松鹤楼始创于清朝乾隆二十二年（公元1757年），迄今已有二百多年历史。乾隆下江南微服私访到此，品尝“松鼠桂鱼”赞不绝口,自此松鹤楼扬名天下。松鹤楼是苏州现存历史最长的正宗苏帮菜名店。
　　松鹤楼专业技术实力雄厚，选料严谨、加工精细、富有特色，在国内外烹饪大赛中多次荣获金牌。“松鼠桂鱼”、“姑苏卤鸭”分别荣获《金鼎奖》及《中华名小吃》。1997年松鹤楼成为国家贸易部首批命名的“国家特级酒家”和“中华老字号”。
　　松鹤楼被喻为“苏帮第一家”，同时也是首家进驻星级酒店的中华老字号！

Songhelou was established in the 22nd year of the reign of Emperor Qianglong of Qing Dynasty (A.D.1757), it has more than 200 years history up to now. During the emperor’s survey in jiangsu area, Qianlong Emperor has ever visited Songhelou in plain clothes to taste the local signature dish “Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish”. Qianlong has given full of praising comment after the tasting, since then Song helou won the reputation in nationwide. Until now Songhelou is the most famous local cuisine restaurant with longest history in Suzhou.
Songhelou has the abundant cuisine experiences, dish material selecting is careful and strict, and processing is fine with much more characteristics. The famous dish “Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish” “Gusu Spiced Duck” respectively was awarded of “Jingding” and “Chinese Famous Snack” prizes. Songhelou was named of “National Top Restaurant” and “China’s time-honored brand” by Ministry of Internal Trade in 1997,.
Songhelou is reputed of “the top Suzhou style cuisine restaurant” by public and the only local restaurant with longest history and most fame which make the authentic Suzhou dishes. It also the first traditional Chinese restaurant brand chains that joined in worldwide international brand hotel