In early January, the 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide was released for the eighth consecutive year, featuring 370 top-tier restaurants across 34 cities worldwide.
Published by Meituan, the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide is a prestigious culinary ranking that adheres to Chinese food standards. Its panel of judges comprises esteemed gourmets, food researchers, culinary experts, and food culture scholars, making it one of the most respected selections in the fine dining industry. Since its inception in 2018, the guide has expanded its scope, embracing a diverse range of cuisines—from the bold and aromatic flavors of Sichuan cuisine to the delicate refinement of Huaiyang dishes and the authenticity of Cantonese fare. Through this broad vision, it captures the true depth and richness of Chinese gastronomy.
Black Pearl: A Culinary Benchmark for Chinese Fine Dining
For a long time, Chinese diners primarily relied on foreign guides like the Michelin Guide to assess restaurant quality. However, as China’s culinary scene flourished and consumer confidence in local food culture grew, the demand for a China-centric evaluation system became evident. Enter the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide—a ranking tailored to Chinese palates, offering a uniquely local perspective on gastronomy and culture. Many restaurants on the list have seized this opportunity, quickly introducing exclusive Black Pearl tasting menus to attract discerning diners.
“As a local high-end dining evaluation system, Black Pearl has matured significantly over the past eight years, drawing a growing number of quality-conscious diners to restaurants,” said a staff member from Park Hyatt Ningbo. He noted that being featured on the list has been particularly effective in boosting customer traffic during holidays.
He Lin, the catering director of Jie Xianglou, also emphasized the guide’s impact: “More consumers, especially younger ones who enjoy sharing their dining experiences, now recognize and trust Black Pearl. Being listed gives us a greater chance of attracting new customers.”
To leave a lasting impression, his team meticulously crafts the Black Pearl set menu, ensuring a visually and gastronomically delightful experience.
From Local Recognition to Global Influence
The impact of the Black Pearl list extends beyond individual restaurants—it is also fueling the expansion of regional Chinese cuisines.
Recently, the Zheng Chunfa Buddha Jumps Over the Wall restaurant in Fuzhou has been experiencing a surge in visitors. A tourist from Hong Kong shared: “I came here after checking the food recommendation list. Exploring top-rated restaurants and tasting local specialties is an essential part of my travel experience.”
Zhang Jianming, founder of Zheng Chunfa, sees the Black Pearl recognition as a strategic advantage: “For diners unfamiliar with Fujian cuisine, the Black Pearl list serves as a valuable reference. It’s also helping us expand our market, and we anticipate a 30% increase in customers as a result.”
For many establishments, a Black Pearl ranking is more than just an honor—it’s a gateway to international success.
Take Yongfu, a Ningbo-style restaurant, as an example. In 2018, its Shanghai Huangpu location earned a One Diamond rating in the guide. Through years of dedication, the brand has now achieved Three Diamonds for two consecutive years at two of its locations, while its Hong Kong branch has held a One Diamond rating for three years running.
But Yongfu’s ambitions don’t stop there. Last year, the brand embarked on its global expansion, setting its sights on international markets. In the first half of this year, Yongfu will open its newest restaurant in London. “Our goal has always been to introduce the flavors of Ningbo to the world,” said Weng Yongjun, founder of Yongfu. “The Black Pearl Guide has undoubtedly given Chinese cuisine the confidence to go global.”
Written by Chen Wang, additional report by Tidenews, fjsen.com.
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