2011 Reader Restaurant Awards: The Experts' Picks, Part 2

Yesterday (April 7), we gave you Part 1 of our expert panel's picks of Beijing's finest dining options. Now, in Part 2, the experts give you their choices across 30 broadly non-Chinese dining categories, covering everything from the Non-Chinese Restaurant of the Year to the city's best pizza to the best spot for late-night dining (which did turn out to be a Chinese restaurant after all). Without further ado then, over to the experts ...

Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)
Maison Boulud
“What impresses me about Maison Boulud is not only the superb menu and the best wine list in Beijing, combined with exemplary service, but the success the restaurant has had in courting local customers. Classic French cuisine with an American twist and presented in an immaculate environment is not necessarily easy to translate for a local audience, however well done. But on weeknights and weekends, not least with the popular brunch menu, Maison Boulud continues to maintain very high standards, attracting a wide-ranging local clientele.”
Edward Ragg

New Restaurant (Non-Chinese)
River Club*
“Chef Marco Sacco brings popular specialties from River Club’s Italian home base at Piccolo Lago in Verbania. Some of their dishes rank among the best you can find in Italian restaurants in Beijing, and the decor combines purity with simplicity.”
Ye Jun

*Unfortunately, River Club is now closed. For more on the story, see our report here.

Afternoon Tea
Ritz-Carlton Beijing
“No doubt, this is the closest thing to an authentic British afternoon tea in town. Both the sandwiches and sweets are of an outstanding quality. Meanwhile, the diverse selection of tea is sure to please all tastes.”
Shu Qiao

American
Nola
“Nola is a super-cute eatery that that is sure to please. It feels like a homey holiday cabin you could relax for hours in. New Orleans-style cuisine is the theme here, and dishes like po’ boy sandwiches are sure to make diners from “The Big Easy” pine for home. I also love their brunch options and the eggs Benedict. The poached egg is always cooked to perfection and drizzles delicious yolk goodness at the first cut.”
Xixi Cheng

Brunch (Affordable)
Chef Too
“Chef Too is a successful translation of the concept of a good and homey neighborhood restaurant. The brunch has always been a sumptuous, welcoming and value-for-money treat. Portions are big, with honest-to-goodness ingredients. No frills, just simple, tasty dishes.”
Ricky Xu

Brunch (High-End)
Maison Boulud
“Quality, not quantity, distinguishes the Maison Boulud brunch. Almost every item on the seasonal menu is tantalizing, from quail-egg buckwheat crepes to house-made merguez sausage. The fresh-baked bread and pastries are delicious, but be sure to save room for the desserts and mignardises – almost reason alone to come for brunch.”
Shelley Jiang

Burger
Let's Burger
“Two words: sauce bar. That and the fantastic cranberry-brie burger.”
Jen Leung

Business Lunch
Alameda
“This restaurant keeps being nominated and winning awards year in, year out because of its rare and commendable consistency. A simple decor of white and woody hues makes dinners feel comfortable and relaxed – even better when the afternoon sunshine floods in through the glass roof. The Mediterranean-style business lunch is delicious and good value for money.”
Dong Menghao

Chef
Brian McKenna, ROOMbeijing
“Brian has successfully tailored his Western culinary creations to suit the palate and taste of the East. Each dish he creates is a delight for both Westerners and Asians. Meanwhile, his approach to dining delivers the genuine pleasure of sharing – the Chinese styles of gathering with Western flair.”
Ricky Xu

Décor
Capital M
“It can be pretty hard to respect restaurants with amazing decor but less than inspiring food. Fortunately, Capital M combines a stunning environment with an excellent menu and impressive wine list. Overlooking Qianmen with an open, spacious feel and plenty of light, Capital M is immediately cheering. The restaurant has created an atmosphere in which lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea all make sense – not an easy feat.”
Edward Ragg

French (Affordable)
Cafe de la Poste
“This little bistro doesn't serve the fanciest or most authentic French food, but the bottles of wine are cheap, the cheese plate glorious, and the largely French clientele creates the perfect vibe for pretending you're anywhere but Beijing.”
Jen Leung

French (High-End)
Maison Boulud
“Chef Brian Reimer has brought international fine dining to Beijing. With its classy atmosphere, outstanding service, and Daniel Boulud's French “soul” cuisine touch, Maison Boulud is one of Beijing's finest choices for special occasions and weekend brunch.”
Jen Lin-Liu

