The decor of this soulful little restaurant a block north of the Bell Tower is equal parts rustic teahouse and friend’s living room. The old-style wooden menu (in Chinese only) offers a hodgepodge of regional comfort foods. Try the whole braised fish (RMB 39), the potato vermicelli with homemade sauerkraut, beef and chilli (RMB 26), and the divine lao Beijing-style frozen hawthorn jellies.

This glowingly lit Thai restaurant is a beckoning beacon to passing patrons of the neighboring super-nightclubs of Gongti West Gate. Those who heed the call are rewarded with a luxurious, tropical environment and the exciting aromas of Southeast Asian cuisine. A faint floral scent floats through the air – not an easy feat in a place that cooks up curries and stir-fry – and banana leaves wave from every corner. For a tasty, textured treat, start with the black fungus appetizer (RMB 32), served in a frozen ice bowl, smacking with lime juice, garlic, vinegar and cilantro. From there the thin, crispy scallion pancakes (RMB 25) nicely complement the creamy Malay beef brisket curry (RMB 69) – perfectly cooked chunks of tender meat, potatoes and bell peppers, which arrives simmering in a hot cooker. Tue-Sun 7pm-11pm. West Gate of Workers’ Stadium, Workers’ Stadium Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6652 9999)
金链花餐饮.朝阳区工体西路工人体育场西门

Located at the top of Qianhai lake, in Houhai, this restaurant offers palatable Yunnan cuisine, to go with a stunning view of the lake. Predominantly wooden furnishings compose the minimalist decor, while service is friendly and helpful. The hand-written, hand-sewn menu presents a varied sampling of Yunnan dishes, such as the traditional steamed clay pot chicken (RMB 48), with rich, hearty mingling flavors of chicken meatballs, mushrooms and melon, and old Kunming’s braised beef (RMB 58), which provides a tasty kick of spice balanced with refreshing mint and spinach leaves. This is a great spot for escaping the Houhai bar scene to take in the view and enjoy a decent meal. Daily 9:30am-11pm. 10 Qianhai Dongyan, Xicheng District (8404 8710)云海肴.
西城区前海东沿10号(什刹海银锭桥头)

Nestled in the northeast corner of The Village at Sanlitun is Chang & Biorck, a modest outlet for modern Scandinavian home accessories. Its shelves are lined with colorful, environmentally friendly products made by skilled designers who blend Scandinavian and Chinese concepts of style.

Real Irish pubs are run by Irish people and characterized by a good pint, a welcoming atmosphere and maybe a bit of televised sport. While Molly Malone’s isn’t Irish-owned, it is certainly the most Irish Irish pub in Wangfujing.