The Cream of the Crop: Suzhou’s Best Western Restaurants

The Cream of the Crop: Suzhou’s Best Western Restaurants
By Bryce Roberts , eChinacities.com

It’s been years in the making, but Suzhou is finally home to more than a handful of locally owned and operated Western restaurants. While the dining situation is far from on par with first tier cities like nearby Shanghai, the options are already exponentially better than just 5 years ago. In that time we’ve seen an explosion of establishments boasting nearly every kind of cuisine associated with Western food. Let’s take a look at what’s available from the various nationalities that grace our fair city. First, however, a couple of ground rules: I’ve focused on standalone restaurants and haven’t included hotels in the mix. While some large chain restaurants are unavoidable due to their entrenchment as the only providers of certain kinds of food, whenever possible I’ve tried to highlight more locally owned and operated establishments. With that in mind, let’s peruse Suzhou’s western food scene cuisine by cuisine.

Italian and pizza
It’s hard to believe that as few as five years ago, Papa John’s was the only pizzeria worth writing home about in Suzhou. Sure, Melrose is a viable alternative for budget dining, but Papa’s remained the sole pizza powerhouse for quite some time. Thankfully Mario’s opened a while later, and in its newer location in Li Gong Di, continues to grace Suzhou with a formerly absent delicacy – the calzone. In terms of standard Italian cuisine, newcomer La Casa Vostra (formerly Da Marco) provides a fresh taste. Its location downtown by the swanky Nan Lin Hotel is perfect for those desiring a great meal before an epic night out on Shi Quan Street.

German
It’s no wonder German food is more abundant here than in other similarly-sized cities; hundreds of German firms have flocked to Suzhou to set up shop. It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite between the well-established Lowenburg, Li Gong Di star Hofbräuhaus, and the new Paulaner Bräuhaus at the Science and Cultural Arts Center because it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. Longtime hometown favorite Blue Marlin has branched out to a handful of cities and continues to offer a cheaper alternative to the massive German brands. Blue Marlin’s Xinghai Street location is particularly hot for happy hour and late dinners.

Spanish
Tapas are finally in Suzhou! Thanks to Lizarran, Spanish cuisine finally has a restaurant all to itself. Even better, there are two locations: Times Square and InCity Plaza. Wine specials and set menus make it a great option any time of day.

Mexican and Tex Mex
Suzhou has been more blessed than some cities with a relatively good showing for Mexican cuisine. Zapatas at Rainbow Walk, Southern Cross downtown and the hit Casa Zoe next to Singha Plaza all do their genre justice. Casa Zoe puts greater focus on food rather than nightlife, however, with frequent buffets and large parties. Zapatas rivals Lowenburg as the best Western restaurant from which to view the popular fountain and laser show on Jin Ji Lake every weekend evening.

Indian
Indian cuisine has had a somewhat more turbulent ride than others have. The rise and fall of several establishments had previously been cause for concern, however newly opened Ganesh in Moon Harbor, SIP, seems to have revealed the considerable demand for authentic Indian dishes. The bustling, multicultural clientele reflects a passion for spicy food among Suzhou customers. If you’re looking for an option downtown, Indian at the Cross has established itself as a consistently good eatery.

American and burgers
When Burger King’s arrival evokes cries of glee from Suzhou-based Americans, it’s a sign that things aren’t ideal for us pitiful Yanks. Still, not all is lost, as TGIFriday’s continues to put smiles on our faces while clogging our arteries with its delicious bacon cheeseburgers! The imminent arrival of Malone’s, though at the edge of Suzhou in the New District, is cause for celebration. One only needs the subway construction to hurry up for one to better enjoy Shanghai’s trademark burgers and good American eats.

Bakery
Franco Papa has been a godsend for households in need of fresh-baked goods. While the normal shredded-pork-endowed Taiwanese fare is on sale, a good variety of donuts and pastries sets it apart from larger chains like 85 Degrees and others. 

