16 Places to Dine Al Fresco in Beijing

By That's Beijing, June 9, 2017

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'Tis the season for eating outside, which is why we feel it our duty to give you a roundup of Beijing's best places to dine al fresco. The only thing better than being outside on a nice day is eating outside on a nice day. 

1. Toast (The Orchid Gulou)

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The Orchid’s small, quiet rooftop is a brunch haven. (We do mean small, though, so reserve your table ahead of time.)

See a listing here and a full review here.

2. Sureño 

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We're not sure what's more appealing, Sureño's impeccible food by Chef Talib Hudda or its impressive setting at The Opposite House. Their new brunch is a winner (unlimited oysters? yes please), and better yet, the restaurant also boasts an amazing sunken patio smack in the middle of Sanlitun. 

See a listing for Sureño

3. Feast

Feast serves food that's Western, Eastern and a mixture of the two. (Takeaway: There's something for everyone.) Its gorgeous terrace is enormous and makes the perfect spot for brunch or afternoon tea.  

See a listing for Feast (Food by East)

4. N'Joy

N'Joy not only has a beautiful patio, but it's also one of our fave places to brunch in Beijing. NUO’s Sunday Brunch at N’Joy is the big daddy of brunch buffets. Unlimited oysters. Sashimi. Six varieties of bubbly. Now, good news for bon vivants everywhere: N’Joy has upped its Sunday game with caviar and a delightful patio. 

See a listing for N'Joy at NUO

5. Susu

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Part of what makes Susu so cool is its hidden hutong setting. And its courtyard is incredible. Upon our first visit we accidentally stumble into a family’s hutong home, thinking it is the restaurant - awkward. But once we do find it (hint: it has a red door), we're immediately impressed by its impeccably decorated interior and intimate courtyard. Setting aside, it has the extensive menu and quality Vietnamese fare that sealed the deal for us. Susu serves up massive banh mi sandwiches, aromatic pho, excellent curries, minty-fresh spring rolls and an array of Vietnamese mains. Trust us, this one’s well worth seeking out. (Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.)

See a listing for Susu

6. Zarah

The ever-popular cafe on Gulou Dongdajie is known for laptop warriors who stay drinking coffee and 'working' all day. But Zarah also features a beautiful hutong courtyard and rooftop terrace, as well as lovely Northern European-inspired breakfasts.

See a listing for Zarah

7. Napa

Napa is a casual, quality restaurant with an emphasis on California-style cuisine and locally sourced produce. They serve up generous salads and sandwiches alongside several beers on tap. Check out their huge rooftop. Also, their new brunch is amazing

See a listing for Napa

8. Palms LA Kitchen & Bar 

Few places blur the lines between restaurant and party spot as well as Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar. Sure, this is the place to go for Korean-Mexican classics such as miso hot dogs, cheese fries with dried seaweed, but they've also got some dope-ass cocktails. The Sanyuanqiao branch also has a great outdoor patio, including big tables great for larger parties. 

See a listing for Palms LA Kitchen & Bar (Sanyuanqiao)

9. TiensTiens

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Our new favorite when it comes to baguettes and French pastries, TiensTiens has a gorgeous rooftop in Sanlitun’s Courtyard Four.

See a listing here

10. Taco Bar

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Nothing says summer like tacos on the terrace. And margs.

See a listing here

11. Capital M

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Capital M’s iconic view over Tiananmen Square is a take-your-parents here kind of view. Or a get-down-on-one-knee here kind of view. Or just a have-a-few-glasses-of-wine here kind of view. Long story short: It’s a great view.

See a listing here

12. Moka Bros (CBD)

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Hot terrace alert: Moka Bros’ CBD location has a patio surrounded by lush greenery – all the better for you to eat some greenery of your own. 

See a listing here

13. Maison FLO

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Brasserie FLO may have changed its name to Maison FLO, but its elegant garden remains the same.

See a listing here

14. Cantina Agave

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One major difference between Beijing and Shanghai: There are fewer bonafide rooftops to eat on here. (Beijing’s more of a courtyard city.) The rooftop at Cantina Agave is an exception.

See a listing here

15. Great Leap Brewpub #45

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Long, wooden tables and some of Beijing’s best pizzas make GLB’s Liangmaqiao location perfect for large groups and families.

See a listing here

16. Dali Courtyard

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Eat some of Beijing’s best Yunnanese food in one of Beijing’s best courtyards.

See a listing here

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