Must-Try New Restaurants for the October Holiday

This is it, guys, this is the big one: seven whole days uninterrupted by the mundanities of work or school (try not to think about the fact that it'll be followed by seven whole days in the office).

What's a Beijinger to do with all that free time? Well, with many of Beijing's (and China's) top sights packed out with holidaymakers (take a look at these pictures and tell me you don't want to stay at home) there's only one thing for it - eat and drink your way through, of course. 

Below we've rounded up a few of the best new openings of 2016 that you might not have had chance to try yet. Note that the restaurants below are open throughout the holiday unless otherwise stated. 

Lucky Lopez: Bargain burritos in Sanlitun
I'd be lying if I said I didn't do a little "John Bender at the end of The Breakfast Club" style fist pump when I heard that Lucky Lopez, formerly of Jianwai Soho, had moved to Sanlitun. Bargain burritos (from RMB 24, plus tacos, quesadillas, chicken wings, and more), speedy service, and ample outside seating to make the most of the last of the temperate weather – what's not to love?

Coucou: High-end hot pot
Break your Haidilao habit at Coucou, the new high-end hot pot concept from popular fast food chain Xiabu Xiabu. The late-Qing decor and carefully crafted soup bases (some stewed for hours with traditional medicinal herbs) make this a cut above your average hot pot joint. The bubble tea, made with premium teas such as tieguanyin and dahongpao, is spot on too. Note that Coucou is extremely popular, so you'll probably need to queue. 

Beyond Yakitori: Skewers and scotch eggs
Yes, you read that right. Beyond Yakitori may specialize in its namesake chicken skewers but don't sleep on their scotch egg, complete with perfectly runny egg yolk. Run by Hatsune alumni Chris Niu, Beyond Yakitori's outstanding chicken skewers are grilled over high-grade Japanese binchōtan charcoal for an intensely smokey taste. A well-put-together wine and cocktail list round out an altogether great dining experience. 

Ed's note: There's a reason why two Topwin Center venues made it onto this list you can't go wrong with most of the mall's cachet of food and beverage options. Try authentic Chongqing hot pot at Chilli Plus, healthy lunch boxes at Shubo, or exceptional wagyu beef rice bowls at Niku Nyukun

Ahava: No Need to Starve in 798
Thank the foodie gods, the opening of Ahava Bistro and Cafe in 798 means a trip to the galleries no longer means suffering through terrible, overpriced cafe fare. Long a favorite of the UIBE crowd, Ahava's menu covers a full range of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Try the pork packed Cuban panini (not quite as good as our favorite version at Modo Urban Deli, but still delicious) or one of their substantial burgers with a side of sweet potato fries. Note they also deliver if you live in the area. 

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Photos: Beyond Yakitori, CouCou, Margaux Schreurs, Kyle Mullin

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