Beijing is a feast for the senses — especially when it comes to food. While the capital is home to countless eateries, from traditional hutong hole-in-the-walls to upscale fine dining, we’ve handpicked seven unforgettable spots that strike the perfect balance between authentic dishes and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, these restaurants are sure to elevate your culinary adventure in Beijing.
Step into a world of old Beijing charm at Na Jia Xiao Guan, a beloved local favorite known for its refined take on traditional Manchu-Han imperial dishes. From beautifully plated cold appetizers to melt-in-your-mouth roast duck, every detail feels curated — and culturally immersive.
What makes Na Jia Xiao Guan stand out is not just the food, but the setting. Whether you’re dining in the artsy 798 District, shopping near Hua Xiang Outlets, or exploring central Beijing by the News Plaza, each location offers a slightly different atmosphere — yet all reflect that signature blend of elegance and nostalgia.
Recommended Dishes:
🦆 Signature Roast Duck,
🥢 Braised Pork Ribs,
🥬 Beijing-style sautéed vegetables
Locations to Try:
📍 News Plaza near Dongdan Station
✨ Pro Tip: Combine your visit to the 798 Art District location with a Beijing cultural workshop — the perfect pairing of food and creativity!
No trip to Beijing is complete without Peking duck, and few places do it better than Siji Minfu. This restaurant chain has become iconic for good reason: crispy skin, succulent meat, and just the right touch of ceremony. It’s the kind of meal that turns dinner into an event.
Despite its popularity, Siji Minfu manages to keep a local feel — with traditional courtyard-style decor and warm service. Be prepared to queue during peak hours, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Recommended Dishes:
🦆 Peking Duck with all the fixings,
🍲 Duck Bone Soup,
🥬 Stir-fried seasonal greens
Popular Locations:
📍 Qianmen Flagship (near Tiananmen)
📍 Financial Street
📍 Wangfujing area
📍 Beihai North Gate (perfect after a bike tour!)
🧭 Pro Tip: Pair your Siji Minfu meal with an Our Beijing Bike Tour that ends near Beihai or Qianmen — the perfect build-up to a duck feast.
If you thought Beijing’s food scene was all about heavy meats and dumplings, Qingspring Permaculture is here to surprise you. Located in the fashionable Sanlitun Taikoo Li, this plant-based restaurant offers beautifully designed seasonal menus grounded in sustainable living and traditional Chinese philosophies.
Dining here is not just healthy — it’s an experience in mindful eating. Their minimalist aesthetic and serene vibe make it a great break from the hustle of Beijing’s busy streets. It’s also a rare gem for vegetarians and vegans seeking more than tofu stir-fry.
Recommended Dishes:
🥣 Mushroom Hotpot,
🥟 Vegan dumplings,
🍵 Fermented herbal tea
Location:
📍 Sanlitun Taikoo Li North Zone
🌿 Pro Tip: After your meal, take a walk through Sanlitun or explore our Beijing Itinerary ideas to continue your eco-friendly, urban adventure.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic yet trendy about Xinjingxi, one of Beijing’s hottest spots for traditional copper pot hotpot (老北京铜锅涮肉). With rich broth, hand-sliced lamb, and beautiful interior decor that blends modern elegance with old-Beijing charm, it’s an ideal place to warm up, share a meal, and dive into Beijing food culture.
Recommended Dishes:
🥩 Hand-sliced Lamb,
🥬 Assorted Mushrooms,
🍢 House-made Sesame Sauce,
🧄 Garlic Paste with Fermented Tofu
Top Locations to Try:
📍 CBD
📍 Sanlitun Yaolai
Tucked away near Yonghegong Lama Temple, this unassuming little spot is a true local favorite. Specializing in dalu mian — a thick, savory noodle dish topped with rich gravy — this eatery feels more like eating at someone’s home than at a restaurant.
It’s the kind of place you’d likely never find unless you’re exploring hutongs on foot — exactly the kind of hidden gem we love to recommend.
Recommended Dishes:
🍜 Dalu Noodles,
🥚 Fried Egg & Soybean Tofu,
🥬 Stir-fried Seasonal Veg
Location:
📍 153 Yonghegong Dajie, inside Beisan Tiao Hutong
(Just across from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China on Beixinqiao 3rd Alley)
🛵 Pro Tip: This is an ideal lunch stop if you’re doing a self-guided walk or joining one of our bike tours through the hutongs.
And while you’re here tasting the best the city has to offer, why not explore Beijing beyond the plate?
Join one of our Our Beijing experiences — from foodie tours to cultural workshops — and see the capital through the eyes of a local.