Love Bites: Beijing’s Most Romantic Restaurants
Love is in the air and on your plates this February. While restaurants around town dazzle diners with indulgent feasts and free-flow champagne, some places remain simply romantic, no matter what the occasion. Agenda gives us the rundown on Beijing's most romantic restaurants.
Agua Unique, contemporary and stunning. These words only begin to describe Agua in the eyes of its fans. Romance is born in the relaxed ambiance, sophisticated but comfortable interior, with white brick walls, nice lighting and pleasant jazz at the right volume. Your heart will be lost completely once you try their signaure dishes like beef and porcini ravioli, suckling pig, sea bream and their signature dessert torrija. Daily noon-2.30pm, 6-11pm. 4/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5208 6188/6198) 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园4层
Aria Nestled in its charming China World Hotel locale, Aria has an outstanding wine selection that will woo anyone. This restaurant offers Mediterranean, European and fusion-style cuisine with a great selection of meals for lunch and dinner. If you want to sit down and chat with friends or lovers, Aria provides you not just with divine food and drink, but also cozy corners with slight piano music. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6-10pm. 2/F, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 2266 ext 6644) 阿郦雅，朝阳区建国门外大街1号中国大饭店二层
Blu Lobster This sleekly decorated modern space is enough to draw your attention away from your date, but the attentive service of your waiters will remind you to focus. Many culinary surprises await as their gastronomic philosophy unfolds on your plate. Mon-Sat 5.30-11pm. Valley Wing 1/F, Shangri-La Hotel, 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian District (6841 2211 ext 6727/6728) 蓝韵，海淀区紫竹院路29号北京香格里拉饭店新阁一层
Capital M The unrivaled view over Tian’anmen Square, warm spots by the indoor fireplace, and the exquisite food set the perfect backdrop for your romantic saga. Reservations highly recommended. Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-5pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen), Chongwen District (6702 2727) 崇文区前门步行街2号3层Cepe One of Beijing’s finest dining establishments, this culinary siren lures weary commuters into its tender embrace with fresh, seasonal dishes featuring wild mushrooms. One a scale of one to five, many diners rate it a six. A great place to impress a date. Daily 11am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. The Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Jinrong Jie, Xicheng District (6601 6666) 意味轩，西城区金城坊东街1号北京金融街丽思卡顿酒店大堂
CRU Steakhouse An excellent choice for a special occasion, the sensual and romantic ambiance of this steakhouse allows your feelings to shine. Over 250 exclusive bottles of wine are available to accompany their impressive cuisine. Daily 6-10pm. 2/F, JW Marriott Hotel, China Central Place, 83 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5908 8530) 朝阳区建国路83号华贸中心JW万豪酒店2层
Dali Courtyard If you are looking for an intimate evening, Dali Courtyard can help realize your sweet dreams. Known as one of the city’s most unique outdoor venues, it has been voted “Outstanding Yunnan” in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards. The elegance and sophistication oozed by this charming restaurant can easily seize your heart. Indoor seating available, even if your passion could melt the ice caps. Daily 10am-9.30pm. 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (8404 1430) 大理，东城区鼓楼东大街小经厂胡同67号
Domus Located in the heart of the capital, east of the Forbidden City, homestyle French cuisine is served in this upscale European restaurant and lounge. If the artistic décor demonstrated by subtle oil paintings and ashen brick walls don’t immediately set your mood, then try their signature martinis at their dark copper bar, warming up for the following dishes like heirloom baby beet salad and some grass-fed lamb served over lentils and a buttery backdrop of carrot confit-puree. Daily 11am-11pm. 115 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District (8511 8015) 东城区南池子大街115号
