Best Brunch With a View in Xiamen: Great Food and Better Scenery
Words by
Mei Lin
Best brunch with a view in Xiamen is not a hard thing to find if you know where to look. This city sits on the Taiwan Strait with a coastline that curves around islands, harbors, and reclaimed land, so the geography alone gives you options most Chinese cities cannot match. I have spent years eating my way through Xiamen's brunch scene, dragging friends to rooftops, waterfront patios, and hillside terraces before the midday heat hits. What follows is my personal directory of where to go when you want good food, strong coffee, and a backdrop that reminds you why Xiamen was once called the "Egret Island."
The Lujiang Waterfront Brunch Spots
Lujiang Da Dao, the promenade running along the edge of Gulangyu-facing water, is where most visitors start their morning without even realizing it. The stretch between the Xiamen Ferry Terminal and the Zengcuo'an village end has seen a quiet revolution in the last five years, with old shophouses converted into airy cafes that open their French doors to the sea breeze by 8:30 AM.
1. Lujiang Dao Heritage Cafe Row
What to Order: The shacha noodle brunch bowl with a soft-boiled egg and fresh herbs, paired with a hand-poured V60 using Yunnan beans. The shacha sauce here is made in-house, not from a packet, and you can taste the difference in the roasted peanut depth.
Best Time: Weekday mornings between 8:00 and 9:30 AM, before the tour groups arrive and the promenade gets crowded with selfie sticks.
The Vibe: Relaxed and unhurried, with ceiling fans spinning slowly and the sound of ferry horns in the distance. The downside is that the outdoor tables along the waterfront fill up fast on weekends, and the wait for food can stretch past 25 minutes when the kitchen is slammed.
Local Tip: Walk 200 meters past the main cluster of cafes toward the older section near the fishing dock. There is a family-run spot with no English menu that serves congee with dried oyster and fresh youtiao for under 20 RMB. The grandmother who runs it has been there for decades and remembers every regular.
This stretch of Lujiang Dao carries the memory of Xiamen's history as one of China's original treaty ports. The colonial-era buildings across the water on Gulangyu are visible from every table, and eating here in the morning light gives you a sense of the maritime trade that built this city long before the tech parks arrived.
Rooftop Brunch Xiamen: The Zhongshan Road Skyline
Zhongshan Road is Xiamen's most famous pedestrian shopping street, but almost nobody goes upstairs. The upper floors of the buildings along this arcade-lined road house a handful of rooftop spaces that most tourists walk right under without a second glance.
2. The Rooftop at Zhongshan Arcade
What to Order: Eggs Benedict with a Fujian twist, the hollandaise spiked with local white pepper, and a side of freshly baked pineapple cake that crumbles into buttery shards. The cold-pressed sugarcane juice is worth ordering on its own.
Best Time: Sunday mornings around 10:00 AM, when the street below is lively but not yet at its midday peak, and the light hits the rooftop at an angle that makes the old arcade roof tiles glow.
The Vibe: Urban and slightly gritty in the best way, with views over the tiled rooftops of the old town and the newer high-rises of Siming District beyond. The Wi-Fi signal on the rooftop is unreliable, so do not plan on working from here.
Local Tip: Access is through a side alley near the old department store building. Look for the narrow staircase marked with a small sign in Chinese. Most delivery drivers know the entrance, so if you are lost, just ask a courier.
Zhongshan Road was built in the 1920s as part of Xiamen's modernization push, and the arcade architecture reflects the Southern Fujian style that blends Southeast Asian and European influences. Eating on a rooftop here connects you to a layer of the city that most visitors never see, the living, breathing residential life that continues above the shopfronts.
Waterfront Brunch Xiamen at Huandao Road
Huandao Road, the Island Ring Road, traces the coastline of Xiamen Island and offers what is arguably the most scenic driving route in Fujian Province. But you do not need a car to enjoy it. Several restaurants and cafes along the eastern stretch, between Xiamen University and the Xiamen International Conference Center, have terraces that sit just meters above the waterline.
