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As the office’s crowned foodie, there’s no one better than Jenny Zhao to share her personal list of where to eat in Beijing — covering everything from Michelin-starred dining rooms to beloved local hole-in-the-walls.
A true food enthusiast, WildChina’s Leisure Department Manager Jenny Zhao has called Beijing home for nearly two decades — and in that time, she’s taste-tested her way through a remarkable range of the city’s eateries. For those of us who’ve shared a desk with her in the Beijing office, a casual “let’s get lunch” from Jenny could mean anything from her hometown reganmian (Wuhan hot dry noodles) to a quirky favorite like Peking duck pizza. Here’s her roundup of the best places to eat in Beijing — enjoy!
Best Gourmet Restaurant in Beijing
King’s Joy – 京兆尹
Just steps from the Lama Temple, King’s Joy is a serene vegetarian restaurant that’s earned two Michelin stars for good reason. Set inside a traditional Beijing courtyard redesigned with a glass-roofed dining room, it’s a space that feels both contemporary and calm — filled with soft light and quiet refinement.
The restaurant’s set menu changes every 15 days, showcasing Chinese vegetarian cuisine crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients. Each dish balances artistry and seasonality, making every visit a new experience. Reservations are a must — tables fill quickly, often weeks in advance.
Jenny’s favorite dishes: Whatever’s on the menu that day — trust the chef, everything’s good!
Price: $$$
Location: 2 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同2号
Phone: +86 10 8404 9191
The Local’s Favorite Restaurant in Beijing
Si Ji Min Fu Restaurant – 四季民福
Si Ji Min Fu is a classic Beijing restaurant where the air is filled with the mouthwatering aromas of local cuisine. Renowned for its wide range of Beijing-style dishes, it’s a true neighborhood favorite — especially for its Peking duck, beloved by locals for its perfectly crispy skin and rich flavor. The lively atmosphere adds to its charm, with the buzz of laughter and chatter creating a warm, convivial setting. As one of the city’s most popular spots, tables fill up fast since reservations aren’t accepted, so head over before your stomach starts rumbling and prepare to rub shoulders with locals waiting in line for a taste.
Jenny’s favorite dishes: Peking Duck 北京烤鸭 and Capital City Crispy Fried Pork Soup 京城酥肉锅
Price: $$
Location: 1/F, Donghua Restaurant, No. 32 Dengshikou West Street, Dongcheng District 灯市口西街32号东华饭店1楼
Phone: +86 10 6513 5141
Best Hole in the Wall in Beijing
Liqun Peking Duck Restaurant – 利群烤鸭店
This humble spot is one of the few Peking duck restaurants in Beijing that still honors the traditional method of roasting with fruit wood. The focus here is on flavor, not frills — expect exceptional duck without any fuss. The service is straightforward, the atmosphere lively, and the narrow hutong kitchen buzzes with the sounds and smells of old Beijing. It’s crowded, noisy, and utterly authentic. Despite its low-key charm, Liqun does accept reservations — highly recommended if you want to guarantee a seat.
Jenny’s favorite dishes: Peking Duck 北京烤鸭, Fried Crispy Eggplant 烧茄子, and Mustard Duck Palm 芥末鸭掌
Price: $$
Location: No. 11 North Fengxiang Hutong, Dongcheng District 北凤翔胡同11号
Phone: +86 10 6702 5681
The Trendiest Hot Pot in Beijing
Haidilao Smart Restaurant – 海底捞智慧餐厅
Haidilao’s flagship smart restaurant takes hot pot dining to a new level, blending traditional comfort food with futuristic innovation. Robots glide through the sleek space delivering dishes with precision, while an AI-powered kitchen ensures every ingredient meets the highest standards of quality and hygiene. Guests can customize their own broths through the Haidilao app or watch as chefs hand-pull noodles in rhythmic, mesmerizing displays.
Between the interactive tech and the brand’s famously thoughtful service — think complimentary manicures and massages while waiting for a table — this is hot pot done the Haidilao way: efficient, entertaining, and undeniably trendy. Reservations are recommended at least three days in advance.
Jenny’s favorite dishes: Signature Shrimp Mash 招牌虾滑, Haidilao Juicy Beef Balls 捞派麻辣滑牛肉, and Tomato Soup Pot 番茄汤锅
Price: $$
Location: No. 4, B1 Floor, Zhongjun World City, 8–9 Jinhui Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区金汇路8–9号楼中骏世界城负一层B1–04号
Phone: +86 10 6501 8449
Best Northern Flavors in Beijing
Country Kitchen – 乡味小厨（Rosewood Beijing)
A love letter to northern flavors. Led by Chef Zhang Shaogang, Country Kitchen turns out textbook Beijing–Shandong dishes with quiet confidence: jujube-wood roasted Peking duck carved to a crisp-sweet finish, hand-pulled noodles, and rustic dumplings done right. The open wood-fire kitchen adds just the right bit of theatre without fuss. Michelin-recognized and easy to recommend when only one pick will do.
Jenny’s favorite dishes: Traditional Roasted Peking Duck (among the city’s finest). Price: $$$
Location: Rosewood Beijing, 48 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86 10 6536 0066
Also at Rosewood:
- Bistrot B 怡庭 – Mediterranean dishes and a leafy terrace, great with the sommelier’s picks.
- Red Bowl 赤 – Social hot pot, thoughtful broths (try Fish Maw Chicken Pot or the Hainan Rice Wine base), and private rooms.
Our WOW-Factor Dining Experience in Beijing
WildChina Pop-Up Dining Experience on The Great Wall
This WildChina-exclusive experience takes place on a secluded, secret section of the Great Wall, far from the crowds. After conquering the climb, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a well-deserved toast. Picture a Michelin-chef-catered meal paired with chilled Champagne, all enjoyed against the backdrop of sweeping views from one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Jenny’s tip: work with us to set this up as a surprise for your travel companion — there’s nothing quite like rounding the last bend on the Wall to find a private table waiting just for you.
Price: $$$$
Location: Hidden section of the Great Wall of China 地址请详询碧山旅行
Phone: +86 10 6465 6602
