners and families celebrating special occasions. Signature dishes include steamed grouper, stir-fried prawns with garlic, and hand-made tofu. Budget CNY 120-250 per person (HKD 130-270). Chinese menu with picture guide; staff at Shenzhen branches can communicate basic English. Reservations strongly recommended for weekend dinners.

Pizza Marzano is a Dutch-owned Italian pizza chain popular across Asia with a strong presence in Shenzhen's Shekou expat enclave. It's a reliable choice for families with picky eaters, offering wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and salads in a relaxed setting. Budget CNY 80-120 per person (HKD 86-130). English menus, credit cards accepted, and friendly service for foreign visitors. A short walk from the Shekou Ferry Terminal.

Yunhaiyao is one of China's most beloved Yunnan cuisine chains, showcasing the fragrant and less-spicy flavours of southwest China: crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线), mushroom hot pots, rose petal cakes, and wild herb salads. It is a wonderful introduction to a regional cuisine rarely found in Hong Kong. Budget CNY 80-120 per person (HKD 86-130). Suitable for children aged 4 and up. Located in major Shenzhen malls.

For Hong Kong families, authentic Cantonese yum cha is a comfortable entry point into Shenzhen dining. Tang Court and similar high-end Cantonese teahouses in the Luohu and Futian hotel districts serve impeccable har gow, siu mai, cheung fun, and roasted meats at prices noticeably lower than equivalent quality in Hong Kong. Budget CNY 80-150 per person (HKD 86-160). Dim sum service runs 7am-3pm daily; reservations recommended on weekends.

The Sea World Culture and Arts Centre plaza in Shekou (南山区蛇口海上世界) is Shenzhen's original expat dining hub, lined with international restaurants, bars, and cafes. Options include Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, Italian pizza, and international brunch spots. This area is 5 minutes from the Shekou Ferry Terminal (direct ferries to Hong Kong's China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun). Budget CNY 80-200 per person (HKD 86-215) depending on venue.

Xiabu Xiabu (呷哺呷哺) is a fast-casual individual hot pot chain extremely popular with families for its single-serving pots, fixed-price set menus, and clean, cheerful restaurants. Each diner gets their own personal pot of broth with a wide selection of fresh ingredients. Set meals start at CNY 45 per person (approx. HKD 48). Child-friendly with English picture menus at most Shenzhen locations. Found throughout Shenzhen's major shopping malls.

Tai Er is one of China's fastest-growing restaurant brands, famous for a single signature dish: Sichuan-style fish in sour-and-spicy pickled cabbage broth (酸菜鱼). The restaurants are lively, colourful, and designed with families in mind, and the signature dish is genuinely memorable. Budget CNY 70-100 per person (HKD 75-108). The mild version is suitable for children aged 8 and up. Found at MixC and Coastal City malls in Shenzhen.

Nayuki (奈雪的茶) was founded in Shenzhen in 2015 and is one of China's premier premium tea-and-fresh-bread chains, known for its Instagram-worthy fruit teas, soft pretzels, and Japanese-style milk breads. An essential stop for families exploring Shenzhen's food culture. Drinks cost CNY 20-38 (HKD 22-41). Clean, bright interiors with comfortable seating; excellent for a mid-afternoon break with children. Multiple locations across Shenzhen.

Hong Kong families familiar with Din Tai Fung will find the Shenzhen branches offer the same precision-crafted xiaolongbao and Taiwanese comfort food at marginally lower prices. The Shenzhen outlets are located in upscale malls including MixC Shenzhen and Coastal City, with Chinese and English menus. Budget CNY 100-160 per person (HKD 108-172). Consistently clean and child-friendly with high chairs available.

Bingsheng is a well-regarded Cantonese seafood chain with roots in Guangzhou, popular with Shenzhen business diners and families celebrating special occasions. Signature dishes include steamed grouper, stir-fried prawns with garlic, and hand-made tofu. Budget CNY 120-250 per person (HKD 130-270). Chinese menu with picture guide; staff at Shenzhen branches can communicate basic English. Reservations strongly recommended for weekend dinners.

Pizza Marzano is a Dutch-owned Italian pizza chain popular across Asia with a strong presence in Shenzhen's Shekou expat enclave. It's a reliable choice for families with picky eaters, offering wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and salads in a relaxed setting. Budget CNY 80-120 per person (HKD 86-130). English menus, credit cards accepted, and friendly service for foreign visitors. A short walk from the Shekou Ferry Terminal.

Yunhaiyao is one of China's most beloved Yunnan cuisine chains, showcasing the fragrant and less-spicy flavours of southwest China: crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线), mushroom hot pots, rose petal cakes, and wild herb salads. It is a wonderful introduction to a regional cuisine rarely found in Hong Kong. Budget CNY 80-120 per person (HKD 86-130). Suitable for children aged 4 and up. Located in major Shenzhen malls.