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BEIJING
Restaurants:
  • Favorite restaurants
  • Local and regional specialties
  • Asian
  • Breakfast and brunch
  • Continental
  • French
  • Italian (including pizzerias)
  • Additional experiences
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  • Beijing often struggles with its identity and role as an international capital. On the culinary front, it's winning the battle: The variety of both its international cuisines and its indigenous fare is excellent.

    For those travelers whose itineraries will take them only to Beijing, visit different areas of China via the food that defines each region. If your palate can handle it, go for the fiery Sichuan cuisine (the best outside of Sichuan Province). If you prefer the milder taste of Cantonese, sample dim sum at one of the many restaurants that serve several different types of Chinese cuisine. Do try a restaurant specializing in Beijing duck, but go easy—fatty duck meat often makes first-timers ill. In choosing a place to eat, this rule of thumb works for the Chinese, so it can work for you too: If the restaurant is crowded at mealtimes, it must be good.

    Travelers who wish to save money or who are adventurous may want to try street food in Beijing. While most health organizations discourage this, it's done all the time by visitors—usually with mixed results. Our advice: The night market at Dongsi is usually safe and is an exotic, delicious dining experience. Exercise good judgment when it comes to the small food stalls along the street, however. If it's deserted or looks at all unclean, don't take chances.

    Generally, lunch is served 11 am-2 pm, then restaurants close and reopen for dinner 6-10 pm. A few places stay open straight through, 11 am-10 pm. Apart from some clubs, few remain open later. Less expensive restaurants almost never have English speakers on staff. (If they do, the price will be higher.) For the restaurants listed in the profile, reservations can be made in English, but any questions will probably have to be asked in Mandarin. Usually reservations are not required unless you have more than five people in your party or it's a Chinese or Western holiday. Only restaurants within major hotels are likely to accept credit cards.

    Note: Do not tip at restaurants. It's not expected and may even be construed as an offense. Some restaurants may add a 15% service charge, which is sufficient to cover any gratuities.

    Below is a sampling of restaurants in town. Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drinks and tax: $ = less than 100 yuan; $$ = 100 yuan-200 yuan; $$$ = more than 200 yuan.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

    Ashanti Spanish Restaurant—This upscale restaurant features Spanish paella and sangria amid walls covered with paintings by contemporary Chinese artists. It's a nice place for a romantic dinner and an ideal location to check out Beijing's art crowd. Daily 11:30 am-2 pm and 6 pm-2 am. $$. No credit cards. 168 Xinzhong Jie (opposite the Workers' Stadium), Beijing. Phone 6417-4888.

    Jazz-Ya Bar and Grill—The newly renovated addition to Beijing's most popular Japanese-style bar features Korean barbecue and Japanese hot pots, as well as a fabulous selection of drinks and cool jazz playing over the speakers. Daily 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 5 pm-2:30 am. $$. No credit cards. Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone 6415-1227.

    Li Family Restaurant (Li Jia Cai)—Good luck getting in. If you do, you'll eat like an emperor in a homey setting. Deep-fried scallops, General Gong's chicken and other royal delicacies cross your plate and palate, while Mr. Li recalls stories about his family's history, both modern and ancient. Daily 6-8 pm. $$$. No credit cards. 11 Yangfang Hutong, Deshengmenwai Hutong, Beijing. Phone 6618-0107.

    Serve the People (Wei Renmin Fuwu)—This oddly named restaurant serves some of the best Thai and southeast Asian food in town. The artistically decorated dining room is a bit small, but it's conveniently located and a great place to dine before sampling the local nightlife. Daily 11:30 am-2:30 am. $. No credit cards. Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone 6415-3243.

    Tuanjiehu Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant (Tuanjiehu Beijing Kao Ya Dian)—Foreigners and locals alike have gradually realized that this is the place for duck in Beijing. There's an English menu, a computerized ordering system (watch your waitress and her Palm Pilot-like device) and really good duck. It's not cheap...but then duck never is. The restaurant is in Building No. 3 (across the Third Ring Road from Zhaolong Hotel). Daily 11 am-2 pm and 5-9:30 pm. Reservations required. $$. Most major credit cards. Dongsanhuan Lu, Tuanjiehu Bei Kou, Beijing. Phone 6582-4003.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    LOCAL AND REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

    A Fun Ti Xingjiang Restaurant—This restaurant has become so popular that reservations are necessary almost every night of the week. The primary dish is lamb, served in any number of styles—as roasted kebabs (yang rou chuan), roasted and stir-fried (chao kao yang rou) or served with chopped noodles and vegetables (chao mian pian). The lamb tends to be spicy, so those with sensitive palates should choose stir-fried, rather than roasted, dishes. Sample the rose wine—a light, fruity beverage with only a meager kick.

