August 21, 2025

Must-Try Beijing Duck Restaurants (2025 Guide)


When people think of Beijing, one dish always comes to mind: Peking Duck. More than just a meal, it’s a centuries-old culinary tradition that represents the capital’s history, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an expat living in Beijing, tasting roast duck is a must-do experience.

At Our Beijing, we’ve guided countless guests through hidden hutongs, buzzing food streets, and authentic eateries. Today, we’re sharing our insider guide to the best duck restaurants in Beijing—from historic icons to modern favorites—so you can enjoy this legendary dish like a local.


A Brief History of Peking Duck

Peking Duck traces its roots back to imperial China, and over time two main roasting styles developed:

  • 焖炉 (Menlu) – Bianyifang Style Originating in the Ming Dynasty, this “closed-oven” method uses oven heat without an open flame. The result: meat that’s juicy, tender, and aromatic.
  • 挂炉 (Gualu) – Quanjude Style Popularized in the Qing Dynasty, this “open-oven” style roasts ducks over fruitwood flames. The duck skin comes out crisp and golden, with a smoky fragrance.

💡 Insider Tip: If you love crispy skin, go for Quanjude-style (hanging oven). If you prefer more juicy meat, try Bianyifang-style (closed oven).


Best Duck Restaurants in Beijing

Below is a curated list of top restaurants—balancing history, flavor, atmosphere, and Our Beijing’s local tips


1. Sheng Yong Xing Duck Restaurant

At Our Beijing, we often get asked which Beijing duck restaurants are truly worth visiting. Sheng Yong Xing is always high on our list. It’s a modern favorite that combines the art of Peking Duck with creative twists, making it a great choice for both first-time visitors and expats living in the city.

📍 Location & Price

  • Wudaokou Branch: Zhixin Road, Building 35, Wudaokou)
  • Sanlitun Branch: Taikoo Li South District, Sanlitun
  • Average Price: ~¥198 per person

🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

  • 枣酥香烤鸭 (Jujube-flavored Roast Duck) – Crispy skin with a hint of sweetness, served with garlic paste and sweet bean sauce.
  • 鱼子酱烤鸭 (Caviar Roast Duck) – A unique pairing of roast duck and fish roe, giving a salty, rich contrast—something you don’t find in most Beijing duck restaurants.

🍴 Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

Like many of our favorite Beijing duck restaurants, Sheng Yong Xing also serves classic local dishes:

  • Qianlong Cabbage (乾隆白菜) – A light, refreshing dish named after the Qing emperor.
  • Deep-Fried Pork Meatballs (干炸丸子) – A traditional Beijing comfort food.
  • Duck Soup (鸭架汤) – A rich broth made from the duck bones, often served at the end of a meal.

💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing


Combine your meal with culture: join our Hutong Bike Tour, Foodie Tour, or a custom itinerary — and finish the day with Peking Duck.

You can order duck “按位点” (per portion), which is convenient for small groups.

Reservations are highly recommended—Sheng Yong Xing is among the busiest Beijing duck restaurants today.


2. Quanjude 全聚德 – The Icon of Beijing Duck Restaurants

When people talk about Beijing duck restaurants, Quanjude is usually the first name mentioned. Established in 1864, it represents the hanging-oven (挂炉) style of Peking Duck and remains one of the most recognized food brands in China.

📍 Locations & Price

Quanjude has multiple branches across Beijing, but two stand out:

  • Qianmen Branch (前门店) – The historic flagship store, perfect for a classic atmosphere.
  • Sky Courtyard (空中四合院) at Hepingmen – A modern concept restaurant with private rooms, great for banquets and special occasions.

💰 Average Price: ¥170–180 per person


🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

Quanjude’s Peking Duck is world-famous for its golden crispy skin and ceremonial presentation. Ducks are roasted over fruitwood, carved tableside, and served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce.

