European
See also French, German, Greek, Italian and Pizza for more extensive listings.
The 5:19 Bar & Grill
European fare with an Eastern European accent, including basic sandwiches, hummus and bruschettas. Mon-Fri 4pm-late; Sat-Sun 11am-late. 28 Xingba Lu, Nuren Jie (next to PiliPili), Chaoyang District. (8448 0896) www.the519.com 朝阳区女人街酒吧街28号
Aria
A stunning setting with a bar downstairs and a restaurant upstairs. Daily noon-2pm, 6-10pm; bar 10am-1am. 2/F China World Hotel, Chaoyang District. (6505 2266 ext 38, 6505 3318) 阿郦雅, 朝阳区建国门大街1号中国大饭店二层
Atrium Cafe
Popular international buffet selection is offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The weekend brunch has over 168 items. Daily 6am-12am and 5.30pm-10pm. 2/F, Gloria Plaza Hotel, 2 Jianguomennan Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6515 8855 ext 2212) 咖啡亭, 朝阳区建国门南大街2号凯莱大酒店二层
The Bookworm
Bright, airy and filled with books. Offers light sandwiches, salads and pastas as well as heartier fare. Wine list features 40 different varieties. Daily 8.30am-1am. Building 4, Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6586 9507) www.beijingbookworm.com 朝阳区南三里屯路4号楼
Cafe Europa
If you’re craving authentic Italian or European cuisine, then consider Cafe Europa and expect an evening of fine-dining, cafe-style, with an internationally stocked wine bar. The chocolate mousse is highly recommended. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5-10.30pm. 1113, Bldg 11, Jianwai Soho, Chaoyang District. (5869 5663) 朝阳区东三环路39号建外Soho11号楼 1113
Coffee Garden
All-day restaurant with an open kitchen and buffet where diners can see fresh food prepared before their eyes. Daily 6:30am-11:30pm. Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6561 8833 ext 40) 咖啡苑, 朝阳区光华路一号嘉里中心饭店
The Den
Daily 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu (next to City Hotel’s main entrance), Chaoyang District. (6592 6290) 敦煌, 朝阳区工体东路4号,城市宾馆主门旁边
Epicerie
Purveys a wide selection of freshly baked bread and croissants, as well as cheeses and meats. Next door to Petit Paris who also manage the store. Daily 7am-11pm. 29 Sanlitun Lu (opposite the French School), Chaoyang District. (6416 9381) 稻谷坊, 朝阳区三里屯路29号(北酒吧街)
Fish Nation
Expect hearty servings of chunky chips, Belgian beer and the largest piece of boneless fish you may ever encounter in China. Also has Asian offerings such as tempura prawns and squid. Sun-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. 1) Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. (6415 0119); 2) 31 Nanluogu Xiang (near Jiaodaokou), Dongcheng District. (6401 3249) 鱼邦, 1) 朝阳区三里屯北街(青年酒吧附近); 2) 东城区交道口南锣鼓巷31号
Flambé
Flambé is a European restaurant that focuses on coastal dishes. The best thing on the menu is the banana pancake with chocolate sauce. Daily 10am till late. 3-3 Gongti Beilu (next to 1001 Nights), Chaoyang District. (8532 3979) 馥兰吧, 朝阳区3-3 工体北路,1001夜旁边
Grand Cafe
Indulgent buffets featuring international cuisines and homemade desserts. Daily 24hrs (buffet 6.30am-10.30am, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm). Grand Hyatt, Oriental Plaza, 1 East Chang’an Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8518 1234 ext 3628) 凯菲厅, 东城区东长安街1号东方广场东方君悦大酒店
Harry’s Kitchen
Catering services in the Shunyi area featuring South Asian, Middle Eastern and Western food, including seasonal specialties. Also provides catering related items and services. Inside Wanke City Garden, Shunyi District. (139 1169 0944, 8049 7941, harryskitchen@hotmail.com) 北京巴顺海力餐厅, 顺义区万科城市花园内
Morel’s
