托尼诺·兰博基尼酒店 杭州

Off the beaten track in Shushan Ecological Village, this restaurant is set in an idyllic landscape. Despite its distance from the city centre, locals flock here for authentic Suzhou cooking while on a day out in Suzhou's majestic nature. The signature braised goose is repeatedly steeped in an aged marinade with 16 spices so that the flavour penetrates deep into the bones. Clams with baby burr clovers are a classic with a unique grassy fragrance.

A must for lamb lovers, this restaurant has been around for over two decades. From cold appetizers and soups to stir-fries and starch, every course will satisfy your craving for lamb. Generously covered in cumin, grilled lamb’s leg comes in the perfect portion size for the solo diner with firm, flavoursome flesh. Mung bean soup with mint, sticky rice, red beans and candied winter melon will end your meal with a flourish.

Most of the kitchen team hails from Yangzhou, so it is no surprise that the elegantly appointed restaurant specialises in Yangzhou cuisine. Handmade dim sum is the must-try. Served piping hot, the soup dumpling with crabmeat and crab roe filling is wrapped in wafer-thin dough and meticulously pleated by hand. Enjoy the soup with a straw before biting into the plump dumpling. Other traditional Yangzhou dishes are also worth checking out. Bookings recommended.

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.

From the ornate outer façade to the serene interior overlooking lush greenery, this venue drips authentic Jiangnan charm. On the menu, Suzhou-style noodles take centre stage: order them in red soy-based broth, white meat broth or tossed in sauces and then garnish with your favourite hot or cold topping. The signature five-shrimp noodles offer a cornucopia of pleasure with the crustacean’s meat, roe and tomalley in shrimp broth and shrimp oil.

While the majority of diners love the traditional décor of this famous restaurant, its authentic flavours and generous portions at sensible prices find favour with all. Suzhou classic sautéed river shrimps seduce with natural umami and springy texture. Pork belly steeped in wine lees marinade boasts intoxicating aromas and melt-in-the-mouth, silky flesh. Its location near waterside Shantang Street is a hit at weekends.

The brand, dating back to 1876, was reopened on the same spot in 2019 by a descendant of the founder. The traditional Chinese façade is chic and striking; the room decorated with lanterns boasts canal views. The custom-made noodles work well with broth jazzed up by dried scallops. In summer, the shrimp-trio noodles are the must-try – springy shrimps with shrimp roe and tomalley make for an umami extravaganza. In winter, try the crab roe version.