Top Ten Restaurants for Business Dining in Beijing

Top Ten Restaurants for Business Dining in Beijing

China’s economic boom brings with it a myriad of business opportunities. Every form of business — as long as it brings money, new technology or ideas — is in demand. Architecture, real estate and marketing firms are making it big, but as the city roars into the 21st century, there is a hunger for designers and artists; even Michelin-star chefs are sniffing out the Beijing kitchens.

If you’re looking to impress a new client, celebrate a merger, work out a few details away from the office, or a discreet destination to eat while discussing a deal? Some places were made just for this purpose. Here’s our pick of the ten best places in Beijing to wine and dine when there’s business on the menu.

An interactive Map of Best Restaurants for Business Dining in Beijing

Maison Boulud à Pékin - Internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud's first foray in China

• Maison Boulud, Beijing

Ever since New York celebrity chef Daniel Boulud opened his first Eastern outpost just before the 2008 Olympics, there’s been little reason to go anywhere else in Beijing for French food. Housed in the former pre-1949 American embassy, Boulud’s refined “soul” food gleams brilliantly amid a landscape of mediocre French restaurants in Beijing — everything at Boulud from the food to the wine list to the service to the atmosphere is top-notch. Arrive early for your reservation to sip an aperitif in the parlor and admire the chic colonial decor. Entering the understated dining room, you’ll find yourself in the company of the city’s movers and shakers. You’ll find updated versions of classic dishes like coq au vin and French twists on contemporary American food like the signature “dB burger” — stuffed with foie gras and stewed short rib meat by executive chef Brian Reimer (Boulud visits Beijing several times a year to keep quality high). All of this comes at a hefty price, but you can expect to pay 25% less here than at Boulud’s New York flagship, Daniel, which some would consider a bargain. If that’s not enough to lure you, lunch and weekend brunch menus include set meals, which go for around ¥200.

The signature dB burger -- stuffed with foie gras and stewed short rib meat - at Maison Boulud

Maison Boulud (Bulu Gong Fa Canting)
Cuisine: French
Chinese Name: 布鲁宫法餐厅
Chinese Address: 北京市东城区前门东大街23号
Address: Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Hours: Daily 11am-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm
Location: Southeast corner of Tian’an Men Square, Beijing City Center, around Wangfujing Dajie
Transportation: Metro: Qianmen
Reservations: Reservations essential
Phone: 010/6559-9200
Website: www.danielnyc.com/maisonboulud.html
Prices: Meal for 2 ¥1,000-¥1,200
Credit Cards: AE,DC,MC,V

Hatsune is known for its Californian-style sushi, and the ‘119 roll’, bright red tuna rolls topped with a divine spicy-sweet sauce – not to be missed

• Hatsune  

This slick Japanese establishment, sitting squat in the middle of the central business district, is perfect for business lunches or dinners. Hatsune wins best Japanese restaurant every year as judged by local entertainment magazines, and it’s easy to see why. Expect a wide selection of mouth-watering rolls, fresh sashimi and bento box lunch specials starting at RMB 75, with selections ranging from fresh salmon sashimi and sushi, to grilled mackerel and diced beef. Ideal for a business lunch or, considering its ample selection of sake, an after-work celebration. The 119 Roll, with bright red tuna inside and out, topped with a divine spicy-sweet sauce, absolutely should not be missed. A word of warning: only go there if your clients are westerners or locals — they almost always love the funky fusion fare on offer. However, Japanese generally don’t, so take them to Yotsuba instead.
The Sanlitun branch features a “shoal of fish” display inspired by the work of UK artist Dominic Bromley and delicate Japanese-style prints embellish the walls and sofa coverings. A large bar adorned with taiko drums is stocked with sake, wines and spirits in floor to ceiling racks accessible by a moveable ladder (bartenders bang on the drums each time sake is served). The venue’s sole 12-person, glass-encased VIP room features an intricately woodworked sunken table, and a cozy terrace on the opposite side of the restaurant overlooks The Village’s main plaza area.

