Beijing is amazing for food. It is a heaven for foodies. Therefore, after the arrival, eating out experience deserves a post. No doubt.

If eating ‘local’, i.e. Chinese cuisine, it can be rather cheap too. Once I ate with the real estate agent lunch in CBD area in a big super mall with all other local office workers and my 3 course lunch was less than 4 euros… International cuisine is more expensive and prices can go as high as your lavish taste for restaurants can imagine.

All food is available here: Italian pizzas, Spanish tapas, Vietnamese spring rolls, burgers, French cuisine, Mediterranean…you name it, and you will be able to find it on Trip Advisor, which, by the way, works very well in Beijing.

So after previous visits in Beijing and a bit more than 2 weeks that we lived here…comes my top 15 restaurants list (it is hard to rank after the top 3…so just consider #4-15 all equally great:)) Many credits go to Isabelle and Fred, who shared their recommendations.

#1 1949 Duck de Chine – for Pekin duck

Pekin meets fancy-pantsy Frenchie and they have a great night… This is THE place for the traditional roasted duck of the highest quality. Bring your guests to impress. There are 2 locations in town, I prefer the courtyard in Sanlitun: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294212-d4590353-Reviews-Duck_de_Chine-Beijing.html

  

#2 Din Tai Fung – for the best dumplings on earth

There are several DTFs in town, and they are all good. Drink menu is also rich, .. but there is nothing like their jiaozi – traditional Beijing dumplings.

And please note: they are hot! Frequently there is a little instruction added on how to eat them and not burn yourself! Safety first :p

#3  Dali Courtyard – Yunnan province

In the middle of hutongs, not too far from the famous hutong Nanluogu Xiang, this restaurant is a real treasure. The setup is great, with a cosy cortyard, perfect for the warmn summer night. There is no menu really, the chef cooks everyday what he (she?) likes, you pay 150 RMB for the whole experience, sit back, and enjoy…

#4 Capital M – for European cuisine with great views

It’s expensive, but it’s an experience… Book a table on a terrace in advance and enjoy the fancy night out. European cuisine. Mostly French:)

#5 In and Out – Yunnan cuisine again

This great place is in Sanlitun, close to Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet, just in case you need to do a little international shopping before or after your meal. Great place, great food.

#6  Carmen – for Spanish tapas

Just outside the famous Sanlitun Nali patio, it is a great place for a spanish night and sangria. It’s the first place where I tried white sangria, and it was worth the try!

#7 Bottega- for great buratta and fantastic Italian pizza

I’ve been in Bottega for the 1st time when it was in a hidden valley in Sanlitun, since then it has closed and opened 2 new locations: one close to International SOS clinic, and another one in the famous Nali Patio in Sanlitun. I had a fantastic buratta-tomatoes starter followed by a delicious pizza. Even the crust of the pizza is tasty. That is my biggest compliment to a pizza that I can give. Pierrick enjoyed their tiramisu.

#8 Keny’s burger – for fantastic Australian steak and a glass of French red wine

Again, same Nali patio in Sanlitun and it’s another treasure.

#9 Le little Saigon – for a good Vietnamese

Close to Hou Hai lakes (but not to close:), great spot for Vietnamese. You can get a table on the rooftop, kind of in a tree. They have bo bun… Food was great. Ice tea was not great, maybe better to stick to water or beer.

#10 Time zone 8 – for the best brunch in 798 Art district

A must spot for the day that you will be spending in the art district. Tasty generous salads, eggs Benedict, crepes, and any other brunch joys that you can imagine are there.

#11 Moka Bros – for bobo style avocado based dishes

Again, same Nali patio in Sanlitun and it’s another treasure.

#12 Element Fresh – for generous salads and fruity smoothies

Many restaurants in town, I tried the ones in Sanlitun and Lido.

#13 Susu – Vietnamese pearl

Not very easy to find. No, that is an understatement, …hard to find:) But totally worth it. Renovated courtyard, two outside terraces, tasty food. There is not even the sign above the door… But usually friendly Chinese from the neighbourhood can help with the direction. Just say ‘Susu’, and they will use their useful body language for directions:)

#14 Bookworm – for a great lunch or snack in Sanlitun

Nice spot in an alley right in front of Intercontinental hotel. They have fresh juices, lamb ribs, and chicken quesadilla with avocados, that are great. The place is all about books and cuise of all over the world. I heard 2 teenagers complaining that the restaurant could not decide on the kitchen that they will have, and so they introduced to many to different items on the menu. But that is exactly why I like the place.

#15 Noodles bar

In the same courtyard of 1949 duck de Chine (no. 1 in this post), there are more restaurants and a beer bar. There is also a noodle bar, and it is truly awesome.