Beijing is a city you wouldn't expect to have a good brunch scene. It's no Middle Eastern style brunch; but Bejing knows how to eat!
Here are my top Beijing Brunch spots for different occasions.
BEST FOR A CHILLED CATCH UP
Zarah Cafe, Gulou
Zarah is situated in the Hutong area of Gulou. A short walk from Nanluoguxiang Hutong it is the perfect spot for pre or post shopping. Offering a menu to die for and cocktails to suit all tastes, it's definitely one to visit. Brunch at Zarah is definitely suited as a late breakfast/ early lunch spot. I tend to always opt for a grazing platter and Prosecco when visiting. I also highly recommend the spiked hot chocolates if visiting in winter.
Reservations not needed.
Price Point: $
BEST FOR A SOPHISTICATED AFTERNOON
Char at Intercontinental, Sanlitun
Recently awarded a Michelin plate, Char is the place to see and be seen. Char offers a delectable 3 or 4 course a la carte brunch experience. Adding free flow bubbles or champagne is also an option. Brunch is available from 11:30-3pm. The menu includes, starters, eggs, mains, and desserts. An electronic QR menu allows you to peruse the options at ease as they change every fortnight.
Reservations recommended in advance: +86 010 8516 0065
Price Point: $$$
BEST FOR CELEBRATING WITH THE GIRLS
Mosto, Nali Patio, Sanlitun
Mosto can be found in the middle of Sanlitun. This pretty little eatery offers a 2 hour free flow option to add onto your a la carte, off the menu dining experience. The menu includes brunch classics such as Eggs Benedict and Steak and eggs. A simple, well curated menu with a lot of Scandinavian options. A firm favourite with the crowds as it is a reasonable price for a few hours of free flow and good quality food. Situated in Nali Patio, you are a stone-throw away from the shopping centre and other bars/ restaurants.
Reservations not needed, but recommended for groups: +86 10 5208 6030
Price Point: $- $$
Feast at East, Lido
Situated around 20 minutes from Sanlitun in the expat area of Lido, Feast offers the best of all worlds- buffet and off the menu. The general consensus is you order your meal then ask for it as take away then just eat your body weight at the buffet. The buffet offers fresh Chinese and Western options as well as fresh fruit, breads, cheeses and desserts. It also includes a free flow fizz or wine option at an additional fee. A great option is that you can continue the party at the hotel bar- Xi'an.
Reservations recommended in advance: +86 10 8414 9898
Price Point: $$
BEST TO IMPRESS A DATE
The Rug Cafe, WF Central, Wangfujing
The Rug offers and extensive menu of twists on classics such as Fench Toast and Eggs Benedict. Created in a beautiful aesthetically pleasing way. Their menu also offers lunch and dinner options as part of their brunch service. The food is of a high quality and so would recommend ordering a dish each and a sharing option... as there are so many options you'll want to try.
Reservations not needed, but recommended if in groups: +86 10 6528 3966
Price Point: $$
BEST FOR WHEN YOU MISS DUBAI
N'JOY at NUO Hotel, Lido.
Saving the best until last. N'Joy has recently reopened after Covid. Offering the closest brunch to a Middle Eastern Brunch, you will not be disappointed. The brunch is an all you can eat buffet with added steps of expense for alcohol- wine/ beer, sparkling wine, champagne all have different prices. The brunch runs in the same style as a Grand Friday Brunch- enter, sit at your table, choose your drinks package, roam for which food you want to try first. Each table comes with a set of tickets so you are able to hand in a ticket for different options to be brought to your table- this is especially useful for seafood/ pasta/ eggs dishes or if there are a few of you who all want the same dish you can order multiples to be brought. I suggest a "drive by" of all the counters before you stock up on your first dishes. This brunch is great for all ages and tastes. There are show stoppers too- a full Tuna fish is carved fresh in front of diners for the sushi bar. Soups, Meats, Desserts are all brought around to individual tables for diners to try throughout the sitting. When visiting, be prepared by wearing loose fitting clothes or no belt!!
Reservations recommended at least 1 month in advance: +86 10 5926 8888
Price Point: $$$
HONOURABLE MENTION
Slow Boat, Sanlitun
Start here for DIY Mimosas and epic Chicken and Waffles on a Saturday or Sunday before hitting the shops or to gossip over what happened the night before.
Reservations not needed
Price Point: $-$$
HAPPY EATING!
All images owned and created by Lauren Toner.
Copyright Lauren Toner 2021