An acronym for Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, RBL is indeed a place
to drink and dine while savouring a relaxed atmosphere. A live
blues band in the underground bar area (known as The Icehouse) sets
the tone for a divine Japanese fusion eating experience. Highly
recommended are the sakura smoked duck sushi, yukke marinated wagyu
beef and for dessert, the creme brûlee with orange
marmalade.
Address: Dong'an Men Dajie 53
Telephone: (0)10 6522 1389
My Humble House |
$$$$$ | Oriental |
An ironically opulent establishment, this grandiose, spacious
restaurant seats (and feeds) nearly 200, offering sublime dining at
a hefty fee. The seafood is Hunan Japanese fusion and comes highly
recommended, particularly the prawns in wasabi mayonnaise. Their
friendly and efficient service rounds off a lavish dining
affair.
Address: Dong Chang'an Jie 1, Oriental Plaza
Telephone: (0)10 8518 8811
The best word to describe this tavern-esque restaurant would be
'simple', from the plain-clothed waitresses to the wooden
furnishings and worn wallpaper. The food is cooked in the tradition
of the Han Hakka people, home-styled yet innovative. Their
mizhi
zhibao luyu (a fish fried and then baked), served with a sweet
sauce is not to be missed.
Address: Southeast bank of Qian Hai
Telephone: (0)10 6404 2259
Aria |
$$$$$ | International |
With a pleasant outdoor garden enclosure, this restaurant is an
ideal lunch venue from which to take in some fresh air. Also, this
pricey eatery boasts a reasonable and generous lunch menu - perfect
for that business lunch. Travellers with more to spend might want
to dine inside the venue, where live music and a late bar will
complement the night out.
Address: Jianguo Men Wai Dajie, inside the China World Hotel
Telephone: (0)10 6505 2266
Lily Vegetarian Restaurant |
$$$$$ | Vegetarian |
This vegetarian restaurant chain comes highly recommended, even
among the most ardent of meat lovers. Generous servings, at a
decent price, and innovative cooking with a uniquely Chinese flair
keep the locals coming back for more. Try the yam broth with
mushrooms, vegetarian sushi rolls and seasonal organic
vegetables.
Address: Bei San Huan Jimen Qiao, Jimen Fandian, Xicheng & Haidian
Telephone: (0)10 6202 5284
Otto’s Restaurant |
$$$$$ | Chinese |
The inside of Otto's is vaguely reminiscent of a high school
cafeteria; what sets it apart is that this is authentic Chinese
dining at its most affordable. The house specialises in claypot
dishes, the most remarkable of which is their fried rice with
sausage and chicken.
Address: Dongdan Dajie 72
Telephone: (0)10 6525 1783
Xibei Youmian Cun |
$$$$$ | Chinese |
This is a cosy family restaurant with a wholesome atmosphere.
Most of the dishes come with a sizable jug of thick
suannai
yoghurt, which can be (if used strategically) a delicious
compliment to your meal; their lamb skewers, cubes and roast beef
are certainly best savoured when stewed in their own juices.
Address: Yayun Cun Anyuan 8 Lou
Telephone: (0) 6489 0256
Dao Jia Chang |
$$$$$ | Chinese |
The word 'chaotic' is often bandied about when travellers
describe this restaurant; the other word you're likely to hear is
'delicious' - in relation to the food. In and among the scrambling,
screaming waiters you'll find the tasty
Jingjiang Rousi (shredded pork rolled in tofu
skin with scallion) and
Yangrou
Madoufu (mashed tofu and whole soybeans drizzled in
lamb oil) well worth a somewhat distracting dining affair.
Address: Guangxi Men Beili 20
Telephone: (0)10 6422 1078
Café Sambal |
$$$$$ | Asian |
The word is that this modest looking little courtyard restaurant
has a flawless menu. Everything from their
kangkung belacan
(water spinach) to the spicy signature dish, the Kapitan chicken,
is exquisite and their Malaysian chef takes great pride in his
work.
Address: Doufu Chi Hutong 43
Telephone: (0)10 6400 4875