The time-tested stalwart Hatsune restaurant - A veritable institution in Beijing’s dining scene

Hatsune
Cuisine: Japanese
Chinese Name: 隐泉日本料理
Branch at Wanda Plaza and Guanghua Lu
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区光华路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
Address: 8 Guanghua Dong Lu, Heqiao Daxia, Building C, 2nd floor, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Transportation: Metro: Dawang Lu
Hours: Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm
Phone: 010-6581-3939
Branch Sanlitun
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-30(近工体北路)
Address: S8-30 (opposite Element Fresh), Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
Hours: Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm
Phone: 010-6415 3939

Specializing in Brazilian fare, Alameda's business lunch set has been one of the best and most popular in Beijing

• Alameda

Alameda is famous for its business lunch (one of the best deals in town atRMB78 for two courses, RMB98 for three). The contemporary cuisine, with Brazilian roots — steaks aplenty — is stylishly presented, yet hearty in portion size. The fixed menu has more than a dozen appetizers and a dozen main courses, which span the globe in their influences. Grilled tuna belly with a funky aqua-colored spinach risotto in a Drambuie sauce is delectable, the wine list is pretty extensive, and the desserts — tarts and tiramisu — are orgasmic. Its reputation may have encouraged some of the staff to err on the haughty side of courteous yet the chefs — three hail from Brazil — are speedy. The funky, minimalist setting and the buzz from the other diners (it’s always crowded) creates a vibe that is conducive to a smooth business lunch.
Alameda
Cuisine: Brazilian
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区三里屯北街北里(那里商场对面)
Address: Sanlitun Beijie, by the Nali Mall, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: 010-6417-8084

Touted as the “highest restaurant in the city,” China Grill is located on the 66th floor of the Park Hyatt offering spectacular 360-degree views across Beijing

• China Grill, Beijing

Touted as the “highest restaurant in the city,” China Grill is set upon the summit of the Park Hyatt tower offering spectacular 360-degree views across Beijing and glimmering Chang’an Avenue by night. The food is equally impressive – featuring five-star reworkings of classic homestyle Chinese dishes like siji ganbian doujiao (green beans fried with minced pork and chilli) and dumplings, alongside Japanese sushi, Western steaks, pasta and seafood. Overall, it’s the Western dishes that are more compelling, and the steaks are a particular highlight – but save room for the fantastic desserts. Their extensive wine list boasts close to 500 labels, making it a great destination for a celebratory meal.
China Grill
Cuisine: International
Chinese Name: 北京亮
Chinese Address: 北京市 朝阳区建国门外大街2号柏悦酒店66层
Address: 66/F, Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Location: Jianwai Soho
Hours:Daily 6-10.30am, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm
Phone: 010-8567 1234
Transportation: Metro: Guomao
Website: parkhyattbeijing.com/dining/en/#1_1

Designed for premier business entertaining and special gatherings, The Private Room is a collection of 16 beautiful banqueting parlors serving authentic Cantonese dishes

• The Private Room, Beijing

Designed for premier business entertaining and special gatherings, The Private Room is a collection of 16 beautiful banqueting parlors of varying size and aesthetics, serving authentic Cantonese dishes. Each suite features a Chinese, Japanese or contemporary theme and a pantry; every detail is taken care of by a dedicated butler. Some suites also include an outdoor terrace and the largest can accommodate up to 24 guests.

Located on level 5 of Park Hyatt Beijing. the Private Room features 16 private dining suites offering authentic Cantonese cuisine and butler service

The Private Room, Beijing
Cuisine: Chinese
Chinese Name: 主席台
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街2号66层北京柏悦酒店
Address: 66/F, Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Location: Jianwai Soho
Hours:Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm
Phone: 010-8567 1118
Transportation: Metro: Guomao
Website: parkhyattbeijing.com/dining/en/#1_3

Capital M, the latest outpost of Michelle Garnaut's growing empire, is one of the few restaurants in Beijing with both stunning views and a chef with versatile culinary skills

