Feast your eyes (and bellies) on Beijing's best open-air bites
The cold weather and sandstorms have passed (we think), and it's finally time to enjoy our favorite outdoor activity: eating! Here's a rundown of our favorite Beijing courtyards, terraces, rooftops and patios, homes to some of the city's best views and tastiest food.

Peace and Quiet

A taste of tranquility


Bodhi Sake
This vegetarian favorite is located in the peaceful front courtyard of a functioning Buddhist temple. Fans claim that the mock meat dishes are even better than the real thing. Perfect for a karmic boost.
(Tel: 6355-7348. Add: 10-16 Heiyaochang Jie, Xuanwu )

Agrilandia
Well worth the journey, this organic Italian farm grows its own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Spend the afternoon picking the tastiest strawberries you've ever eaten, and then relax for an authentic Italian dinner on the Tuscan terrace.
(Tel: 6940-7650. Add: Baige Zhuang, Mapo)

Dali Courtyard
Tucked away in a hutong, this siheyuan-turned-restaurant serves three set menus of traditional Yunnanese cuisine, with ingredients flown in from Yunnan. With food that is both vegetarian and carnivore friendly, this cozy courtyard venue will satisfy everyone.
(Tel: 8404-1430. Add: 67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie,)

New Veranda
This new Shunyi eatery offers a mouth-watering menu of pan-European dishes on a long veranda that overlooks a river. Parents in need of peace and quiet will adore the enormous kids playroom, complete with a ball pit.
(Tel: 8470-3821. Add: 8 Laiguangying East Road, next to Western Academy of Beijing)

Fine Dining

Open-air opulence


Aria
Protected by the flowers and trees of a gorgeous terraced garden, Aria's outdoor patio is sophisticated urban dining at its best. Head here during the week for a classy three-course lunch or the early bird dinner special from 6-7pm.
(Tel: 6505-2266 ext. 36. Add: 2F, China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie)

Pavillion
Providing a quieter, refined alternative to many of the venues around Worker's Stadium, Pavillion's 3,500 sq. meter garden is a great place to sit back in a comfortable wicker chair, enjoy a cocktail and get a bite to eat.
(Tel: 6507-2617. Add: Gongti Xilu, opposite Gongti west gate )

Asia Bistro
The J.W. Marriott's all-day dining restaurant has recently opened up their front terrace, which includes a beautiful island of trees and artificial streams in the heart of the CBD. Be sure to check out their Sunday barbeque brunch.
(Tel: 5908-8995. Add: 93 Jianguo Lu, next to Shin Kong Plaza)

Le Quai
This 200-year-old Qing Dynasty house from Jiangxi was taken brick by brick and reassembled in the Workers' Stadium complex. This fusion restaurant includes an art gallery and an outdoor deck overlooking Gongti pond.
(Tel: 6551-1636. Add: Workers' Stadium complex )

Ken de Rouge
Ambiance is the star of the show on Houhai's west bank. Five-star prices accompany five-star design, but somehow none of this matters when you're on an open-air roof, enjoying freshly grilled food while admiring the lake view.
(Tel: 6402-7778. Add: 22 Hou Hai Lake West Bank, )

Source
Wander into this gorgeous courtyard restaurant off Nanluo Guxiang and you'll feel transported in time to a quieter Beijing. The Sichuan set menus change weekly, and the Qing Dynasty-style VIP rooms are lao Beijing luxury.
(Tel: 6400-3736. Add: 14 Banchang Hutong, Nanluo Guxiang)

Rooftop Restaurants

On top of the world
For the ideal spot in Beijing to not only sit and eat on a rooftop but also to admire the gorgeous surrounding tiled roofs of the hutongs, you can't beat Nanluo Guxiang. If a delicious Chinese meal overlooking historical Beijing is what you're looking for (especially recommended to impress first-time visitors), check out Drum and Gong. Just next door is Passby, which boasts not only an open courtyard area but also a small rooftop terrace that looks onto the street. With menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and dessert, Passby is great at any time of day. Try their creative pizzas, such as the "Japanese style pizza" with dried fish flakes that appear to dance on top of the pie. For those of us less adventurous diners, don't worry-they have traditional toppings, too!

Further north up the street, you'll find Saveurs de Coree, a classy Korean bistro. Climb up the stairs over the indoor koi pond up onto the roof and enjoy the very popular Kimchihobak, a mix of kimchi and shredded pork presented on a pumpkin boat, or the Dooboo Boochim (fried tofu).

For rooftops beyond Nanluo Guxiang, we recommend Obiwan's fantastic view of Qihai. The club features a full western menu, with specials on pasta every Monday. The best day to visit, though, is Sunday, when Obiwan hosts their weekly reggae night and free barbeque on the rooftop patio. Of course, there's also Cafe Igosso, one of the most romantic bites in Beijing. The rooftop patio, however, offers a view of little more than the Third Ring Road.

