Beijing’s Best Eats

Written By Daniel Allen on April 24, 2007 at 6:05 am | In dining, Olympics, China

Where to dine during the 2008 Olympics.

Beijing Map

Case Studies

People 8 (Chaoyang District)

Shintori’s collection of restaurants have long been enjoyed by denizens of Taipei and Shanghai, and now they have finally brought their unique blend of stylish design, immaculate presentation, and elegant cuisine to Beijing. While black-clad waiting staff glide discreetly past in the background, spotlights shine bright circles onto every table, focusing attention on the fantastic tableware and beautifully presented food. The sashimi plate (200 RMB) is recommended – second floor seating has the best view. Some English spoken.

Add: 2F, 18 Jianguomen Waidajie
Tel: +861 (0)10 6515 8585
Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-11pm

Green T House Living (Chaoyang District)

“Concept dining” in a remote and airy warehouse-style setting with minimalist décor. The bold, pavilion-like restaurant, inspired by Warring States-period architecture, rises gracefully from expansive, terraced courtyards of white stone. The vast complex often hosts musical events and art exhibitions.

The interior is beautifully candlelit by night, though it can seem a bit empty by day. The cuisine, an extension of the inspired creations found at the original Green T. House, includes tantalizing tea and herbal-based dishes that blend fresh and natural organic products with time-honoured indigenous cooking techniques from across China.

Add: 318 Cuigezhuang Xiang Hegezhuang Cun
Tel: 13601137132 / 7232
Hours: 11am-2pm, 6pm-12am
E-mail: info@green-t-house.com
Web: www.green-t-house.com (has map)

The Source (Dongcheng District)

This beautifully restored courtyard restaurant is located in a hutong and definitely worth the search. Owner Bing Bing is known for the art-world parties she throws at her Beijing gallery Yan Club, and her first restaurant has been just as big a hit. Most dishes are from Sichuan and cooked in tea. Chicken in bamboo and the Tiao Shui Don Jian salad recommended. The service is attentive and the atmosphere intimate. The set menu rotates each week. Some English spoken.

Add: 14 Banchang Hutong, Nanluoguxiang
Tel: +86 (0)10 6400 3736
Hours: 11am-2pm, 5pm-10.30pm
E-mail: sacue_beijing@hotmail.com
Web: www.yanclub.com

Hatsune (Dongcheng District)

Located east of Beijing’s Third Ring Road is Hatsune - Beijing’s hippest Japanese restaurant. Hatsune is easily one of the most stylish restaurants in town, and has won numerous awards for its great food and service. Arguably serving up the freshest and finest Japanese fare in town, the sweet, fresh sashimi plates and delicious rolls are recommended, especially the spicy 119 Roll. Staff speak great English, accepts international credit cards, advanced booking essential.

Add: 2F Heqiao Bldg C, A8 Guanghua Donglu
Tel: +86 (0)10 6581 3939.
Hours: 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm

Capital Garden Restaurant & Spa (Chaoyang District)

This luxurious and selegant 800-seat Chinese restaurant and spa complex is located near the east gate of the Beijing Worker’s Stadium. Within the complex are a dining hall, various bars, multifunctional boxes, upmarket private suites, an outdoor dining area and sauna health centerr. Chefs from Hong Kong prepare various Chinese cuisines, beautifully presented and served by attentive waiting staff. Capital Garden is ideal for business meeting and large gatherings, with boxes seating between 6 and 50 people. A high tea buffet is served daily between 2 and 5pm. Some English spoken, full multimedia environment.

Add: East Gate, Beijing Worker’s Stadium, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 (0)10 6508 5850