TRB Bites Takes a Bite Out of Beijing's Casual Dining Scene

When we heard that Beijing’s leading fine dining restaurant was due to open a “casual, modern” dining concept we were intrigued. How would they translate their signature slick service and classy atmosphere to a more informal venue?

Taking over the previously-Brian-McKenna-managed The Courtyard, the TRB Bites space certainly feels more casual, with a steady buzz of conversation and music as opposed to the hushed ambience of TRB. One thing that hasn’t changed is the service – glasses of sparkling wine appear as if out of nowhere almost as soon as you sit down, the gracious staff swooping artfully around the room picking up napkins and delivering course after course (after course) of food.

Whether you choose three courses or five (RMB 188 for three courses) at TRB Bites you are sure to come away absolutely stuffed. The bites part of the names comes from the procession of amuse-bouches, snacks, palate cleansers, and pre-desserts that arrive throughout the meal. We were especially glad that our favorite goat’s cheese croquettes have also made the journey over from TRB. The menu is structured to allow diners to pick and choose from a selection of courses and design their own meal.

Fancy having three desserts? You only have your conscience to judge you. If you do take the sweet road, however, you will be missing out on savory marvels such as the rose-pink lamb loin with mustard seeds and onion jam, or the standout roast bone marrow with snails, garlic, and parsley.

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Photos: Zeus