Reviews Been there? Add a review!

manuela

The Courtyard is the perfect setting for a young romance: impeccable service, classy decor, grade-A Forbidden City moat view, a landed clientele. Even CNN was there, interviewing owner Handel Lee.

Incredible ingredients and an unrivaled wine list (at least in Beijing) mean courses delight with ease. A tri-partite ceviche came as fresh as the contemporary art housed in the gallery downstairs; the fois gras brulee, was a memorable take on an evergreen favorite.

As far as creativity or "fusion" is concerned, however, it's more yin-yang than East-meets-West: each dish is either one or the other. Still, the menu comes out quite balanced, making this one a local gold standard.

8 months, 3 weeks ago

xigor

I read too many good reviews about The Courtyard, and my expectations were probably just too high. I got disappointed the 2 times I went there.

Food is definitely good, but I didn't specially found the place romantic unless you sit next to the window with the view on the forbidden city walls. Service was arrogant and the other thing I also remember is that my wallet felt much lighter after leaving :) Price is definitely more than 400 Yuan (as specified in the description above)

 

6 months ago

juliette

I have been really disappointed by the Courtyard. Having lived in Beijing for more than a year, we kept the Courtyard for a special occasion.

The food is quiet OK, but certainly overpriced. I took the foie gras as a starter: looked well prepared but the nerves had not been taken out. Then the scallops were quiet ok , even surprisingly served with tasteless and hard white beans. And even if you are a sugar tooth, no need to take dessert, you will be desappointed, as we were. Second, the service sucks! When booking in a such famous restaurant, you except the service to be on top. Even if the restaurant was half full, we had to wait a long time to order and to be served. The wine is measured in a graduated cup before being poured in you glass, as to be sure you won't drink more than you'vepaid for: not very elegant! I will not speak about the bread, which you seem to be limited for (you are not offered bread once you have finished your starter) and the water (120 RMB the bottle) At last, we tried a glass of champagne....I trust it was champagne but I can not tell since I did not see the bottle...

Eventually, if you pay by credit card (do not forget the 15% add.) do not be surprised to be lead to the kitchen to dial your pin code, the machine is situated between the garbage can and water disposal!

In a nutshell, either we were very unlucky, either this restaurant is really overevaluated...I will no recommend it.

3 months, 2 weeks ago

luminouzity

food was good but really expensive for that quality. but where the romantic thing? totally not as what i thought. once is enough for me.

 

2 months ago

duncanshaunsmith

Thought this place was first rate.

The food was amazing. Yes, it is expensive but you do get plenty. The veal chop was enormous as was the rack of lamb (6 meaty chops). I liked the way they added Chinese twists like Xinjiang flavours to the veg with the lamb.

The wine list was very impressive and extensive. Seems to be something for every budget.

First class service: Prompt and very efficient. Very nice ambience, the only niggle being the mosquitoes from the lake getting inside.

Would definitely go back.

 

1 month, 3 weeks ago