  • Peony Banquet (盛世牡丹烤鸭宴) – Available at the Sky Courtyard branch, where the duck skin is plated in the shape of a blooming peony. It’s designed to impress guests, especially international visitors.
  • 火燎鸭心 (Flambéed Duck Heart) – Cooked with Maotai liquor and flambéed at the table, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
  • Duck Bone Soup – Made from the leftover carcass, a traditional way to complete the duck meal.

Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

Besides roast duck, Quanjude offers several traditional Beijing dishes worth trying:

  • 豌豆黄小鸭 (Pea Cake in Duck Shape) – A creative take on the classic Beijing dessert, smooth and delicate, served in the shape of a duck.

💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing

Always reserve in advance—Quanjude remains one of the busiest and most recognized Beijing duck restaurants worldwide.

Quanjude is perfect if you want to experience the most famous Beijing duck restaurant brand, though it’s pricier than some modern competitors.

For a formal dinner or business banquet, choose the Sky Courtyard, with its private dining rooms and special banquet menus.

If it’s your first time, the Qianmen branch offers a historic setting and the feeling of old Beijing.


3. Hua’s Restaurant 花家怡园 – Courtyard Dining Among Beijing Duck Restaurants

Hua’s Restaurant, also known as Huajia Yiyuan, is one of the most atmospheric Beijing duck restaurants, famous for serving Peking Duck inside a traditional courtyard house. For travelers and expats who want more than just a meal, Hua’s offers an experience that combines history, culture, and food in one setting.


📍 Locations & Price

Hua’s has several branches across the city, with the Siheyuan Courtyard Main Branch being the most popular:

  • Siheyuan Courtyard Main Branch (四合院总店): 东直门内大街 235 号, near Beixinqiao/Ghost Street (簋街)
  • Gongti Branch (工体店): 工人体育场北路

💡 Our Beijing tip: If you want the full Beijing courtyard experience, go for the Siheyuan Main Branch. For more modern dining, the Wangjing and Chaoyang branches are good alternatives.


🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

Hua’s serves a unique style of Peking Duck called Yongzheng Duck (雍正烤鸭), inspired by the Qing imperial kitchens. The ducks are roasted for 45 minutes over jujube wood, resulting in skin that glistens amber-gold and bursts with flavor when pierced.

The restaurant also offers creative ways to enjoy duck:

  • Duck skin paired with corn pancake + hawthorn slice + caviar + mustard – a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and sharp flavors.
  • Slices of duck meat wrapped with Hami melon strips – refreshing and fruity, balancing out the richness.

This innovative presentation makes Hua’s stand out among Beijing duck restaurants that focus on blending tradition with creativity.

🍴 Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

In addition to its famous roast duck, Hua’s is also loved for offering 京八件 (Eight Beijing Treats), a classic dessert platter that showcases the essence of traditional Beijing sweets. The presentation is delicate, with each piece arranged beautifully, almost like an edible work of art.

Some highlights include:

  • 艾窝窝 (Sweet Rice Balls) – Glutinous rice filled with nuts or sesame, with a light hint of coconut.
  • 豌豆黄 (Pea Cake) – Smooth, silky, and mildly sweet, often considered the most elegant of Beijing desserts.
  • 驴打滚 (Sticky Rice Roll with Red Bean) – Coated in roasted soybean flour, soft and chewy with just the right touch of sweetness.


Tasting 京八件 at Hua’s gives visitors a chance to experience the dessert traditions that have been part of Beijing dining culture for centuries.


💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing

  • Reservations are recommended, especially for courtyard seating during peak dinner hours.
  • Hua’s Courtyard branch is especially romantic at night, with lanterns and traditional decor—making it one of the best Beijing duck restaurants for a cultural date night.
  • Perfect for visitors who want both food and atmosphere, especially if you’re staying near Ghost Street (簋街).
  • Try ordering both the roast duck and 京八件 desserts for a complete Beijing dining experience.

