Some restaurants you should try in Beijing

The Courtyard--Quite simply one of China's best restaurants. Its wonderfully romantic setting on the Forbidden City moat and jaw-dropping views would probably be enough to recommend it, but the fusion food and extensive wine list complete the perfect dining experience. After your meal, head to the gallery or cigar room - the views are yet better.

95 Donghuamen Dajie (side of the Forbidden City)

Tel: (10) 6526 8883.

Price: $$$$

Li Jia Cai

An Imperial cuisine gem. This intimate but exclusive restaurant by Houhai Lake serves set-priced menus that are high on both quality and price, yet steeped in historical significance. The owner's grandfather worked in the imperial kitchens, and smuggled out the Empress' recipes, which are still adhered to even today. Bookings essential.

11 Yangfang Hutong, Denei Dajie, Xicheng District

Tel: (10) 6618 0107.

Price: $$$

Red Capital Club

Bring visitors here and they are sure to be impressed. This is a gorgeous old courtyard home, decorated with an amazing collection of communist paraphernalia, from Mao's armchairs to Zhou En Lai's radios, and serving food from Zhongnanhai (the communist leaders' compound). The Imperial cuisine more than does justice to the unique surroundings.

66 Dongsi Jiutiao, Dongcheng District

Tel: (10) 8401 6152.

Website: www.redcapitalclub.com.cn

Price: $$$

Trendy

Garden of Delights

Tasty contemporary Latin American cuisine served up in a long, simple-yet-stylish restaurant owned and designed by Venezuelan architect Antonio Ochoa. The cocktails are fabulous and the signature ceviche bar is exceptional.

53 Donganmen Dajie, Dongcheng District

Tel: (10) 5138 5688.

Website: www.gardenofdelights.com.cn

Price: $$

Hatsune

Sleek and super-chic Japanese restaurant which draws a mixed crowd of business high-flyers and hip 20-somethings with deep pockets. Specialising in sushi and succulent handmade rolls, the food is fresh and artistically presented, and service is attentive.

2/F Heqiao Building C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: (10) 6581 3939.

Price: $$$

Xiang Jiang Shui Xiang

Located beside Chaoyang Park, this Chinese-fusion restaurant features new takes on southern Chinese cuisine. The result is lighter, home-cooked dishes which rely less on oil and MSG than other regional cuisines. The bright and airy interior includes a giant fake oak tree in the centre of the room.

A1, 5 Tiao Bei Tuanjiehu, Chaoyang District

Tel: (10) 8597 8069.

Price: $$

(Agencies)