A Ningbo Laowai’s Guide to Western Dining

Sooner or later, many expats residing in China get the occasional – or in some cases quite frequent – urge to enjoy Western food. It occurred to me and several of my friends one day, after we had been in Ningbo for only a few months, that our want for a break from Chinese food had become a necessity. Initially we were at a loss. What were the best Western restaurants in Ningbo? So began our search.

Actually, this dilemma is understandable, given that many expats eat Chinese food only occasionally in their homeland. Despite the wide variety and different styles of Chinese food available, there are times when there is a need to have cuisine from other countries. Whether this means food from one’s motherland or elsewhere, it is a common request to hear from expats living in Ningbo for extended periods.

Whereas in cities such as Shanghai and Beijing there is an endless supply of Western restaurants to choose from, the selection in Ningbo is somewhat more limited owing to the smaller expat community. Nevertheless, when cravings for Western food emerge, there are some options in the city to satisfy your taste buds, predominantly located in the Haishu and Jiangdong districts. After frequenting the Western restaurants in Ningbo, below are five highly recommended venues offering food from around the world. Whether you are living in Ningbo or simply visiting, these restaurants are well worth trying.

1)  Amore’s Italian Restaurant
The recently redecorated Amore’s has established itself as a firm favourite with the expat community in Ningbo thanks to its authentic Italian food. A wide selection of dishes and a new and improved pizza menu ensure there is plenty to choose from. Meanwhile, the tranquil atmosphere guarantees an enjoyable eating experience.

Add: 109 Jiangdong Nan Lu, Jiangdong District, Ningbo
地址：宁波市江东区 江东南路109号                 
Tel: 0574 8783 8350
Something to try: Boscaiola Pizza (78 RMB)
Credit cards: Yes
Opening hours: lunch 11:00-14:00; dinner 17:00-22:00 

Case Maya, photo: chiker.cn

2) Casa Maya Mexican Restaurant
Casa Maya is a delightful Mexican restaurant located in Lao Waitan, with a cosy bar located downstairs. Friendly staff and a delicious range of Mexican dishes promise a good night out. The desserts are also very tempting.

Add: 39 Yangshan Lu, Lao Waitan, Haishu District, Ningbo
地址：宁波市老外滩扬善路39号    
Tel: 0574 8703 9599
Something to try: Mixed Chicken and Beef Fajitas (68 RMB)
Credit cards: Yes
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 17:30-22:30; Fri-Sat 17:30-23:00

Picanha

3) Picanha Brazilian BBQ
When you are in need of a generous serving of Western-style meat, look no further than the Picanha Brazilian BBQ in Haishu District. The buffet combines the best from the West with traditional Chinese food. From steak, chicken and bacon rolls to beef tongue and BBQ pineapple, there is something for everyone. Don’t worry though – if you aren’t completely full there are some delicious desserts to try, too. Now visitors can also benefit from extended hours until 23:00. Highly recommended for days when you are really hungry.

Add: 230 Jiefang Nan Lu, Haishu District, Ningbo
地址：宁波市海曙区解放南路230弄1~4号
Tel: 0574 8736 0077
Something to try: It has to be the buffet! (98 RMB)
Credit cards: Yes
Opening hours: 17:00-23:00

4) O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
This traditional Irish pub has a great atmosphere and is always a nice place to hang out with friends. What surprises many, though, is how good the food is. Some tasty pizzas, burgers and subs have helped O’Reilly’s become a popular venue with foreigners in the city. Always a good option for watching a soccer match, O’Reilly’s is arguably the best bar in Ningbo. Alternatively, if you opt for a night in, it’s also a great delivery option.

Add: 46-9 Caihong Bei Lu, Jiangdong District, Ningbo
地址：宁波市江东区彩虹北路46-9号           
Tel: 0574 8770 4282 
Something to try: Large Italian Sandwich (35 RMB)
Credit cards: Yes
Opening hours: 11:00-02:00

Pizza Pino

5) Pizza Pino
Pizza Pino, located in the trendy Heyi Avenue Shopping Center, offers a nice range of Italian dishes in a relaxed, ultra-modern atmosphere. Suspended firewood ovens and an Italian pizza chef help provide a traditional Italian eating experience. As an added bonus, customers select their food using an iPad!

Add: 1041B, Zone C, Heyi Avenue Shopping Center, 66 Heyi Lu, Haishu District, Ningbo
地址：宁波市海曙区和义路66号和义大道购物中心C区1041B
Tel: 0574 8389 9535
Something to try: Parma Ham Pizza (98 RMB)
Credit cards: Yes
Opening hours: 10:30-22:30

Related links
Delicious Eats around the Moon Lake Area in Ningbo
Shopping in Ningbo: The Best Markets
Ningbo Snacks