Highly recommended

I've been to the Houhai and Dongsi branches of this gem on many occasions and have always had great meals. The food is tasty, light and not as salty as the fare you get in a lot of local restaurants.

Of the two branches I've visited, the Houhai one definitely has the more classy surrounds. It's set in a beautiful traditional-style building lakeside, up the very far northern end of Houhai. If you have a large group the private rooms on the second floor are quite cosy. The only disadvantage of this branch is that it's invariably packed and you usually have to wait for a table, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Dongsi branch has equally good food, a more down-home feel, and I've never had to wait for a table. The downside, as other reviewers have mentioned, is that it's a little grottier and the clientele tend to smoke. The enclosed, crowded space means it's impossible to escape the cigarette fumes on a busy night.

The menu at both branches is also long, confusing and only in Chinese (no pictures). Unless you're a fluent reader, it's best to rope a local into to your group to help you get the most out of your experience.

Small problems aside, these place is highly recommended.