The best al fresco dining spots in Beijing for all budgets
Gorgeous patios and rooftop terraces for all your sun-drenched dining needs
With its abundant roof terraces and courtyards, Beijing is the perfect city for al fresco dining when summer hits. Lap up the sun with our picks of the best spots to eat outdoors in the city.s
InterContinental Sanlitun
Synonymous with its hexagon-patterned facade, the InterContinental offers unmatched views of Taikoo Li with its swanky terrace made for outdoor dining and imbibing. Their fine-dining joints Char and Top Tapas also turn into a boozy brunch haven on the weekends, with a three or four-course menu (258RMB or 288RMB per person). Choose from an eclectic mix of brunch faves catering to every taste, including shakshuka, butter chicken, egg benedict and wagyu beef sliders, and don't miss their chef special tiramisu, which is made boozier with alcohol fillings. Free-flow is also available for an extra 68RMB (soft drinks), 108RMB (all drinks) and 168RMB (sparkling rose).
Hulu
Located in the heart of Taikoo Li, Hulu's successfully carved out a spot as TRB's more hip, more casual outpost. Its extensive menu offers everything from pasta to bone marrow with snails, and it's proved a reliably popular spot all year round. Head upstairs to enjoy its laidback rooftop terrace and outdoor bar – just remember to book in advance.
Mosto
Mosto's got a spot-on dinner menu, but with the weather warming up, we're feeling partial to its brunch menu, which features everything from eggs Benedict and blueberry pancakes, to Sunday roast and fresh clams casserole. Opt for free-flow mimosas and bellinis(188RMB) and you've got yourself a crowd-pleasing afternoon affair outdoors.
The Taco Bar
The beloved Sanlitun tequila and taco dispensary offers a slightly more sedate experience to neighbouring amigo Q Mex, but you'll struggle to find a spot in its compact outdoor terrace comes summer. Expect hour-long waits during the weekend.
Tienstiens
The winding floors at this excellent French patisserie flood out into a gorgeous (and huge) rooftop, complete with blankets and charming lights for when the sun sets. A brunch and dinner menu are on offer, but it's hard to go past the simple pleasures of a fabulously buttery croissant.
Rive Gauche
Known for its contemporary take on French classics, the Puxuan Hotel and Spa’s French bistro Rive Gauche offers a laidback outdoor terrace that also makes worthy spot for al fresco brunch on the weekends. With gorgeous views over Wangfujing and even better value, their fixed, four-course weekend brunch menu (388RMB per person; minimum of two people) is generously devised for sharing. We’re talking a raft of dishes from start to finish – think three different starters and desserts, and a hefty portion of mains including a elbow-sized hunk of slow-cooked veal shank with mini potato and kale.
Weekend brunch at Migas Mercado
Boasting one of the most impressive terraces in Beijing with epic CBD views, Migas pulls in the punters with its fairly raucous Saturday nights, and tasty Spanish bites with alfresco seating, including their weekend brunch. The current menu serves Mediterranean riffs on brunch classics, including tomato and anchovies salad, eggs with baby squid, and plenty of mains for sharing like potatoes and Spanish pork rib rice. Tack on an additional 168RMB for two hours of free-flow sangria, Bloody Marys or wine.
Free-flow at Bistrot B
The Rosewood Beijing's ritzy French restaurant is pure brunch bliss, and its outdoor terrace elevates it to a whole other level. They also run a daily l'apéro from 5:30pm to 9pm (298RMB per person), and it means just the thing to settle in for an after-work session. Unwind with a three-and-half-hour free-flow of drinks featuring wines and cocktails such as gin and tonic and negroni, as well as a platter of canapés and charcuterie to nibble on.
Susu
Beloved Vietnamese restaurant Susu occupies a renovated 140-year-old siheyuan (original dark wooden beams still intact) and features spare modern furnishings with a bright courtyard and rooftop for outdoor dining. Though armed with Vietnam's greatest hits, such as pho, banh mi and chicken curry, during summer we're here for their rice paper rolls and refreshing noodle salads – perfect for Beijing's scorching summer heat.
Café Zarah
Smack in the middle of Gulou, this hip café is freelancer central. Laptops, lattes and loads of sunshine can all be found here thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful central courtyard. Head upstairs to enjoy its serene, second-storey terrace that's ideal for lazy summer socialising.
King's Joy
Widely regarded as the gold standard when it comes to vegetarian dining, King's Joy has unarguably achieved a legion of devotees thanks to its full-flavoured takes on Chinese classics, as well as sun-drenched hutong courtyard. They're also one of the few vegetarian places to serve afternoon high tea – and quite possibly the only place to have a full-time harpist (seriously).
Pebbles Courtyard
With its eclectic décor, cantina-inspired interior and approachable Tex-Mex menu, Pebbles is the sort of place that wins you over just by sheer enthusiasm. Erring strongly on the side of comfort, its menu offers staples such as tacos, burritos, al pastor and nachos. Its rooftop terrace (an increasing rarity) is also the stuff of hutong dreams.
The Other Place
While The Other Place gets most of the glory thanks to its light-filled, roomy courtyard, it's really Taco Stop and El Nido that keep us coming back for more. Load up on Korean-Mexican nosh from the folks behind Palms LA (still much missed), including sesame chicken kale salad, tacos and agave tequila wings, then wash it all down with El Nido's range of boozy bevs.
Toast at The Orchid
Gulou views and hutong cool abound at boutique hotel The Orchid's charming restaurant. You also can't go wrong with the brunch menu, which includes hummus, shakshuka and beetroot-brined salmon with fresh ricotta.
Bistro 108
The car-park connoisseurs over in Liangmaqiao have been reppin' their concrete terrace for a couple years now, serving a reliable crowd of nearby embassy workers. It may not look like much at first sight, but this secluded eatery serving classic French fare is a lowkey and relaxed spot to enjoy a juicy hunk of meat and much wine under the setting sun.
Maison Flo
This long-running French eatery comes equipped with a fabulous bakery, a sprawling garden made for summertime sipping and plenty of Parisian elegance. Anything from the bakery is worth its weight in butter (in a good way).
Moka Bros
Youth, beauty and semi-employment converge at this ever-popular chain with its mix of pumping beats, kale salads and open laptops. If healthy food isn't on the agenda, grab yourself an aperol spritz and lounge outside in its outdoor courtyard, whether it's at Sanlitun's Nali Patio, or at Chaoyang Park's Solana.
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