Spring heralds warmth, flowers, and happy full bellies as Restaurant Week takes over the capital city from Mar 10-Apr 3. The biannual food festival sees some of Beijing’s best dining experiences offering lower prices, while also providing the prime opportunity to try that Michelin-starred restaurant you’ve had your eye on for a while now.
During last year’s second edition of Restaurant Week, my husband and I made a date night of our pick – Brasserie 1893 at the Waldorf Astoria. It was a lovely night to remember. So now we’re taking advantage of every edition of Restaurant Week to try a new dining spot since the capital is rife with them!
Among the new additions to 2022’s first installment of Restaurant Week are Japanese yakiniku restaurant ootoku, rated 10 for its spectacular interior, alongside steak specialist L’OX by FLO, and french bistro Cours et Pavillons tucked in the Weijia hutongs in the heart of Beijing.
I myself am eager to sample the elite offerings at ootoku with its Wagyu beef, foie gras nigiri sushi, and sashimi platter, which are available as lunch for RMB 375 and dinner at RMB 1,280. While that’s slightly higher than my average meal budget, these prices are a fraction of what dining at this quality establishment would otherwise cost outside of Restaurant Week.
It’s worth mentioning that categories and booking your seats on the Dining City app have changed just a tad. This year, you can search restaurants under “Best Value,” “Dining With a View,” and “Classic,” as well as the usual “Amex Privileges” listings and “Award Winner” categories.
With more than 90 restaurants taking part in Restaurant Week this time around, it might seem daunting to narrow your choices. ChiFanForCharity President and Beijing’s widely-acknowledged “Foodie Emperor” Preston Thomas suggests Rive Gauche and Opera Bombana for some fine dining, while the Tapas Bar at InterContinental is “Foodie Queen” Ana Lourenco’s recommendation.
Well, what are you waiting for? Scan the QR code or search “DiningCity” under Mini-Programs in WeChat to book your spots now!
KEEP READING: Summing up Beijing’s Best Dim Sum Restaurants and What to Order
Images: Pexels, DiningCity, Vivienne-Tseng Rush
