IHG Restaurants Make a Strong Impact in the 2026 Black Pearl Guide, Earning Recognition for Five Outstanding Dining Venues Across Mainland China

IHG Hotels & Resorts has made a significant mark in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, with five of its restaurants earning top recognition across mainland China. This acknowledgment highlights IHG’s continued commitment to excellence in the culinary sector, showcasing their diverse and high-quality dining options that blend global flavors with local influences.

As experiential dining continues to grow in popularity, customers are now seeking more than just flavorful food. They increasingly value the atmosphere, service style, and a deeper connection to local culture. The recently released 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide (Black Pearl) highlights this trend, with five IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) restaurants being recognized. These establishments, located across mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), serve a diverse range of cuisines including Chinese, steakhouse, and Mediterranean. This acknowledgment demonstrates IHG’s ongoing commitment to excellence in fine dining and its strategy to diversify its culinary offerings.

The listed restaurants have been recognized for several consecutive years, underscoring their sustained quality and performance. Some of these venues have long been industry benchmarks, with more than six years of service, while others have experienced consistent growth in recent times, reflecting IHG’s long-term investment in the culinary industry. Among the restaurants honored this year are Robin’s Grill & Teppanyaki at Regent Chongqing, which has earned a One-Diamond rating for six years running; Cai Feng Lou at HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts Xi’an Tanghua, recognized with a One-Diamond rating for the fifth consecutive year; and Wu Yue No.1 Chinese Restaurant at InterContinental Wuxi, Riva Mediterranean Steakhouse at InterContinental Suzhou, and The Grove at Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou, all of which earned Diamond recognition for their consistently high standards.

Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer, IHG Greater China, said: “We are delighted to see our restaurants once again recognised by the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. As service consumption continues to evolve, the industry is placing more focus on long-term capability building in talent, operations and product innovation. The ability to deliver high-quality dining on a consistent basis has become a key competitive advantage. Rooted in the ‘Chinese palate’, the Black Pearl has become an important benchmark for premium dining through its professional and authoritative perspective. Continuous recognition over many years confirms the stable standards of our restaurants and reflects IHG’s long-term investment in culinary development. Through a structured culinary strategy and a diverse brand portfolio, we aim to make these restaurants destinations that guests choose to return to during their stays.”

Upholding Excellence: A Lasting Commitment to Culinary Innovation

The continued accolades from the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide highlight IHG’s unwavering dedication to culinary excellence. By nurturing its culinary teams, continuously refining restaurant concepts, and striking a harmonious balance between honoring culinary traditions and embracing innovation, IHG strengthens its professional standards and builds lasting trust with guests, ensuring the delivery of exceptional dining experiences.

Robin’s Grill & Teppanyaki, Regent Chongqing (One-Diamond for Six Consecutive Years): Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Roy and his team, Robin’s Grill & Teppanyaki has made it their mission to master Wagyu, positioning themselves as experts in the craft. The restaurant combines meticulous culinary techniques with thoughtful ingredient selection to create exclusive Chef’s Table experiences, offering guests unforgettable dining moments. Following the Regent Taste Studio service philosophy, the restaurant transforms each meal into a sensory journey with curated music, scents, and thoughtful design, making it the only Western restaurant in Chongqing to receive this prestigious recognition.

Cai Feng Lou, HUALUXE Xi’an Tanghua (One-Diamond for Five Consecutive Years): Cai Feng Lou, a signature restaurant of HUALUXE, blends traditional Chinese design with contemporary elegance, creating an atmosphere inspired by the imagery of “the arrival of the phoenix.” Led by Executive Chef Xiao Junwei, a seasoned expert in Cantonese cuisine, the restaurant emphasizes the use of local Xi’an ingredients while exploring a wide array of Chinese culinary styles with a modern twist. Chef Xiao’s innovative approach to both traditional and contemporary dishes ensures that every guest enjoys a thoughtfully curated dining experience that reflects both heritage and innovation.

Since its establishment in 2013, Cai Feng Lou has embraced Eastern aesthetics while offering a multi-sensory dining experience. From its signature soundtrack Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix · The Five Auspicious Tones to its distinct red visual identity, the brand blends regional flavors with classic Cantonese elements, continuously reinterpreting cultural heritage. With 67 locations across Greater China, Cai Feng Lou has become a favored destination for diverse dining occasions.

Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: Redefining Culinary Excellence Across Varied Dining Landscapes

IHG continues to build on its commitment to long-term culinary excellence while embracing local food traditions, regional ingredients, and modern design. By adapting to each locale’s unique characteristics, the brand fosters the evolution of restaurant concepts, blending distinct regional flavors with high-quality dining experiences.

Wu Yue No.1 Chinese Restaurant, InterContinental Wuxi (Awarded for Two Consecutive Years): Embodying the philosophy of “local inspiration, world-class quality,” this restaurant merges time-honored Chinese cooking methods with expert craftsmanship. Drawing from the rich culinary legacies of Huaiyang, Wuxi, and Cantonese cuisines, it introduces inventive dishes that offer a fresh take on classic flavors, bringing together diverse influences to create a unique dining experience.

Riva Mediterranean Steakhouse, InterContinental Suzhou (Awarded for Two Consecutive Years): As the first Mediterranean-style steakhouse in Suzhou, Riva specializes in expertly charcoal-grilled imported steaks and seafood. After a comprehensive renovation, the restaurant has refined every aspect of its offerings—from hand-crafted, in-house dry-aged beef to indulgent French desserts and a curated wine list. Each element is meticulously designed to provide guests with a full Mediterranean culinary adventure, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

The Grove, Kimpton Bamboo Grove Suzhou (Awarded for Two Consecutive Years): Building on the legacy of the former Bamboo Grove Hotel’s Chinese restaurant from the 1990s, The Grove remains a cherished establishment for generations of Suzhou residents. Embracing the concept of “seasonal dining,” the restaurant showcases Jiangnan flavors through fresh, seasonal ingredients. Under the direction of Executive Chef Michael and Food & Beverage Manager Sophie, The Grove honors its storied past while pushing the boundaries of innovation. The ongoing exploration of Suzhou’s culinary expressions injects fresh energy into classic dishes, blending nostalgia with modern flair.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has earned recognition in the prestigious 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, with five of its dining venues across mainland China receiving top honors. This achievement reflects IHG’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, showcasing its ability to offer diverse dining experiences that merge international cuisine with local flavors. These venues have consistently stood out for their quality, atmosphere, and innovation, solidifying IHG’s position as a leader in the dining industry.

IHG has consistently focused on long-term culinary growth by creating diverse, top-tier dining concepts and fostering a deeper connection between food offerings and local culture, as well as social experiences. Moving forward, the company plans to reinforce its commitment to quality, invest in talent growth, and promote innovative practices. By merging global insights with local influences, IHG strives to cater to a broad spectrum of guest preferences, all while enhancing the overall experience and boosting its impact within the industry.

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