Beijing Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Beijing. Your complete guide to dining in Beijing.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Beijing! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Beijing has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Beijing's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Beijing like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Beijing offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Beijing.
Maison FLO
Highly rated French in Beijing with 5 stars from 11 reviews.
📍 18 Xiao Yun Lu, 国展 Chao Yang Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100027
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
TRB Hutong
Highly rated French in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 37 reviews.
📍 China, Beijing Dong Cheng Qu, # 23 Shatan North Street 邮政编码: 100009
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
King's Joy
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.4 stars from 146 reviews.
📍 2 Wu Dao Ying Hu Tong, 国子监 Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100027
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
Shijiu
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 5 stars from 12 reviews.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 61, Dong San Huan Zhong Lu, 61号麦乐迪对面 邮政编码: 100020
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Xinrongji
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.5 stars from 43 reviews.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, Xin Yuan Nan Lu, 8号1层启皓北京东塔 CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100027
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fuchunju
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 11 reviews.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, Wang Fu Jing Da Jie, 1号3层璞瑄酒店 CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100006
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Siji Minfu
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.4 stars from 648 reviews.
📍 32 Deng Shi Kou Xi Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
China Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Beijing with 4.5 stars from 26 reviews.
📍 2 Jian Guo Men Wai Da Jie, 建外大街 Chao Yang Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100020
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Liu's Family And Restaurant
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 123 reviews.
📍 8 Mei Shu Guan Dong Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
Beijing Da Dong
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.3 stars from 386 reviews.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, Jin Bao Jie, 88号金宝汇购物中心5层 邮政编码: 100005
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
Shengyongxing Roasted Duck Restaurant Sanlitun Branch
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 50 reviews.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, Xin Dong Lu, 甲5号CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100027
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Xianlaoman Restaurant
Highly rated Chinese in Beijing with 4.5 stars from 53 reviews.
📍 252 An Nei Da Jie, 交道口 Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Chinese cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Beijing.
Wangfujing Food Market
Highly rated International in Beijing with 3.7 stars from 99 reviews.
📍 186 Wang Fu Jing Da Jie, Wangfujing, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100006
- 🍽️Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Beijing.
Hutong Tour
Highly rated International in Beijing with 4.1 stars from 33 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Beijing Tours
Highly rated International in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 25 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area Ticket Office
Highly rated International in Beijing with 4.8 stars from 1227 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Hias Gourmet Food Tours China
Popular International in Beijing.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Beijing.
Alley Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.7 stars from 55 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 W9GX+5V8, Sha Tan Hou Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Voyage Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 42 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 酒仙桥路4号北京798艺术区内 邮政编码: 100102
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tian Roast Coffee Co.
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 10 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, Jiu Xian Qiao Lu, 4号CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100102
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Berrybeans
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.4 stars from 19 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, Zhu Jia Hu Tong, 7号CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100031
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Maan Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.1 stars from 48 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 9 Jiang Tai Xi Lu, Chao Yang Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100016
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Voyage Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.4 stars from 40 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Dongcheng, China, 100009
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Starbucks Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.1 stars from 85 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1 Qian Men Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100051
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
雍Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Beijing with 4.6 stars from 12 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 18 Yong He Gong Da Jie, 国子监 Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100011
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Beijing.
Signature Dish
A must-try Beijing specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Beijing dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Beijing with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Beijing specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Beijing creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Beijing classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Beijing specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Beijing dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Beijing with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Beijing specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Beijing.
The Tiki Bungalow
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 4.8 stars from 9 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 46 Fang Jia Hu Tong, 交道口 Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100007
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Modernista
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 4.5 stars from 20 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 44 Bao Chao Hu Tong, 44, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100009
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Rong
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 5 stars from 1 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 使馆区 San Li Tun Dong San Jie, 4-5号CN 北京市 邮政编码: 100600
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Swing
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 4.8 stars from 17 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 使馆区 San Li Tun Lu, 三里屯北街58号 邮政编码: 100600
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
爱尔兰酒吧
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 4.4 stars from 70 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 28 Dong Zhi Men Wai Da Jie, Chao Yang Qu, China, 100027
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chocolate
Highly rated Bar in Beijing with 4.3 stars from 39 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Chaoyang, China, 100005
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Beijing's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Beijing vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beijing is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Beijing offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Beijing specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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