Shell Suzhou Exhibition Center Huning Chengtie Zone Station Jinfeng Square

Perched on the shore of Jinji Lake, this restaurant champions a modern take on Suzhou cuisine that shows restraint in the use of oil and seasoning. Prices are reasonable considering the scenic setting and remarkable food quality. The signature lion's head meatball soup is made with Berkshire pork, longsnout catfish and water chestnuts, delivering a bouncy texture and crunch. Reservations are only accepted for private rooms and the lakeside terrace.

Tucked away in the Pingjiang historic quarter, this restaurant was remodelled from an ancient mansion encompassing the quintessence of classical Suzhou garden and architecture. Similarly, the season-driven menu is based heavily on Suzhou culinary traditions, enlivened by modern twists. Mantis shrimps with soft roe are dressed in fermented rice lees marinade and topped with caviar. The duck soup with ham and fox nuts presents rich flavours and deep umami.

This shop is famed for its Aozao noodle soup, a Kunshan speciality and designated as intangible cultural heritage. Just a stone's throw from Pingjiang historic quarter, the restaurant is clean and cosy, albeit not particularly spacious. The noodles, cooked al dente, come with your choice of one or two toppings, such as braised pork, duck or fried eel strips – the most popular and loaded with umami. The red broth is flavoursome and sweet.

This three-storey lakeside mansion is home to the first haute cuisine establishment of a nationwide dumpling chain. The kitchen and service teams deliver authentic Northeastern flavours and spot-on, friendly service. The two set menus focus respectively on abalone and sea cucumber, alongside seasonal seafood like raw marinated lobster and jellyfish, as well as the must-try sea urchin dumplings that burst with umami.

The elegant room in traditional Chinese style sports latticed screens and dark walnut furniture. In addition to Huaiyang classics like salt-brined goose, and shredded tofu soup, also try deep-fried, Suzhou-style fish in sweet soy that is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Huaiyang wok-fried eel strips glisten in a shiny soy glaze, boasting bouncy flesh, a peppery kick and garlicky aromas. Also check out the seasonal lineup.

The head chef is a Suzhou native with over 30 years of experience in Jiangsu cooking. Only the freshest local produce makes it into his repertoire, which boasts spot-on seasoning and exceptional wok hei. His signature braised boneless beef cubes melt in the mouth; the sticky, briny-sweet dark soy sauce is rich and mellow. The steamed sponge cake, freshly made daily, is a great way to round things off. The open kitchen makes for an engaging experience.

The panoramic lake views from this light-filled space atop an office tower are lovely to behold. But they don't outshine the refined Suzhou cooking that showcases the best local produce in season. The signature Suzhou claypot rice with braised pork and green garlic features young bamboo shoots in spring and chestnuts in autumn. House-made chilli sauce with beef and dried fish adds a kick; the scorched rice at the bottom imparts smoky crispness.