3. Huandao Road Seafood Brunch Terrace
What to Order: The steamed sea bass with ginger and scallion, served with rice porridge and pickled vegetables. For something lighter, the omelet with fresh shrimp and chives is excellent. Ask for the house-made chili oil if you like heat.
Best Time: Early Saturday morning, around 8:30 AM, when the fishing boats are coming in and the light over the water is soft and golden. By 11:00 AM the sun is already harsh.
The Vibe: Open-air and breezy, with plastic chairs and white tablecloths that flap in the wind. It feels like eating at someone's seaside home rather than a restaurant. The drawback is that the restroom facilities are basic, and there is no shade once the sun climbs higher.
Local Tip: If you are cycling Huandao Road, there is a bike rental stand about 500 meters west of this spot. Rent a bike, ride the coastal path, and stop here when you are hungry. The ride from Xiamen University takes about 20 minutes and passes several small beaches worth pausing at.
This section of coastline was largely undeveloped until the 1990s, when Xiamen's Special Economic Zone status brought investment and infrastructure. The seafood restaurants that popped up here originally served the fishing communities that had worked these waters for generations. Many of the owners are third-generation fishers who transitioned into hospitality without losing their connection to the sea.
The Scenic Brunch Xiamen Scene in Zengcuo'an
Zengcuo'an was once a quiet fishing village at the southeastern tip of Xiamen Island. Today it is a maze of guesthouses, craft beer bars, and brunch spots that cater to a young, creative crowd. The village sits on a slight elevation above the water, which means even the ground-floor cafes get decent views.
4. Zengcuo'an Alleyway Brunch House
What to Order: The Taiwanese-style pork belly bao with pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts, served alongside a latte made with locally roasted beans. The mango shaved ice is a solid choice if the humidity is already climbing.
Best Time: Weekday afternoons around 2:00 PM, when the lunch crowd has cleared and you can claim a window seat overlooking the narrow alley. Weekends are chaotic, with lines out the door by 10:00 AM.
The Vibe: Bohemian and slightly cluttered, with mismatched furniture, potted plants on every surface, and indie music playing from a Bluetooth speaker. The service can be slow, and the single-server setup means you might wait a while for your bill.
Local Tip: The alley behind the main strip has a small morning market that opens at 6:00 AM. Buy fresh fruit, warm soy milk, and a roubing stuffed with red bean, then eat on the stone steps overlooking the harbor. It costs a fraction of what the brunch spots charge and gives you a more authentic slice of village life.
Zengcuo'an's transformation mirrors Xiamen's broader shift from a port city to a cultural and tourism hub. The village was home to one of the earliest Christian communities in Fujian, and you can still see the old chapel building tucked between the guesthouses. The creative energy here draws comparisons to Shoreditch or Shimokitazawa, but the fishing nets drying in the sun remind you that this is still, at its core, a coastal Fujian village.
Gulangyu Island Brunch With a View
Gulangyu, the car-free island just a five-minute ferry ride from downtown Xiamen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited spots in Fujian. Most tourists arrive by 9:00 AM and leave by 3:00 PM, which means the island's best brunch timing is counterintuitive.
5. Gulangyu Hillside Garden Cafe
What to Order: The Fujian tea egg and avocado toast, a fusion that sounds odd but works because the tea egg's five-spice marinade cuts through the richness of the avocado. The oolong tea flight, featuring three local rock teas from the Wuyi Mountains, is a must for tea lovers.
Best Time: Late morning on a weekday, arriving on the 7:30 AM ferry before the crowds. By 10:30 AM you will have the garden terrace mostly to yourself.
The Vibe: Tranquil and green, surrounded by banyan trees and the sound of piano music drifting from one of the island's many music schools. The only real complaint is that the portions are small for the price, and you will likely need a second coffee to feel satisfied.
Local Tip: After brunch, walk uphill along the back paths away from Longtou Road, the main tourist drag. The residential lanes on the island's northern slope are quiet, shaded, and lined with colonial-era villas that most visitors never see. Bring water, because the hills are steeper than they look.
