Beijing is all about extravagant brunches but there's no need to save the indulgence for the weekend. Instead, reward yourself for getting through another day (or, at least, another morning) at the office with one of these excellent-value lunch deals, whether you fancy a full-on buffet blowout or an elegant three-course menu. Got a client or business partner visiting from out of town? Then these eight top picks will also offer you the right atmosphere to impress.
Hana by Hatsune
RMB 125-165
We've always loved Hatsune's business lunch but sister restaurant Hana also wows with its great-value sets. Choose from Japanese classics like sashimi, sushi, Tokyo-style ramen, and grilled eel rice, each accompanied by a veritable smorgasbord of side dishes. The quality of ingredients is excellent and if you nab a table by the window, you get bonus views over the CCTV Tower.
Mosto
RMB 128, three courses
Mosto's set lunch menu, surely one of Beijing's most popular lunch deals, is once again being served during weekdays, having only been available on Friday for most of 2020. Priced at RMB 128 for three courses, the menu will vary, but you can expect core options to remain the same, with different sides and twists, from Josper grilled beef tenderloin and seared salmon to risotto and Icelandic sea bass. Vegetarian options will always be on offer, and vegan dishes can be accommodated upon request. Add a glass of house wine or sparkling for just RMB 38.
Turkish Feast
RMB 78-88
Escape wintery Beijing to the sunny banks of the Bosporus with Turkish Feast's weekday lunch menu. Choose from Turkish classics like grilled chicken and lamb kebabs or pide (a classic flatbread), accompanied by a soup or salad, and a choice of soft drink or Turkish tea. On a particularly chilly day, add RMB 10 to their RMB 88 lunch set to enjoy a hearty serving of lamb with bulgur wheat pilaf, which will certainly stick to your ribs until dinner.
Tavola
RMB 128/168, three courses
A stalwart of Beijing’s Italian dining scene, Tavola is a great choice for Liangmaqiao office and embassy workers. The food is classic Italian with modern, seasonal twists – the most recent menu (it changes every month) featured dishes like fusilli cacio e pepe with scallops, pumpkin risotto, and sea bass with puttanesca sauce. Choose from either a starter, pasta/risotto course, and dessert or a starter, main course, and dessert.
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San Wu Tang
RMB 198, buffet
Hotel Jen's all-day dining restaurant San Wu Tang is in the heart of the CBD with great views over the iconic buildings nearby. What makes San Wu Tang stand out from other buffets is their selection of local Beijing favorites like malatang and jianbing, each with the restaurant's own twist. Just upstairs from the restaurant, co-working space Prototype offers a great environment where you can keep the work chat going.
Jing Yaa Tang
RMB 188, all-you-can-eat dim sum
Jing Yaa Tang's all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch has always been one of our top Beijing dining picks and it is even better value now that the restaurant holds a Michelin star. Available daily, the all-you-can-order menu includes a selection of 25 different baked, steamed, and fried dim sum (try the photogenic crispy duck puffs), and you can order dishes from their regular menu alongside.
Hulu
RMB 118, three courses
Since it is a part of the TRB Group, it's no surprise that Hulu's Power Lunch (available at all three locations) goes above and beyond. As well as a three-course menu of modern French cuisine, you get a drink (cheeky lunchtime glass of fizz, anyone?) and a coffee. The menu changes frequently, most recently featuring dishes such as pork pâté, steak tartare, and chocolate mousse cake.
Feast
RMB 198, three courses
If you really want to push the boat out for lunch without emptying out your wallet, Feast is the place to do it. Their lunch menu (available from Mon-Thu) includes free-flow wine and beer (plus soft drinks, naturally), but you'll have plenty to line your stomach thanks to dishes like Jerusalem artichoke soup, creamy smoked salmon linguine, and grilled grain-fed sirloin.
READ: EAT: Mosto Daily Lunch Returns, Fondue Party, New Winter Dishes at Daruma and Qu Lang Yuan
Images: courtesy of the restaurants, Robynne Tindall
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