Best Beijing Restaurants for Expats: International Cuisine Guide 2024
Beijing’s dining scene has evolved dramatically over the past few years, offering an incredible variety of international cuisines that cater to the city’s diverse expat community. Whether you’re craving comfort food from home or looking to explore new flavors, here are our top picks for 2024.
European Delights
La Pizza
Location: Sanlitun Speciality: Authentic Neapolitan pizza
A favorite among Italian expats and pizza lovers, La Pizza offers wood-fired pizzas that transport you straight to Naples. Their margherita is perfection in simplicity.
Café de la Poste
Location: Chaoyang District Speciality: French bistro classics
This charming French bistro serves everything from coq au vin to perfect croissants. The wine selection is impressive, featuring bottles directly imported from French vineyards.
Asian Fusion
Nobu Beijing
Location: China World Mall Speciality: Japanese-Peruvian fusion
Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Beijing outpost continues to impress with innovative dishes that blend Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients.
TRB Hutong
Location: Forbidden City area Speciality: Modern European in traditional setting
Located in a beautifully restored courtyard, TRB Hutong offers fine dining with a view of the Forbidden City walls.
Comfort Food Favorites
Great Leap Brewing
Location: Multiple locations Speciality: Craft beer and Western comfort food
Beijing’s pioneering craft brewery serves excellent burgers, fish and chips, and rotating seasonal brews that incorporate local ingredients.
Annie’s
Location: Chaoyang District Speciality: Italian-American classics
A long-time expat favorite, Annie’s delivers consistently good pasta, pizza, and salads in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean
Almanara
Location: Workers’ Stadium area Speciality: Authentic Lebanese cuisine
Featuring live music and authentic Lebanese dishes, Almanara offers some of the best hummus and kebabs in the city.
Tips for Dining Out in Beijing
Reservations
- Always book ahead for weekend dinners
- Many restaurants accept reservations through WeChat
- Some high-end establishments require advance booking
Payment Methods
- Most restaurants accept Alipay and WeChat Pay
- International credit cards widely accepted in expat-focused areas
- Cash still useful for smaller establishments
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegetarian options increasingly available
- Halal restaurants concentrated in certain districts
- Always communicate allergies clearly to staff
Delivery Options
Beijing’s food delivery scene is incredibly efficient:
- Meituan: Largest selection, Chinese interface
- Ele.me: Good English support in expat areas
- Sherpa’s: Specializes in international restaurants
Food Courts and Markets
Sanyuanli Market
Fresh ingredients and international products for home cooking.
Jenny Lou’s
International supermarket chain with Western products and ingredients.
Beijing’s restaurant scene continues to grow and diversify, making it easier than ever for expats to find familiar flavors while exploring new culinary adventures.