Quick answers — eating in Beijing
- Best restaurant overall
- King's Joy
- Best value
- Mr. Shi's Dumplings (CNY 50-100 / USD 7-14)
- Strongest cuisines
- Chinese, Vegetarian & plant-based, Italian
- Dishes to try
- Peking Roasted Duck (Běijīng Kǎoyā), Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles), Jianbing (Savory Crepe), Malatang (Sichuan-style Hot Pot Skewers)
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or a reputable booking platform.
Booking is essential, especially for MICHELIN-starred venues, often weeks in advance. Dress codes vary from smart casual to formal, with most fine dining preferring elegant attire. Tipping is generally not customary or expected in Beijing. Dinner hours typically begin around 6:00 PM and extend until 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM.
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in Beijing
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
Jing Yaa Tang
One MICHELIN StarPeking Duck & Regional Chinese · Sanlitun · CNY 500-800+ / USD 70-110+
Chef Li Dong
Located within The Opposite House hotel, Jing Yaa Tang offers a contemporary take on classic Chinese dishes, with a particular focus on its exceptional Peking duck. The vibrant, modern setting, designed by Alan Chan, complements the innovative yet authentic culinary approach. It's a stylish destination for both traditionalists and those seeking a modern Chinese dining experience.
Order: Peking Duck, Mapo Tofu
Country Kitchen
One MICHELIN StarNorthern Chinese · Chaoyang · CNY 400-700+ / USD 55-95+
Housed in the Rosewood Beijing, Country Kitchen specializes in authentic Northern Chinese farmhouse cuisine, including exquisite hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. Its show kitchens offer an engaging culinary theater. The rustic yet refined decor, featuring traditional elements, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for enjoying hearty, comforting, and skillfully prepared regional dishes.
Order: Roast Duck, Dan Dan Noodles
Cai Yi Xuan
One MICHELIN StarCantonese · Chaoyang · CNY 800-1200+ / USD 110-170+
Chef Aidan Li
Nestled in the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, Cai Yi Xuan presents elegant Cantonese cuisine in a luxurious setting. The menu features classic dim sum and refined seafood dishes, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The opulent decor and attentive service create an atmosphere of sophisticated indulgence, perfect for a high-end dining experience.
Order: Crispy Roasted Chicken, Bird's Nest Soup
Vegetarian & plant-based
Best vegetarian and plant-based restaurants in Beijing
Vegetable-led tasting menus are no longer a side option. These kitchens build whole menus from produce, and most will happily go fully vegan with notice.
King's Joy
Three MICHELIN StarsVegetarian · Andingmen · CNY 1000-1500+ / USD 140-210+
Gary Yin
Situated opposite the Yonghe Temple, King's Joy offers exquisite vegetarian cuisine in an elegant, tranquil setting. Chef Gary Yin's innovative dishes are a testament to plant-based gastronomy, meticulously presented and bursting with natural flavors. The experience is a serene journey through artful cooking, showcasing the potential of vegetables and fungi.
Order: Buddha's Delight Soup, Black Truffle Spring Rolls
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Beijing
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Mio
One MICHELIN StarItalian · Chaoyang · CNY 700-1100+ / USD 95-150+
Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, Mio offers a refined Italian dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and modern interpretations of regional classics. The vibrant, open kitchen and chic interior design provide an energetic yet sophisticated atmosphere. It's a consistently excellent choice for expertly crafted Italian gastronomy in Beijing.
Order: House-made Pastas, Osso Buco
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Beijing
Sichuan Noodle & Dumpling Restaurant
A local gem for fiery Sichuan noodles and dumplings. Try the Dan Dan Mian or Zhong Shui Jiao (spicy dumplings). Expect quick service and hearty portions at around CNY 30-50 per person.
Jianbing Stand (near Nanluoguxiang)
Find a street vendor making jianbing, a savory Chinese crepe, for breakfast or a snack. Freshly made with egg, crispy cracker, and chili sauce, it's a delicious and filling treat for CNY 10-20.
Guijie (Ghost Street)
This famous food street is lined with restaurants, many specializing in spicy crawfish (mala xialongxia). It's a bustling evening destination where you can enjoy authentic local dishes and a vibrant atmosphere for CNY 80-150 per person.
Malabar
A casual Indian restaurant in Sanlitun known for its flavorful curries, naan, and tandoori dishes. Offers good value for money in a relaxed setting. A satisfying meal usually costs around CNY 80-120 per person.
Haidilao Hot Pot (multiple locations)
While not strictly 'cheap,' Haidilao offers excellent value for its service and quality. Enjoy a customizable hot pot experience with unlimited sauces and complimentary snacks for CNY 150-250 per person. Renowned for its attentive service.
Local dishes
What to eat in Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck (Běijīng Kǎoyā)
This iconic dish features crispy, golden-brown duck skin and tender meat, expertly carved tableside. It's traditionally served with thin pancakes, spring onions, cucumber strips, and sweet bean sauce. For an authentic experience, visit Quanjude or Bianyifang, two renowned establishments with centuries of history and exceptional culinary skill.