High-quality, locally-bred beef and great seafood are used in typical Belgian dishes. Be sure to book ahead, they get busy. Voted “Best Steak” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. Tue-Sun, 11am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 1) 1/F East Block, 27 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6437 3939); 2) Gongti Beilu, opposite Workers’ Gymnasium North Gate, NW corner of Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District. (6416 8802) 莫劳龙玺西餐, 1) 朝阳区亮马桥路27号东座一层; 2) 朝阳区工人体育馆北门对面工体北路春秀路西北角
Old Town Roses
Wood beams, rustic furniture and a simple menu of western classics: pizza, pasta, and steaks. Daily 9am-12pm. 1 Sanlitun Beijie (south bank of Liangmahe), Chaoyang District. (6461 2689) 老镇玫瑰, 朝阳区三里屯亮马河南边
The Olive
Salads, sandwiches, dinner, health food, juice and desserts. Outdoor dining on warm days. Also serving weekend brunch. Daily 10.30am-10pm. 17 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6417 9669) 朝阳区工人体育馆北路17号
The Orchard
Voted “Best Brunch” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. A secret garden, tucked away in Shunyi. Difficult to find, but worth the journey for continental cuisine served in a charming country setting. Tue-Sat noon-2.30pm, 6-9pm, Sun noon-3pm, 6-9pm. From Jingshun Lu, exit at Sunhe Market (we recommend calling for directions), Shunyi District. (6433 6270) 果园, 顺义区路孙河市场出口(建议给餐馆打电话问详细地址)
Park Grill
Part of Trio, Park Grill serves up Pacific Rim flavors including Australian T-bone and New Zealand lamb. The decor is contemporary, with a white baby grand piano as the centerpiece of the room. Performances by Marine & Antoine five nights a week from 7pm to 11pm. Daily noon-11pm. Jiangtai Xilu (west of Rosedale Hotel), Lido Area, Chaoyang District. (6437 8399) 朝阳区将台西路珀丽酒店西侧
Pass By Bar
Daily 9am-2am. 108 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District. (8403 8004) www.gk01.com 过客, 东城区南锣鼓巷108号
The Pavillion
This fabulously beautiful eatery serves up European food as well as hamburgers. A fine selection of whiskeys also accompanies their high-end fair. Don’t miss their grassy lawn in springtime. Daily 10am-late. Gongti Xilu (opposite west gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District. (6507 2617) www.pavillionbeijing.com 万龙腾飞, 朝阳区工体西路
Royal Cafe
Scandinavian, American, European and Asian a la carte dishes as well as a bountiful breakfast buffet in a hotel garden setting. Daily 6am-11.30am. Radisson SAS Hotel, 6A Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang District. (5922 3388) 皇家咖啡厅, 朝阳区北三环东路甲6号北京皇家大饭店
Take 5 Cafe
Tired Silk Alley shoppers now have a spot to “take five” with this small cafe. Menu includes sandwiches, pizzas, Finnish-style meat pies and draft Tsingtao. Daily 9am-11pm. The original Xiu Shui market, ground floor (outside the business shops), Chaoyang District. (no tel) 朝阳区秀水街地下(商铺外边)
Take-5 Restaurant
Near the Silk Market, this restaurant serves pizzas, steaks and some Mexican dishes. Imported beers and cocktails are also available to quench your thirst after a hard day’s shopping. Daily 9.30am-2am. 5 Guanghua Xili (down the street from the Mexican Wave), Chaoyang District. (6593 5651) 世界之星, 朝阳区光华西里5号
Tongta
Country club meets hotel dining and gives birth to Tongta, the in-house fine dining option at Club L’Accueil, Zhongguancun’s new luxury apartment complex. The restaurant is clearly aimed at well-heeled residents, but all who are interested in commendable presentation, sincere hospitality, and a mean cheesecake are welcome. Daily 6am-10am. 15 Haidian Zhonglu, Haidian District. (5873 0099) 意唐居, 海淀区海淀中街15号
The Verandah
