Mid-Range and Budget Restaurants in China

Mid-Range Restaurants

King's Joy 

Located very near the Lama Temple in Beijing, Chef Pan Jianjun's menu includes organic ingredients

from various farms around the city. Jianjun focuses on health and nutrition with a balance of looks, texture, and taste. His sauteed matsutake mushroom with gingko and asparagus are well-liked even by carnivores. The restaurant is in Dongcheng District on Wudaoying Hutong.

Lei Garden 

Originally a Hong Kong brand, Lei Garden offers modern and classic Cantonese cuisine. However, diners prefer its dim sum during lunch. The restaurant offers braised spare ribs, stir-fried oyster with XO sauce, and lobster clay pot noodle. Lei Garden is in the Chao Yang District in Tower C Central International Trade Center.

Din Tai Fung 

Xiaolongbao is the most popular signature dish at Din Tai Fung. Guests can opt for veggie, crab, seafood, or pork fillings. This delicious treat is quite expensive. Other dishes offered by the restaurant include sweet red-bean bun, noodles and rice and stir fries. The restaurant is on Xinyuan Xili Zhong Jie.

Susu
 
This stylish eatery offers the best Vietnamese cuisine in Beijing. The chefs, from Saigon, offer zingy salads and pork spring rolls. The La Vong fish is a do-it-yourself dish of fresh greens, glass noodles, and turmeric yellow fish fillets. The cocktail bar offers themed libations. The restaurant is near Dafosi Dongjie on Qianliang Hutong Xixiang.

Hatsune 

Already an institution in Beijing, Hatsune is popular for its inventive California rolls and pearlescent sashimi. The sushi rolls are fushion-inspired and unconventional. The restaurant has an extensive selection of sake and craft beers. The tempura is oil-free, light and crisp. Hatsune also has grilled mackerel, Japanese snacks, and salads in its menu. Located near Gongti Beilu, it is on Sanlitun Lu.

Mercante
 
Mercante is an Italian eatery of Bologna-based Omar Maseroli. It offers a rustic menu of homemade pizza with duck or rabbit ragu, fresh-bakes foccacia, imported cheese and meats, ravioli, and affordable Italian wines. The restaurant is situated in the Dongcheng District on Fangzhuanchang Hutong.

Budget Restaurants 

Haidilao
 
As a Sichuan chain of restaurants, Haidilao offers fragrant bubbling broth and excellent service. Free drink refills and hot towels are also provided. Guests also get a free fruit plate and manicure while they wait in line. The restaurant is in Chaoyang District on Baijiazhuang Lu.

Chuan Ban 

This Sichuan restaurant has 60 tables, a canteen ambiance, and stodgy service. However, because it is affiliated with the Sichuan Provincial Government Office, diners are assured of authentic spicy dishes like the shuizhuyu and tingle-pepper chicken. Chuan Ban is near the Chang'an Grand Theater on Gongyuan Toutiao.

Mr. Shi's Dumplings 

Dumplings in this cheerful eatery are wrapped fresh when it's ordered. The fried dumplings are like greasy, miniature tacos while the boiled dumplings are filled with beef and celery or beef and coriander with a dipping sauce of chili and garlic vinegar. Mr. Shi's Dumplings is located near Nanluogu Xiang on Baochao Hutong.

Crescent Moon Muslim Restaurant 

This restaurant offers the best salty milk tea, hand-pulled noodles, house-made yogurt, crispy nang breads, and cumin-spiced lamb skewers. The big plate chicken is slow-cooked in a broth of hand-pulled noodles, veggies, and potatoes. Crescent Moon Muslim Restaurant is near Chaoyangmen Beixiaojie on Dongsi Liutiao.