Close to the Lion Grove Garden, this restaurant attracts a mix of locals and visitors for its subtly flavoured Suzhou cooking. The menu takes inspiration from what Qing-dynasty emperor Qianlong allegedly ate during his famous visit to Suzhou in 1751.
Try the ever-popular squirrelfish or Empress Cixi's alleged favourite – cherry-braised pork loin, which is slow-cooked for seven or eight hours and might be the softest, most tender pork you'll try in China. Evening reservations are essential.