Beijing’s Best Rooftops and Terraces Pt.4
There is no shortage of rooftops and terraces in Beijing, and we’ve already explored ones around Sanlitun, the hutongs, and Liangma River. Today we’ve got the best of the rest, looking at places located in the CBD, along with a few other spots dotted around the capital.
Nola
A stone’s throw south from Ritan Park lies Nola, which has one of the CBD’s lesser-known rooftops. Relatively large in size and absolutely covered in greenery, it includes an area partially enclosed by vines growing over a pergola, creating the feeling of being in a secluded garden rather than in the center of the city. As the name suggests, Nola is all about Cajun classics. They've got Po Boys (RMB 75-82), Jambalaya (RMB 90-105), Gumbo (RMB 58) and much more on their menu. For those who enjoy a drink, they also have numerous daily happy hour deals running from 11am-8pm.
Nola
11A Xiushui Nanjie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区秀水南街11号
Hours: 11am-11.30pm
Phone: 13366188770
Migas Mercado
Located in the heart of Guomao, it’s hard to get better views than those at Migas Mercado, with its terrace overlooking the CCTV Tower, aka Big Pants (大裤衩 dà kùchǎ), and Beijing’s tallest building, the China Zun. Fluorescent orange and pink chairs give it a vibrant atmosphere, with the color scheme looking particularly impressive at night against the wall of funky red lanterns. Offering top-quality Spanish cuisine, they do some great weekday lunch deals and their weekend tapas brunch is not to be missed. They also have an extensive drinks menu and host regular DJ nights on the weekends.
Migas Mercado
7/F, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城7层
Hours: 11.30-2am
Phone: 010-65007579
The Secret Garden in CBD
Opening up for summer each year, China World Summit Wing’s Secret Garden offers a lovely respite from its busy surroundings. Decorated with plenty of plants, water features and with stunning views of the surrounding CBD area, it’s a wonderful place to spend an evening. Each year brings a different theme — last year it was transformed into the Tiki Terrace and this year it’s the Mediterranean Terrace. It has a menu to reflect the theme with plenty of seafood dishes, Greek kebabs and whole lot of other delicious nibbles.
The Secret Garden in CBD
Level 6 China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号北京国贸大酒店6层
Hours: Fri-Sun 5-9pm
Phone: (86 10) 85716459
Lenbach Roof
Given the name, it should come as no surprise that Lenbach Roof boasts a spectacular rooftop. Located just by Chongwenmen Station, the rooftop is bright and spacious, with a turquoise color scheme complimented by yellow umbrellas, wooden and wicker furniture, and plenty of bushes and trees dotted around. Like their original location at The Place, they offer German classics like Traditional German Roasted Pork Knuckle (RMB 118/half, RMB 118/whole) or Mixed German Sausage Plate (RMB 108) and a great range of German beers on tap to boot.
Lenbach Roof
L7, M Cube Shopping Center, Dongcheng District
东城区合景魔方购物中心L7
Hours: 11.30-1am
Phone: 010-67023880, 010-67028817
Rôti
Arguably one of Beijing's most beautiful terraces can be found at Rôti, an alfresco-only dining spot opened up by French restaurant group Flo. Featuring elegant archways, patterned tiled floors, and located in a secluded spot off Xiaoyun Lu, it feels more like you’re in the Mediterranean than in busy Beijing. At Rôti they specialize in barbecued and roast dishes, with the name Rôti translating to roast in French. Some must-order dishes are the Whole Roasted Chicken with Truffle and Foie Gras Stuffing (RMB 326) or the Signature Grilled Log Shitake (RMB 128).
Rôti
16 Xiaoyun Lu S3, Chaoyang District
朝阳区霄云路18号S3单元
Hours: Mon-Thu, 5.30-10pm, Fri, 5.30-11pm, Sat, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-11pm, Sun, 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm
Phone: 010-65005676
Jing-A 798
Nestled right in the 798 Art District, this branch of Jing-A has a relatively spacious rooftop with wooden decking, a variety of tables and benches and, best yet, an outside bar so you don’t need to venture downstairs to order a drink. Here you can enjoy Jing-A’s usual offerings of classic brews along with their regular new releases, plus some of their delicious food. If you’re there enjoying a few late night drinks, they also recently introduced a late night snack menu featuring dishes like Edamame (RMB 30), Bo Bo Chicken (RMB 80) or Nachos (RMB 90).
Jing-A 798
798, D-06 No.2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路2号298艺术区中二街D-06
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat, 11-1am
Phone: 13263269859
READ: Beijing’s Best Rooftops and Terraces Pt. 3
Images: Uni You, courtesy of the venues, Katie Coy
