Step into our cosmopolitan city cafe and enjoy its thriving atmosphere. Where you can enjoy casual dining throughout the day in a spacious naturally lit sitting. And where our menu offers a contemporary take on international favourites.

So Fresh, So Chic

Where once Sanlitun was a bawdy, brawling bohemian bar trail, the unassuming modern air of The Opposite House heralds an age of class that doesn't shout its pedigree. Designed by Kengo Kuma, Village Café is a Japanese outfit that mingles touches of traditional Asian décor with a cosmopolitan casual sensibility. Lots of glass and plenty of space are defined by clean lines and natural woods; the quietly humming electro-Bossa tunes add flavor while patrons chat lazily.

International, somewhat pan-Asian classics sparkle with deft update. The Feta, Walnuts, Beetroot Balsamic Salad (RMB38) was a classic beetroot and walnut salad meet feta rather than goat cheese; watercress takes the place of "been there-done that" spinach and imbues a crunch and slight bitterness to balance sweet balsamic. Souvlaki (RMB68) proffers savory, succulent lamb; warm doughy pita pockets and excellent "chips" to dip in Greek yogurt. Swordfish skewers (RMB68) maintained a rare moisture, given a sharp, peppery flare encouraged by flash-fried lime leaves. For dessert, we were bowled over by Sticky Date Pudding (RMB58), a moist, dense cake aromatic with ginger and cinnamon with by a dollop of crème anglais and muted hazelnut ice cream. Finish off with an Arabica-brand cappuccino (RMB28), complete a meal as au courant as any. Village Cafe is certainly a great place to impress visiting business partners or friends with Beijing's most modern, fresh flavors.

Manuela Zoninsein