This courtyard is one of the "must-do" Beijing experiences -- unique, pleasurable, yet not too touristy. Tranquil is a good word for its atmosphere in the evening.
I love the fact that you don't order from a menu but rather are served a set meal made up of what they have fresh on hand that evening. Almost everything they turn out is delicious so its hard to go wrong, and for those unfamiliar with Yunnan cuisine, a visit provides an excellent introduction.
The dishes tend to be a little too spicy for my tastes, so those that don't like it hot are advised to make another selection. Also, conservative eaters may be turned off by the preponderance of items such as exotic fungi and Yunnan cheese.

First time visitors to this little Hutong style restaurant (take good note of the directions, and at night look for the tiny dusty red lantern to guide your final steps).

Once inside it's like any other good eatery, a reasonable size outside courtyard and some small indoor spaces off the courtyard. The staff we had spoke reasonable English as well, but there's little transacting to be done given the set menu style of this place. The wine list is fine, and the food comes as it comes on the day. We had an eight dish menu on our visit, and all were good. I think we devoured every last scrap. Overall a really good night, and we'll be back.

One thing to attract me to go to dali courtyard is their no menu conception business style.I really do not like to order food when I go to restaurant especially after a long working day.Also,I like their whole courtyard environment,which make people feel so relax.A good place for friends to get together.

Just as many reviewers have mentioned, I go to Dali Courtyard for the outdoor courtyard seating. I've been a few times, each time for friends' birthdays, and would reserve it for just such an occasion. Since plate after plate of food is brought out, it's most fun to go there with a group of at least three, although some may argue with this since the outdoor area would also be a nice setting for a date. Either way, don't bother to go if you can't sit outside.

FYI there's a corkage fee.

For a while there it seemed like the only place to go.
But I've started to question if it really is the best for big groups.
To get enough food the ideal number of people is actually about 5-6.

Had an interesting experience recently when we were sitting outside, uncovered in the courtyard and thunder started pealing overhead. We asked the waiter what would happen if it rained (do they have umbrellas for eg) and he said it wouldn't rain. The thunder grew louder and sure enough lightning was flashing so we asked again. The waiter (the wide faced guy who has recently started using hair gel) made us a promise that it definitely wouldn't rain. Next it got really dark and started spitting but it wasn't until the downpour started that the staff started rushing around preparing indoor tables for people!

So don't be surprised if they've made a mix-up with your seating or reservation, which has also happened to us on a separate occassion.

For those of us lucky enough to live here and eat regularly at Dali, perhaps it has lost a tiny bit of shine as some of the other reviews say but for out-of-towners, it's still a sure fire bet. Since it has opened, I've taken French, British and Japanese visitors and they all rave about it for days afterwards - some even requesting a return visit during their trip. I took an Australian friend last week and her introduction to the concept - and reality - of tofu skin kept her raving for days.

For those who eat fish but not meat, I've learnt it's better value for all if you are a mixed group if you order the standard meal as there are only a couple of dishes you can't eat but if you request the vegetarian selection, the meat-eaters definitely suffer. For vegans and vegetarians, you may want to only go there with your own kind - someone will be left out if there is a mixed group. ( Or you will need to order something else off the menu.)

Patron:"I don't want to eat the food, my good man, but I'll pay for drinks so I can enjoy the company of my friends."
Waiter:"No. Must pay."

If you eat mushrooms and soil and all of that muck then this place is gangbusters. If you don't then you get stiffed. In the mouth.

0 stars for being all mean and trying to pull the line that "we cook special amount each person" - No you don't.

4 stars for the decor, the attentiveness of the staff, the cold beer and the candlelit toilet.

Add some bad maths and that's 2 stars.

Such a handsome little courtyard and super food too. Suits bigger groups because you get more dishes for the fixed set menu price (though you don't benefit from the savings you would get if the menu was a la carte). Best visited outside of winter so you can sit outside but many of the inside rooms look out onto the courtyard.

I was looking for a nice cosy restaurant - some place pleasant but not too fancy and a colleague recommend Dali Courtyard. I'd heard good things about the place from others, so decided to give it a go.

It's a little hard to find - basically keep heading east from Mao Livehouse along the north side of Gulou Dongdajie and it's down the second hutong on your left. Head up the small alley about 20m and the restaurant is on your left (look for the red lantern).

It's as sosy as people say, old crumbly hutong place that comfortable and well heated - if you're with a group or want a little extra privacy, try and book the little room "xiao wu" out the back.

There's no menu - they just bring you a set meal that sets you back RMB 120 per head. The food is good quality Yunnan food, and although the servings aren't that big - they bring enough dishes to fill you up. The fish was just ok - but we had a great mushroom dish. They also sell wine by the glass from RMB 30 - but when we went they were out of the RMB 10 cups of mijiu

All in all, the food was not bad, and the surrounds relaxed and cosy - all they need to do is half the price of the set menu!