This Shenyang Western restaurant is truly excellent!
Must-Visit Hotel for Dragon Boat Festival - Shenyang Zhongjie X Hotel (Zhongjie Joy City Branch)
As a foodie obsessed with "ceremonial experiences," I accidentally stumbled upon a "primitive cave" hidden in the city—Ji Restaurant—during my fifth anniversary celebration with my husband. We also enjoyed a soul-soothing stay at Shenyang Center Hotel. I can't help but share this double surprise with all who love life.
🌿 When Tomahawk Steak Meets Primitive Cave: Taste Buds Wandering Through a Time Tunnel
Pushing open Ji Restaurant's wooden door, I was immediately stunned by the cave-like domed design—rough stone textures, warm yellow wall lamps flickering like bonfires, wooden tables and chairs with leather cushions adding a collision of primitive and modern elements. Servers dressed in simple linen attire quietly guided us through the "rock cave," like a culinary adventure through time.
The Tomahawk steak was undoubtedly the "highlight" of this adventure: a forearm-length bone-in steak cooked to perfection—crispy outside and tender inside. Cutting into it produced a sizzling sound as the crust cracked, revealing a pink center exuding savory aromas. Paired with freshly ground black pepper and the chef's special red wine sauce, the moment the meat juices exploded on the tongue, my husband exclaimed, "This is the ceremonial experience a steak should have!" The roasted baby potatoes coated with rosemary had crispy skins and soft centers, and even the supporting role—the vegetable salad—featured uncommon arugula drizzled with honey mustard dressing, refreshingly cutting through the richness.
The mushroom soup appetizer came in a rustic pottery bowl, with fine mushroom bits at the bottom, intertwining dairy and earthy aromas. The chocolate lava dessert released a hot flow when cut open, creating a fire-and-ice fusion with vanilla ice cream. Even the plating was decorated with twigs and pebbles, echoing the cave theme. The service was attentive yet unobtrusive, with perfect timing for water refills and plate changes. They even presented a handwritten anniversary card at the end of our meal—a detail-oriented person's delight!
🏨 A "Cloud Dwelling" in the City Center: The Gentle Care of Shenyang Center Hotel
What I thought would be just a temporary stay turned into a pleasant surprise—the hotel's "contrasting charm" won me over. The exterior features modern glass curtain walls, but inside we were enveloped in warmth: the lobby wafted with subtle white tea fragrance, the front desk attendant smiled while offering hot towels and sour plum drink, and upon learning about our anniversary, proactively upgraded us to a high-floor city view room.
The room featured cream and deep brown tones, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Shenyang's sparkling lights. The one-touch "night view mode" for the electric curtains was impressive. The bed had medium firmness, with "high and low pillows" to choose from—a blessing for my problematic neck. The bathroom had separate wet and dry areas, the tropical rainfall shower provided even water flow, and even the bathrobes were warmly heated. The most surprising touch was the complimentary minibar offering cola, mineral water, and local specialty hawthorn juice—perfect for late-night binge-watching!
Breakfast was served in the 26th-floor sky restaurant, with clearly separated Chinese and Western sections. Freshly made Shenyang old tofu with fried meatballs, freshly baked croissants with ham, and chef-prepared eggs Benedict with flowing yolk cured all morning grumpiness. When it rained at checkout, the concierge not only called a car but also offered us umbrellas with the hotel logo, saying "Keep it as a souvenir, no need to return it"—such thoughtfulness warmed our hearts.
✨ Conclusion: Some Beautiful Experiences Deserve to Be Treasured Again and Again
From the homey atmosphere in the cave to the sense of belonging in the clouds, this brief Shenyang trip was like a carefully designed surprise mystery box. If you also prefer restaurants with stories and hotels with warmth, Ji Restaurant's Tomahawk steak deserves extra stomach space, and Shenyang Center Hotel's morning sunshine is worth lingering in bed for—life's ceremonial experiences are hidden in these "little extra" thoughtful touches~
May 5, 2025, Sunny, at Shenyang Zhongjie X Hotel, Room 2308