The Best Beijing Restaurants

In the past decade, the Beijing restaurant scene has grown from a collection of dining establishments with very local tastes and menus, to an international array of world class food experiences. The best Beijing restaurants can stand up to those found in any other major city around the world, and the city's combination of classic Chinese flavors, distinct international influences, and a fusion of all of these flavors makes the food scene here one of a kind. During your stay, whether you're a devoted foodie or a relative novice, dine at these best Beijing restaurants to discover what the Chinese capital has to offer.

Chuan Jing Ban Canting

Sichuan food has become very popular in Beijing, and you'll find locals and travelers alike at the numerous Sichuanese restaurants that serve up the delightfully spicy cuisine. The best Beijing restaurant for Sichuan food is Chuan Jing Ban Canting, which is actually under ownership of the Sichuan Provincial Government. Can it get more authentic than that? Chuan Jing Ban Canting is always crowded, so try to arrive for either a late or early dinner to avoid having to wait. Arriving at peak hours will usually result in a 30 to 45 minute wait, but the numbingly hot Sichuan food is more than worth it. Tip: drink lots of beer.

Dong Lai Shun

For more than a century, Muslim Donglaishun cuisine has been a staple of the food culture in China's capital city, and the best Beijing restaurant for it is the aptly named Dong Lai Shun restaurant. Dong Lai Shun is an iconic establishment that is famous for its instant-boiled mutton, as well as other cooked and raw meats. The food quality here is remarkable, and this restaurant in and of itself has popularized mutton across the country.

Quanjude

You can't visit Beijing without indulging in the crispy skin and succulent meat of Peking duck. One of the best Beijing restaurants to find this delicacy is Quanjude, which has been in operation since 1864. It has offered the same sweet and savory duck ever since, and it is conveniently located on a well traveled road, making access fairly easy. It is also accessible by subway and metro, and it is near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, making it a great place to end a day of sightseeing. Quanjude is also an excellent choice for entertaining business guests, because it offers private dining rooms that are perfect for finalizing business deals.

Beijing Da Dong Kaoya Dian

Beijing Da Dong Kaoya Dian is another one of the best Beijing restaurants for Peking duck. Much like Primanti Bros. and Geno's are to Philly cheesesteaks, Beijing Da Dong Kaoya Dian and Quanjude are to Peking duck in Beijing – you can't go wrong with either. The duck here is delicious, with crispy skin flavored with sugar, garlic, and other spices. If Peking duck isn't necessarily your thing, this restaurant also has other dishes that pay homage to classic Chinese cooking.

Noodle Loft

Noodles are part of everyday life in China, and the best Beijing restaurant for delicious noodles is Noodle Loft. There are all kinds of noodle shops around the city with their own special noodles and sauces, but Noodle Loft offers the cleanest dining experience and a very satisfying meal.

Maison Boulud

If you'd like to step outside the world of Asian food and into the realm of luxury dining, head to Maison Boulud, where famed New York Chef Daniel Boulud has brought his brand of haute French cuisine to the Chinese capital. The restaurant itself is awe-inspiring, as it resides in the former American embassy, and its neoclassical design pairs well with the fine food.

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