    The beyond-food fun begins after 7:30 pm, when the resident Uighur musicians (the Uighur minority makes up the majority population of Xinjiang) pick up their instruments. They're joined on stage by a ravishing Uighur dancer, whose gyrations bring feasting to an immediate halt. The worst thing about A Fun Ti is its location—it's difficult to find. A reliable, though somewhat inconvenient, way to get there is to ride the Beijing Underground to the Chaoyangmen station, then walk west for 10-15 minutes on the south side of Chaoyangmennei Avenue. English menus available. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 4:30-11:30 pm. Reservations recommended for dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 2 Houguaibang Hutong, Chaoyangmennei Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone 6525-1071.

    Huang Cheng Lao Ma Sichuan Hot Pot—This popular hot pot restaurant serves authentic Sichuan hot pot as well as the in-house specialty liquor, lao ma hong ("Old Mom's Red"). The very spicy hot pot is best when filled with their marinated beef, and customers can order a mixed (yuan yang) hot pot with two different broths—one spicy and one of plain duck broth. A nice, clean interior makes this one of the city's more foreigner-friendly hot pot experiences. Daily noon-11:30 pm. $$. No credit cards. 39 Qingfengzhazhou St., Dabeiyaonan, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone 6779-8801.

    Neng Ren Ju—Flash-boiled lamb (shuan yang rou) is a variation on the Sichuan hot pot that is found throughout Beijing. This particular dish comes from the influence of nomadic, Mongolian tribes on Chinese culture. A self-contained kettle is set to boil, and spices and vegetables are added to create a soup base. The main dish is lamb, but other meats, fish, vegetables and rice vermicelli can be added as well. Each piece is then dipped into a peanut sauce flavored with cilantro and chili oil. It's not easy to find, but it's so famous that most drivers and hotel personnel know it. Daily 11 am-2 am. $$. No credit cards. 5 Taipingqiao, Baitasi, Xicheng District, Beijing. Phone 6601-2560.

    Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant—This is the most elegant of the Quanjude restaurants. It's also more expensive. The cheapest way to go is right next door, where the same kitchen does the same exquisite duck for about one-quarter of the price, albeit in fast-food style or as takeout. Either way, don't overlook the asparagus. Daily 10 am-9:30 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 32 Qianmen Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Phone 6511-2418.

    Shun Feng Seafood World—The open space, boisterous atmosphere and Cantonese cuisine at this establishment may not strike everyone as desirable, but if trying to impress is on the agenda, this may be the place. Settle in and enjoy extremely fresh seafood that you've chosen from the tanks near the entrance. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 5 pm-3 am. $$$. No credit cards. 16 E. Third Ring Rd., Beijing. Phone 6507-0554.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    ASIAN

    Asian Star Restaurant (Ya Zhou Zhi Xin)—Specializing in the cuisines of southeast Asia, Asian Star features such favorites as Malaysian satay chicken and Singaporean chili crabs. A dim sum-style cart also offers an assortment of light dishes and sweets. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 5-11 pm. $$. No credit cards. 26 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. Phone 6582-5306.

    Bai Yun Japanese Restaurant—It's not cheap, but it is spectacular. The draw here is the atmosphere—this was Chiang Kai-shek's residence in Beijing. Other than that, the Japanese food here is not really any better or worse than elsewhere in Beijing. Daily noon-2 pm and 5:30-9 pm. $$$. No credit cards. Youhao Hotel, 7 Houyuannensi, Jiaodaokou, Haidian District. Phone 6403-4003 or 6403-1114, ext. 3264.

    Omar Khayyam—Indian food is served in a cozy setting. Great curries, tandooris and a good selection of vegetarian dishes. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 6-10:30 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. Asia Pacific Building, 8 Ya Bao Lu, Chaoyang District. Phone 6513-9988, ext. 20188.

    Phrik Thai—This small, cozy eatery serves up some excellent Thai food. The interior is stylishly painted, and it's located conveniently across the street from the Jing Guang Center. Try the milk tea and the delicious green curry. Daily 11 am-2 pm and 6-10 pm. $$. No credit cards. 3 Guangdongdian Street, Chaoyang District. Phone 6586-9726.

    Red Basil—This restaurant is stylish in a city not known for its stylishness, despite the garish Thai Restaurant sign outside. Reasonably priced, with excellent service and a varied menu. Unlike some of its competitors, Red Basil is definitely not a Cantonese restaurant dressed up with a bit of coconut milk here and there. Daily 11:30 am-2 pm and 5:30-10 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. No. 8 Building, Zuojiazhuang, N. Third Ring Road E. (just southeast of San Yuan Bridge). Phone 6460-2342.

