A group of restaurants all offering a range from homely dishes at 20 RMB to the Peking duck at up to 200 RMB. Popular with locals and expats alike, with an interesting line in décor. Food and service are reliable throughout the group.
Congee (rice porridge), or more properly zhou, is a Chinese staple. Originating in the days where you eked out your rice with whatever was available, zhou has evolved into a tasty and above-all healthy food.
A hutong restaurant offering traditional but unusual Beijnig dishes at reasonable prices (20-70 RMB). The kyline is one of China's mythological creatures, and this restaurant is hard to find but worth the search.
Based in the Beijing Hotel and operating under the special favour of the government, the Tanjia restaurant provides an imperial combo of Beijing and Cantonese quality.
This is the place to go if someone else is paying – a dish might set you back anything up to 2000 RMB - but take your sunglasses as a first-line defence against the outstandingly opulent décor.
Imperial Court Food specialist, this hutong-based restaurant offers a set menu – in other words, you eat what you're offered. But make sure you book well-in advance – Li Jia Cai is heavily oversubscribed.
A courtyard restaurant in the grand imperial tradition. Expect to see a select clientele dining well on an exotic and up market menu and enjoying, if that's the word, short performances of Beijing Opera favourites.
Sichuan hotpot means big-time spicy if you can take it – otherwise be sure to order the 'bu la'. This place is crowded, so expect to pay a little more but be sure you won't be disappointed.
Another place where you can expect a wait, but a range of entertainments and activities are available to keep you amused while you do. Your waiter/chef will produce your noodles at the table before you very eyes.
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese chain with an international reputation. A regular favourite in diners' 'Best of…'polls, this place is likely to be full so be prepared to wait your turn.
