Jin Sha

Few restaurants capture Hangzhou’s poise and beauty as completely as Jin Sha. Nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, the restaurant sits among tranquil ponds and manicured gardens, a mirror of the landscape’s famed serenity. Inside, dark-wood beams, carved screens, and richly patterned red carpets create a tableau of classical Chinese elegance, offset by contemporary restraint.

At the helm, executive Chinese chef Wang Yong honours Zhejiang tradition while subtly rewriting its rules. His cooking favours purity over excess. From braised pork belly with abalone, whose silken richness never veers into indulgence, to marinated pork knuckle slices and pan-fried salted ribbon fish, the food is both comforting and precise. 

The restaurant’s wine and tea programme is equally thoughtful, with Huangjiu selections that nod to the region’s history. For those visiting at midday, the dim sum menu, served only at lunch, reveals the kitchen’s delicate touch in miniature form. Dine indoors amid the hushed luxury of the main room, or, when weather permits, on the terrace overlooking West Lake’s lush gardens.

Tatler Tip

Reserve a terrace table for a lakeside lunch, the perfect setting to enjoy the Longjing crème brûlée with a pot of West Lake Dragon Well tea.