Dig Into Beijing's Best New Restaurant Openings, Jul-Oct
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If you happen to be staying in Beijing over the October holidays, make the most of all that free time and dig into the best restaurant openings that Beijing has seen over the past few months.
Note that due to the ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations, some venues may be closed or have altered hours, so phone ahead or check their official WeChat account before heading out.
Moka Bros has taken a swing at Beijing's burger market with Burger Box, a no-fuss burger joint situated just next door to their Nali Patio location. Burger Box's four traditional hamburgers are all made with Australian beef, and the standard fare combinations of bacon, egg, avocado, and mushrooms. Then there's Burger Box's crowning jewel, the KOL-beckoning "Out of The Box," with enough extras to make the other options look like child's play. For a whopping RMB 158, it comes topped with Iberico ham, Brie, and shaved black truffles.
Read the full review here.
Cocottine is the latest addition to Groupe FLO's portfolio of restaurants, a rustic, family-style restaurant in Parkview Green that is named after a small French saucepan. Try dishes such as crayfish cooked in tomato bisque and Milanese beef osso buco with mashed potatoes, both served in the restaurant's eponymous enamel-coated cast-iron cocottes.
Read the full review here.
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Quick-but-quality Yunnan joint Cravings is a great spot to grab a bowl of rice noodles in spicy chicken broth for lunch. Those wanting extra protein can add a plate of the crispy pork belly, which we found to be just the right level of salty, or shoot for the Yunnan classic of beef with mint leaves, picked from their own potted mint plants. This is a new venture for Cravings, which also has a more family-oriented, Asian-fusion joint over by Chaoyang Park.
Read the full review here.
Shopping in Taikoo Li is a task that calls for caffeine, and Elephant Grounds is here to meet the call with a healthy breakfast to boot. Elephant Grounds' baristas serve up hipster coffee options to rival the specialty shops in the area: a choice of Chemex and V60 pour-over brews, Aeropress espresso, and a nitro cold brew that easily gives Starbucks a run for their money. The food menu includes healthy breakfast options like acai smoothie bowls, alongside rice and noodle bowls for later in the day
Read the full review here.
Judging by the number of people enjoying happy hour on the terrace the first time we visited, American-style bar and restaurant H3 won't need much introduction for many in the Liangmaqiao area. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Blue Marlin, H3 is a good option if you're looking for casual dining and good value drinks in this part of town. Try the double cheeseburger, the crispy thin-crust pizzas, and the roasted pork knuckle, as well as their lengthy, good-value happy hour.
Read the full review here.
American chain Red Lobster made a splash this summer when it opened in Taikoo Li, the chain's second store in China after Shanghai. Fans of the brand will surely be pleased to find that our location is serving longtime favorites like the fluffy and piping hot complimentary cheddar bay biscuits, the Red Lobster chopped salad (RMB 90), and above all, the flagship steamed live Maine lobster, which if you didn't get the memo, is basically the sole reason for this chain to exist.
Read the full review here.
Formerly delivery-only oven artisans The Bake Shop have opened their own brick-and-mortar space in the premises connected to The Orchid hotel, and they are already attracting plenty of carb hunters. Buy bread and other baked goods to take away or enjoy some dishes on-site, including toast options served with artichoke, poached egg or avocado. Once you see the stunning interior design (created by Jenny from Atlas Studios, who also designed Fu Rong Ji and the renovations to Toast), you'll certainly want to stay for a few hours.
Read the full review here.
Toratori-Ya is a Maizidian backstreet newbie offering old school Japanese vibes, bites, and whiskey highballs. A new venture by Japanese expat Daisuke Onishi (of neighboring VinVino and since-closed Vin Vie fame), Toratori-Ya is yet another winner from this seasoned Beijing F&B vet. Be sure to try the tender chicken breast skewers, which are served with fruity plum sauce and a sprinkling of salty seaweed, or the equally delicious chicken meatball skewers, alongside one of their range of creative whiskey highballs
Read the full review here:
The Shang complex on Xinyuanli has gotten that little bit more international with the addition of Turkish steak house and bar, Turkish Feast. Turkish Feast bills itself as a "steak house" and meat is certainly a mainstay of the menu. They offer a range of predominantly lamb and beef-based dishes, including dry-aged steaks and traditional Turkish kebabs. In addition, don't miss the mezze dishes, such as hummus and muhammara, and the stone oven-baked breads.
Read the full review here.
Photos: Rex, Joey Knotts, Tom Arnstein, Robynne Tindall, courtesy of Elephant Grounds
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