BJ's Best Restaurants for Visitors and Tourists, 2019 Edition

Note: A version of this article was first published in April 2017. Following a slew of closures in the Beijing restaurant scene over the past couple of years, we thought it was about time to check up on our list of best restaurants.

Beijing is #blessed with a fast-paced, diverse restaurant scene home to everything from high-end Western fine dining to exceptional regional Chinese cuisine. However, this can make choosing a restaurant from one of the thousands available a daunting prospect. To help you out, the Beijinger has put together a list of the restaurants we consider essential eating on any visitor's Beijing itinerary, whether you are looking for a quick snack or a slap-up meal.

The restaurants are grouped by area and each is marked with the cuisine they serve, along with a rough indicator on how much a meal there will set you back (prices are approximate and do not factor in drinks).

Price guide
$ less than RMB 100 per head
$$ RMB 100-200 per head
$$$ RMB 300+ per head

SANLITUN

Hatsune 隐泉日本料理

This time-tested stalwart has become a veritable institution in Beijing's dining scene. Hatsune's elegant decor and neo-Japanese fare have aged well in its 14-plus years of operation – expect a huge selection of mouth-watering California rolls, fresh sashimi, creative salads, and regular seasonal specials. Their Sanlitun Taikoo Li location is very popular, and their branch in the Kerry Center is well-located for business travelers (check QR code for details).

Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm

3/F, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South, Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路太古里南区3层

[phone]

$$ // Japanese // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Jing Yaa Tang 京雅堂 

The menu at The Opposite House's sophisticated Chinese restaurant Jing Yaa Tang offers a panoply of pan-Chinese dishes, from Peking duck to dim sum, making it a good one-stop shop if you don't have time to tour Beijing's restaurant scene. The lunchtime all-you-can-eat dim sum deal is a steal at RMB 168 (RMB 188 on the weekend).  

Daily noon-10.30pm

B1/F, Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路11号瑜舍酒店地下一层

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, pan-Chinese // Vegetarian and vegan options available // English menu

Bottega 意库

There often comes a moment during a trip abroad when you just want something comforting and familiar and for us, usually that something is pizza. For pizza in Beijing, it doesn't get much better than Bottega. Bottega's Salvo brothers should know a bit about slinging dough – their family has been in the Naples pizza business since the 1920s. With a bustling dining room and a reliable menu, Bottega is a great casual dining choice in the heart of Sanlitun.

Daily noon-midnight

2/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园2层

[phone] 

$$ // Pizza // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Taco Bar

This pumping spot in Sanlitun serves up arguably Beijing's best tacos, alongside lashings of tequila. Packed pretty much every night of the week, be sure to make a reservation, or go early between 5-7pm, when you'll get a free taco with every cocktail or draft beer ordered. Tacos aside, don't leave without trying the queso fundido, a super indulgent cheese and chorizo dip, served with freshly fried tortilla chips.

Tue-Fri 5pm-late, Sat-Sun 12pm-late

Unit 10, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路4号院机电院内

[phone] 

$ // International, Mexican // Vegetarian options available

Ling Er Jiu 零贰玖 

This noodle restaurant looks humble but packs in the crowds for its true-to-form renditions of the noodle dishes of Shaanxi province in northwestern China. A bowl of noodles won't set you back much more than RMB 20, including their signature 油泼 yóupō (literally "oil-splashed") noodles, thick, belt-like noodles in an addictive savory-spicy sauce. Come hungry as the portions are huge.

Daily 11am-3.30am

50m east of the intersection of Xingfucun Zhonglu and Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区春秀路和幸福村中路红绿灯往东50米

[phone] 

$ // Chinese, noodles // English menu

Mama de Weidao 妈妈的味道

For well-priced Chinese food in the Sanlitun area, you can do much worse than Mama de Weidao. This small, two-story restaurant serves classic homestyle northern Chinese dishes (the name literally translates as "mother's flavor") in a minimalist setting that is a cut above the usual cheap Chinese diner. Try the red-braised pork and the aubergine slices stuffed with minced pork.

