Winning Restaurants Worth Breaking the Bank For

We recently covered winning meals under RMB 50, but Beijing's got plenty of great options for eating out when you're ready to spend. Here's a quick rundown of high-end restaurants that won in our 2012 Reader Restaurant Awards.

Unlike the 50 kuai post from earlier this week, I haven't set any actual monetary limitations for this list, but you can check our directory listings for a better idea on pricing. If you want to see the awards in their entirety, head on over to here and here.

Da Dong
BEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (CHINESE), BEST BEIJING DUCK, BEST IMPRESSING VISITORS (CHINESE)

Da Dong is a consistent winner and definitely one of the best ducks in town. Impressing visitors does come at a cost, especially if you want to eat more than just duck, but with any luck, your visitors will be the one picking up the bill.


Seasonal Tastes, Westin Beijing Chaoyang
BEST HOTEL BRUNCH
The Bubbalicious brunch runs RMB 328 + 15% service charge for food + soft drinks RMB 368 + 15% for food + beer/wine and RMB 398 + 15% to upgrade to Moet and Chandon Champagne.

Maison Boulud
BEST SERVICE (NON-CHINESE), BEST WINE LIST, BEST FOR A ROMANTIC MEAL, BEST FRENCH

Considering Maison Boulud won awards for wine, service and romance, it sounds like you readers are going on some fancy dates here. You studs and studettes. Keep up the good work.

Susu
BEST VIETNAMESE
This hutong gem has great atmosphere, especially when the weather's nice enough to sit outside. Don't leave without trying the La Vong fish.

CRU Steakhouse, JW Marriott Beijing
BEST STEAK (HOTEL)
CRU may specialize in serving up glorious cuts of steak, but it's also got a seafood bar and a Sunday brunch (RMB 688 per person plus service charge).

Sureño, Opposite House
BEST ITALIAN - HIGH END
The Opposite House continues to be a destination in this town, and Sureño's excellent Italian food is one of the reasons. Sunday brunch is just RMB 188 + 15% service charge without champagne, RMB 298 + 15% with free-flowing champagne.

Mosto
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH

Mosto's business lunch is enough of a deal to have made it onto the bonus section of the cheap eats post, but don't let that fool you. This place knows how to pull out the stops too when you're ready to break the piggybank.

Hatsune
BEST JAPANESE, BEST DÉCOR (NON-CHINESE) (Sanlitun location)

Hatsune has dominated the best Japanese category every year. The Sanlitun location is so popular, you'll need a reservation if you want a shot at eating during peak hours.

Capital M
BEST IMPRESSING VISITORS (NON-CHINESE), BEST OUTDOOR DINING

The stunning view from the terrace here is well worth the splurge. I've heard the crispy suckling pig is especially noteworthy.

Agua
BEST SPANISH

Agua's house-made chorizo is fantastic. I've also heard great things from colleagues about their fish.

Tairyo Teppanyaki
BEST PLACE FOR A CELEBRATION
You all sure know how to celebrate in style. Pricing for this all-you-can-eat teppanyaki grill varies depending on location.

Pure Lotus
BEST VEGETARIAN

I've never been myself, but I've heard Pure Lotus feels like vegetarian heaven.

Photo: Coroflot.com