• Capital M, Beijing

It took seven years for Melbourne-born restaurateur Michelle Garnaut (owner and founder of M on the Fringe in Hong Kong and Shanghai’s M on the Bund) to make Capital M a reality. The results appear to have been well worth the effort. One of the few restaurants in the capital with both stunning views and a chef with versatile culinary skills. Capital M has a front-and-center view of Tian’an Men Square unique in all of Beijing.  At the northern tip of the newly renovated Qianmen Pedestrian Street, Capital M serves up not only a gorgeous view, but a beautiful interior with terrazzo floors, steel columns, and a colorful mural by Richard Cartwright. Garnaut describes the cuisine as “comfort food” with an Australian and Middle Eastern flair; highlights include the crispy suckling pig and fesenjen, an Iranian stew with braised duck leg. Weekend brunches, served with champagne and freshly baked bread, are a delicious treat. Leave room for dessert: the pavlova, an Australian meringue, is legendary.
Capital M (Mishi Canting)
Cuisine: Continental
Chinese Name: 前门M餐厅
Chinese Address: 北京市崇文区前门步行街2号3层
Address: 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen), Chongwen District, Beijing
Hours: 11.30am-10.30pm daily.
Website: www.m-restaurantgroup.com/capitalm/home.html

Made in China features classic specialties from northern China. Fans claim this place is one of Beijing's best for Peking duck

• Made in China – Changan Yi Hao – 长安壹号

At Made in China, the hearty stewed Northeastern beast gets placated with dark wood and steel eatery designed by Japanese firm Super potato; floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with erguotou spirits and a stylishly exposed kitchen behind glass. But don’t be fooled by the hotel location (Grand Hyatt Beijing). Fans claim this place is one of Beijing’s best for Peking duck, Here, the Peking duck (RMB 238/whole duck, RMB 148/half, plus 15% service charge) is prepared with crisp, rich skin without a trace of hanging fat – the succulent meat goes well with the delicate, moist and paper-thin pancakes. This ritzy establishment also serves delicious pork and leek dumplings. Aside from duck, try the popular “beggar’s chicken.” The wine selection is excellent as well, with wine by the glass options (RMB 75 for a glass of 2008 Vina Esmerelda) and exclusive bottles on offer. Reservations are recommended at this perennial readers’ favorite. Quite unexpected for a Chinese restaurant, Made in China does delicious desserts — the pear champagne and passion fruit sorbet packs a fruity punch. Right next door you’ll find the sleek Red Moon Bar, perfect for an aperitif.
Made in China – Changan Yi Hao – 长安壹号
Cuisine: Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei cai)
Address:1/F Grand Hyatt Hotel,1A Dong chang’an Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Chinese Address: 北京市东城区东长安街甲1号东方君悦大酒店‎1层
Phone:010- 6510-9608; 010-8518-1234 ext 3608
Open Hours:  Daily 7-10am, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm
Cost: Meal for two ¥250-¥350 ($35-$49)
Transportation: Subway Line 1 at Wangfujing (exit A)
Credit Cards: All chinese and foreign credit cards accepted

Camões, the blue porcelain-walled Portuguese restaurant inside Legendale Hotel, serves up an authentic Portuguese experience

• Camoes Portuguese Restaurant, Beijing

The predominantly blue hues of this restaurant is a visual reminder of its seafaring namesake. The food (including Grilled bacalhau and the commendable cataplana de mariscos) is true to the earthy, rich flavors of Portugal – rich in olive oil and made from fresh ingredients, with an upscale touch. Nice selection of Portuguese wines. Now serving three-course business set lunches (includes coffee or tea) for RMB 108, plus 15% service charge.