Grill 79 In today’s hustle and bustle, how many of us can resist the opportunity to experience a well-paced meal with simple, fresh food and unforgettable atmosphere? Their divine Atlantic cod and Australian Wagyu tenderloin are well appreciated and their extensive wine list is easy to get lost in.. Mon-Thu and Sun noon-2am; Fri-Sat noon-4am. 79/F, China World Summit Wing, China World Trade Center Phase 3, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 2299 ext 6424) 朝阳区朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒店79楼
Le Pré Lenôtre What’s more romantic than French cuisine? Explore the French gourmets wonderland with such dishes as Boston lobster, foie gras terrine with plum sauce, and some nice wine served in an impressively charming setting. Bon appétit! Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30-11.30pm. 6/F, Sofitel Beijing, Bldg C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (8599 6666 ext 6528) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C座索菲特酒店6层
Maison Boulud Luxurious but unpretentious, a classy environment with on-point service. Make the trip out to the Legation Quarter and enjoy an enchanted evening Led by Executive Chef Brian Reimer. Situated at the site of the former American embassy, Maison Boulud’s décor’s features French glamour from the 18th century with a hint of 1930s chic. Try the famous DB Burger topped with truffles, and you’ll be mesmerized forever. Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun (brunch) 11am-4pm, 6-10pm. Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 9200) 布鲁宫法餐厅，东城区前门东大街23号
NOLA Trying to steal some glances during a quiet evening with your beloved? Nola couldn’t be more perfect for you. Decorated with dark wood, an upbeat jazz soundtrack and large windows, this restaurant offers wines across a balanced price range, small selections of craft beers and cocktails to set the mood before you spice things up with Cajun cuisine. Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10.30am-11pm. 11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang District (8563 6215) 朝阳区秀水南街11号
Sake Manzo As one of Beijing's finest Japanese restaurants, Sake Manzo is highly recommended for its surefire combination of authenticity, cool but intimate surroundings, and extensive food and drink menu. Daily 6pm-midnight. 1) Panjiayuan (South East Third Ring Road), 1/F, Yilongfang, Yilongtai Apartment, 28 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District (8770 8767) 慢走日本烧灼餐厅，朝阳区潘家园南里28号漪龙台公寓伊龙坊1层;2) Lufthansa Center, 27 Liangmaqiao Lu, Anjialou, Chaoyang District (6436 1608) 朝阳区安家楼亮马桥路27号
Ristorante Sadler From the sautéed Angus beef fillet, to Veal Milanese, then to the not-to-be missed tiramisu, this Michelin star powered restaurant infuses elegance into all of its dishes. Contemporary and elegant, you don’t need many reasons to stop by and try the food at this place. Daily 11.30am-2pm, 6.30-10pm. Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 1399) 东城区前门东大街23号
River Club Led by Chef Andrea Tranchero, this upscale Italian restaurant serves gourmet classics with a young and spirited twist. The Australian beef tenderloin is smoky and perfectly grilled while the “red moon spaghetti” could easily upstage your sweetheart. Daily 11.30am-10.30pm. 53 Maizidian Xijie (east side of FX Hotel), Chaoyang District (6508 0667) 中意汇北京餐厅，朝阳区麦子店西街53号(富驿时尚酒店东侧)
Yotsuba If you are after the freshest sushi and sashimi, Yotsuba is definitely a top choice for you. The finger-lickin’ o-toro mustn’t be missed, and reservations are a must. A sensual experience for lovers of Japanese cuisine. Tue-Sun 5-11pm. Next to Bldg 2, Xinyuan Xili Zhongjie (near Xindong Lu), Chaoyang District (6467 1837) 四叶，朝阳区新源西里中街2号楼旁(近新东路)
Fennel Whether you’re taking your sweetheart for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Fennel offers you fresh, high-quality food with flavors that blossom in your mouth in its stylish and relaxed bistro. Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-midnight. Hotel Yi, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798 Yishu Qu, 706 Houjie 1, Chaoyang District (6436 1818) 朝阳区朝阳区酒仙桥路2号院798艺术区706后街1号
Article from Agenda, issue 72, Jan 27-Feb 23. To read more from the most recent issue of Agenda, download the PDF here. To find a copy, contact our distribution department at distribution@agendabeijing.com with an idea of where you work, live or play and we'll tell you where you can find one near you.