Daily 10am-2pm, 5-10pm

Unit 110, Bldg 6, China View, 2 Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体东路2号中国红街6号楼110室

[phone]

$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available

Transit 渡金湖 

Beautiful, stylish Transit restaurant serves contemporary Sichuan cuisine. Dishes stay true to form but use high-quality, and sometimes unexpected, ingredients such as a sprinkle of Cognac and 普洱 pǔ'ěr tea in their red-braised pork or a spritz of lime over their 担担 dàndàn noodles. Try the 麻辣 málà spicy chicken (pictured above), the seabass poached in chili oil, and the braised eggplant with minced pork.

Daily noon-2pm, 6-10pm

N4-36, 3/F, Taikoo Li North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路11号太古里北区3层N4-36

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Sichuan // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Xiaodiao Litang 小吊梨汤 

Local restaurant chain Xiaodiao Litang serves modern Beijing dishes that capture a little of the eclectic spirit that makes the city's cuisine so great. Their signature dish is 梨汤 lítāng, a traditional pear soup sweetened (and we mean really sweetened) with rock sugar. Other top menu picks include flash-fried prawns with pears and peanuts, braised rice with beef brisket, and "cheese fish," a creamy jelly-like set dessert inexplicably shaped like a fish. There are a dozen other branches around town.

Daily 11am-3pm, 5-9.30pm

4A, Baijiazhuang Dongli, south of Tuanjiehu subway exit C, Chaoyang District
朝阳区白家庄东里甲4号（团结湖地铁站C出口往南）

[phone] 

$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available

JIANGUOMEN / CBD

Karaiya Spice House 辣屋湖南料理

Stylish Karaiya specializes in the chili-laden cuisine of Hunan province. Formerly located in Sanlitun, the restaurant recently moved to the Kerry Center in Guomao and the dishes are as spicy as ever. While Karaiya's ambiance, presentation, and English menu might have been prepared with foreigners in mind, the spice level of the dishes might still put the fear into fresh-off-the-boat visitors. Don't miss the pork ribs with chili, peanuts, and pickled vegetables.

Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm

B1/F, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心地下1层

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Hunan // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Najia Xiaoguan 那家小馆

Consistently well-executed imperial cuisine – specifically, Manchu cuisine – without the swanky atmosphere. Dishes here are novel, including ingredients such as venison that are not commonly seen in modern Chinese cooking. Be sure to try the crispy skinned prawns and the braised eggplant. Be prepared to queue at peak times but the wait is worth it.

Daily 11.30am-4pm, 5-9.30pm

10 Yonganli, Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街永安里10号

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Red Bowl 赤

Rosewood Beijing's Red Bowl is hot pot at its most stylish - all exposed brick walls, recycled timber, and splashes of bright colors. The menu matches the eclectic "comfort meets contemporary" vibe, combining the best of authentic hot pot dining with innovative twists on classic favorites. It's a little pricier than some of the more local hot pot joints but the ingredients are top notch and they also have deals on set menus or drinks packages.

Daily 5.30pm-1.30am, Sat-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm

1/F, Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Center, Hujialou, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼京广中心北京瑰丽酒店1层

[phone]

$$$ /// Chinese, hot pot // Vegetarian options available // English menu

LIANGMAQIAO

Baoyuan Dumplings 宝源饺子屋

Head to Baoyuan in the Liangmaqiao area for a healthful rainbow of cheap dumplings, their dough dyed with vegetable and fruit such as spinach and carrot. Fillings are just as creative – kungpao chicken dumplings, anyone? – and there are plenty of vegetarian options packed with ingredients such as smoked tofu, celery, mushrooms, eggs, chives, cabbage, carrots, and cellophane noodles. The crispy rice and cabbage is a long-time favorite.

Daily 11am-2pm, 5-10pm

6 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店街6号

[phone]

$ // Chinese, Dumplings // Vegetarian and vegan options available // English menu

Cai Yi Xuan 采逸轩

The Chinese restaurant in the Four Seasons Beijing serves upgraded versions of traditional Cantonese dishes in a dramatically decorated space. Look out for dishes such as soy-braised pork belly with abalone and black truffle sauce and sautéed king prawns with black garlic and dried chili. The dim sum – similarly adorned with high-end ingredients such as truffle and lobster – is exemplary.

Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm

2/F, Four Seasons Beijing, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路48号北京四季酒店2层

[phone]

$$$ // Chinese, Cantonese // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Great Leap Brewing #45 Brewpub 大跃啤酒

Beijing's craft beer revolution has been inescapable and one of the brands that has always been at its forefront is Great Leap Brewing. Their location north of Sanlitun may be a brewpub but a lot of thought has gone into the food, too, with a menu featuring thick-crusted Brooklyn-style pizzas and a range of burgers that frequently rank among the best in Beijing. The GLB brewpub in the Lido area also serves a very similar menu.

Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am

45-1 Xinyuan Jie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源街45-1号

[phone]

$ // International, pizza/burgers // Vegetarian options available // English menu

GULOU / DONGSI / LAMA TEMPLE

Baron Rozi Xinjiang Cuisine 巴依老爷新疆美食

You may not have tried or even heard of Xinjiang cuisine before but once you do you'll wonder why you hadn't. Unlike many other Chinese cuisines, Xinjiang food is characterized by dishes such as grilled lamb kebabs, stews heavy in tomatoes, onions, and peppers, grilled naan breads, and dairy products. Baron Rozi is palatial in appearance and there is live entertainment too on the first floor, consisting mostly of Uygher dancing and singing. Try the chicken and potato stew alongside lamb kebabs, grilled naan bread, and homemade yogurt. Complement your meal with a Xinjiang beer.

Daily 11am-11pm

1/F, Xinzhong Mansion, Gongti Beilu, Dongcheng District
东城区工体北路新中大厦1层

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Xinjiang // English menu

Furongji

The team behind popular hutong hotel The Orchid try their hand at dim sum with Furongji, serving a mix of classic and creative dishes. However, while the menu and the interior are far from traditional, this is not fusion. As the team says, Furongji isn't just about slapping different colored skins on the dumplings or adding truffles; it's about cooking with freedom and fun. Order the chicken curry sesame balls and the pan-fried radish cake with homemade XO sauce and a poached egg.

Tue-Sun 11am-10pm

63 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区宝钞胡同63号

$ // Dim sum, contemporary Chinese // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Hua's Restaurant 花家怡园

Set in a warren of restored courtyards just east of Beixinqiao subway station, Hua's Restaurant serves upgraded homestyle Beijing dishes. This is a good place to try Peking duck (which here comes with batons of hawthorn jelly alongside the traditional accompaniments), as well as other popular local dishes such as boiled crayfish. There are nightly music performances in the open-air courtyards in the summer months.

Daily 10.30am-4am

235 Dongzhimen Neidajie, Dongcheng District
东城区东直门内大街235号

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Little Yunnan 小云南

Located in a well-preserved courtyard near the old imperial wall, this restaurant serves delicious Yunnan dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for friendly gatherings or a romantic night out. Menu highlights include the Naxi-style prawns stir-fried with mint and the pineapple rice. They also brew their own rice wine. They now also have a second, larger venue west of Dongzhimen but we still prefer the original location for its more rustic atmosphere and covered courtyard.

Daily 10.30am-10pm

28 Donghuangchenggen Beijie, Dongcheng District
东城区东黄城根北街28号

[phone]

$ // Chinese, Yunnan // Vegetarian and vegan options available

Susu 苏苏会

Down a deserted alley, just at the point that doubt starts to creep, Susu welcomes you into her twinkling, ever-so-modish folds. With a beautiful open courtyard and stylish design, Susu makes a supremely assuring first impression. The menu features pho, banh mi sandwiches, banh xeo crepes, caramelized claypot dishes, Vietnamese stews, and "the fabled La Vong Fish."

Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-9pm

10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng District
东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号

[phone]

$$ // International, Vietnamese // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Wang Pangzi (Fatty Wang's) 王胖子驴肉火烧

This Beijing-wide chain specializes in donkey meat sandwiches (known in Chinese as 鹿肉火烧 lùròu huǒshāo) but don't just stop reading here — these are one of Beijing's must-try snacks, reminiscent of corned beef stuffed in a crisp pastry-like shell (although that sells them far short). Small places selling donkey meat sandwiches can be found across the city but Wang Pangzi is generally considered one of the best.

Open 24 hrs

76 Gulou Xidajie, Xicheng District
西城区鼓楼西大街76号

[phone]

$ // Beijing, Chinese

Xian Lao Man 馅老满

Perennially packed with locals and visitors alike, Xian Lao Man serves up some of Beijing's best dumplings. The bilingual tick box menu makes for easy ordering (note that the dumplings are served by the 两 liǎng and the minimum order is two liang, about 10 dumplings), making the hardest bit choosing which dumplings to order and whether to have them boiled or fried. The beef dumplings here are particularly good, although there are plenty of vegetarian options, too.

