Annie's Cafe

Located in the heart of Chaoyang, Annie’s Cafe is a beloved Italian restaurant chain offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. With its spacious two-level layout and classic 70s–80s music setting the tone, it’s a comfortable spot for both solo diners and families. The menu features a wide array of Italian classics, including pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads. Popular choices include the truffle mushroom pasta and wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings.

• Address:

  Building 6, Gongrentiyuchang East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 8587 1469

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm

Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu

Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu in Chaoyang District is a simple, unpretentious eatery famous for its hand-crafted dumplings. Skins are naturally dyed with vegetables, and fillings range from classic pork and cabbage to more inventive combinations like smoked tofu and eggplant. Dumplings are ordered by weight, so it’s easy to mix and match. The menu has photos and English translations, making it accessible for visitors. It can get busy, but the wait is usually short, and the dumplings are worth it.

• Address:

  6 Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6586 4967

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10:30am–10:30pm

China Grill

On the 66th floor of the Park Hyatt Beijing, China Grill offers international cuisine with prime meats, seafood, and fish, alongside a strong wine list. The floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views of the city, making it one of Beijing’s highest and most memorable dining spots.

• Web:

  www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/beiph-park-hyatt-beijing

• Address:

  Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 8567 1838

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11:30am–2:30pm / 5:30pm–10:30pm

Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

One of Beijing’s top addresses for Peking Duck, DaDong has spent decades perfecting the dish. Ducks are roasted in special ovens for even heat, producing skin that is crisp without being greasy and meat that’s tender and juicy. Carved tableside and served with soft pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce, the duck is the star of the menu, though other inventive Chinese dishes are worth exploring.

• Address:

  88 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10:30am–10pm

Fangshan Restaurant

Founded over 90 years ago by royal chefs, Fangshan serves Beijing Duck and other dishes inspired by imperial cuisine. Set on an island in Beihai Park, the restaurant combines traditional décor with a grand mansion setting, complete with bright yellow accents and ornate Chinese artwork. Some dishes, including rare sweets, are hard to find elsewhere, making it a unique experience for visitors.

• Address:

  1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6401 1889

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–10pm

Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma’s Kitchen brings a touch of Americana to Beijing, with checkered tablecloths, wicker chairs, and a menu full of Western comfort food. Indulge in omelettes, sandwiches, pastas, and milkshakes, all served in a relaxed, family-style setting. If you’re looking for a break from Chinese cuisine, this long-standing favourite is a reliable spot to satisfy cravings for home-style dishes.

• Address:

  28 Shique Hu Tong, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District, Beijing,

• Phone:

  +86 10 8403 9452

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–10pm

Atmosphere

Perched on the 80th floor of the Shangri-La, Atmosphere is one of the highest bars in Beijing and an easy pick if you want a drink with a bird's eye view of the city after dark. The room keeps things simple and contemporary, so the skyline stays front and centre. Cocktails lean toward fancy takes on the classics, with a few seasonal ideas in the mix, and the bar usually has either a live act or a DJ in the evenings.

• Web:

  www.shangri-la.com/beijing/chinaworldsummitwing/dining/bars-lounges/atmosphere

• Address:

  Level 80, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–midnight

Great Leap Brewing

Since opening in 2010, Great Leap Brewing has been at the forefront of Beijing’s craft beer scene. Founded by Ohio native Carl Setzer and his wife, Liu Fang, the brewery experiments with Chinese ingredients, such as Sichuan peppercorns and Qingdao flower hops. The bars are often set in traditional siheyuan courtyards, giving a one-of-a-kind local feel while serving up to 40 seasonal beers straight from the tap. The brewery doesn’t serve food directly, but menus from nearby restaurants make it easy to pair a pint with pizza, dumplings, kebabs, or other local favourites.

• Address:

  Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6417 0018

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 5pm–1am, Fri & Sat 5pm–2am

Jing-A Brewery

Jing-A is one of Beijing’s most established craft breweries, and its Longfusi taproom sits just west of Dongsi in the hutongs. The space blends a converted-factory look with a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. They pour from 30-plus taps, covering Jing-A classics, seasonal experiments, and a few draft cocktails. The kitchen centres on thin-crust sourdough pizzas baked in a large brick oven, along with a short menu of bar snacks.

