Classic Beijing restaurant in the hutongs, good for groups English menus. Order the "Ma Doufu" for a real Beijing dish. Also enjoy the "strange taste" aubergine and some dumplings.
This bookshop/coffee shop/library has a great atmosphere and often hosts talks by well known speakers. It also has a good collection of books on history & politics that are difficult to buy in the PRC
Close to a very interesting and well preserved hutong area, truely old Beijing. This modern Hunan restaurant really shines (a little on the spicy side).
Go from 6 am and enter from the South Gate, as you wind your way north be sure to explore beyond the main drag. The beauty is in watching the local elderly generation sing, dance (feel free to join)
The perfect combination of cocktails and pizza both executed expertly. Come Tues for Pizza deals and Wed for drink deals (note: no food on Mondays!), super friendly staff! My hangout in Beijing.
Romantic, rustic hutong setting. This Yunnan restaurant takes all the fuss out of ordering by giving a set menu (even the cheapest is more than filling). They will also cater to dietary needs/dislikes
Laptop/all day sitting friendly cafe, relaxing vibe. Go here for some decent healthy breakfast / lunch options and a top setting (less so for the coffee). I've whittled away many a day in this spot
One of Beijing's Hidden Gems, housed in a 111 year old building that used to be a dormitory for Catholic missionaries to the Xishiku Catholic church 3 mins walk away.
Hipster coffee joint, one of the first to really kick this scene off in Beijing. Located just off Dashila/Qianmen Walking Street. Nice pit stop on a day out.
This high-end restaurant is located in a former temple and Communist television factory (Winner of UNESCO Heritage Preservation). Service is outstanding and the lunch offerings are an absolute steal.
Read about this area, if you have a time read "Midnight in Peking" it will bring this area to life. Fascinating old buildings. If you read the book, download the tour on his website. Best day out
Not to everyone taste, try traditional Beijing "douzhi" (Mung Bean Soup) after your visit to the temple of heaven.
A little piece of northern Italy just got very lost in the form of this rustic trattoria, a perfect fit for old hutongs. Freshly made tortellini is the order of the day.
Simple design, delicious food. A little safe haven just off the main drag of Sanlitun. Reasonable prices, can't go wrong with anything on the menu but I recommend the mezze platter and some hummus.
Korean-Mexican Fusion a slice of Californian sunshine right in the middle of old China. Kimchi Quesadilla is a must try. Short walk from the Drum and Bell tower.
Certainly a key stop on the tourist map but still worth a wander. Modern art galleries and interesting temporary exhibitions. I enjoy visiting in the evening for photography when all is closed
Fun all round, great little tiki bar hidden away. Good quality fun drinks, think tropical but can also make something with a kick =) one of my favorite bars in Beijing. .
The original branch of this Beijing brewer, great location in the hutongs with outdoor seating.
New and trendy cocktail bar, drinks around 90rmb a go but creative and tasty. Worth a visit.
Solid Southern US cuisine. Comforting and surprisingly accommodating to vegetarians (given the focus as a meaty BBQ joint). Good prices too.
It's all in the name, great taco place but usually very busy and doesn't accept reservations. Good brunch menu on the weekend too
Nice little rooftop in Wudaoying hutong. The chef Ray studied at culinary school in the states and travels to Mexico to bring back updated flavors. Try enchiladas, also has tamale. Laid back vibe.
American family dining just got to Beijing, epic portions and decent quality.
Classy place with great Spanish food and decent cocktails (on the higher end of the spectrum). The star of the venue is the terrace overlooking the CCTV tower. Enjoy!
Romantic little Vietnamese place, truly hidden away (make sure you have accurate maps). Great food, decent prices.
Casual Sanlitun lunch spot specializing in Vietnamese Banh mi, for something fresh and quick come here.
The new branch of the above hutong Vietnamese restaurant, Try to book a table by the windows overlooking the CCTV building.
This place has no sign and can be tricky to find the first time. The entrance is at the very end of the small alley on the East side of the Bell Tower. #40 Zhonglouwan Hutong.
Good quality coffee and a good pit stop when wandering the hutongs.Big windows to people watch from.
Fun little exhibit from the Barbican (London). Double check this is still on when reading. Follows the history of computer entertainment and games. Fun and visual.
Makes for a rather strange/interesting day out, bring a fun group with you and travel the world (in a down-scaled version). Small versions of many famous landmarks.
One of the finest pizza establishments in China, family run with a Napoli tradition of pizza. Don't leave without ordering the arancini though (pizzas with the rich marina base are the standouts).
Tucked up by the airport, good for some healthy mains and not so healthy bakery selection. Really enjoyed the Vegetarian Chili on the specials the last time I was here.
Like a super trendy foodcourt. Expect a good mix of international fare and even a cocktail bar from the brains behind acclaimed Janes and Hooch (CANVAS)
