Made in China - Ignore the sterile hotel environs and dive straight into the exquisite Peking duck which, with its crisp, rich skin, succulently tender meat and delicate pancakes, wins our vote for Beijing's best. 1/F Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1A Dong Chang'an Jie, tel 6510 9608
Bellagio - Beijing's beautiful people flock to this hip eatery, which serves Sichuanese and Taiwanese food with flair. Its late hours and proximity to the nightclubs Angel and Babyface make it the perfect spot for a 4am feast. 35 Xiaoyun Lu, 8451 9988; 6 Gongti Xilu, near the Gongti 100 Bowling Alley, tel 6551 3533
Lao Beijing Zhajiangmian Dawang - A venerable chain serving up zhajiangmian with classic lao Beijing (loud and chaotic) flair. Hand-pulled noodles come with the proper assortment of veggie accompaniments. Of the many locations, we recommend the one at 22 Beisanhuan Zhonglu, next to Shuangxiu Park, tel 6206 4488
Alameda - Modern, open and airy, with a modestly priced menu that changes daily. Chef Viviane Goncalves offers contemporary Brazilian cuisine infused with European and Asian flavours. Charming and eclectic. Sanlitun Beijie, beside the Nali Mall, tel 6417 8084
Ding Ding Xiang - Swish hotpot eatery with individual pots that ensure fine dining for carnivores and vegetarians alike, although the crowds that gather outside come for the delicious sesame dipping sauce and seed-encrusted shaobing buns. 1/F 14 Dongzhong Jie, Dongzhimenwai, 6417 2546; 2/F Yuanjia International Apartments, Dongzhimenwai, Dongzhong Jie, opposite East Gate Plaza, tel 6417 9289
Yunnan Yinxiang - This casual restaurant has an exotic, rustic flair and serves Yunnan specialities including the region's famous fried cheese, as well as an enormous assortment of mushrooms. 16 Dongsanhuan Beilu, in the alley next to Brasserie Flo, tel 8595 1277
Hatsune - Creative California-style sushi rolls come draped with eel or avocado at this modern and bustling eatery. Popular among expats. 2/F Heqiao Building C, 8A Guanghua Lu, tel 6581 3939