4. Xi He Ya Yuan 羲和雅苑 – Creative Flair Among Beijing Duck Restaurants

Xi He Ya Yuan is one of the most innovative Beijing duck restaurants, known for reimagining traditional flavors with playful and creative touches. While the brand has multiple locations across the city, the Indigo Mall branch in Jiuxianqiao is especially popular for its convenient location and stylish vibe.


📍 Locations & Price

  • Indigo Mall (颐堤港店): 1st Floor, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Jiangtai Area, Chaoyang District, Beijing
  • China World Mall Branch (国贸店) B1, South Section, West Tower, China World Mall Phase 1, 1 Jianguomen Outer Street, Guomao CBD, Chaoyang District, Beijing

💰 Average Price: ~¥135 per person

💡 Our Beijing tip: The Indigo Mall branch is great for casual dinners and shopping trips, while Sanlitun and Solana branches attract younger crowds looking for fun nights out.


🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

What makes Xi He Ya Yuan stand out among Beijing duck restaurants is its creative approach to roast duck condiments:

  • Duck skin dipped in sour plum sauce and popping candy – sweet, tangy, and playful, a surprising yet addictive bite.
  • Duck breast with mustard sauce – a sharp contrast that balances the richness of the meat.
  • Classic Peking Duck with sweet bean sauce – still available for those who prefer the traditional way.

This mix of classic and modern condiments creates a unique tasting experience that makes Xi He one of the most fun Beijing duck restaurants for adventurous foodies.


🍴 Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

Alongside roast duck, Xi He also offers a selection of traditional Beijing dishes that add depth to the meal:

  • 炸酱面 (Zhajiang Noodles) – A Beijing staple with rich soybean paste sauce.

💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing

  • Order both the duck with creative condiments and a few traditional dishes to enjoy the full range of flavors.


Siji Minfu has become one of the most popular Beijing duck restaurants, beloved by both locals and international visitors. Known for its excellent quality at a fair price, it is often seen as the go-to alternative to Quanjude. For many expats and travelers, Siji Minfu offers a balance of authenticity, accessibility, and taste.

📍 Locations & Price

Siji Minfu now operates multiple branches across Beijing, but the Qianmen Branch is the most famous and often the busiest:

  • Qianmen Branch (前门店): 大栅栏街 1 号, near Tiananmen Square
  • Nanluoguxiang Branch (南锣鼓巷店): Near the historic hutong district
  • Wangfujing Branch (王府井店): Central and convenient for shoppers

💰 Average Price: ~¥150 per person

💡 Our Beijing tip: The Qianmen branch has the most iconic atmosphere but also the longest queues. If you prefer a shorter wait, try Nanluoguxiang or Wangfujing instead.


🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

Siji Minfu is known for serving duck that many believe rivals the bigger brands, but at a more affordable price. The duck is roasted to golden perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat.

  • Classic Peking Duck – Served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and scallions.
  • Crispy Duck Skin with Sugar – A playful tradition where the first slice of skin is dipped in sugar for a sweet-and-savory bite.

🍴 Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

Besides roast duck, Siji Minfu also serves several traditional Beijing dishes worth ordering:

  • 炸酱面 (Zhajiang Noodles) – Perhaps Beijing’s most famous noodle dish, with chewy noodles coated in rich soybean paste, topped with fresh vegetables.
  • 京味爆肚 (Beijing-Style Quick-Fried Tripe) – A classic hutong dish with a chewy texture, lightly seasoned with sesame paste and garlic; adventurous but rewarding.

💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing

  • Waiting Time: Expect to wait 1–2 hours at peak times in Qianmen—arrive early, or be prepared for a long line.
  • Order Smart: Always get the classic Peking Duck, plus one noodle or offal dish for a complete Beijing food experience.
  • Cultural Bonus: Dining at the Qianmen branch also gives you a chance to explore Dashilan, one of Beijing’s oldest shopping streets.

