From burritos to bbq, from mole to ceviche. Includes Brazilian and Mexican cuisines.
A-Che
This endearing Cuban bar and restaurant offers friendly service and although there are no fried plantains on the menu the drinks list is suitably rife with rum. The banana omelet comes highly recommended. Daily 11am-2am. 28 Dongzhimen Waidajie (opposite the Australian Embassy), Chaoyang District. (6417 2201/7488) 切, 朝阳区东直门外大街28号
Alameda
Voted “Restaurant of the Year” and “Best Business Lunch” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. Contemporary cuisine with a Brazilian twist. Market-fresh prix fixe menus served in an airy, spacious setting. Mon-Sat, noon-3pm, 5-10.30pm. Sanlitun Beijie (beside the Nali Mall), Chaoyang District. (6417 8084) 朝阳区三里屯北街
Brazilian Churrascos
A carnivore’s delight: charcoal-grilled chicken, beef or lamb piled high on metal skewers. Buffet table with unlimited salads and soups to complement the meat feast. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm. Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou, 8 Beisihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (8498 2288 ext 6178) 巴西烤肉, 朝阳区北四环中路8号
Cabo Cafe
Good fajitas alongside specialties like bird’s nest soup. Daily 10am-midnight. 24 Jianguomenwai Dajie (inside the Overseas Chinese Village courtyard), Chaoyang District. (6515 6826) 酷堡, 朝阳区建国门外大街24号华侨村内
Garden of Delights
Contemporary Latin American cuisine and exciting cocktails. Features unique ceviche bar and fabulous chocolate desserts. Also boasts a good selection of Cuban cigars and a RMB 65 lunch special. Lunch, Mon-Fri noon-2.30 pm. Dinner, Sun-Tue 6-10.30pm, Wed-Sat 6-11.30pm. 53 Donganmen Dajie, across from the Children’s Theatre, Dongcheng District. (5138 5688) www.gardenofdelights.com.cn 饕餮源餐厅, 东城区东安门大街53号 （中国儿童剧场对面）
The Mexican Kitchen
Serves generous portions of flavorful Tex-Mex faves such as burritos, fajitas, tacos and Mexican fried ice cream. There’s a small kids corner, a kids menu and a baby-changing table in the bathroom. Home delivery also available. Daily 11am-’til the last guest leaves. 705 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu real estate zone, Shunyi District. (8046 4558/59) 墨西哥厨房, 顺义区天竺开发区日阳广场705号
Mexican Wave
Enjoy Mexican cuisine at this Beijing expat standby. Daily 11am-midnight. Dongdaqiao Lu, 200m north of Guiyou Dasha (opposite the Silk Market), Chaoyang District. (6506 3961) 墨西哥风味餐厅, 朝阳区东大桥路贵友大厦（秀水街正对面）往北200米路东
Nina
Mediocre Mexican fare, including burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more. Daily 10am-10pm. 252 Chengfu Lu (opposite Tsinghua University), Haidian District. (6265 6588) 妮妮娅, 海淀区成府路252号(清华大学对面)
Obelisco
A cavernous palace for the carnivorous, this sophisticated Argentinian eatery boasts standout steaks and a wine list heavy with new world bottles. The building opposite the restaurant houses the Obelisco Bar. Mon-Thu 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm; Fri-Sun 11am-10pm. 1 Laiguangying Donglu (near Lane Bridge - look for the giant obelisk), Chaoyang District. (8470 1666) 阿根廷烤肉, 朝阳区来广营东路一号(机场高速4号出口京顺路右边)
Rio Brazilian BBQ
An all-you-can-eat buffet including a rotating variety of chicken, beef, lamb and seafood (served by waiters carving straight from giant skewers) as well as multiple trips to the salad bar. Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-midnight. Dongzhimennei (a few doors west of 7-11), Dongcheng District. (8406 4368/9) www.riobbq.com 里约巴西烤肉, 东城区簋街东直门内大街