10 Best Restaurants in Beijing

Founded in 1903, Donglaishun is an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' brand and the gold standard for Halal mutton hot pot in Beijing. The restaurant uses traditional cloisonné copper pots and burning charcoal. The meat is sliced 'as thin as paper and as uniform as silk,' which allows it to cook in seconds. Expert recommendation: Focus on the premium cuts of lamb and the traditional 'Shaobing' (sesame biscuits). Pro tip: The Wangfujing branch is the most accessible for travelers. Because it is a Halal establishment, no pork is served. It provides a very consistent, historic experience that has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

Nanmen (South Gate) is a temple to the traditional copper-pot, charcoal-fired hot pot. It is famous for its high-quality, hand-cut mutton sourced from Inner Mongolia. The atmosphere is loud, social, and quintessentially Beijing, with steam rising from hundreds of bubbling pots. Expert recommendation: The 'Fresh Hand-Cut Mutton' (Shua Yangrou) is the only way to go; the meat is so fresh it sticks to the plate when held vertically. Pro tip: Their sesame dipping sauce with a smiley face of fermented bean curd and leek flower is iconic. There is always a long wait, so arrive before 5:00 PM for dinner. The location near Houhai offers great views of the traditional lake district.

Siji Minfu has become the 'people's favorite' for high-quality, authentic roast duck at reasonable prices. This specific branch is world-famous for its window seats that offer a direct, stunning view of the Forbidden City’s moat and corner towers. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, filled with the aroma of sizzling duck. Expert recommendation: The 'Special Roast Duck' is exceptionally balanced. Also, try the traditional Beijing snacks like fried liver. Pro tip: This is perhaps the hardest table to get in Beijing. They do not take reservations for window seats; you must arrive as early as 9:30 AM to pull a queue number for the first lunch service.

Bianyifang is the oldest roast duck restaurant in Beijing, dating back to 1416. Unlike Quanjude, it uses the 'closed-oven' roasting method, which keeps the duck exceptionally juicy while achieving a delicate, thin crispness on the skin. The interior blends traditional Chinese elegance with modern comfort. Expert recommendation: Try the 'Flower Scent' duck, which is infused with tea or floral aromas during the roasting process. Pro tip: This is the preferred choice for many Beijing locals who find the closed-oven style less oily. It is generally easier to get a table here than at Quanjude, but weekend dinners still require a reservation.

Established in 1864, this is the flagship location of China's most famous roast duck brand. Walking into this historic building feels like stepping back into the Qing Dynasty, with its grand traditional decor and museum-like atmosphere. The duck is roasted using open-fired ovens with fruitwood, resulting in a crispy, fragrant skin and tender meat. Expert recommendation: Order the 'All-Duck Banquet' to experience every part of the bird prepared with imperial precision. Pro tip: As a legendary tourist landmark, it is always busy. Arrive by 11:00 AM for lunch or book a private room in advance to enjoy the most attentive service and a more peaceful dining environment.

While Haidilao is now a global chain, its Beijing flagship stores remain the pinnacle of its legendary 'over-the-top' service. From free manicures and snacks while waiting, to the famous 'noodle dance' performed at your table, the sensory experience is more like a show than just a meal. The hot pot itself is highly customizable with dozens of soup bases and sauces. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Hand-Pulled Noodles' to see the acrobatic performance. Pro tip: Haidilao is famous for being open 24/7, making it the ultimate spot for a late-night feast after exploring Sanlitun bars. Download the app to join the queue remotely, as wait times can be several hours.

For a true taste of old Beijing's 'grassroots' food culture, Huguosi is the ultimate destination. This bustling, no-frills eatery serves over 100 varieties of traditional snacks, many of which originated from temple fairs. The atmosphere is chaotic, loud, and local, providing a sharp contrast to the city's fine dining. Expert recommendation: Try the 'Miancha' (flour tea with sesame paste), 'Wanpingao' (pea flour cake), and for the brave, 'Douzhi' (fermented mung bean milk). Pro tip: It’s a self-service system—point at what looks interesting and pay at the counter. It is incredibly cheap, allowing you to sample a dozen different items for the price of a coffee. Visit in the morning to see local seniors enjoying their traditional breakfast.

Bao Du (Quick-Boiled Tripe) is a classic Beijing snack with over a century of history, and the Feng family are the undisputed masters of the craft. The technique involves flash-boiling different parts of beef or lamb tripe to achieve precisely different levels of crunchiness. The atmosphere is that of a traditional, old-school Beijing snack shop. Expert recommendation: Try several different types of tripe to experience the varied textures—the 'tripe leaves' are the most popular. It must be dipped in their secret sesame sauce. Pro tip: The shops are usually small and functional rather than luxurious. It’s a great snack to have while exploring the Dashilar historic district. Locals often eat it with a side of sesame biscuits and a bottle of Arctic Ocean (Beibingyang) orange soda.

Located in the heart of the Muslim quarter, Jubaoyuan is arguably the most famous hot pot restaurant among actual Beijing residents. People queue for hours just to buy their fresh mutton from the take-out window, and the sit-down restaurant is perpetually packed. It offers the absolute peak of mutton quality in the city at very fair prices. Expert recommendation: The 'Hand-Cut Fresh Mutton' and their exceptionally fluffy 'Sesame Biscuits' (Shaobing) are mandatory. Pro tip: Be prepared for a wait that can exceed two hours during peak times. Go at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM to eat at an 'off-peak' hour. The atmosphere is loud and unpretentious; this is where you go for the food, not the decor. It is a cornerstone of the Niujie community.

Located right next to the historic Drum Tower, Yao's is world-famous for its 'Chao Gan' (stewed liver)—a thick, garlicky soup that is a cornerstone of old Beijing breakfast culture. It gained international fame after a surprise visit by then-VP Joe Biden. The shop is no-frills, featuring communal tables and a fast-paced, local vibe. Expert recommendation: The signature Chao Gan must be paired with their 'Baozi' (steamed pork buns) for the perfect texture contrast. Pro tip: The garlic flavor is intense and lingering, so plan your day accordingly. It’s a self-service counter; find a seat first if you’re in a group, then send one person to order. It’s the ultimate place to soak in the 'hutong lifestyle' after climbing the nearby Bell Tower.