Qingjiu Serves Up Authentic & Affordable Japanese Fare in Beijing

In a quiet corner of Maizidian is an equally quiet Japanese izakaya. 

OK, fine – there are many quiet Japanese izakayas. This stretch is izakaya central. (‘Izakaya,’ by the way, is Japanese for ‘small restaurant.’) With the exception of Bad Ass Lamb Hot Pot, an actual restaurant in FX Hotel, this area is almost exclusively sushi and ramen joints. 

With so many sake-slinging options, it can be hard to choose. But Qingjiu is a fine choice for several reasons. Even when it’s full, it’s quiet – the cozy dining room is divided into small sections. They’re not exactly private rooms, but curtains make them feel intimate. The service here also lends to the atmosphere of luxuriant tranquility, our waitresses explaining our dishes in hushed tones. A long sushi bar offers certain customers the opportunity to witness all the mouth-watering slicing in action, but we prefer the tables in the back overlooking this quiet section of the Liangma River. 

Qingjiu’s menu runs the gamut of Japanese classics – all authentic, but not overly expensive. We try hunks of glistening sashimi and a trio of hors d’oeuvres before diving into Japanese hot pot. We dunk bits of fish, mushrooms and vegetables into one of the best renditions of sukiyaki broth we’ve had all year. 

To drink, Qingjiu offers a variety of sakes – though largely on the pricey side, so order only if you’re a true sake fan. For a casual lunch visit or weeknight, we find the cold Asahi does just the trick. And if it doesn’t, well, a peaceful Japanese dinner on the side of a river will.

See a listing for Qingjiu and read more Beijing Restaurant Reviews