Must-see restaurants in Beijing

Dadong could be the best meal of your trip or an occasion to forget, and it all comes down to expectation. Less Peking duck restaurant and more temple to…

An unsung purveyor of Peking duck, Jingzun's bargain birds (¥138/79 for a whole/half) are every bite the equal of Beijing's more elite brands, unruly…

An absurdly affordable spice-fest, humble Zhang Mama is run by a multi-generational family of Sichuan exiles (including mama), all with mad wok skills…

One of the best modern Chinese dining experiences in the capital, Yúfúnán is an insanely stylish spice fest, serving the sweat-inducing fare of Hunan…

The king, nay the emperor of Chinese taquerias, Taco Bar packs out with punters feasting on fiendishly tasty Mexican street-style tacos including al…

Dripping in red neon and lanterns, this raucous Chinese restaurant by the south gate of Ditan Park is a magnificent monstrosity that never closes – even…

This casual concept eatery from Beijing's duck maestro Dong Zhenxiang – of famed sister restaurant, Dadong – lets you enjoy a portion of his famous roast…

Mount your culinary camel and traverse the Silk Road sands to this singular Central Asian food fest. Grilled lamb doused in cumin and chilli, baked…

With modern Chinese interiors fit for an emperor, this Manchu-inspired restaurant is a regal delight, serving imperial fare such as Peking duck, braised…

Beijing's most refined destination for duck, where perfectly bronzed birds are announced to the dining room by the chiming of a gong. Maybe it's the 30…

Take your taste buds on a dreamy sojourn southwest at Beijing's most stylish Yunnan restaurant. A sophisticated, industrial-chic space is the setting for…

Occupying a Qing dynasty building beside the Forbidden City's moat, this is the sister restaurant to upscale TRB Hutong, with the same flawless service…

Set back in the corner of the parade ground on the old US Legation, Lost Heaven presents the dreamy flavours of exotic Yunnan province. Sour-spicy dishes …

Pleated with precision, the xiǎolóngbāo (Shanghai-style soup dumplings) at this acclaimed Taiwan chain taste as good as they look. Delicate pork, rich…

Opened by the titular 'Fatty Wang' in 2004, Wang Pangzi is lauded by many as Beijing's best purveyor of donkey-meat snacks. The lip-smacking speciality…

Beijing's most famous international fine-dining experience, TRB (Temple Restaurant Beijing) serves modern European dishes with a French twist – house…

Divine dim sum draws the crowds to this clubby outpost of the multi-Michelin-starred Hong Kong chain. Order from a check-box menu of classic Canto treats …

No wonder this locals' favourite is always packed – for boiled or fried jiǎozi (dumplings) that are as delicious as they are light on the wallet, you can…

Flying the flag for southern American barbecue in a decidedly duck-centric city, this Texan-owned restaurant-bar is all about slow-cooked meats, burgers…

Feast on modern dim sum at this stylish hutong joint run by the Orchid boutique hotel next door. Everything on the tick-box menu is deliciously creative;…