Beijing has a staggering number of restaurants for its 20 million citizens. This headcount excludes an impressive number of visitors and tourists, as well as an increasing number of expatriates from every corner of the world. That's many active people then, and each of them with an insatiable appetite and need for food... good food.
Today I've put together a list of the top restaurants in Beijing;
time and space have limited us to covering the 25 best Beijing
restaurants to dine at today.
How you use this list will be up to you - you may pick and choose what looks and sounds good, or you may look to go through this list and knock out every restaurant that's one it - assuming you have the time and inclination, of course! There are some really great places to try here, and they are liberally scattered right across this tireless city.
Before we get started, it may be worth it to you to know that I’ve
rated the restaurants here along the following lines:
-
Most cuisine types –I've highlighted a number of different Chinese restaurants here, because there are so many of them, and because there are so many different regional kinds of Chinese food, too; a Yunnan restaurant is completely different from a Szechuan restaurant or a hotpot place. I've also covered Western cuisine, cuisine from other countries in Asia, and even one ice cream parlor.
-
Catering to all budgets – Covering from around $3 to well over $200 meals, although I've picked mostly reasonably priced places in this list so I won't stretch your wallet too thin!
-
A number of localities – Here, I included everywhere from Anzhen, to the Advanced Business Park, to the Asian Games Village - no matter where you are in Beijing (just about), one of these restaurants won't be far.
-
Most dining options – You name it: buffet, bars, breakfast, brunch, lunch, diner, delivery and dessert; these choices run the gamut.
I’ve avoided grouping the restaurants by cuisines because you may try the first on the list and miss the best further on, and I've consulted Trip Advisor for reviews here so you aren't just listening to me; unless otherwise noted, all reviews below are from that website.
So, in no particular order, the 25 best restaurants in Beijing. Let's get to it:
Mr. Shi’s Dumplings
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Late night and delivery. Book ahead (Tel: 010-84050399) |
| Review: |
“…a great place to experience both steamed and fried dumplings” |
| Location: | 74 Baochao Hutong | Gulou East Street (Houhai) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Whatever
you decide, you’d better like
dumplings! There’s a huge range of them here, with all kinds of
different fillings; you won’t be disappointed.
Black Sesame Kitchen
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Pricing: |
¥300 |
| Options: |
Dinner/Private Parties. Book ahead (Tel: +8613691474408) |
| Claim
to fame: |
“A unique dining experience in a private kitchen within a traditional Chinese courtyard” |
| Location: | 3 Heizhima Hutong, Dong Cheng District, Nanluoguxiang (Houhai) |
| Website: |
http://www.blacksesamekitchen.com/ |
Diner’s footnote: Allow three hours at least to enjoy a 10-dish meal with free flowing wine.
The Cut Steakhouse
| Cuisine: |
North American Steakhouse |
| Pricing: |
¥245 to ¥490 |
| Options: |
Breakfast/Brunch, Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-85117777) |
| Review: |
“More than just a steakhouse...” |
| Location: | Fairmont Beijing Hotel, East 8 Yong An Li (Guomao) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Hope you like your meat red!
Haidilao Hot Pot
| Cuisine: |
Chinese Hotpot |
| Pricing: |
¥60 to ¥120 |
| Options: |
Late night dining. Book ahead (Tel: 010-62033112) |
| Review: |
“The meat was good quality and overall it was very tasty” |
| Location: | Multiple locations |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Hotpot is one of the tastiest Chinese dishes there is; there’s nothing like it in the West - trying it is a no-brainer!
TRB – Temple Restaurant Beijing
| Cuisine: |
French |
| Pricing: |
¥120 to ¥920 |
| Options: |
Breakfast/Brunch/Dinner. Book ahead (Tel: 010-84002232) |
| Claim
to fame: |
“TRB serves contemporary European cuisine and is committed to providing the highest levels of service for our guests” |
| Location: | 23 Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng District (Houhai) |
| Website: |
http://www.temple-restaurant.com |
Diner’s footnote: Great choice: Coq au Vin.
Mio
| Cuisine: |
Italian |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Lunch and dinner. Book ahead (Tel: 010-56958858) |
| Claim
to fame: |
“Featuring two open kitchens and an authentic pizza oven” |
| Location: | 48 LiangMaQiao Road | Four Seasons Hotel (Yansha) |
| Website: |
http://www.fourseasons.com/beijing/dining/restaurants/mio/ |
Diner’s footnote: Mio’s pizzas are amazing, and the restaurant has an incredible selection of meats and cheeses to choose from, too.