This chic eatery serves a fusion of western fare, from classic pizzas and pastas to extravagant seafood and meat mains. Daily 10am-10.30pm. 8 Laiguangying East Road (50m west of WAB international school), Chaoyang District. (8470 3821) 长廊西餐厅, 朝阳区来广营东路8号(京西国际学校往西50米)
French
Serious culinary tradition that includes simple bistro fare, delectable pastries and haute cuisine. See also: European
Bleu Marine
Light, well-balanced French meals. Daily 11am-10.30pm. 5 Guanghua Xili, south of Mexican Wave, Chaoyang District. (6500 6704) 蓝玛利, 朝阳区光华西里5号, 墨西哥酒吧往南
Brasserie Flo
Owned by the Flo Group, this French bistro has become a bit of a Beijing institution. Voted “Best French” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. Delivery available. Daily noon-3.30pm, 6pm-midnight. 2/F Rainbow Plaza (Longbo Guangchang), 16 Dongsanhuan Lu (not far from Great Wall Hotel), Chaoyang District. (6595 5135/139) 亚运村福楼, 朝阳区东三环北路16号隆博广场二层
Cafe de la Poste
Art posters from Montmartre decorate the walls but it’s the simple and friendly menu of meat and potatoes, the très casual atmosphere and the attentive staff that really attracts Beijing’s French community to this cozy addition to Nanluoguxiang. They have a bilingual menu but don’t accept cards. Daily 9.30am-late (closed Mondays). 58 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6402 7047) www.cafedelaposte.com.cn 东城区雍和宫大街58号
Cuisine Galley
Classic and innovative French cuisine in an elegant setting. Daily 11.30am-2pm; 5.30-9.30pm. 2/F Novotel Xinqiao Hotel, 2 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District. (6513 3366 ext 2206) 凯涛西餐厅, 东城区东交民巷2号新侨诺富特饭店2层
Far Away Cafe
Serving up traditional French crêpes and from Monday to Friday offer a RMB 38 Mediterranean salad and dip lunch buffet. Daily 11am-11pm, bar closes at 1am. 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6551 8967) 朝阳区工体西路7号
Firstar
Inventive Western-style dishes that cater to local tastes with comfy beige couches, black tinted tables and a cool “bobo” environment. Daily 11am-1am. 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6460 1981/3) 浮士德, 朝阳区霄云路18号
Gourmet
Quaintly decorated and expensive restaurant serving authentic French cuisine. 11.30am-2pm, 6.30pm-10pm. A14 Warehouse Complex, Nanxincang, Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District. (6409 6832) 库和美, 东城区东四十条南新仓古仓群 A14
Helen Sun Bakery and Cake Shop
Indulge your sweet tooth with Helen Sun’s French pastries and seasonal baked goods such as Easter eggs. Other draws include Internet access, a small play-corner and the 40 percent discount on deli bread and cakes after 6pm. Daily 7am-9pm. 806 Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District. (8046 1190) www.helensun.com.cn 阳光海伦蛋糕店, 顺义区日祥广场806号
Jaan
This fine dining restaurant presents a modern interpretation of classic French cuisine that is light and innovative. The decor consists of tall picturesque French windows, elaborate crystal chandeliers and a grand piano rests on the original 1924 dance floor. Daily noon-2pm, 6.30-10pm. Raffles Beijing Hotel Main Lobby, 33 Dongchangan Jie, Dongcheng District. (6526 3388 ext 4186) 家安, 东城区东长安街33号北京饭店莱佛士一层
Justine’s
Taken over by Flo, replace listing Daily 6.30-9.30am, noon-2.30pm, 6-10pm. 1/F, Jianguo Hotel, 5 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6500 2233 ext 8039) 杰斯汀, 朝阳区建外大街5号建国饭店一层
La Cite
Classic Southern French cooking in a slightly garish dining room with thick plush carpets. Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. 115 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6559 6017) 紫禁阁, 东城区南池子大街115号
La Mansarde