Italian (Affordable)
LMPlus
“Despite having a minuscule kitchen, LMPlus dishes out elegant versions of Italian favorites. The food is simple and lovely, but the real charm lies in the chic low-key atmosphere, the friendly owner, and the excellent selection of wines by the glass.”
Jen Leung

Impressing Visitors
Capital M
“Capital M opens out to reveal a breathtaking view of Tiananmen Square, and each section of the interior features dramatic design and decor. The eye-catching bar, patio and private areas are all unique – and the service is near excellent.”
Ricky Xu

Indian
Ganges
“Consistency is hard to come by in Beijing, but it doesn't matter which branch of Ganges you're at – the experience is always the same. You can feel secure that your meal won’t be delicious on one visit and a train wreck the next. Dishes are well-priced and served in decent portions. Also, the branches are all in super-convenient locations – an added bonus.”
Xixi Cheng

Italian (High-End)
Sadler
“When two-star Michelin chef Claudio Sadler is not there, Executive Chef Riccardo La Perna still turns out delectable wonders. The taste and presentation are as good as Italian restaurants in Milan. Great sunlight through the glass windows at lunchtime.”
Ye Jun

Japanese
Yotsuba
“This cozy sushi joint always satisfies my craving for fresh fish in an unadulterated Japanese environment, complete with a knife-wielding chef who only speaks Japanese, the sake selection and sunken tables and bars.”
Jen Lin-Liu

Late-Night Dining
Bellagio
“Modern and trendy decor, bright lighting and an extensive menu attracts those spilling out of KTVs or bars and looking to eat and chat with friends. The Taiwanese stir-fries and shaved ices are pretty outstanding.”
Dong Menghao

Mexican/Tex-Mex
Casa Latina
“A bit off the radar, but Casa Latina keeps turning out truly authentic eats.”
Jim Boyce

Middle Eastern
Rumi
“The only Persian restaurant in town, Rumi enjoys a great location. If you like to dine outdoors, and also hope to enjoy large chunks of meat, Rumi can satisfy all your needs.”
Shu Qiao

Outdoor Dining
Capital M
“While Beijing has many nice courtyard cafes, there’s nothing quite like Capital M’s beautiful terrace. You are at once part of Qianmen and beyond it – greenery screens out the tourist hubbub below, and the wide-open views of the stately watchtowers and blue skies are entrancing on a sunny afternoon.”
Shelley Jiang

Pizza
Tavola
“Their timing is spot-on when baking their pizzas – not a hint of burnt spots at all. The cheese is especially terrific. I recommend the margherita pizza.”
Gao Kang

Romantic
Mosto
“Mosto got my vote because I think it really set the standard for casual fine dining in the city. The brick wall and candlelit setting, tip-top friendly service and food always creates a great experience for foodies. It's an easy place to break the ice and their amazing desserts are a perfect excuse to share a dessert with a special someone.”
Xixi Cheng

Sandwiches
Bocata
“Great mix of taste and value. Beef and blue cheese seems to be the favorite.”
Jim Boyce

Service
Maison Boulud
“The waitstaff here surprise with just how considered their service is. However, they also know how to make you feel comfortable – you don’t get any unwanted attention here. Delightfully, they have kept the standard up.”
Ye Jun

Spanish
Agua
“The flavors of the lobster risotto, roast pork and veal shank are unforgettable. Chef Jordi is creative and comes equipped with solid skills. The sommelier here is also considerate, taking care that his recommendations of Spanish wines match each diner’s food perfectly.”
Shu Qiao

Steak
CRU Steakhouse
“It's hard to find aged beef in Beijing, regardless of whether it’s imported. It's best to enjoy CRU’s three- to five-year aged beef, which is really full of flavor and melts in your mouth. Start with some oysters and a glass of white wine.”
Dong Menghao

Vegetarian
Pure Lotus
“Visits to Pure Lotus have prompted me to think about going vegetarian, which says a lot given my love of pork! Always a hit when I have veggie friends in town.”
Jen Lin-Liu

Vietnamese
Nam Nam
“The dark-wood decor and green plants make you feel like you’re dining in Vietnam. Unlike other Vietnamese restaurants, the environment is elegant and comfortable. Meanwhile, the dishes are authentic without any unnecessary twists, making this unpretentious restaurant quite popular.”
Dong Menghao

Wine List
Maison Boulud
“When you want wine and superb food, Maison Boulud is hard to beat. Modo's Enomatic machines and Cafe Europa's often quirky menu also deserves mentions.”
Jim Boyce