If you put a gun to my head and forced me to choose the best new restaurant that’s opened in the last couple of months, I'd have to say Rendezvous. On the Jin Hu Wan business street, just off of Nan Shi Street in SIP, they're offering something really unique to the Suzhou scene. It's a two story affair, with a large balcony, and a lounge on the second floor that looked damn comfortable, and I don't use profanity loosely (on Tuesdays). On the main floor, there's a small bar and comfortable, yet elegant, seating. The atmosphere can't be beat. I had the pleasure of talking with Angelo, the owner. He's a nice guy and seems to be very hands-on, and seems willing to accommodate his guests in any way to make sure they have a good experience. Always a good sign.
What really makes Rendezvous shine, though, is the food. They have a variety of Western fare, a lot of which seems to be slanted towards the Italian persuasion, from pasta, to steak, to grilled chicken or fish, and a lot more. I started off with an old favorite I've never had in Suzhou before, which was their hummus. Served with olive oil and sliced ciabatta bread, the freshness and flavor was unbelievable. It's obvious that they know their food. For my main dish, I couldn't resist the Grilled Fish with Tomato Pesto Sauce and Mashed Potato. The presentation was irresistable, with a huge portion of grilled fish, smothered in tomato pesto sauce, and served with grilled vegetables. It was completely bone-free, as fish should be, and everything tasted extremely fresh. At 48RMB, it was a hell of a value, and I would have gladly paid twice as much. From the presentation to the recipes, the food at Rendezvous is downright gourmet, and it is already locked in as one of the regulars in my dining rotation.
Whether you hop in a cab or drive there, Rendezvous is easily accessible and parking is plentiful. If you want to try some of the best food in Suzhou, unwind in nice lounge with a cappuccino, or are looking to actually impress a dinner date instead of just taking her to McDonald's again (you know you do), make your next rendezvous Rendezvous.
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 "Rendezvous Restaurant & Lounge")
 "Rendezvous Restaurant & Lounge")
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