In a cozy, sophisticated attic on Haoyun Jie you’ll find the latest effort of Beijing restaurateur Vincent Eve. The atmosphere is quiet, elegant and very French. Devotees of the Vincent Cafe in Dashanzi will not be disappointed, as La Mansarde provides the same Breton crepes and galettes. Daily 11am-2pm, 6pm-10.30pm. 29 Haoyun Jie, Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District. (5867 0255) 法兰香西餐厅, 朝阳区枣营路好运街29号
Le Bistrot Parisien
To avoid confusion between the two French restaurants at Tongli building, let’s establish that Le Bistro Parisien is the one on street level - a classy set-up run by a Frenchman with an eye for style and talent for cooking. The menu is elegant and creative, albeit pricey and a little limited. Daily 11am-10pm. 1/F Tongli Building, Sanlitun Houjie (opposite Poachers), Chaoyang District. (6417 8188) 朝阳区三里屯北街43号 同里一层 (3。3商业中心旁边)
Le Cabernet
Bistro-type setup with a good set lunch and a range of delicious desserts. Their wine list is long and one of the lowest-priced in town. Daily 9am-midnight. Novotel Peace Beijing, 3 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District. (6512 8833 ext 7621) 卡本妮红酒吧, 东城区王府井金鱼胡同3号诺富特和平宾馆
Le Petit Gourmand
Warm and cozy space with a menu featuring crepes and couscous. Also boasts a library of over 9,000 books. 10am-11.30pm. 3/F, Tongli Studios, Sanlitun North Bar Street, Chaoyang District. (6417 6095, fax 6413 0765) www.lepetitigourmand.com.cn 小美食家, 朝阳区三里屯酒吧街同里3层
Le Petit Paris
Pleasant bistro with good food at reasonable prices, especially sandwiches. Plant-filled outdoor patio is the place to sit in the warmer months and the back room is a DVD paradise. Daily 7am-11pm. 29 Sanlitun Lu (opposite the French School), Chaoyang District. (6416 9381) 小巴黎, 朝阳区三里屯路29号 (北酒吧街)
Maxim’s de Paris
Classic French food in an opulent atmosphere. Daily 11am-2pm, 5-10pm. 2 Chongwenmen Xidajie, Chongwen District. (6512 1992) 马克西姆餐厅, 崇文区崇文门西大街2号
Nikita
Decadent Continental cuisine in a plush, romantic setting. Daily 11.30am-11pm. 2/F The Ascott Beijing, 108B Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (6566 9363) 塞纳河法国餐厅, 朝阳区建国路乙108号北京雅诗阁大厦二楼
Parfum French Restaurant
Offering top notch service in lush environs, Parfum’s dishes are small, savory, and perfectly suited towards a four-course meal. Daily 11am-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm. 3/F, Bldg 19, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (6530 5799/5899) 活色添香, 朝阳区建国路89号,华贸中心19号楼3层
Pass By Restaurant
A two-story hutong courtyard just south of the original Pass By Bar, serves French-influenced cuisine. The two-toned red and black decor, elegant furnishings, intimate lighting, and professional service make it an ideal place for a romantic rendezvous. Daily 11am-10pm. 114 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District. (6400 6868) 与食巨近西餐厅, 东城区交道口南锣鼓巷114号
Sit
Heavy French cuisine with a red wine bar/cigar loft in an arty warehouse. Dinner only. Daily 7-10pm (although hardly ever open). 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Dashanzi art district, Chaoyang District. (6438 9919) 八十座空间, 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号原798厂大山子艺术区
Vincent Cafe/Creperie
Traditional Breton crepes of the sweet, savory and sublime variety. Pretty outdoor patio area perfect for summer lounging. Sun-Thu 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10.30pm. 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu (beside China Art Seasons), Dashanzi Art District, Chaoyang District. (8456 4823) 北京季节咖啡店, 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号院内
German
Even with icons like bratwurst, beer and sauerkraut, it’s really not as heavy as you think: coffee, decadent desserts, strudels and sweets.