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A comforting local staple, Zhajiangmian consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce made from stir-fried ground pork or beef and fermented soybean paste. It's usually accompanied by a medley of fresh, julienned vegetables like cucumber, radishes, and bean sprouts. Enjoy this hearty dish at local noodle shops throughout the city, offering a taste of Beijing home cooking.
Jianbing (Savory Crepe)
A popular street food breakfast, Jianbing is a thin crepe made from a batter of wheat and grain flour, cooked on a circular griddle. It's brushed with various sauces, cracked with an egg, and filled with crispy wonton crackers, scallions, and cilantro. Grab one from a street vendor in the morning for a quick, delicious, and authentic start to your day.
Malatang (Sichuan-style Hot Pot Skewers)
Malatang offers a personalized hot pot experience where you select your preferred ingredients – vegetables, meats, noodles, and tofu – from a display. These are then boiled in a flavorful, often spicy, broth and served in a bowl. It's a customizable and communal dining experience, perfect for sampling various ingredients, found in countless small eateries across Beijing.
Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)
While originating from Taiwan, Lu Rou Fan is a beloved comfort food widely available in Beijing. It features fragrant white rice topped with succulent, slow-braised pork belly, typically simmered in a soy sauce-based marinade with five-spice powder. The rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors make it a deeply satisfying and accessible meal.
Shish Kebab (Chuan'r)
Chuan'r are flavorful skewers, commonly made with lamb, beef, or chicken, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices, then grilled over charcoal. This popular street food offers a smoky, savory bite and is a staple at night markets and smaller eateries, especially around areas like Gulou or Panjiayuan. They are perfect for a casual snack.
Beijing Potstickers (Guōtiē)
These pan-fried dumplings, typically filled with pork and cabbage, are crispy on the bottom and delightfully tender on top. They offer a satisfying textural contrast and are often served with a dipping sauce of vinegar and soy. Find them at local dumpling houses or small eateries, providing a comforting and authentic taste of Beijing's everyday cuisine.
Donkey Meat Burger (Lǘròuhuǒshāo)
A unique local specialty, the donkey meat burger consists of savory, shredded braised donkey meat served in a warm, flaky, unleavened sesame flatbread (huǒshāo). It offers a distinct and tender flavor profile, often compared to lean beef. Seek this specialty out at dedicated small restaurants, particularly famous in Hebei province but available in Beijing.
How to book a table in Beijing
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or a reputable booking platform.
- · Many upscale restaurants require a deposit or credit card guarantee for reservations, which may be forfeited for no-shows or late cancellations, so review policies carefully.
- · Consider trying lunch menus at fine dining establishments; they often offer a more affordable way to experience the chef's cuisine, sometimes with a tasting menu at a reduced price.
- · Be aware of no-show policies. Cancellations typically need to be made 24-48 hours in advance. Confirm your reservation by phone the day before to avoid issues.
FAQ
Beijing restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Beijing?
King's Joy in Andingmen is the benchmark table — Vegetarian, led by Gary Yin, three michelin stars, around CNY 1000-1500+ / USD 140-210+ per person. Order the Buddha's Delight Soup, Black Truffle Spring Rolls
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in Beijing?
Jing Yaa Tang in Sanlitun is the Chinese table to book in Beijing (CNY 500-800+ / USD 70-110+ per person). Other strong options: Country Kitchen, Cai Yi Xuan.
Where is the best vegetarian and plant-based restaurant in Beijing?
King's Joy in Andingmen is the vegetarian and plant-based table to book in Beijing (CNY 1000-1500+ / USD 140-210+ per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Beijing?
Mio in Chaoyang is the Italian table to book in Beijing (CNY 700-1100+ / USD 95-150+ per person).
Where can I eat well in Beijing without spending a fortune?
Mr. Shi's Dumplings is the best-value table on this list at roughly CNY 50-100 / USD 7-14 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Sichuan Noodle & Dumpling Restaurant, Jianbing Stand (near Nanluoguxiang), Guijie (Ghost Street).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Beijing?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use their official website or a reputable booking platform. Many upscale restaurants require a deposit or credit card guarantee for reservations, which may be forfeited for no-shows or late cancellations, so review policies carefully.
What food is Beijing famous for?
Peking Roasted Duck (Běijīng Kǎoyā), Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles), Jianbing (Savory Crepe), Malatang (Sichuan-style Hot Pot Skewers), Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice) — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This iconic dish features crispy, golden-brown duck skin and tender meat, expertly carved tableside. It's traditionally served with thin pancakes, spring onions, cucumber strips, and sweet bean sauce. For an authentic experience, visit Quanjude or Bianyifang, two renowned establishments with centuries of history and exceptional culinary skill.
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