6. Dongsi Minfang 东四民芳 – A Local Gem Among Beijing Duck Restaurants

For travelers looking for a truly authentic experience, Dongsi Minfang is one of the most local-feeling Beijing duck restaurants you can visit. Open for decades, this restaurant is a go-to spot for Beijing locals, and many of our local friends at Our Beijing name it as their top choice for a home-style roast duck dinner.


📍 Location & Price

  • Chaoyangmen Main Branch: 朝阳门内大街 79号-2 (near Chaoyangmen Subway Station E exit)
  • Other branches include locations around Chongwenmen and Dongcheng, but the Chaoyangmen branch is the most reliable for quality and service.

💰 Average Price: ¥100–150 per person


🦆 Signature Roast Duck Dishes

Dongsi Minfang’s roast duck is prepared in the classic Beijing style, and while it may lack the ceremony of bigger names, it delivers on authentic flavor and great value.

  • Pre-order available: Because roast duck takes time to prepare, you can call ahead and ask the kitchen to start roasting. When you arrive, simply give your phone number, and your duck will be ready almost immediately.
  • Duck Carcass Options: After carving, you can choose to have the remaining duck bones turned into pepper-salt duck racks (椒盐鸭架, +¥18) or a light duck soup, perfect for kids and seniors.
  • Details That Matter: Each table gets a small duck stove (鸭炉) to keep the meat warm throughout the meal—a thoughtful touch many other Beijing duck restaurants don’t offer.
  • Generous portions of pancakes and condiments are always served—no need to worry about running out of wraps or scallions here.

🍴 Traditional Beijing Dishes to Try

Dongsi Minfang isn’t just about duck. It offers a wide variety of traditional Beijing dishes and home-style favorites:

  • 芝麻酱糖饼 (Sesame Paste Pancake) – Sweet and nutty, great as a side or dessert.
  • 酸辣土豆丝 (Hot & Sour Shredded Potato) – Simple but incredibly flavorful, one of the best versions in the city.
  • 京酱肉丝 (Shredded Pork in Sweet Bean Sauce) – Tender pork strips served with scallions, a sweet-savory Beijing classic.

💡 Insider Tips from Our Beijing

  • Don’t leave without trying at least one of their Beijing homestyle classics like our Shredded Potato( 酸辣土豆丝) or Shredded Pork in Sweet Bean Sauce(京酱肉丝)—they showcase the real taste of the city beyond duck.
  • The pepper-salt duck racks are a local favorite if you like bolder, fried flavors, while the duck soup is lighter and better for kids or elderly diners.

Q&A: Your Top Questions About Beijing Duck Restaurants

Q1: How much does a meal at Beijing duck restaurants cost?

A: Most places average between ¥100–200 per person, with a whole duck priced around ¥150–300. Upscale venues may be slightly higher.

Q2: Do I need a reservation?

A: Yes — most Beijing duck restaurants are very busy, so it’s best to reserve in advance. Even better, join an Our Beijing experience: we’ll handle everything for you, from booking the city’s best roast duck to immersing you in authentic local culture.

Q3: Do Beijing duck restaurants have English menus?

A:Yes — most major restaurants provide English menus or photo menus. And if you join an Our Beijing experience, we’ll arrange everything for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free dining experience..


Beyond Duck: Explore More with Our Beijing

Trying Peking Duck is only the beginning of your Beijing food adventure. With Our Beijing, you can also:

  • 🥟 Join our Foodie Tour to taste dumplings, noodles, and street snacks.
  • 🏮 Experience a Hutong Bike tour to discover Beijing’s living history.

Beijing’s flavors go far beyond duck. But start here, and you’ll taste the heart of the city.


👉 Call to Action:

Ready to taste Beijing’s most famous dish and explore more hidden gems?

📩 Get in touch with Our Beijing to book your next food & culture adventure.


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