Block House
This German steak house has opened an outpost in Beijing complete with a salad bar, burgers and the popular rib-eye steak master cut. Daily 11am-11pm. 2 Van Palace, South Street, Guandongdian Nanjie (adjacent to the Kerry Centre), Chaoyang District. (6561 6166) 布洛克, 朝阳区光华路关东店南街2号(嘉里中心旁边)
Der Landgraf
Good German fare in a brauhaus-type setting. Daily 11am-1am. 2A Pufang Lu, Fangzhuang, Fengtai District. (6768 2664) 兰特伯爵, 丰台区方庄蒲芳路甲2号
Die Kochmützen
Appealing German restaurant with a charming, cozy atmosphere serving classically Bavarian food and fresh, unfiltered dark beer. Daily 11am-11pm. 718, Bldg 7, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5869 3830) 德国厨师帽, 朝阳区建外Soho7座东三环中路39号
Paulaner Brauhaus
A good choice for authentic German food. Daily 11.30am-1am. 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Kempinski Hotel, Chaoyang District. (6465 3388 ext 5732) 普拉那啤酒坊餐厅, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基饭店
Schiller’s
German specialties at affordable prices and a dedicated happy hour crowd. Daily 9am-12.30am. 1 Liangmahe Nanlu, south of Capital Mansions, Chaoyang District. (6464 9016) 大明西餐厅, 朝阳区亮马河南路1号,京城大厦南边
Schindler’s Anlegestelle (Schindler’s Docking Station)
Located in the old Riverside Cafe building in the north Sanlitun area. Much of the new Schindler’s will be familiar to regulars at the original - including two-for-one draft beer during happy hour (5.30pm-7.30pm). But the Docking Station has a larger, lighter feel, with towering ceilings and a wide-open dining room. Daily 11am-late. 10 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District. (6463 1108) 申德勒码头餐厅, 朝阳区三里屯北小街10号
Schindler’s Tankstelle
Hearty sausages and frosty steins of beer blend with a nice view of Ritan Park’s greenery. Editor’s Pick for the “Best Beer Selection” in our 2006 Reader Bar and Club Awards. Daily 10am-midnight. 15A Guanghua Lu (200m east of Ritan Park South Gate), Chaoyang District. (8562 6439) 申德勒加油站, 朝阳区光华路甲15号(日坛南门往东200米)
South German Bakery, Cafe Konstanz and Bodenseestube
Provides a variety of German and European rye, wheat and white breads along with tasty homemade cakes and sweets. Upstairs you’ll find Cafe Konstanz and the new south German restaurant Bodenseestube, which offers great breakfasts, business lunches and hearty German dinners. Sandwiches and quality coffee also available. Tue-Sun 7am-midnight. B5 & C5 Haoyunjie, 29 Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District. (5867 0201) 朝阳区枣营路29号好运街B5,C5
Greek
Mediterranean-style salads, seafood, pastas and lamb. Don’t forget feta cheese.
Athena
The only Greek restaurant in town. Enjoy everything from tzatziki to baklava in an interior that seems straight out of the Greek Isles. Daily 11.30am-11pm. 1 Xiwujie, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District. (6464 6036) 雅典娜, 朝阳区三里屯西五街1号
Italian
Red meat and wine, fish and seafood - not to mention great olive oil and pasta. Classic Mediterranean fare.
Adria
Good wood-oven pizzas and a nice selection of Italian specialties. Daily 10.30am-10pm. 1) 9A Guanghua Lu, 1/F Building A, International Trade Apartments, Chaoyang District. (6530 1762); 2) 16 Xinyuan Jie, 300m north of Capital Mansion, Chaoyang District. (6460 0896); 3) Inside Yujing Huayuan, Shunyi District. (8046 3284) 亚地里亚西餐厅, 1) 朝阳区光华路甲9号世贸国际公寓A座1层; 2) 朝阳区新源街16号,京城大厦北300米; 3) 顺义区裕京花园内
Agrilandia
Fresh ingredients grown on site; great suburban locale ensures lots of room for the kids and dogs to scamper. Daily 11am-10pm. Baigezhuangcun, Mapozhen, Shunyi District. (6940 7650, 130 0127 1094) www.agrilandia.cn 意大利农场, 顺义区马坡镇白各庄
Annie’s Cafe
Unpretentious, affordable Italian food. Voted “Best Italian” and “Outstanding Pizza” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 11am-11pm. 1) West gate of Soho New Town, Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (8589 8366); 2) Chaoyang Park west gate, Chaoyang District. (6591 1931); 3) Jiuxianqiao, Jiangtai Lu, Shangye Jie, Chaoyang District. (6343 6041); 4) Cuige Zhuangxiang, 5 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. (8470 4768) 安妮, 1) 朝阳区建国路现代城西门; 2) 朝阳区朝阳公园西门南侧; 3) 朝阳区酒仙桥将台路商业街; 4) 朝阳区崔各庄乡来广营东路5号
