Beijing's best Peking duck restaurants

From glammed-out ballrooms to backstreet dives, we lay out the best Peking duck in Beijing

Peking duck is as storied as it is misunderstood. Peking? Where's that? How do you eat Peking duck? Is Beijing the best place for Peking duck?

First things first: Peking is Beijing, and Beijing duck does in fact trace its popularity to the Imperial Court of the northern capital, but it is not as home-grown as many Peking duck fans would have you believe.

Let's carve the fat and get down to business. For any budget and level of expertise, below are the places where you should be eating Peking duck.

Less than 150RMB per bird

Deyuan Roast Duck (德缘烤鸭店)

A fixture of the Qianmen neighbourhood, Deyuan is a no-frills local favourite. Cheap, quick and open late for such an old school spot, you’re bound to run into some of the local colour – Deyuan seems to attract a particularly charismatic clientele. 128RMB per bird.

150RMB to 250RMB per bird

Sheng Yong Xing

Sheng Yong Xing is at the upper end of the price range for restaurants of a similar quality. But with a hard-to-fault menu, thoughtful service and a bumper wine selection of over 100 options from China and around the world, you won’t regret the extra kuai spent here. 238RMB per bird.

Jing Yaa Tang

Easily one of our favourite spots for regional Chinese specialties, Jing Yaa Tang delivers authentic renditions of dishes from all over the Middle Kingdom. The skin may be oily for some but it's all about getting the perfect amount of sugar to stick to each sliver. 238RMB per bird (plus 15 percent service charge).

Duck de Chine

Duck de Chine combines traditional ducks with contemporary side dishes. The 1949 location makes it ideal for some post-Sanlitun duck-based revelry – not to mention its proximity to neighbouring Jing A taproom and the tea-based cocktail lounge Long Jing. 238RMB per bird.

250RMB to 350RMB per bird

Country Kitchen

The rustic menu at Country Kitchen shakes things up with traditional dishes and forgotten delicacies of northern China. The duck here is of the highest quality. Make sure to order the soup made from the carved bird. 288RMB per bird (plus 15 percent service charge).

The Red Chamber

With a less conventional attitude than most and an eclectic menu, Red Chamber might be compared to a popular Western fast-casual spot. With a glassed-in roasting area, laid-back vibe and accommodating service, Red Chamber is duck at its most accessible – a reliable stop for first timers. 275RMB per bird (plus 15 percent service charge).

Da Dong Roast Duck (Gongti)

For close to twenty years, one name has reigned supreme in the roast Peking duck game: Da Dong. A Beijing institution that demands respect, no tour of the capital’s favoured fowl is complete without a visit to this house of kaoya. 286RMB per bird.

More than 350RMB per bird

The Chinese Restaurant at the Aman Summer Palace

With its tranquil gardens winding through sprawling courtyards, The Chinese Restaurant can't be beaten in terms of splendour. While the price point may soar above the competition, the supreme duck and royal surroundings make for a truly special occasion. 468RMB per bird (plus 15 percent service charge).

For a full list of all the best Peking duck restaurants in Beijing, hit '阅读原文'.

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