After its unceremonious expulsion from Fangjia Hutong last year, El
Nido's found a second home at Beiluoguxiang, swapping its ramshackle,
yet charming, digs in Andingmen for The Other Place's
light-filled, roomy courtyard. Grab a beer from its extensive selection
and settle in for a lazy afternoon.
其他
9 to try... again: BJ's comeback restaurants and bars of 2018
The drinking and dining stalwarts that made their return last year
It takes a fair amount of gumption to run a restaurant or bar in Beijing, and these are just some of the places who've managed to emerge out of the ashes (or bricks) and find second homes, or make the bold move to completely revamp themselves. Whatever it is, we're glad to have them back.
El Nido at The Other Place
Transit
Transit made waves on the Beijing dining scene back in 2012 when it first opened, serving up sleek renditions of classic Sichuan dishes. Returning at the start of 2018 after a lengthy hiatus and remodelling, the dishes are just as sleek, and splashed with not-so-traditional flavours that elevate traditional Sichuanese classics into something more modern.
The Georg
Back in March, the closure of Danish design house Georg Jensen's
flagship restaurant left a sizeable hole in a Beijing F&B scene
that's already somewhat scant on fine dining options – not to say
anything of Nordic cuisine itself. Fortunately, The Georg made its
triumphant return in August thanks to new management, unveiling
refurbished interiors, a new head chef and revamped menu.
Saveurs de Corée
Formerly of Xiang'er Hutong (and before that Nanluoguxiang), Korean bistro Saveurs de Corée re-emerged in March after a six-month spell away, this time in Dongzhimen. Despite its slightly rogue location in the rather incongruous and barren Rum Coabana Hotel, Saveurs is still a reliable go-to for low-key, traditional Korean bites (get the bulgogi).
Rollbox
One of our favourite sandwich slingers closed its doors last year, but
thankfully Rollbox returned in April, just around the corner from its
original location in a more modern, sleek and polished second edition.
The sandwiches are as toothsome as ever, but don't skimp on some of the
new additions, including cocktails and pho.
Zhang Mama (Gulou)
A tried and true stalwart, Zhang Mama has long been one of our favourite Sichuan restaurants in Beijing – maybe even just one of our favourite restaurants full stop – so the closure of its shoebox-sized outlet at Fensiting Hutong was a huge loss for our longing, grumbling stomachs. Now located just north of Guloudajie subway stop, we're frankly just glad to see it back.
Pachapapi
Having lived a life of pop-ups and temporary permanence, Beijing's premier purveyor of Peruvian cuisine Pachakutiq returned this year in the bold form of Pachapapi, setting up shop in Xinyuanli's ever-expanding epicentre. Owner Francisco Chía makes the bold claim that Peruvians make the best ceviche, and having tried Pachapapi's, we're now true believers.
Botany
After an abrupt October closure, former apartment bar Botany
returned the following month, having made the long trek from Yoolee
Plaza's second floor to its first floor. Fans of Botany's unique,
ingredient-driven cocktails will be relieved to know that the menu
remains unchanged, and still features a full gamut of big-boy scotches,
whiskies and bourbons. What has changed, however, is its charming new
digs, complete with a soaring ceiling and comfortable array of
mismatched furniture.
Red Rose
After beloved Xinjiang restaurant Red Rose closed its doors in early
2018, this new gastropub would go on to take its place, keeping its
predecessor's name but serving up an entirely different menu, including
burgers, waffles, avocado toast, beer and cocktails. Not a conventional
comeback by any means, but we'll take it.
For more dining inspiration in Beijing, hit 'Read more' below.
You might have missed
22 brilliant things to do in Beijing this January
Review: Rocky movie Creed 2 is a knockout
More from Time Out Beijing
The best new Beijing bars and clubs of 2018