Meet the Nominees: Best New Upscale Foreign Dining

Trying new restaurants can at times be a trial-and-error process; sometimes we’re delightfully surprised, other times our expectations simply aren’t met. That process is only heightened when we’re dining at an establishment that’s regarded as more upscale. Pâté de foie gras and champagne doesn’t always equate to a pleasurable dining experience, especially when you’re being charged an exhorbitant amount for a meal that is less than satisfying. So, to save yourself the potential for disappointment, choose your next refined meal at one of the restaurants nominated, listed below, in our Best New Upscale Non-Chinese Restaurant category.
 

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant
Patrons should be sure to try one of the Brotzeit's hearty sausage platters. Among those choices is a gargantuan currywurst pork sausage laced with chilli-curry tomato sauce and accompanied by thick, delectably pepper dusted potato wedges. The beer is also authentically delicious, as expected (but not always fulfilled) from any German eatery. But what sets Brotzeit apart is the relative lightness of its fare and the wide selection of its menu, when compared to more established Beijing counterparts. Read our full review of Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant here.

Florentina
The menu at Florentina sticks with the classics, treading a well-worn path through pastas, pizzas, and risottos, as well as classic Italian dishes such as osso bucco alla Milanese (RMB 268). Portions and pricing are designed with sharing in mind – the signature lobster risotto (pictured above) comes in a huge dish with several of the luxurious crustaceans positioned proudly on top. Read our full review of Florentina here.
 

Molly Malone's Gastropub & Grill
Molly Malone's artisan grub, suds and atmosphere are bound to make it a massive draw for Beijingers who crave a casual yet classy destination. Their gourmet pub grub includes: savory sausages with tantalizingly tart mustard on the side, heavenly textured beef cheek and tail pie (pictured above), and unimaginably tender burgers laced with bacon and wedged between two halves of a cushiony soft buns. Read our review of Molly Malone's here.

N'Joy, Nuo Hotel Beijing
N’Joy, Nuo Hotel’s all-day dining restaurant has the sushi. And the dim sum, the Thai, the charcuterie, and pretty much anything else you can think of too. The flagship weekend brunch buffet (RMB 388, RMB 188 for free-flow champagne, plus 15 percent service charge) is inspired by the voyages of Chinese Admiral Zheng He and it is indeed a picture of globalization – it’s the only brunch in town (that we know of, anyway) that features a dedicated Middle Eastern cuisine section. Read our full review of N'Joy here.
 

Particles Kitchen
When the Beijinger asked Yixing "Owen" Zheng, proprietor of Particles Kitchen, "What sets Particles Kitchen apart from the competition?" he responded: "I think our restaurant's biggest advantage, especially for lunch, is its farm-to-table concept and our fast-casual dining experience. Through cooperation with local organic farms and some serious organic product vendors, we are able to bring fresh organic ingredients straight to your plates without any industrial processing. Our recipes are also built upon healthy diet plans, which were suggested by health professionals. But above all, our fast-casual restaurant style allows you to enjoy a healthy meal without paying too much and waiting for too long." The Nali Patio eatery sets out to bring a taste of sunny California to China, thanks to the restaurant's casual, organically healthy eats. Read our full interview with the restaurateur here.

The Georg
Set in a transformed hutong building, The Georg (from Danish silverware brand Georg Jensen) serves modern Danish cuisine – simple ingredients immaculately presented. More proof that fine dining has a place in the hutongs. The menu is structured plainly – every dish is priced at RMB 130 or they will put together a set menu for the table for RMB 450. Wine pairing is an additional RMB 450 per person. The Georg has created an elegant space perfect for impressing and goes no holds barred when it comes to refined and unforgettable European cuisine. Read our full review of The Georg here.

Lobster Kitchen
Done up in an East Coast nautical theme replete with netting and fish-themed decor, Lobster Kitchen is both comfortable and clean. Lobster, of course, makes up the heart of the menu – there’s no other compelling reason to turn up here unless you are into this delicious crustacean. If you are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and that's coming from a Bostonian raised on it. Read our full review of Lobster Kitchen here.

Have you eaten at any of the above restaurants? Tell us what you think in the comments section below. Or better yet, contribute by writing a review of your experience.

Photos courtesy of Particles Kitchen, Molly Malone's, Kyle Mullin, Joey Guo, Michael Wester

The Beijinger 2016 Reader Restaurant Awards is made possible through our strategic partnerships with NUO Hotel Beijing and Anchor (by Fonterra). Raffle prize sponsor Sherpa's. Video sponsor McCain. Food and beverages are courtesy of CHEERS, China Wines & Spirits, Comptoirs de France, Home Plate Bar-B-Que, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Loft Eatalicious, Q Mex, and Vandergeeten.