the xinjiang selections you will find in the tbj online directory link (see above for "directory" tab or this link:

http://www.thatsbj.com/directory/Restaurants/Xinjiang-and-Muslim/85)

I personally prefer the ones that are hole-in-the-wall greasy spoons; however this may not be the best choice for out of town guests.

Some of the more "upscale" xinjiang places (Red Rose, Afanti) I find I dislike for the same reason many people like it -- extremely loud music, obnoxious stage shows, etc.

This one is a favorite: cleaner than most, no obnoxious stage shows:

Crescent Moon Muslim Restaurant 弯弯的月亮
This clean, atmospheric neighborhood dive is possibly the best in town. From the homemade yogurt (RMB 3) and the all-Uighur staff to the king of mutton chuan’r (RMB 5), this courtyard-nestled gem is as authentic as it gets.

16 Dongsi Liutiao (alley number six, 100m west of Chaonei Beixiaojie), Dongcheng District
东城区东四六条胡同

Phone: 6400 5281

Hours: Daily 9am-11.30pm

Try 1001 nights, on Gongren tiyuchang Beilu. The patron is egyptian and they have nice belly-dancers lol

agree with admin, i prefer hole in the wall xinjiang restaurants better than one of those obnoxious ones plus food tastes better too.
if guests are going to be your classmates(I am guessing they must be young), souk might be a good place to just relax and enjoy. Personally, their food is not the best, however, environment wise, its not as obnoxious as xinjiang red rose or 1001 nights

well, see it as pubs, cafe, house, or whatever....don't make it stop you by its name. food is food. :roll: