Discover Beijing's Neighborhood Gems: 5 Must-Visit Restaurants

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Jul 4, 2023 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 594 reads

Beijing is no stranger to neighborhood restaurants, spots on the verge of or inside the city’s many residential compounds that serve as places to dine as well as spots at which the community gathers. Although easy to take for granted, there are a few hidden gems we’ve encountered worth checking out – read on to find out more.

Foam Lab

Situated in a friendly residential community, Foam Lab is a gastropub best known for its craft beer and inventive seasonal drinks. The establishment boasts both an indoor and outdoor dining area, offering plenty of space for customers to savor their meals. Dishes are crafted by the team behind the Great Outdoors, and fans can anticipate similar dishes and offerings at Foam Lab. Highlights from the menu include the succulent Beef Cheeseburger (RMB 69), the rich Mushroom Cheese Tortilla (RMB 59), and an assortment of flavorful Sausage Platters (RMB 68).

FOAM LAB
1/F, Huaxi International Apartment, No.5 Xilibeiqu, Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang Park Road
朝阳区朝阳公园路朝阳公园西里北区5号华熙国际公寓大堂一楼
Hours: Daily, 5pm-11.30pm
Phone:158 1015 3352

Golden Hill Brewing

Nestled within the quaint residential enclave of Gaojiayuan in Jiuxianqiao district, Golden Hill Brewing instantly whisks you away from urban Beijing to a serene North American forest cabin as soon as you step through its doors. The menu showcases a range of dishes, from the crisp Roast Chicken served with roasted vegetables marinated in a buttery glaze (RMB 148), to the Slow-Roasted Spanish Pork Ribs (RMB 148). The pièce de résistance, however, is undoubtedly the Buffalo Cheese Margherita (RMB 70). This fan-favorite pizza is a delightful blend of creamy buffalo cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil leaves.

Golden Hill Brewing
1/F, 14, District 2, Gaojiayuan
朝阳区高家园二区14号一层
Hours: 5pm-2.30am
Phone:131 4615 1314

Licharm Bistro 鲤承Bistro

For seasoned foodies with a penchant for Fujian culinary delights, the establishment 厚鲤甲赫 Hòu lǐ jiǎ hè may not be unfamiliar. This spot, tucked away in Sanlitun Soho, is renowned for its authentic Fujian fare. Interestingly, the name Houlijiahe translates to 让您吃好 Ràng nín chī hǎo which means "let you eat well" in the Fujian dialect, a subtlety unknown to many. Also under the Houlijiahe umbrella is a lesser-known establishment, Licharm Bistro. Discreetly nestled within a residential community south of Taipingzhuang in the same Sanlitun area, head here for Fujian specialties such as the Minnan Pig's Feet (RMB 40) and the Quanzhou Spiced Rolls (RMB 35) -- dishes too good to overlook!

Licharm Bistro 鲤承Bistro
No.1 TaipingzhuangNanli Courtyard
海淀区太平庄南里1号院
Hours: 5pm-1am
Phone:166 0009 5795

PAT bistro&cave

In this tucked-away place, you'll find a French bistro, run by seasoned chefs who have honed their skills in Michelin-starred establishments. They have curated a menu of French delicacies, ranging from Creamy Chicken Liver Mousse served on a crusty baguette (RMB 88), to succulent Angus Bavette Steak (RMB 238) and Crispy Fried Quail (RMB 88). Despite its intimate size, the bistro houses an impressive cellar, brimming with a nice selection of natural wines.

PAT bistro&cave
Unit 5，Bldg 7, Xindong Road, XinyuanXilidong Street,
朝阳区新东路新源西里东街小区7号楼5单元
Hours: 6pm-10.30pm
Phone:132 6919 2771

Li Kui Burger 李逵半斤煲

Originally known as Water Margin Burger, an homage to the classic Chinese novel The Water Margin, when it opened a few years back, Li Kui Burger 李逵半斤煲 Lǐkuí bàn jīn bāo still has an unmistakeable fondness for the novel, a tale of outlaws in ancient China who band together to combat corruption and defend the downtrodden. The restaurant's current name pays homage to the iconic character 李逵, Li Kui, who is known for his robust and dark demeanor.

In line with the theme, they offer a Li Kui-inspired burger, priced at RMB 59, as robust as its namesake and served on a black bun. The establishment also features a specialty burger named Wusong 武松手打虎皮堡 Wǔsōng shǒudǎ hǔ pí bǎo (RMB 49) -- which roughly translates to "Wusong's Hand Beats the Tiger" burger. This is a tribute to the celebrated character Wusong, renowned for his strength that allowed him to slay a tiger single-handedly, thus eliminating a threat to his community. Many users on Dianping have lauded this burger, extolling its succulent patty and well-seasoned sauces.