Italian and pizza
Melrose Pizza Xingang JieView In Map
Add: 268 Xinggang Jie, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区星港街268号中天湖畔广场
Tel: 0512 6251 8289
Opening hours: 9:30-22:00

Melrose Pizza Binhe LuView In Map
Add: 3-6 Jinhe Yayuan, 1088 Binhe Lu, Suzhou New District, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市新区滨河路1088号金河雅苑3-6
Tel: 0512 6818 1677
Opening hours: 9:30-22:00

Mario’s PizzaView In Map
Add: 4322 B18 Outlets Shopping Center (Li Gong Di), Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区奥特莱斯购物中心B18号
Tel: 0512 6770 4322
Opening hours: 17:00-23:00

La Casa Vostra (formerly Da Marco)View In Map
Add: 711 Shi Quan Jie, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市十全街 711-716号
Tel: 0512 6572 5631
Opening hours: 17:30-22:00

German
LowenburgView In Map
Add: Rainbow Walk, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区湖滨大道湖滨楼首层
Tel: 0512 6762 8777
Opening hours: 10:00 -24:00

Hofbräu SuzhouView In Map
Add: 50 Li Gong Di, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区李公堤50/52号
Tel: 0512-6295-0988
Opening hours: 11:00-22:00

Paulaner Bräuhaus (on Jin Ji Lake)View In Map
Add: 107 Science and Cultural Arts Centre, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区科技文化艺术中心107号
Tel: 0512 6727 1717
Opening hours: 11:30 - 24:00

Blue Marlin Xinghai JieView In Map
Add: 168 Xinghai Jie, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区星海街168号
Tel: 0512 6288 9679
Opening hours: 10:00 -24:00

Blue Marlin Shishan LuView In Map
Add: 98 Shishan Rd. Suzhou New District, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市新区新区狮山路98号
Tel: 0512 6808 7316
Opening hours: 10:00-24:00

Spanish
Lizarran Times SquareView In Map
Add: N5-E-108, Times Square, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区时代广场天幕西街
Tel: 0512 6696 6208  
Opening hours: 11:00- 22:30

Lizarran InCityView In Map
Add: 1011A InCity Plaza, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区现代大道1699号印象城
Tel: 0512 6956 6208
Opening hours: 11:00-22:00

Mexican and Tex Mex
Zapata’sView In Map
Add: A1 Rainbow Walk, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市工业园区星港街158号湖滨新天地A1
Tel: 0512 6767 2780
Opening hours: 17:00-24:00

Southern CrossView In Map
Add: 72 Luoguaqiao Xiatang, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市落瓜桥下塘72号, 临顿路,碧风坊路口
Tel: 0512 6581 0067
Opening hours: 17:00-22:00

Casa ZoeView In Map
Add: Block 22 Singha Plaza, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市苏州工业园区星汉街38号馨都广场22幢
Tel: 0512 6253 4118
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00

Indian
GaneshView In Map
Add: Building C3 Moon Harbor, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市苏州工业园区月光码头 C3幢 苏州园区
Tel: 0512 6956 9808
Opening hours: 11:30-22:30

Indian at the CrossView In Map
Add: 76 Luoguaqiao Xiatang, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市落瓜桥下塘76号
Tel: 0512 6524 7529
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00

American and burgers
TGIFriday’sView In Map
Add: 1/F Xuanmiao Square, 820 Ganjiang Dong Lu., Suzhou
地址: 苏州市干将东路820号玄妙广场1楼
Tel: 0512 6801 7777
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:00-23:00; Sat – Sun: 10:30-23:30

Malone’s View In Map
Add: 318 Changjiang Rd, Regalia Shopping Mall, Suzhou New District, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市高新区长江路318号
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 11:00 – 2:00; Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 3:00 

Bakery
Franco PapaView In Map
Add: Gunxiufang 1B-120, Singha Plaza, SIP, Suzhou
地址: 苏州市苏州工业园区金鸡湖路8号馨都广场1B-120号
Tel: 0512 6761 7658
Opening hours: 9:00-22:00

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Keywords: Suzhou’s western restaurants best western food suzhou best Suzhou restaurants best international restaurants Suzhou best foreign dining Suzhou

1 Comments

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hkturner

When was this restaurant listing last updated? Is it accurate as of May 2021?

May 20, 2021 17:45 Report Abuse