Posh Portuguese cuisine and attention to detail create a memorable Lusitanian dining experience at Camoes Portuguese Restaurant in Beijing

Camoes Portuguese Restaurant, Beijing
Cuisine: Portuguese
Chinese Name: 贾梅士葡国餐厅
Chinese Address: 北京市东城区金宝街90-92号励均酒店
Address: Legendale Hotel, 90-92 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Hours: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm
Phone: 010-8511-3388 Ext. 8920
Website: www.legendalehotel.com/camoes-portuguese-restaurant

Dadong, one of Beijing's trendiest places to tuck into Peking duck, is noted for their crispiness, lean meat and plethora of dipping sauces

• Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant, Beijing
  

One taste of the Beijing-style roast duck and the reason for Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant‘s fervent following becomes obvious—crispy, caramel skin over lean but juicy meat without the usual high fat content (trimmed down from 42.38% to 15.22% for its ‘Superneat’ roast duck, the brochure says). It’s intensely aromatic and does justice to this most celebrated of the city’s dishes. The birds come in either whole (¥198) or half (¥99) portions and are served in slices with a wide assortment of condiments (garlic, green onion, radish). Place the duck on a pancake with plum sauce and your choice of ingredients, and then roll and eat. An excellent plain broth soup, made from the rest of the duck, is included in the price. The food is wildly popular with both locals and overseas visitors. Just make sure you reserve a table in advance. The massive menu has close-up photos of dishes and English translations and is a dream to navigate. The English picture menu offers a wide range of other dishes, everything from the duck liver in brine, mustard duck webs,stir-fried shrimps to duck tongue in aspic, plus a number of excellent doufu (tofu) dishes with thick, tangy sauces.  This is one of the few restaurants in Beijing with a nonsmoking room.  If you want some privacy to discuss business, individual rooms are available upstairs.

Dadong Roast Duck  – Da Dong Ka Ya Dian
Cuisine: Beijing
Chinese Name: 大董烤鸭店

Branch at Dongsishitiao
Address:1-2/F, Nanxincang International Plaza, 22A Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Chinese Address: 北京市东城区东四十条甲22号南新仓商务大厦1-2楼(东四十条桥西南)
Hours Daily 11am-10pm
Location Southwest corner of Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang
Transportation Metro: Dongsi Shitiao
Reservations Reservations essential
Phone 010/5169-0329
Prices Meal for 2 (including half-duck) ¥300-¥500

Branch at Tuanjiehu  
Address: Bldg 3, Tuanjiehu Beikou, Dongsanhuan Lu, SE corner of Changhong Qiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Chinese Address: 北京市朝阳区团结湖北口3号楼, 东三环长虹桥东南角
Open Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Phone: 10-6582 2892/4003
Cost: Meal for 2 (including half-duck) ¥80-¥100 ($11-$14)
Credit cards: All chinese and foreign credit cards accepted

Branch at Jinbao Place  
Address: 5/F, Jinbao Place Shopping Center, Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District,Beijing
Chinese Address: 北京市东城区金宝街88号金宝汇购物中心5楼  ‎
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Phone: 010-8522 1234

Aria, an upscale Modern European restaurant in the China World Hotel, is the Beijing expat’s favorite venue for power lunches

• Aria Bar and Restaurant, China World Hotel, Beijing

This upscale Modern European restaurant in the sprawling China World Hotel is the Beijing expat’s favorite venue for power lunches. The spacious first-floor lounge is a scene unto itself, with banquettes made for lingering over creative cocktails. A dramatic spiral staircase leads you to the elegant main dining room done up in muted grey and chocolate tones, enlivened by oversized Renaissance-style murals.
With a new set of Matthews running the show, Aria has been given new life. Chef Matthew McCool and general manager and wine whisperer Matthew Lance have become the dynamic duo of Beijing’s restaurant scene. The exciting menu that McCool unleashed on the city shortly after he arrived has proved a hit. What happened at the table was an explosion of gustatory adventure. The $22 set business-lunch menu changes daily, but examples can include roasted snapper, aged Australian beef and clam and fennel escabeche.Those needing to discuss more confidential matters can opt for the cosy alcoves screened off by velvet curtains.

The China World Hotel’s award-winning Aria Bar and Restaurant combines style and decadence in equal measure

Aria Restaurant and Bar
Cuisine: European
Chinese Name: 阿丽雅酒吧和餐厅
Address First floor, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Waidajie, Chaoyang district, bEIJING
Chinese address 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国大饭店2层
Phone: 010-6505-1234
Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight Mon-Fri; 6-10pm Sat-Sun