South Silk Road 茶马古道

Opened by Beijing-based artist Fang Lijun, these super-hip restaurants feature minimalist loft interiors bedecked with the owner's own artwork, down-home Yunnan specialties (including guoqiao mixian, crossing bridge noodles, Yunnan cui niupi, fried beef skins, and ru bing, fried goat's cheese) and their own brand of rice wine. The clientele at the Soho branch is mostly white collar professionals, while the Houhai branch offers outdoor seating with a nice view of the lake (and a slightly different menu). Voted “Outstanding Yunnan” in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards.