A Closer Look at the Restaurant Awards: Where is the Best Al Fresco Dining in Beijing?

Margaux Schreurs | Apr 20, 2016 10:00 am | 3 comments | 3405 reads

Some of the findings from the 2016 Reader Restaurant Awards are absolutely vital to enjoying the upcoming few months in Beijing. For example, where is the best for al fresco dining in our city? Our voters spoke, and, here is what they determined.

As the winner, you all picked Brasserie Flo (now Maison Flo), with its calm terrace surrounded by plenty of greenery. This year, Brasserie Flo was also one of the four venues selected by fellow industry insiders to join the elite Dining Hall of Fame. This is no surprise, as Brasserie Flo's excellent food and service are not only recognized by the industry but also by our readers. They walked away with multiple awards: Best Al Fresco Dining, Outstanding French (Upscale), Outstanding Service (Non-Chinese, Upscale), Oustanding for a Romantic Meal, and finally, Outstanding Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese, Upscale).

At the outstanding level, Capital M and Great Leap Brewing #45 took the top prizes.

Capital M (pictured at top) clearly took this prize for their incredible outdoor dining area overlooking Qianmen, one of Beijing’s most historical sites. This choice doesn't require much explaining. We (and you) also believe that this view and their great food means that Capital M is an outstanding option both for a romantic location, and to take your visitors. 

The second winner of the outstanding prize in this category was Great Leap Brewing #45, or "'the pizza one," which, although of a much more affordable standard than the previous two spots, also sports a pretty great outdoor area. Theirs is a leafy rooftop to sip on their brews and eat American-style pizza. Many a weekend afternoon has been spent this way last summer, and we look forward to doing it again.

We believe Palms LA Kitchen and Bar's Liangmaqiao location also deserves a special mention, as its peaceful green patio holds a special place in our cocktail-soaked hearts. Where else can you get a burrito or quesadilla with kimchi?

More stories by this author here.
Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos courtesy of Brasserie Flo, Capital M, Palms LA Kitchen and Bar

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ChinaPearl's picture ChinaPearl Submitted by Guest on Thu, 04/21/2016 - 14:37

Love Flo's, however, when speaking of outdoor dining, why not have a "low-cost" category too? Beijing is a mecca for cheap-eats-n-outdoor-dining! I know, I know-- lots of lil' places pop up and are gone in less than a year: find that fav baozi sidewalk cafe with red-cheeked Miao waitresses under 5 feet tall, baby on hip, but so kind and attentive, then, neglect to get there for a coupla months and on your next visit there's a big hole in the ground with a cheesy apartment building or mini-mall going up. But hey, Maison and even Palms can reaaaaally stretch a student/teacher's budget. How about a short list of 5 great places with meals under 60rmb? For us po' folks, that would be wonderful!

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

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