• Web:

  https://jingabrewing.com/beer-temples/longfusi

• Address:

  38 Qianliang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Mix Club

Mix Club is an established nightclub located inside the Workers Stadium's north gate in Beijing's Chaoyang District. The venue spans two floors, features a dance floor wired for high-profile DJs, and focuses largely on hip-hop and R&B nights. If late-night dancing is on your agenda, Mix is worth checking out.

• Address:

  Workers Stadium north gate, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6530 2889

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8:30pm–5am

Nuoyan Rice Wine House

Nuoyan Rice Wine House is a small, quiet spot focused on contemporary rice wine made with traditional methods. The brand began in 2010 and produces several varieties in-house, including the original brew, rose, osmanthus, vanilla, and Chinese bayberry. The tasting room occupies a former 1970s printing-factory building, now fitted with simple wooden beams and understated décor. Upstairs, a few tables overlook the surrounding rooftops. Light dishes are available to pair with the wine.

• Address:

  7 of Banqiao south alley, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 156 5251 1819

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4:30pm–12:30am

• More info:

  Located inside the People's Art Printing House

Sanlitun District

Sanlitun remains one of Beijing’s most famous nightlife areas, centred on the Taikoo Li complex and a mix of pubs, live-music venues, and cocktail lounges. Once known for a dense 'Bar Street,' parts of that original row have been redeveloped, though the district still attracts embassy staff, expats, young professionals, and creatives into the night.

1901 Cafe

Tucked inside a historic annex of Xishiku Church, 1901 Café sits in a 1901-built villa that immediately stands out from its Hutong surroundings, even without a sign. Inside, three creaking wooden floors are linked by narrow staircases and furnished with mismatched armchairs, old bookshelves, and a mix of vintage décor that gives the place a lived-in charm. It’s long been a favourite with expats looking for a quiet corner near Houhai. The menu features Western dishes along with a few Chinese ones, and the drinks range from coffee to beer.

• Address:

  101 Xi'anmen Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 6616 0335

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–10pm

Flat White Cafe

Inspired by New Zealand café culture and named after the popular Aussie-Kiwi coffee beverage, Cafe FlatWhite was founded in China and now has several locations across Beijing, including a flagship in the 798 Art District. The café specialises in carefully brewed coffee, with a rotating selection of single-origin and blended beans. The menu also includes simple Western-style food such as sandwiches, salads and pastries.

• Address:

  4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–10:30pm

Laoshe Tea House

Named after the writer Lao She and his classic play Teahouse, Laoshe Tea House is one of Beijing’s best-known places to experience traditional tea culture. The setting feels theatrical in itself: carved wood, lantern light, and a steady hum of teapots being refilled, and the menu mixes classic teas with small desserts and snacks drawn from both imperial and everyday Beijing traditions. Most visitors come for the performances, which rotate throughout the evening and can include snippets of Beijing Opera, bianlian (face-changing), acrobatics, and traditional magic acts. If you’re planning to go, it’s worth booking ahead, especially on weekends, as seats fill up quickly.

• Address:

  3 Zhengyang Shichang, Qianmen Xi Dajie, Xicheng District, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–9:30pm

Maan Coffee

Maan Coffee doesn’t look especially remarkable from the outside, but inside you’ll find one of Beijing’s more atmospheric café chains. The interiors lean towards vintage industrial, with tall bookshelves, exposed brick, soft lighting, and oversized chandeliers. It’s a Korean-owned chain with multiple locations across the city, popular with students, remote workers, and anyone who wants a relaxed place to linger. The menu is known for its waffles and honey toasts, often served with fruit or ice cream, along with a wide range of coffees and teas.

• Address:

  9 Jiangtai W Road, Chaoyang, Beijing

• Phone:

  +86 10 8457 3470

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–10:30pm

Voyage Coffee

In the heart of Dongcheng, Voyage Coffee is the kind of café that wins over serious coffee people. The space itself is bright and minimal, with huge windows that let in streams of natural light and a clean, modern design that feels instantly calming. Voyage is known for its meticulous approach to brewing, whether you’re ordering a hand-pour, a robust espresso, or their excellent cold brew. If you’d like something sweet on the side, their house-made desserts, especially the tiramisu and cheesecake, pair perfectly with a cup.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/voyagecoffeebeijing

• Address:

  Dongcheng, Beijing

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–10pm