252 Andingmen Neidajie, Dongcheng District
东城区安定门内大街252号

[phone]

$ // Beijing, Chinese // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Zhang Mama 张妈妈特色川味馆

The legendary Fensiting Hutong location of this incredibly popular Sichuan restaurant may be gone but the spice lives on on Jiaodaokou Nandajie. Come prepared to queue and grab a beer from one of the nearby convenience stores while you wait – you'll need it to fan the flames of their spicy dishes. Must-order dishes include 担担面 dàndàn miàn (noodles), 麻婆豆腐 mápó dòufu (tofu), and twice-fried belly pork with chilies (回锅肉 huíguōròu). There is a newer, more upmarket branch in Sanlitun if you're feeling fancy.

Daily 11am-10.30pm

76 Jiaodaokou Nandajie, Dongcheng District
东城区分交道口南大街76

188 1119 5778 

$ // Chinese, Sichuan // Vegetarian options available

FORBIDDEN CITY / WANGFUJING

TRB Forbidden City

Located at the east gate of the Forbidden City, with great views over the palace moat, TRB Forbidden City's stunning setting, exemplary service, and extensive wine list add up to one of Beijing's finest dining spots. A popular place for brunch, lunch, and dinner (with reasonably priced, if not cheap, set menus available at each), be sure to book ahead.  

Lunch Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, brunch Sat-Sun 11.30am-3pm, dinner 5.30-10pm

95 Donghuamen Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区东华门大街95好

[phone]

$$$ // International, European // Vegetarian options available

Beijing Pie 河沿肉饼

This bright and clean restaurant in between the Forbidden City and Wangfujing specializes in Beijing 肉饼 ròubǐng – the eponymous "Beijing pie," a wheat pancake stuffed with pork, beef, or vegetables – alongside other classic homestyle dishes such as kungpao chicken and stir-fried eggs with tomatoes. English menu and English-speaking staff make the dining experience smooth.

Daily 10am-9pm

101, Bldg 7, 14 Xila Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区东安门大街43号7幢101（锡拉胡同14号）

[phone]

$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Black Sesame Kitchen

A Beijing institution, Black Sesame Kitchen moved from their original spot on the eponymous Black Sesame Hutong in 2014, relocating to a quiet hutong just east of Jingshan Park. They hold Chinese dinners in their cozy courtyard most nights from 7-10pm – join a group of other diners or have the space to yourself if you're more than eight people. The meal includes 10 courses such as red-braised pork belly and kungpao shrimp, as well as generous pours of wine and beer. They also offer cooking classes and private events that can be tailored to your needs.

By appointment only

28 Zhonglao Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区中老胡同28号

136 9147 4408

[e-mail] 

$$$ // Chinese, pan-Chinese // Vegetarian and vegan options available // English menu

Haidilao 海底捞

Hot pot chain Haidilao is as famous for its hospitality as it is for its spicy Sichuan hot pot. You'll be in for a long wait for a table, but you won't mind when you're getting your nails done or enjoying a fruit plate while you wait. Don't forget to ask for the noodle show – an energetic waiter will pull noodles right at your table. There are more than a dozen branches around town, many of which are open nearly 24 hours a day.

9am-7am

3/F, In88 Shopping Center, 88 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街王府井银泰in88 3层

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, hot pot // Vegetarian options available // English menu

Siji Minfu 四季民福 

Siji Minfu's Peking duck is consistently good and much better value than some of Beijing's touristy "time-honored brands" (we're looking at you, Quanjude). This is also a good place to order other traditional Beijing dishes such as 炸酱 zhájiàng noodles. There are several branches around town, of which our favorites is the Forbidden City branch, which has views over the moat surrounding the palace. Apparently, a lot of other people feel the same way; be prepared to queue for an hour or more during peak times.

Daily 9.30am-10.30pm

11 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区南池子大街11号

[phone]

$$ // Chinese, Peking duck, Beijing // Vegetarian options available

READ (via this QR code): A Month-by-Month Guide to the Most Common Chinese Festival Foods

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Photos Jing Yaa Tang, Uni You, Dazhong Dianping, Ken Liu, Robynne Tindall, Tracy Wang, courtesy of the venues

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