Houhai

Escape from Lotus Lane
Once the most tranquil spot in Beijing, Houhai is now crowded with overzealous rickshaw tour salesman and blinding neon signs. Fortunately, you can still find its quieter side if you know where to look. For one of the area's best views, try Nuage, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant with a rooftop dining area that looks out on to the Drum and Bell towers. South of Yinding Qiao, you'll find No Name, a Yunnanese eatery with a gorgeous rooftop area and amazing, reasonably priced food.

On the quieter side of Qianhai is the immensely popular Lao Hanzi, one of Beijing's only Hakka restaurants. With decorative red lanterns and view of the lake, outdoor seating requires reservations in the summer as it's the perfect place for a leisurely dinner on a warm night.

The true Houhai experience, though, shouldn't be by the lake, but on it. For an extra ￥180, Kao Rou Ji, a Muslim restaurant located on the banks of the lake, will actually serve your food to you on a wooden boat before you embark on an hour-long trip around Houhai and Qianhai. For something really special, hire a musician to accompany you! Alternatively, pick up food at any nearby restaurant and rent your own duck-headed peddle-boat for a perfect date. Trust us: From the middle of the lake, even the neon signs begin to look enchanting.

Fresh Air

A taste of things to come
This spring, the Sanlitun area is poised to become the center of outdoor dining in Beijing. Just opened at the end of March is 1949-The Hidden City. The complex includes 6,000 sq. meters of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as over 40 mature trees, gardens and a rooftop terrace. The Saddle Cantina, in the heart of Sanlitun, boasts a slate courtyard and a 200 sq. meter balcony. The second floor is covered by what Chad calls "the biggest skylight in Beijing," a 50 foot retractable roof. If that isn't enough space to enjoy your guacamole, the rooftop section will be opened later in the summer. Meanwhile, over at Gongti, Kro's Nest is hosting a concert series with D-22, starting April 26. Set within the shade of 34 trees, Kro's outdoor patio will feature a giant stage, picnic tables, swinging benches, a sandbox and even Tonka trucks. On the southern end of Sanlitun, Q-Bar has just introduced a menu of gourmet snacks, sandwiches and desserts that are arguably even better than the near-perfect cocktails. We can't wait to savor them on Q-Bar's relaxing rooftop terrace.

People Watching

Indulge your inner paparazzi


CJW
This high roller joint's name stands for Cigar, Jazz and Wine, but it offers a full menu. Spot celebrities like director Feng Xiaogang, or sit back and watch the hypnotic LED skies of The Place.
(Tel: 6587-1222. Add: The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu)

Aperitivo
An oasis within Sanlitun, this Italian caf-¦ serves delectable bruschetta. Sit on the outdoor terrace to catch your friends on their way to the bar, or just have a chat with Beijing's favorite grass animals salesman.
(Tel: 6417-7793. Add: 43 Sanlitun Beijie Nanlu, Sanlitun Next to Tongli Studios)

Maggie's
Try the best hot dog in Beijing. Then, meet the crowd or take your food and stroll around Ritan Park: We bet you'll be able spot a few important diplomats! (Not child friendly.)
(Tel: 8562-8142. Add: Ritan Park South Gate)

The Bridge
The cafe formerly known as Sculpting in Time has a great balcony where you can pick out next weekend's date from the throngs of study-abroaders.
(Tel: 8286-7026. Add: 1, Bldg 12, Huaqingjiayuan, Chengfu Lu)

Time Zone 8
This is where the 798 art clique breaks for coffee and sandwiches, soaking the sun into their black Armani blazers. Expect to see Huang Rui and other artistes stopping by Timezone 8 for a slice of their legendary chocolate cake.
(Tel: 8459-9332. Add: 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798)

The Olive
Known for its healthy cuisine and fresh brunches, The Olive, with its outdoor patio, provides a scenic view of Worker's Stadium, where you can check out Beijing's most decked out clubbers, or come August, Olympic football stars.
(Tel: 6417-9669. Add: 17 Gongti Beilu)

By Sienna Parulis-Cook

Expat faves

Bocata
"They have sandwiches with a good range of fillings at a reasonable price. I especially like the chilled-out decor.
Craig Lennox
Teacher, Scotland

Paulaner
"I like the sauerkraut and sausage. The service is good too. It's just a nice environment with good food, and sometimes that's all you need."
Michael Reynolds
Photojournalist, U.S

Pavillion
"I love my pork ribs, so anytime I find place to get my fix, I'm pretty happy. It's more of a place to sit down with a beer, maybe watch some football."
Brad Newton
Teacher, Australia

Rickshaw
"Good Western food, especially the nachos. Anything with chicken is good too. So are the burgers. The Rickshaw's really lively and fun. "
Lisa Mckenna
Student, US

Vineyard Cafe
"I like the overall atmosphere. It's mellow and classy, but still open enough to have fun. I love the hamburgers and fries. It's just a cool area of town to be in too."
Stephanie Kristensen
Management Trainee, Sweden