Assaggi
Tasty fresh pasta and home-made bread, nice terrace for alfresco dining and stylish glassed-in patio upstairs. Voted “Outstanding Italian” in our 2006 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-11pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District. (8454 4508) 尝试, 朝阳区三里屯北小街1号
Bravo Italia Ristorante
With an extensive menu, this Chinese-run restaurant offers pastas that are cheap, satisfyingly flavorful and, to the chef’’s credit, cooked al dente. The best deal is the pizza, which is similar to that of Pizza Hut but much cheaper. Daily 10am-11pm. 8 Zhongguancun Donglu (100 meters south of Tsinghua University East Gate), Haidian District. (5177 9058) 海淀区中关村东路8号(清华大学东门南100米)
Bubble Cafe & Bar
The name says it all. Set lunch menus and at nighttime this bubbly cafe spreads out set menu dinners and transforms into a lounge, with a full lollipop-inspired cocktail list. Daily 11am-midnight. 2/F, Villa 8, Jianwai Soho (southwest corner of Guomao), Chaoyang District. (5869 2770) 泡点, 朝阳区东三环路39号建外Soho8号别墅二层
Casa Mia
Feast on Italian classics, including fresh pastas inspired by owner Stefano Berziga’s native Parma. Daily 11am-10pm; Daily 10am-10:30pm. 1) 2 Guanghua Lu, Sunshine 100, Tower C, Ground Floor (next to children’s playground), Chaoyang District. (5100 2522); 2) Ground floor, The Ascott Building (south of Motorola building), Chaoyang District. (6567 9607) 卡萨米亚意大利餐吧, 1) 朝阳区光华路2号阳光100国际公寓C;座底层(儿童游乐园); 2) 朝阳区国贸桥东南角雅诗阁大厦一层(摩托罗拉大厦南面)
Cepe
Offers authentic northern Italian cuisine in a modern, trendy setting. Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Jingrong Jie, Xicheng District. (6601 6666) 意味轩, 西城区金城坊东街1号称北京金融街丽思卡顿酒店大堂
Da Giorgio
Sophisticated and simple in both decor and food. Daily noon-2pm, 6-10pm. Grand Hyatt Hotel, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District. (8518 1234 ext 3628) 意餐厅, 东城区 东长安街1号东方 广场东方君悦酒店
Danieli’s
Classy, elegant Italian restaurant. Tastefully decorated; good service and food. Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 6-10pm, Sat-Sun 6-10pm. 2/F St Regis Hotel, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6460 6688 ext 2441) 丹尼艾丽意大利餐厅, 朝阳区建国门外大街21号国际俱乐部饭店二层
Gisa
As authentic as Italian food gets in Beijing. Great pizza with homemade cheese. Daily 11am-2.30pm, 6-11pm. Chaoyang Park west gate, Chaoyang District. (6594 0938) 吉萨餐厅, 朝阳区朝阳公园西门
Grappa’s
Italian restaurant and bar with reasonable lunch specials, pizza promotions and touts eager to pull you inside. Daily 11.30am-2am. Sanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6500 4330) 飞翔西餐吧, 朝阳区南三里屯
Il Casale
New name, same Italian homestyle food. Mon-Fri 10.30am-10.30pm. Jiangtai Xilu at Side Gongyuan (opposite the Japanese International School), Chaoyang District. (6436 8778) 家园意大利餐厅, 朝阳区将台西路四得公园 (日本人国际学校对面)
La Dolce Vita
Classic Italian eatery offering authentic oven-fired pizza as well as a wide range of pastas and salads. Free delivery within a 3km radius. Daily 10.30am-11pm. 8 Bei Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District. (6468 2894) 甜蜜生活, 朝阳区新东路北段8号
L’Isola
Decent Italian food, in a stylishly understated atmosphere. With an extensive drinks selection, attentive yet discreet service and great homemade bread. Daily 10am-2pm, 5pm-11pm. 201, 2/F, Pacific Century Place, 2A Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6539 3773) 益顺客, 朝阳区工体北路甲2号盈科中心商场2层201单元
Le Cafe Igosso
Classy, elegant Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist. Cozy, intimate setting makes this a romantic spot for a date. Daily 11am-2am. Dongsanhuan Nanlu (800m south of Guomao bridge on east side of street), Chaoyang District. (8771 7013) 朝阳区东三环南路(国贸桥往南走800米马路东)
Little Italy
Modest family-style Italian restaurant featuring an impressive wine list and a good selection of pastas, pizzas and desserts. Delivery and catering services available. Daily 10.30am-2.30pm, 5-10.30pm. 813 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 4680) 小意大利, 顺义区天竺开发区日祥广场813号
