RESTAURANTS
1. Mosto
Serving contemporary classics prepared by award-winning chef Daniel Urdaneta, Mosto has plenty of fans thanks to its great wine list and immaculate service.
Relaxed ambience at Mosto, an international bistro in Sanlitun
2. Georg
With a tasteful fine dining affair curated by the eponymous Danish silverware brand, Georg has a minimalist design, and is located near a babbling brook. Sample the wine pairing and tasting menus.
Elegant dining at Georg
3. Din Tai Fung
24 Xinyuan Xili Middle Street • 6462 4502 • ¥¥
This place specializes in southern Chinese dishes, particularly the light, fresh flavors of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Try the xialong bao, juicy buns filled with pork or seafood prepared in a bamboo steamer, or the steamed dumplings with vegetables.
4. TRB Hutong
23 Shatan Beijie • 8400 2232 • Subway: Dong Si Shi Tiao • ¥¥¥
Located in a beautifully restored 600-year-old temple complex, this upmarket restaurant offers superb European cuisine. A second TRB branch is located near the Forbidden City, and promises an equally great dining experience (see TRB Forbidden City). Advance reservations are essential.
5. Toast at the Orchid
The Orchid gained fame as a stylish hotel at the end of a winding hutong, but the Middle Eastern-inspired mezze and tapas menu at its in-house restaurant also has patrons raving. Come for dinner, stay for a drink, and soak up the atmosphere.
6. Lost Heaven
Located in the former US embassy, this restaurant has plenty of authentic touches from the southwestern province of Yunnan. This is the most foreign-friendly of the Chinese cuisines, and it is famous for its local cheese.
7. Dali Courtyard
Beautifully lit by candles at night, this atmospheric courtyard venue wins top marks for ambience, as well as for its excellent set menus made up of classic dishes from Yunnan province. It’s a good idea to reserve a table.
8. Country Kitchen
A lively restaurant with an elegant decor (see Country Kitchen), it offers a flavorful selection of northern Chinese dishes such as beef brisket, duck and black mushroom sauce, as well as Sichuan ones, like fiery chicken and prawns.
9. Mercante
Mercante brings a rustic Mediterranean vibe to Beijing’s hutongs, and is worth a visit for its authentic handmade pasta, homemade ricotta cheese, and organic beef. Good cooking takes time, but sip on some quality wines and enjoy the evening.
10. Cai Yi Xuan
With its award-winning cuisine, Cai Yi Xuan offers a fine dining experience. Especially popular are their artistically presented Cantonese dishes such as sea cucumber, abalone, and seasonal hairy crab.
Refined table setting at Cai Yi Xuan
TOP 10 CHEAP EATS
1. Mr Shi’s Dumplings
88 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Donglu
MSG-free dumplings and local dishes served by English-speaking staff.
Steamed dumplings
2. Ling Er Jiu Noodles
Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Sanlitun
Some of the best noodles in Beijing are served here.
3. Pingwa Sanbao
10A Xiangjunzhuang Lu
Offers hand-pulled noodles and chuan’r (kebabs).
4. Green Bites Dumpling Bar
Kirin Place lobby, 11 Fu’an Xi Lu
Socially responsible dumplings, with eco-friendly carry-out boxes.
5. Mama de Weidao
6–110 Zhongguo Hong Jie Building, 2 Gongti Dong Lu
Home-style northern cuisine.
6. The Southern Fish
49 Gongmenkou Toutiao
The impossibly spicy Hunan food here attracts plenty of locals; reserve ahead.
7. Nice Rice
23 Dongsiertiao, Dongcheng
Hunan cuisine in modern surrounds; try stir-fried tofu and fiery beef dishes.
8. Zhang Mama
76 Jiaodoukou Nan Dajie
This is the place for hot Sichuan snacks; even the scrambled eggs are packed with chili.
9. Yun Er Small Town
84 Beiluoguxiang
Yunnan fare on a rooftop terrace; try the potatoes cooked with tea leaves.
10. Tiger Mama
Building 38, Sanlitun Xijie
Macanese shop offering wet or dry noodles, fish balls, and beef offal.