Xu Xiang Zhai
| Cuisine: |
Vegan |
| Pricing: |
¥40 to ¥90 |
| Options: |
Check when making reservation (Tel: 010-64046568) |
| Review: |
Great, “If you like to have a change from meaty Chinese food” |
| Location: | A 26-1 Guozijian Dajie (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Heart-heathy food to spare!
Peking Duck Private Kitchen
| Cuisine: |
Beijing snacks |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Late dining. Book ahead (Tel: 010-59071920) |
| Review: |
“The real bonus is a great selection of good quality and reasonably priced wines” |
| Location: | 2015 Vantone Center, 6A Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: A little
hard to find, so make sure to call ahead for directions first.
Jin Ding Xuan Jiulou
| Cuisine: |
Cantonese |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Breakfast/Brunch, Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-64296888) |
| Review: |
“Quite packed even in late hours. Clean. Big menu with English and pictures” |
| Location: | No.77 Hepinglixi Street, Dongcheng District |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Try Cantonese to get a taste of what Chinese food is like in Hong Kong.
Najia Xiaoguan
| Cuisine: |
Imperial Chinese |
| Pricing: |
¥30 to ¥90 |
| Options: |
Reservations only (check when booking at Tel: 010-65673663) |
| Review: |
“Uncomplicated, fresh, delicious” |
| Location: | Yong'anli South of Xinhua Insurance Building (Guomao) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Great food
- but be prepared to wait a while to get in and enjoy it. It's a
popular place.
Dadong Roast Duck (Dongsi)
| Cuisine: |
Chinese, Beijing snacks |
| Pricing: |
¥90 to ¥120 |
| Options: |
Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Delivery, Late Night Book ahead (Tel: 010-51690329) |
| Review: |
“Best meal we had in China” |
| Location: | 1-2 Nanxincang Guoji Dasha, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote:
Everything's delicious here - don't limit yourself only to duck!
Din Tai Feng
| Cuisine: |
Chinese, Jiangsu |
| Pricing: |
¥30 to ¥120 |
| Options: |
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night (Tel: 010-64624502) |
| Review: |
“Enjoy the great selection and service” |
| Location: | 24 Xinyuanxili Zhongjie, Chaoyang District (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
http://www.dintaifung.com.cn/index.html |
Diner’s footnote: Try the clear crab shell meatballs (pork meatballs in crab shell powder - fatty, but very fresh).
Interlude
If you’re like me right now, you’ll be pretty exhausted, so let’s surface and grab some air. I sure hope you’re as hungry as I am – I can almost feel, smell and touch some of these mouth-watering dining options!
Back to the best restaurants in Beijing then:
In & Out
| Cuisine: |
Yunnan |
| Pricing: |
¥100 to ¥200 |
| Options: |
Check when booking (Tel: 010-64675235) |
| Review: |
“The food was delicious and the service quick” |
| Location: | 1st Beixiaojie, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Try the cured pork. Similar to jerky, and goes very well with the 'crossing over bridge noodles'.
14. S.T.A.Y Beijing - Simple Table Alleno Yannick
| Cuisine: |
French |
| Pricing: |
¥430 to ¥760 |
| Options: |
Check when booking (Tel: 010-68412211) |
| Claim
to fame: |
“Good for families with children and doing business” |
| Location: | Shangri-La Hotel Beijing (Yuanda Road) |
| Website: |
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/beijing/shangrila/dining/ |
Diner’s footnote: If it’s for lunch, go with the Chicken Nicoise Salad.
1949 The Hidden City
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Check when booking |
| Review: |
“A must for Beijing duck fans” |
| Location: | 98 Jin Bao St. |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: The
ambiance and atmosphere here is as delicious as the food.
Dali Courtyard
| Cuisine: |
Yunnan |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Lunch, dinner, Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-84041430) |
| Review: |
“Finding this restaurant is like finding the secret garden!” |
| Location: | 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong,Dongcheng (Houhai) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Must try: qiguo ji - literally translates to: "steam pot chicken". It consists of chicken steamed with tonics and herbs in a ceramic pot.
