Imperial Cuisine Restaurants of Beijing

As Beijing was the capital of several dynasties over 700 years, Imperial Court Food is a branch of Beijing Cuisine. Food of this kind was once only prepared for the members of the imperial court and was not accessible to ordinary people. Nowadays, only money permitting, you can have a taste of the Royal Imperial Court Food.

Best Restaurants for Imperial Court Cuisine

1. Na Jia Xiaoguan

It is rare to find a relaxed and cozy atmosphere amid the hustle of central Biejing. Na Jia Xiaoguan is set within an indoor courtyard that is welcoming and warm. Situated in the vicinity of Guo Mao it is centrally located, yet tucked away. Though it may be a bit hard to find, this helps it remain a hidden treasure and popular among locals. The restaurant specializes in Manchu dishes and is specifically known for their outstanding huang tanzi, a thick slow cooked soup. The menu is carved on small sticks of wood that are placed in two wooden trays to make for a unique ordering experience.

Address: West of No.119 Middle School, Yong’anli, Jianguomenwai, Chaoyang District
Business Hours: 11:30am – 9:40pm
Tel: 86-10-65673663
Average Cost: RMB 120 per person

2. Li Jia Cai Restaurant

Imperial official cuisine is a known specialty of Beijing, and there is no better place to get a taste of this authentic cuisine than Li Jia Cai Restaurant. Hidden in a hutong, this venue serves imperial cuisine in a cultural atmosphere. The family restaurant uses recipes that were smuggled out of the Empress' kitchen and are prepared in the same way today. A set-menu is served to create a truly historical experience. Li Jia Cai has welcomed many celebrities such as Chinese superstar Jackie Chan, the former US president Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and the former premier of Britain, John Major. Prices are a bit steep, but to dine like an Emperor, it is worth the price. Advanced booking is essential.
Read more about Li Jia Cai Restaurant 

Address: No.11, Yangfang hutong, Deshengmen Nei Dajie, Dongcheng district
Business Hours: 11:00am-1:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
Tel: 86-10-66180107
Average Cost: RMB 150-300 per person

3. Lai Jin Yu Xuan

Located inside Zhongshan Park, and first built in 1915, this restaurant is a Chinese legacy. Standing within a beautiful and quiet environment, the two-story restaurant sits beside a small pond amid willow and peach trees. Ancient interior design and elegant dishes give a authentic atmosphere to Lai Jin Yu Xuan. After your meal, you may take a stroll around the park to the nearby teahouse with the same name, where you can enjoy a cup of tea in the courtyard. A relaxing hide-away in the city. Recommended dish: Dong Cai Baozi (steamed buns stuffed with pork and vegetables). 

Address: inside Zhongshan Park, Dongcheng District
Business Hours: 10:30am—3:00pm 5:00pm—7:00pm
Tel: 86-10-66056676
Average Cost: RMB 150 per person

4. Fangshan Restaurant

"Fangshan" literally translates to "imitate the imperial court cuisine." Located in Beihai Park, once an imperial garden, Beijing Fangshan Restaurant offers luxurious Imperial Court Cuisine. It was opened in 1925 by imperial chefs of the former Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The restaurant caused a great sensation at that time and is just as popular today. This imperial restaurant consists of many areas, most notably the main dining room which has high painted ceilings and traditional Chinese artwork. The capacity is 500 patrons and the menu offers over 150 courses to choose from.

Address: No.1, Wenjin Jie (inside Beihai Park), Xicheng district
Business Hours: 11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:30pm
Tel: 86-10-64011879
Average Cost: RMB 300 per person