Wangjing, Huajiadi and Lido-望京花家地丽都

Wangjing Yihao

Enjoy pungent Sichuan dishes in a flowery bower. The two ancient crabapple trees that watch over the courtyard of this Ming Dynasty-style compound rain down pink pedals when they are blossoming in early April. This dreamy scene only lasts for a week, but you’ll still drive back for their reasonably priced Chongqing fare, with various spicy and numbing renditions of catfish, chicken, rabbits and frogs.

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Monster Pizza

The personable and friendly owners, Hellen and Eugene, are Beijingers recently returned from a life in Vancouver. They've covered their little restaurant with beautiful decorations and Eugene's art, as well as customers' vivid renditions of the ubiquitous "Pizza Monster"--a coloring page provided to every customer as they wait for their order to bake. Novelty pizzas include the "Acropolis" (Greek) and "Idaho Spud"--a delectable pie bathed in bacon, BBQ potato, and cheese. Prices are reasonable and special offers abound.