Susu
| Cuisine: |
Vietnamese |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Lunch, dinner, Late Night. |
| Review: |
“Nice Vietnam food” |
| Location: | Qianliang West Alley No. 10 |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Go for the Bún bò Huế, a spicy lemongrass rice vermicelli noodle soup served with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant (Jinbao Place)
| Cuisine: |
Beijing snacks |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Dinner, Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-85221234) |
| Review: |
“Duck to die for” |
| Location: | Jinbao Place, No.88 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District (Tian'anmen/Wangfujing) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Pick
something from the Tasting Menu... you won't go wrong.
Eatalia Carpe Diem
| Cuisine: |
Italian |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Check when booking (Tel: 010-64013263) |
| Review: |
“Better pizza than my mum’s!” |
| Location: | No.18 Xilou Alley, Xicheng District (Tian'anmen/Wangfujing) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Best try the pizza!
Pure Lotus
| Cuisine: |
Vegan |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-65923627) |
| Review: |
“Awesome bliss for veggies!!!” |
| Location: | 10 Nongzhanguan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (Yansha) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: If Pure Lotus still has Pappardelle with Mushroom when you dine, plead with the Chef to prepare this for you.
Vai Milano
| Cuisine: |
Italian desserts |
| Pricing: |
¥20 to ¥40 |
| Options: |
Unavailable |
| Review: |
“Finally, some good gelato in Beijing!!” |
| Location: | Store sm1-28, 6 Chaoyang Park Road (Solana) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Delicious
gelato.
Taste - the Delights of Yunnan Flavor
| Cuisine: |
Yunnan |
| Pricing: |
¥60 to ¥180 |
| Options: |
Late Night. Book ahead (Tel: 010-84036096) |
| Review: |
“Small but brilliant” |
| Location: | 82-3 Dongsi Sitiao, Dongcheng District (Workers' Stadium) |
| Website: |
http://www.taste-china.net/ |
Diner’s footnote: Yiliang roast duck. It’s a variation on roast duck - but honey is used to crisp and color the skin. Roasted with pine branches and needles, which impart a unique flavor to the dish.
Duck de Chine
| Cuisine: |
Peking Roast Duck |
| Pricing: |
Unavailable |
| Options: |
Unavailable |
| Claim
to fame: |
“The best Peking Roast Duck anywhere” |
| Location: | 1949 Club, No.98 Jinbao Street,Dongcheng District (Tian'anmen/Wangfujing) |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: The Goya is amazing!
Transit
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Pricing: |
¥60 to ¥180 |
| Options: |
Reservations only (no telephone number supplied) |
| Claim
to fame: |
“Very good contemporary take on Sichuan food” |
| Location: | Location: N4-36 Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Road |
| Website: |
None |
Diner’s footnote: Extremely reasonable prices mean the sky’s the limit!
The Moment
| Cuisine: |
Hunan |
| Pricing: |
¥60 to ¥120 |
| Options: |
Reservations only (Tel: 010-64044897) |
| Review: |
“Seriously good food” |
| Location: | 84-5 Dongsi 4 tiao, Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District |
| Website: |
http://www.themoment-xy.com/ |
Diner’s footnote: The menu's not huge but has something for everybody. Some dishes are quite spicy, but really good. Check out the piquant dishes.
What’s Good at Beijing's Restaurants?
Just about everything, depending on the cuisines selected! It’s hard to beat Peking Roast Duck when cooked to Oriental perfection; it is considered the national delicacy after all! Perfection status is achieved when the skin is crispy, yet the flesh succulent. Slow roasting over certain types of fruit wood cuttings is the best, but only if the secret blend of spices has been correctly added. Believe me, you’ll just know when it's done right; your taste buds will confirm it!
More About Duck
Peking Roast Duck is prized for its thin, crisp skin, with authentic
versions of the dish serving mostly the skin and a little meat.
Normally, it is sliced in front of the diners by the cook. The ducks
are bred especially for the dish and are slaughtered after 65 days,
then seasoned before being roasted in an oven. The meat is
traditionally eaten with pancakes, scallion, and hoisin sauce or sweet
bean sauce.
And there you have it! I hope you've enjoyed our list of Beijing's
best restaurants, and that you'll get the chance to try out a few (or
more than a few) of the establishments mentioned here. You're certain
to have a delectable time.
Cerise
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