Gulangyu's history as an international settlement in the early 20th century left it with an architectural legacy that is unmatched in southern China. The garden cafe sits on what was once the grounds of a British merchant's residence, and the stone walls and iron gates are original. Eating here, you are literally sitting inside a piece of Xiamen's treaty port past.
The University District Brunch Culture
Xiamen University, consistently ranked among the most beautiful campuses in China, sits at the foot of a hill with views over the South China Sea. The surrounding neighborhood, centered on the Xiada and Shawei areas, has developed a brunch culture driven by students, expats, and young professionals.
6. Xiada Campus-Adjacent Brunch Spot
What to Order: The dan dan mian with a fried egg on top, a brunch adaptation of the Sichuan classic that the chef learned during a stint in Chengdu. The fresh soy milk, served warm in a ceramic cup, is made daily and has a creamy texture that puts commercial versions to shame.
Best Time: Saturday mornings around 9:00 AM, when the campus is quiet and the nearby South Putuo Temple monks are finishing their morning chanting, which you can faintly hear from the outdoor seating area.
The Vibe: Casual and studious, with laptops on most tables and a rotating cast of university students debating everything from philosophy to startup ideas. The noise level can get high during peak hours, and finding a table near an outlet is competitive.
Local Tip: Walk through the university campus after brunch. The Furong Lake, with its black swans and lotus ponds, is open to the public during certain hours, and the walk from the brunch spot takes about 10 minutes. The campus was designed in the 1920s by the overseas Chinese philanthropist Tan Kah Kee, and his influence is visible in the blend of Western and Southern Fujian architectural styles.
Xiamen University has been the intellectual heart of the city for over a century, and the surrounding neighborhood reflects that energy. The brunch spots here are less about spectacle and more about substance, good food at student-friendly prices in a setting that feels genuinely local.
The Shapowei Art District Waterfront
Shapowei, once Xiamen's oldest fishing harbor, was transformed into an art district in the 2010s. The old fish market buildings now house galleries, design studios, and a handful of restaurants that have embraced the waterfront location with outdoor seating and floor-to-ceiling windows.
7. Shapowei Harbor Brunch Counter
What to Order: The Xiamen-style satay noodle soup, served as a brunch portion with extra peanuts and a side of youtiao for dipping. The fresh coconut water, served in the shell, is the best refresher on a humid morning.
Best Time: Friday mornings, when the art district is quiet and you can watch the harbor come to life as boats move in and out. By Saturday afternoon the area is packed with art market visitors.
The Vibe: Industrial-chic, with exposed brick, repurposed fishing equipment as decor, and a view of the working harbor that reminds you this was a real fish market not long ago. The seating is limited, and the communal tables mean you might end up next to strangers, which can be either fun or awkward depending on your mood.
Local Tip: The Shapowei Art Zone hosts a small creative market on the first Saturday of each month. If your visit coincides with it, arrive early, browse the stalls, and then settle in for brunch. The market vendors sell everything from handmade ceramics to natural dye textiles, and the prices are reasonable.
Shapowei's reinvention as an art district is part of Xiamen's broader effort to rebrand itself as a creative city. The harbor was the center of Xiamen's fishing industry for over a century, and the old market stalls where fish were auctioned at dawn are now gallery spaces. The brunch spots here honor that history by keeping the menu rooted in local flavors while embracing the contemporary energy of the district.
The Wutong Waterfront and Software Park Area
The Wutong area, along the eastern waterfront near the Xiamen Software Park, is where the city's tech workforce gathers on weekends. The brunch scene here is newer, more polished, and slightly more expensive than what you will find in the older neighborhoods.
8. Wutong Waterfront Brunch Pavilion
What to Order: The eggs Florentine with locally sourced spinach and a hollandaise that has a subtle hint of lemongrass, a nod to Southeast Asian flavors that reflects Xiamen's historical trade connections. The specialty coffee menu includes a cold brew infused with osmanthus flower, which is fragrant without being overpowering.
