16 Places to Dine Al Fresco in Beijing
'Tis the season for eating outside, which is why we feel it our duty to give you a roundup of Beijing's best places to dine al fresco. The only thing better than being outside on a nice day is eating outside on a nice day.
1. Toast (The Orchid Gulou)
The Orchid’s small, quiet rooftop is a brunch haven. (We do mean small, though, so reserve your table ahead of time.)
65 Bao Chao Hutong, Gu Lou Dong Da Jie 西城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同65号 (8404 4818)
2. Sureño
We're not sure what's more appealing, Sureño's impeccible food by Chef Talib Hudda or its impressive setting at The Opposite House. Their new brunch is a winner (unlimited oysters? yes please), and better yet, the restaurant also boasts an amazing sunken patio smack in the middle of Sanlitun.
LG, The Opposite House, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu 朝阳区三里屯路11号楼1号院瑜舍酒店LG层 (6410 5240)
3. Feast
Feast serves food that's Western, Eastern and a mixture of the two. (Takeaway: There's something for everyone.) Its gorgeous terrace is enormous and makes the perfect spot for brunch or afternoon tea.
2/F, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号北京东隅酒店2层 (8426 0888)
4. N'Joy
N'Joy not only has a beautiful patio, but it's also one of our fave places to brunch in Beijing. NUO’s Sunday Brunch at N’Joy is the big daddy of brunch buffets. Unlimited oysters. Sashimi. Six varieties of bubbly. Now, good news for bon vivants everywhere: N’Joy has upped its Sunday game with caviar and a delightful patio.
No. Jia 2 Jiangtai Lu 将台路甲2号 (5926 8888)
5. Susu
Part of what makes Susu so cool is its hidden hutong setting. And its courtyard is incredible. Upon our first visit we accidentally stumble into a family’s hutong home, thinking it is the restaurant - awkward. But once we do find it (hint: it has a red door), we're immediately impressed by its impeccably decorated interior and intimate courtyard. Setting aside, it has the extensive menu and quality Vietnamese fare that sealed the deal for us. Susu serves up massive banh mi sandwiches, aromatic pho, excellent curries, minty-fresh spring rolls and an array of Vietnamese mains. Trust us, this one’s well worth seeking out. (Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.)
10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号 (8400-2699)
6. Zarah
The ever-popular cafe on Gulou Dongdajie is known for laptop warriors who stay drinking coffee and 'working' all day. But Zarah also features a beautiful hutong courtyard and rooftop terrace, as well as lovely Northern European-inspired breakfasts.
42 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng 东城区鼓楼东大街42号 (8403 9807)
7. Napa
Napa is a casual, quality restaurant with an emphasis on California-style cuisine and locally sourced produce. They serve up generous salads and sandwiches alongside several beers on tap. Check out their huge rooftop. Also, their new brunch is amazing.
20 Liulitun Zhonglu, Chaoyang 朝阳区六里屯中路20号 (186 1115 1686)
8. Palms LA Kitchen & Bar
Few places blur the lines between restaurant and party spot as well as Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar. Sure, this is the place to go for Korean-Mexican classics such as miso hot dogs, cheese fries with dried seaweed, but they've also got some dope-ass cocktails. The Sanyuanqiao branch also has a great outdoor patio, including big tables great for larger parties.
66 Xiaguangli Building D, Yuanyang Xinganxian, Chaoyang 朝阳区霞光里66号远洋新干线D座底商 (8446 7565)
9. TiensTiens
Our new favorite when it comes to baguettes and French pastries, TiensTiens has a gorgeous rooftop in Sanlitun’s Courtyard Four.
101, 10 Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, by Gongti Dong Lu 工人体育场北路4号10号楼一层101号 (8587 8897)
10. Taco Bar
Nothing says summer like tacos on the terrace. And margs.
Unit 10, Electrical Research Institute, Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯南路机电研究院内10号1层 (6501 6026)
11. Capital M
Capital M’s iconic view over Tiananmen Square is a take-your-parents here kind of view. Or a get-down-on-one-knee here kind of view. Or just a have-a-few-glasses-of-wine here kind of view. Long story short: It’s a great view.
3F, 2 Qianmen Buxingjie, by Qianmen Dong Lu 东城区前门步行街2号3楼 (6702 2727)
12. Moka Bros (CBD)
Hot terrace alert: Moka Bros’ CBD location has a patio surrounded by lush greenery – all the better for you to eat some greenery of your own.
Shop L139A , 9 Guanghua lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶东入口L139A号 (6587 1368)
13. Maison FLO
Brasserie FLO may have changed its name to Maison FLO, but its elegant garden remains the same.
18 Xiaoyun Lu, by Tianze Lu 朝阳区霄云路18号 (6595 5135)
14. Cantina Agave
One major difference between Beijing and Shanghai: There are fewer bonafide rooftops to eat on here. (Beijing’s more of a courtyard city.) The rooftop at Cantina Agave is an exception.
S4-32 South Block, Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区 (6416 5212)
15. Great Leap Brewpub #45
Long, wooden tables and some of Beijing’s best pizzas make GLB’s Liangmaqiao location perfect for large groups and families.
45 Xinyuan St. Chaoyang 朝阳区新源街45号 (5947 6984)
16. Dali Courtyard
Eat some of Beijing’s best Yunnanese food in one of Beijing’s best courtyards.
67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, by Gulou Dong Dajie 东城区鼓楼东大街小经厂胡同67号 (8404 1430)
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