Beijing - Dining

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Dining

Beijing

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Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2025-11-18

Food is one of Beijing’s great joys. The city is the birthplace of Peking Duck—crispy skin, tender meat, pancakes and all—which remains the must-try dish. But there’s much more to explore: steaming dumplings at hole-in-the-wall joints, refined takes on imperial cuisine, and inventive restaurants pushing Chinese flavours in new directions. And if you’re craving a change of pace, Beijing’s dining scene stretches far beyond local food, with everything from Japanese izakayas to Brazilian grills and Italian trattorias.

King’s Joy

King’s Joy

Set in a quiet siheyuan courtyard near the Lama Temple, King’s Joy is a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant which has earned both Michelin stars and the Green Star for its sustainability efforts. The menus rotate every couple of weeks, highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in creatively plated, meat-free versions of Chinese dishes. It’s on the pricier side, but for a refined and green dining experience—with candlelit dinners and hushed elegance—it stands apart in Beijing’s culinary scene.

Little Yunnan

Little Yunnan

Located beside Beijing’s old city wall, Little Yunnan has the warmth of a lived-in courtyard home, with wooden beams, low tables and a loft piled with cushions. The menu sticks close to Yunnan home cooking—spicy papaya fish, minty beef stew, and flower-scented scrambled eggs—alongside house-brewed rice wine. It’s laid-back, reasonably priced, and a favourite with both locals and expats.

Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

One of Beijing’s top addresses for Peking Duck, DaDong has spent decades perfecting the dish. Ducks are roasted in special ovens for even heat, producing skin that is crisp without being greasy and meat that’s tender and juicy. Carved tableside and served with soft pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce, the duck is the star of the menu, though other inventive Chinese dishes are worth exploring.

TRB Hutong

TRB Hutong

Housed in a 600-year-old temple near the Forbidden City, TRB Hutong serves contemporary French cuisine in a serene courtyard setting. With one Michelin star, polished service, and a wine list that spans the globe, it’s considered one of Beijing’s most memorable fine dining experiences.

Haidilao Hot Pot

Haidilao Hot Pot

China’s most famous hot pot chain, Haidilao is loved for its attentive service and endless choice of broths, meats, seafood, and vegetables. The Sanlitun branch is open 24 hours, just steps from the nightlife district, and draws crowds as much for the lively atmosphere as for the delicious food.

Fangshan Restaurant

Fangshan Restaurant

Founded over 90 years ago by royal chefs, Fangshan serves Beijing Duck and other dishes inspired by imperial cuisine. Set on an island in Beihai Park, the restaurant combines traditional décor with a grand mansion setting, complete with bright yellow accents and ornate Chinese artwork. Some dishes, including rare sweets, are hard to find elsewhere, making it a unique experience for visitors.

Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma’s Kitchen brings a touch of Americana to Beijing, with checkered tablecloths, wicker chairs, and a menu full of Western comfort food. Indulge in omelettes, sandwiches, pastas, and milkshakes, all served in a relaxed, family-style setting. If you’re looking for a break from Chinese cuisine, this long-standing favourite is a reliable spot to satisfy cravings for home-style dishes.

China Grill

China Grill

On the 66th floor of the Park Hyatt Beijing, China Grill offers international cuisine with prime meats, seafood, and fish, alongside a strong wine list. The floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views of the city, making it one of Beijing’s highest and most memorable dining spots.

Xi He Ya Ju

Xi He Ya Ju

Set in a traditional siheyuan courtyard in Ritan Park, Xi He Ya Ju serves classic Beijing dishes in a serene, traditional Beijing setting. The menu features Peking duck, sweet and sour shrimp, and Chinese yams with blueberries. Wooden beams, red lanterns, and a central courtyard give the restaurant its historic character, making it a quiet spot to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine.

Annie's Cafe

Annie's Cafe

Located in the heart of Chaoyang, Annie’s Cafe is a beloved Italian restaurant chain offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. With its spacious two-level layout and classic 70s–80s music setting the tone, it’s a comfortable spot for both solo diners and families. The menu features a wide array of Italian classics, including pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads. Popular choices include the truffle mushroom pasta and wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings.

Huang Ting

Huang Ting

Tucked inside the Peninsula Hotel, Huang Ting recreates the feel of a Beijing nobleman’s courtyard home, with carved wooden screens, elegant furniture, and private dining rooms. The menu highlights refined Cantonese cuisine—delicate dim sum, Szechuan prawns, and roast duck—served with polished service.

Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu

Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu

Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu in Chaoyang District is a simple, unpretentious eatery famous for its hand-crafted dumplings. Skins are naturally dyed with vegetables, and fillings range from classic pork and cabbage to more inventive combinations like smoked tofu and eggplant. Dumplings are ordered by weight, so it’s easy to mix and match. The menu has photos and English translations, making it accessible for visitors. It can get busy, but the wait is usually short, and the dumplings are worth it.

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