The Kong Yiji's specialities are zuixia (drunken shrimp), served alive in a bowl of wine, and dongporou, a fatty port dish as tasty as it is unhealthy.
Designed by contrary art superstar Ai Weiwei who worked on the Bird's Nest stadium but later refused to be photographed next to it Qu Na'r (Where are you going?) serves up home-style cooking in a minimalist space.
The Crab Apple House takes its name from a 100-year-old tree that stands in the center of a beautiful Ming courtyard housing nine private dining rooms.
South Silk Road was opened by a renowned Beijing artist, Fang Lijun, and it shows. Its minimalist loft-style space and super-hip clientele might make it too cool for some tastes.
Get up on the table and join in the dancing in this raucous, sometimes rowdy venue. Not a place for a quiet meal for two but great fun with a large group.
Ganglamedo is the Beijing branch of a Lhasa restaurant so its claims to authenticity are at least plausible. Beautiful religious art and artful lighting attempt to create a highland atmosphere in our desert lowlands.
"Three-cup chicken" cooked in a clay pot with chili and basil and fragrant Taiwanese sausages, give you a hint of the vivid flavors you can sample at this unpretentious and inexpensive eatery.
Chairs covered with purple velvet sum up the décor of the Golden Spoons. Plush does not do it justice. But don’t let the carved screens and crystal chandeliers put you off.