The guide is dedicated to celebrating the rich and authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine.
The 2025 edition of the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, published by Meituan — China’s leading shopping platform — was officially unveiled on January 6th in Nanchang, China.
Shanghai Topped the Rankings
This year’s guide features 370 exceptional restaurants spanning 34 cities, including three international destinations — Bangkok, Tokyo, and Singapore. Destinations such as Changzhou, Quanzhou, Wenzhou, and Sanya made their first appearance on the list.
Shanghai topped the rankings with 61 diamond-rated restaurants, while Beijing and Hong Kong shared second place with 37 each. Tokyo ranked next with 30 restaurants, followed by Chengdu and Guangzhou, each boasting 20. Hangzhou came in with 18 diamond-rated venues, while Macau and Shenzhen tied for sixth place with 17 each. Singapore was close behind with 16 restaurants, while Bangkok featured nine restaurants.
The 2025 guide highlights two significant trends: the diversification of local cuisines and the growing prominence of fine dining in emerging cities. Meituan’s data shows that in addition to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, more cities have burst out with new consumption potential. In 2024, the number of fine dining stores in second and third-tier cities will increase by nearly 30% year-on-year.
Chinese Cuisine on the Global Stage
Additionally, the guide reflects the rising influence of Chinese cuisine on the global stage. The number of overseas Chinese restaurants on the list reached a new high. The 2025 edition also saw an increase in selections from Hong Kong and Macau, featuring 37 and 17 restaurants, respectively.
Launched in 2018, the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide aims to promote Chinese culinary culture, accelerate the growth of China’s dining industry, and reflect the tastes and preferences of Chinese consumers from a distinctly Chinese perspective.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNS、Beijing Daily.
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