chuangyilife.com: Gourmet > World Gourmet Map - Fine Restaurant Guide > China Gourmet > Top Restaurants In Beijing | the art of living

Top Restaurants In Beijing

Beijing is a city full to the brim of all sorts of restaurants. For those with discerning taste buds, Beijing is a great place to experience some haute cuisine.

1. Capital M

A great place to start is Capital M, Michelle Garnault’s third restaurant. The huge restaurant is perfectly situated on Qianmen Street, Beijing’s famous shopping street, and features stunning views which are unrivalled among restaurants in the area, as the restaurant looks directly onto Tian’anmen Square. The menu changes seasonally but the high standards are maintained all year round. Capital M offers a combination of modern European food with classic and nostalgic dishes not only from Europe but also from the Middle East and North Africa.

Address: 3/F, No.2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (just south of Tian’anmen Square)
Beijing 100051 China

2. Maison Boulud

Another restaurant in Beijing which comes highly recommended is Maison Boulud. Located in Chi’en Men 23, this restaurant flawlessly blends the past and the contemporary. Maison Boulud a Pekin is housed in the sophisticated and grand former American Embassy only metres away from Tiananmen’s south-eastern edge. Professional service combined with delicious food has cemented three star Michelin chef Daniel Boulud’s impressive reputation. Maison Boulud offers classic French cuisine but in a contemporary context, weaving local ingredients and techniques effectively into traditional dishes. Fresh herbs, vegetables and mushrooms are locally sourced. There are separate menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert, which are changed seasonally.

Address: Ch’ien Men 23-No.23 Qian Men, No.23 Qian Men Dong Da Jie, Dong Cheng District
Beijing, China 100006

3. Le Pré Lenôtre

Another restaurant in Beijing’s haute-cuisine scene is the French restaurant Le Pré Lenôtre. Situated in the luxurious Sofitel Wanda, the restaurant’s chef, Yannick Ehrsam has previously worked as Sous Chef de Cuisine at La Bateau, a two star Michelin restaurant in Paris. Le Pré Lenôtre, which is the sister establishment of the renowned Le Pré Catelan in Paris, which has been awarded three Michelin stars, is clearly aiming for the same high standards. The unobtrusive yet attentive service is impeccable and the décor and ambience, although formal, is extremely friendly. The food is impressive, particularly the set lunch menus, which are well-known for being excellent value.

Address: (Sofitel Wanda Beijing) 93 Jianguo Road , Tower C Wanda Plaza , Chaoyang District, 100022 BEIJING, CHINA
Type of cuisine : French

4. Ristorante Sadler

The internationally renowned Ristorante Sadler is the first restaurant which world famous chef Claudio Sadler has set up in China. 2 Michelin star Italian Chef Claudio Sadler, who is appreciated all over the world and is listed as a member of prestigious “Le Soste”, an international club for culinary experts, decided to open up his restaurant within the historic Ch’ien Men 23 complex close to Tiananmen. The elegant location, which used to be home of the American Legation during the Qing dynasty, combined with exciting Italian cuisine with a modern twist have led to high praise from critics and customers alike. The main dining room is open yet intimate, and the service is attentive and friendly. Sadler won two Michelin stars for his first restaurant in Milan, Osteria di Porta Cicca, and his attention to detail and quality is also evident here, where he is setting new standards for Italian fine dining in China, leading one critic to state that it is ‘probably the most prestigious Italian Restaurant in China’.

Address:Ch’ien Men 23-No.23 Qian Men
No.23 Qian Men Dong Da Jie, Dong Cheng District Beijing, China 100006

5. Aria Bar and Restaurant

Aria Bar and Restaurant, situated in China World Hotel in Beijing, is another outstanding restaurant in the capital. Australian born chef Matthew McCool, who brings 10 years of experience from restaurants in Australia and Europe, has revitalised this restaurant and brought it back to the attention of those in search of haute cuisine. McCool launched a new menu shortly after he arrived which has been received extremely positively. The food is influenced by the Mediterranean but is inspired by other international flavours as well, and always uses top-quality ingredients. Set lunch and a la carte dinner menus are also popular. Aria is constantly being acknowledged at high profile award ceremonies; Aria has won numerous awards so far in 2011, including ‘Chef of the Year’ and ‘Best International Restaurant’ at Time Out Beijing Food Awards. The wine range is extensive, impressive and complements the menu beautifully.

Address:No 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing 100004, China

6. Sureño

Situated in the fashionable Opposite House in Sanlitun Village, Sureño offers a menu of contemporary Southern European dishes, including fresh herbs, rich olive oils, organic vegetables and delicious seafood, meat and cheeses. The restaurant, with its impeccable interior design and open kitchen complete with wood-fired oven, has a warm and relaxing atmosphere with friendly and helpful service. Sureño, which serves up some of the best Mediterranean food in the city, including a range of tapas, salads, bruschetta, soups, pasta and wood-fired pizzas among other delicious dishes, is bound to leave everyone feeling satisfied.
Address:Building 1, No.11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100027

7. If it is a more intimate dining experience which you are after, why not try out one of Beijing’s bistros?

Tavola, situated near the diplomatic compound at Liangmaqiao and near the Kempinski hotel serves authentic Italian cuisine in a ‘Japanese zen style’. The dining space is simultaneously elegant and classy yet intimate. Tavola also serves an impressive selection of wine.
Address: 2nd Floor, The Grand Summit, Section B, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Mansion
No. 19, Dongfang East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600

8. Another fantastic bistro in Beijing is Morel’s. This long-established bistro serves food served in a Belgian style, washed down with Belgian beer. Belgian chef Renaat Morel, is well respected and successful. The steak is particularly outstanding and led to Morel’s being voted “Outstanding Steak” in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards.

Morel’s Restaurant & Café (Gongti)
Open hour: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11：00 am to 1：00 am(Always close on Monday)
Address：1st FL No.5 Red Block, Xin Zhong Street,Dongcheng Dist,100016 Beijing (opposite Worker’s Gym North Gate )

Morel’s Restaurant & Café (Liangma)
Open hour: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm(Always close on Monday)
Address: 1st FL East Block, No. 27 Liangma Bridge Rd,Chaoyang District, 100027 Beijing (beside Liangma Antique Market)

Morel’s Deli Shop
Open hour: from Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Address: Park View, Caoyang District, Beijing

Tags: BusinesselegantFormalRmomantic