    San Si Lang—Packed night after night, this is perhaps the best Japanese food in Beijing, and among the cheapest. Stuff yourself on whatever you like (only teppanyaki is missing) for less than 100 yuan. Portions are large, fresh, and tasty, and sake is smooth and inexpensive. Daily 11 am-2 pm and 5:30-11 pm. $. No credit cards. Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (directly across from Kempinski Hotel). Phone 6436-5030.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH

    The Den—Aside from being a popular expat bar and disco, the Den is also known for its weekend brunches. Plates range from English-style breakfast to Norwegian lox to muesli. The set price includes coffee, tea or juice, and even a Bloody Mary or glass of champagne. A jazz trio plays on occasion. Saturday and Sunday from 9 am. $. Most major credit cards. 4 Gongtidong Lu, Chaoyang District. Phone 6592-6290.

    Frank's Place—The breakfast menu has certainly contributed to the longevity of this long-established bar. Eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon and orange juice are served Saturday and Sunday until 11:30 am. $. Visa and American Express accepted. Gongtidong Lu, Chaoyang District. Phone 6507-2617.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    CONTINENTAL

    Justine's—One of Beijing's oldest Continental restaurants, Justine's remains a favorite for its consistency in food, service and atmosphere. Serves a fine brunch. Daily noon-2:30 pm and 6-10:30 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. Jianguo Hotel, 5 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. Phone 6500-2233, ext. 8039.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    FRENCH

    Bleu Marine—A trendy French bistro located near Silk Alley, Bleu Marine primarily serves French-style seafood. The menu varies by season, and the wine list is commendable. In summer, sidewalk seating provides a truly Parisian feel. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 6:30-10:30 pm. $$. No credit cards. 5 Dongdaqiao Lu. Phone 6500-6704.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    ITALIAN (INCLUDING PIZZERIAS)

    Adria's—This Italian restaurant is known for its 18 different kinds of pizza. Daily 11 am-2:30 pm and 5-11 pm. $$. Visa and American Express accepted. 14 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (opposite the Kempinski Hotel). Phone 6500-6186.

    Danieli's—Its menu billed as simple Napoli food, this Italian restaurant is certainly the city's most elegant one. Big, comfy chairs and Italian accents surround the visitor. Service is excellent. The food is good, but for the price it should be much better. Still, Danieli's is a solid choice for entertaining and for business lunches or dinners; it definitely makes the right impression. Daily 11:30 am-2 pm and 6-10 pm. $$$. Visa and American Express accepted. 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. Phone 6460-6688.

    Metro Cafe—For fresh pasta, this is the place. It's ironic that one of Beijing's best Italian restaurants has a menu reminiscent of a U.S. Chinese restaurant: Choose a pasta from column A, a sauce from column B. Regardless of what you choose (although you're missing out if you skip the spinach ravioli), start off with an appetizer (they're all good). Leave room for marble cheesecake. Daily 11:30 am-2 pm and 5:30-10 pm. $$. Visa and American Express accepted. 6 Workers' Stadium W. Rd. (Gongti Xilu). Phone 6552-7828.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences

    ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES

    Big Easy Bar and Grill—The Big Easy resembles a New Orleans-style building, and the food is typical cajun fare: gumbo, jambalaya and shrimp creole. There's also a stage where local and international jazz singers and musicians entertain. Daily 5 pm-2 am. $$. American Express accepted. Chaoyang Park South Gate, Chaoyang District. Phone 6508-6776.

    John Bull Pub—A real English breakfast can be had (all day, no less) at the John Bull Pub, Beijing's only such watering hole. Daily 11 am-12:30 am. $. No credit cards. Guanghua Lu (55 yd/50 m east of the International Post Office). Phone 6532-5905.

    Louisiana—If you dislike Cajun spices, don't be put off by this excellent restaurant's name. In fact, the moniker might mislead those who don't know better into thinking that this eatery serves only American food. Louisiana offers as much Pacific Rim influence in its menu items as southeastern U.S. It also has the largest wine selection of any restaurant in Beijing. Daily 11:30 am-2 pm and 6-10 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. Beijing Hilton, 1 N. Dong Sanhuan Rd. Phone 6466-2288.


    Favorite restaurants  | Local and regional specialties  | Asian  | Breakfast and brunch  | Continental  | French  | Italian (including pizzerias)  | Additional experiences



    Information prepared by Weissmann Travel Reports
    Copyright © 2000 by Reed Travel Group. All rights reserved.




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