Beijing’s Best Brunches Worth Getting Out of Bed For: Fall 2018 Edition
Brunching seems to be somewhat of a sport in Beijing so we thought we'd make your weekly Sunday morning (or Saturday night if you're the type to plan ahead) dilemma that much easier by compiling a list of what are, in our opinion, Beijing's best places to go for brunch. This should help reduce the painstaking back-and-forth planning once you eventually roll out of bed on any given weekend. This blog is an update of a list originally published in mid-2017.
Migas Mercado, Sat and Sun 11.30am-2.30pm
Migas Mercado’s brunch menu features a la carte Spanish classics such as Spanish omelet or gambas al ajillo, creative dishes like avocado cannelloni stuffed with crab salad, and big sharing dishes such as seafood paella or whole roasted chicken. For RMB 168, you get free-flow red and white sangria, Bloody Marys, Cava, red and white house wine, and soft drinks. We also appreciate that they've included the option to add an extra hour of free-flow drinks for RMB 68 because, let's be honest, if you've been drinking for two hours already it can be pretty hard to stop.
What to expect: A la carte; Free-flow drinks; Views of the CCTV Tower
Feast, Sat and Sun 11.30am-3pm
Feast’s semi-buffet brunch really lives up to the restaurant's name. For RMB 298, you get both starters and desserts served buffet style, but don't fill up too quickly – the a la carte main courses are pretty formidable, including not only standard brunch dishes like eggs Benedict but also substantial main courses like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, grilled baby chicken, and wild mushroom risotto. That price also includes free-flow house wine, beer, and soft drinks, making it one of the best value deals in town.
What to expect: Semi-buffet; Free-flow drinks; Hearty portions
Jing-A Brewpub XFC, Sat and Sun 11am-2.30pm
One of the best value brunch options in Beijing at RMB 108 per person for three courses, Jing-A’s Brewer’s Brunch menu has made the transition from their former location in 1949 to their Xinfucun brewpub. Start your brunch with a sharing platter, choose from a selection of main courses including eggs Benedict, pancakes or the Hungry Man's Hash, and finish with a dessert. Wash it all down with a Beer Belly-ni, a mix of peach purée and Jing-A’s Mandarin Wheat beer.
What to expect: Three-course set; craft beer
TRB, Sat and Sun, 11.30am-3pm
Whether you choose TRB Hutong or TRB Forbidden City, both are great venues for an upscale brunch experience. The five-course menu (RMB 328 per person) allows you to pick from a selection of seafood dishes, eggs, pasta, meat, and fish main courses, and desserts. Shelling out for the accompanying wine pairing (RMB 198) is highly recommended – TRB's wine selection is fantastic and they don't skimp on pours, either. Same menu served at both TRB Hutong and TRB Forbidden City.
What to expect: Five-course set; Plenty of choices; Impeccable service
Jing Yaa Tang, Daily 11am-2.30pm
Jing Yaa Tang's dim sum remains one of the best deals in town. For just RMB 168 you can order unlimited helpings of dozens of classic steamed, baked, and fried dim sum dishes, including cheung fun, siu mai, hargow, Portuguese egg tarts, and many more. If you want to go all out, add free-flow Chandon sparkling wine for RMB 168 (although make sure those bubbles don't take up valuable stomach space). Even better, it is available seven days a week, so you don't have to limit your indulgence to the weekends.
What to expect: All-you-can-order a la carte; Free-flow drinks; Peking duck available to order separately
Agua, Sat and Sun noon-2pm
Agua fell off our radar a bit over the past few years but they are back on top form and their infinity brunch is back along with them. During brunch (RMB 298 per person), order your fill from a selection that includes healthy bites, Spanish classics, and delicious roasts. Whether you’re craving paella, papas bravas or grilled prawns, this brunch will satisfy every palate. With its high ceilings and parquet flooring, Agua is a very classy place to spend the afternoon, too. Add RMB 168 per person for free-flow Cava, Spanish Mimosas, Sangria, and more.
What to expect: All-you-can-order a la carte; Free-flow drinks
N'Joy at Nuo Hotel, Sun 11.30am-2pm
When you think buffet you don't necessarily think good quality, but the brunch at N'Joy (RMB 428 per person) most certainly overcome that negative stereotype. The selection of food on offer is mind-boggling, including everything from lobster to Indian curry to a whole tuna carved in front of you, all topped up with a serving of oscietra caviar for each table. Add free-flow champagne from a choice of four different brands for RMB 288. One of Beijing's best indulgences.
What to expect: Buffet; Free-flow drinks; Plenty of choice
Bistrot B, Sun noon-3.30pm
Bistrot B's brunch is a little on the pricey side but think of it as an investment... in the satisfaction of your taste buds. Priced at RMB 450 per person, the brunch includes a selection of shared appetizers, a choice of main course (eggs or bistro classics), and access to the pastry counter. The food at Bistrot B is executed impeccably, in particular, the house-made charcuterie and pâté. Add free-flow brunch cocktails and sparkling, white, and red wines for RMB 280 per person.
What to expect: Semi-buffet; Free-flow drinks; Hearty portions
Arrow Factory Brewing Liangmahe by Vineyard Café, Sat and Sun 11.30am-3pm
Arrow Factory Brewing's Liangmahe brewpub is the best bet in town for a full English breakfast (RMB 75). With food done by the Vineyard Café, there is a focus on hearty British dishes that will serve you well whether you're fighting off a hangover or just looking to chill out on a weekend afternoon. But it's not all British grub: the menu includes everything from Huevos Rancheros to burgers, with a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes (try the Dressed to Kill Falafel Salad, RMB 60). Finish with a traditional sticky toffee pudding (RMB 40), a new addition to the menu.
What to expect: A la carte; Alfresco seating
Mosto, Sat and Sun 10am-3pm
Mosto's relaxed weekend brunch puts the emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Classic brunch dishes like smoked salmon eggs benedict (RMB 68) are well executed or you can liven things up a bit with dishes like seafood "salpicon", salmon tataki or parmesan risotto. Add two hours of free-flow red, white and sparkling wines, mimosas, and Bellinis for just RMB 158. The Bloody Mary (RMB 50) is also excellent.
What to expect: A la carte; Free-flow drinks; Alfresco seating
* Note: Some prices may be subject to service charge
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Photos courtesy of Arrow Factory, Migas Mercado, Opposite House, Nuo Hotel Beijing, Jing-A