Best Time: Sunday mornings between 9:30 and 11:00 AM, when the waterfront promenade is filled with joggers and cyclists and the energy is upbeat but not overwhelming.
The Vibe: Modern and clean-lined, with white furniture, glass railings, and an unobstructed view of the harbor. It feels more like a concept restaurant than a neighborhood spot, and the prices reflect that. The portions are generous, but the atmosphere can feel a bit sterile compared to the grittier charm of Shapowei or Zengcuo'an.
Local Tip: After brunch, walk south along the waterfront promenade toward the Xiamen International Conference Center. The architecture of the conference center is striking, and the public plaza in front of it offers one of the best panoramic views of the harbor. On clear days, you can see Kinmen Island in the distance.
Wutong represents the new Xiamen, the city that has grown rapidly on the back of technology, trade, and its proximity to Taiwan. The brunch spots here cater to a demographic that values aesthetics and convenience, and while they lack the historical depth of the older neighborhoods, they offer a window into where the city is heading.
When to Go and What to Know
Xiamen's brunch season is essentially year-round, but the experience varies dramatically with the weather. October through December is the sweet spot, warm but not oppressive, with clear skies and low humidity. March and April bring the flower season, and the city's bougainvillea and frangipani are in full bloom, adding color to every waterfront view. May through September is hot and humid, with temperatures regularly above 33 degrees Celsius and afternoon thunderstorms that can shut down outdoor seating without warning.
Most brunch spots in Xiamen open between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and serve until 2:00 or 3:00 PM. Reservations are rarely required on weekdays but are strongly recommended for weekend rooftop and waterfront tables. Payment is almost universally through WeChat Pay or Alipay, and many smaller spots still do not accept foreign credit cards, so have a payment app set up before you go.
The scenic brunch Xiamen scene is competitive, and places open and close with some frequency. Check recent reviews on Dianping before making a special trip, and do not be surprised if a spot you read about has changed names or menus since your last visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xiamen expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
A mid-tier traveler in Xiamen should budget around 500 to 800 RMB per day, covering accommodation in a three-star hotel or quality guesthouse (250 to 400 RMB), meals at local and mid-range restaurants (150 to 250 RMB), and local transportation including taxis and ferry tickets (50 to 100 RMB). Brunch at a scenic spot typically runs 60 to 120 RMB per person, which is comparable to other major Chinese coastal cities like Qingdao or Dalian.
How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Xiamen?
Xiamen has a strong Buddhist vegetarian tradition, and dedicated vegetarian restaurants are common, particularly near temples like South Putuo. Most brunch spots in the city now offer at least one or two plant-based options, and the university district has several fully vegan cafes. Finding purely plant-based menus is easier here than in most second-tier Chinese cities, though you will still need to communicate clearly about avoiding animal-based broths and sauces.
What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Xiamen is famous for?
Shacha noodles are the signature dish of Xiamen, a satay-based noodle soup with roots in Southeast Asian cuisine that has been adapted over generations into something distinctly local. The sauce, made from dried shrimp, peanuts, garlic, and a blend of spices, is the foundation of the dish and varies from shop to shop. For a drink, Xiamen's oolong tea, particularly the Anxi Tieguanyin variety grown in the surrounding county, is the local standard and is served at virtually every meal.
Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Xiamen?
There are no strict dress codes at brunch spots in Xiamen, though upscale rooftop venues may expect smart casual attire. When visiting temples like South Putuo, which is near several brunch areas, cover your shoulders and knees. Tipping is not expected or practiced in Xiamen, and queuing norms are relaxed compared to northern Chinese cities, so be prepared for a more fluid approach to waiting in line.
Is the tap water in Xiamen safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?
Tap water in Xiamen is not safe to drink directly. All restaurants and cafes serve boiled or filtered water, and most brunch spots will provide a carafe of hot water without being asked. Bottled water is inexpensive, around 2 to 5 RMB at convenience stores, and is the simplest option for travelers. Many hotels provide electric kettles and complimentary bottled water in rooms.
Enjoyed this guide? Support the work
