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

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

(010) 6415 3939

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

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

(010) 6410 5230

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

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

(010) 6416 1752 

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

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

(010) 6501 6026 

$ // International, Mexican // Vegetarian options available

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

(010) 5715 2029 

$ // Chinese, noodles // English menu

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

(010) 8587 1822

$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available

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

(010) 6417 9090

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

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）

(010) 6582 1348 

$ // Chinese, Beijing // Vegetarian options available

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

(010) 8588 8520

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

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

(010) 6567 3663

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

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

(010) 6536 0066

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

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

(010) 6586 4967

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

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

(010) 5695 8888

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

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

(010) 5947 6984

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

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

(010) 6981 8181

$$ // Chinese, Xinjiang // English menu

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

(010) 5128 3315

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

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

(010) 6401 9498

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

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

(010) 8400 2699

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

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

(010) 8402 3077

$ // Beijing, Chinese

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

(010) 6401 6676

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

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）

(010) 6528 3828

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

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

reservations@blacksesamekitchen.com 

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

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

(010) 5762 0741

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

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

(010) 6526 7369

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