Luce Cafe
The fuss-free stylishness of this contemporary Italian restaurant is complemented by the attentive but unobtrusive staff. The menu goes beyond regular Italian favorites and the Mocha crème brulée is highly recommended. Daily noon-1am. 138 Jiugulou Dajie, Xicheng District. (8402 4417) 路溪, 西城区旧鼓楼大街138号
Metro Cafe
This cozy, romantic place is one of Beijing’s oldest Italian restaurants. Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11.30am-10pm. 9 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 7828) 美特柔, 朝阳区工体西路9号
O Sole Mio
Serving pizza, pasta and all your other Italian standards, no surprises, though the cozy atmosphere is nice. Daily 10am-midnight. Jiezuo Building, 55 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (6417 7022) 朝阳区幸福村中路55号杰座大厦1层
Peterpan
Makes a mean pepperoni pizza and a tasty tiramisu. Prices are moderate, ranging from RMB 65 for small pizzas and pastas to RMB 120 for beef and veal dishes. Delivery available. Daily 11am-10pm. 1) 3 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District. (8599 9051); 2) 1 Sanlitun Xingfu Sancun Beijie, Chaoyang District. (6465 1661) 意大利餐厅, 1) 朝阳区西大望路3号; 2) 朝阳区三里屯幸福三村北街1号
Prego
A modern Italian restaurant that serves authentic regional home-style dishes prepared by an Italian Chef. Daily 10.30am-11pm. 1/F, The Westin Beijing, 9B Jinrong Jie, Xicheng District. (6606 8866) 意大利餐厅, 西城区金融大街乙9号北京金融街威斯汀大酒店1层
Style
With a table covered in a giant display of fake flowers and Martell bottles, this place won’t be winning any prizes for the decor. The food, however, is quite authentic. Daily 10am-10pm. Global Trade Mansion Tower A, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6530 1762) 风格, 朝阳区光华路9号世贸国际公寓A座首层
Tafi
The name, Tafi, stands for “Table and Fellow Indispensable” and the menu offers an eclectic mix of Japanese and Italian cuisines. Five and six course prix fixe meals make this a worthy Wudaokou destination. Daily 11am-11pm. 8 Zhongguancun Lu, Dongsheng Dasha, Building B, 1st floor (across from the front entrance of Qinghuayuan Hotel), Haidian District. (8252 7533) 海淀区中关村路8号东升大厦B楼1层
Russian
Nice breads, borscht and enthusiastic use of sour cream, not to mention vodka.
The Elephant
Good place to stuff your face and get drunk without the pretension of uppity, hyper-designed restaurants. Good Russian food, especially the appetizers, like stuffed mushroom caps. Daily noon-4am. In a small alley off Yabaolu (50 meters north of Yatai Dasha), Chaoyang District. (8561 4073) 大笨象, 朝阳区朝外头条甲93号(雅宝路亚太大厦向北50米)
Moscow Restaurant
Virtually the first Western restaurant in Beijing, the Moscow’s dining room still serves Russian favorites like borscht, Chicken Kiev and vodka by the glass. Daily 11am-2pm, 5-9pm. 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, in Beijing Exhibition Center, Xicheng District. (6835 4454) 莫斯科餐厅, 西城区西直门外大街135号北展中心内
Traktirr
Family-style Russian restaurant offers delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. Salads, soups, steaks and more, all at reasonable prices. Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. 1A Xiyangguan Hutong, Beizhong Jie, Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6403 1896 ext 108) 老井俄式餐厅, 东城区东直门内大街北中街西羊管胡同甲1号
Traktirr Pushkin
Just around the corner from the other Traktirr, this one’s easier to find: it actually has a sign out front. It’s also a little bit swankier, and the menu adds refined touches to a cuisine not known for its subtlety. Don’t miss the pickled cherry tomatoes and RMB 20 Russian beer. Daily 10am-Midnight. 5-10 Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8407 8158) 东城区东直门内大街5-10号
White Nights
With its heavy, wooden furniture and collection of matyoshka dolls, this Russian restaurant could be owned by your babushka. Menu features standards such as Chicken Kiev and black bread. Daily 10.30am-midnight. 13A Beizhong Jie (off Dongzhimennei Dajie), Dongcheng District. (8402 9595) 白夜西餐, 东城区东直门内大街北中街甲13号