Must-Try International Flavors in Beijing! 8 Authentic Foreign Restaurants Loved by Locals Too

On your first trip to Beijing, besides Peking duck and fried noodles with soybean paste, you can savor cuisines from all over the world right here! Beijing’s Chaoyang District is home to numerous foreign embassies, and as such, there are many incredibly authentic foreign restaurants hidden nearby.

Regular patrons of these spots include expats living in Beijing, who call the food here the taste of home. If you’re craving something different, this list lets you travel the world on a plate.

A quick tip before you go: All these restaurants serve generous portions, so make sure to go with an empty stomach!

 1. Mango Russian Western Restaurant

Experience Russian-style warmth and hospitality at this spot, which offers a wonderful ambiance from quiet afternoons to lively evenings. Its signature dish is beef stew in a clay pot—the beef is slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, with a rich, savory broth that’s perfect with rice. The Russian creamy baked mixed casserole is packed with cheesy flavor and is definitely worth a try.

Address: No. 6, Ritan North Road, Chaowai Subdistrict, Chaoyang District

2. Aitai Feng Thai Bistro

This cozy spot specializes in authentic Thai street food. The Tom Yum Goong Soup is spicy and sour, awakening your taste buds, while the green papaya salad (Som Tam) is fresh and light, cutting through richness. Its most unique dish is the Thai coconut chicken soup with white curry, a mild yet creamy delight. Pair it with basil fried rice (Pad Kra Pao), and each bite will transport you to the streets of Bangkok.

Address: B122, B1 Floor, West Tower of SOHO Shangdu, No. 8, East Dashiqiao Road, Chaoyang District

 3. Cinnara Sri Lankan Restaurant

Beijing’s first authentic Sri Lankan restaurant, where you’ll be greeted by a distinctive aroma of exotic spices the moment you walk in. The coconut fish curry is a crowd favorite—the sweet, fragrant coconut milk balances the curry’s spiciness perfectly. Be sure to try dipping Sri Lankan roti into the various curries for a unique texture and flavor.

Address: 03015, 3rd Floor, Block A, Chaowai SOHO, Chaoyang District

4. Xiting Xiuse Turkish Feast

If you’re a meat lover, this is your paradise. The mixed grill platter is incredibly generous, loaded with tender, juicy beef, chicken, and other meats. The Turkish pide (boat-shaped flatbread) is stuffed with melted cheese and beef. After your main course, don’t forget a cup of Turkish black tea.

Addresses: 1st Floor, Shangyuan SHANG Building, Xindong Road (Xinyuanli Branch); 101, 1st Floor, Building 15, North Area, China World Trade Center, Dawang Road (China World Branch)

 5. BOTTEGA Italian Restaurant

This Italian pizzeria is a well-kept secret among expats in Beijing, famous for its authentic Neapolitan pizza—thin crust with a soft, blistered, and charred edge. The signature BOTTEGA Pizza has a ball of mozzarella cheese in the center; burst it open and spread the creamy cheese over the crust for an irresistible milky flavor.

Addresses: 1st Floor, Block E, CHINA CENTRAL MALL, Jinhui Road (CHINA CENTRAL MALL Branch); 1st Floor, Jinshangyuan Building, No. 20 West Xinyuanli, Xindong Road (Jinshang Branch)

6. Pranda German Restaurant & Beer Hall

A long-standing German restaurant with a hearty, convivial atmosphere. The must-order is the giant meat platter, featuring a German pork knuckle with crispy crackling and juicy, tender meat inside. The Viennese schnitzel—bigger than your face—is also a signature. Pair your meal with a glass of smooth, rich German beer for the ultimate treat.

Address: Entrance of East Second Gate, Haohua Cultural and Creative Park, No. 5, Guantang East Road, Chaoyang District

7. Casa Lola South American Cuisine

This restaurant brings together the best specialities from across South America, focusing on fresh seafood and beef. We recommend the grilled octopus with romesco sauce—the octopus is chewy and tender. The Peruvian classic flounder ceviche is fresh and zesty, making it a perfect appetizer.

Address: 1st Floor, Scitech Plus Shopping Mall, No. 22, Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District

8. Q MEX Mexican Cantina

Corn takes center stage in the Mexican fare here. The cheesy nachos are crispy and full of cheesy flavor. Choose from a variety of tacos and burritos with beef, chicken, or shrimp fillings, paired with creamy guacamole for a layered, flavorful bite. Many branches are open until the early morning, making it ideal for a late-night bite.

Addresses: Branches in Sanlitun, Solana Blue Harbor, Shuangjing, and CHINA CENTRAL MALL

Travel Tips

All restaurants on this list are in the Chaoyang District, close to popular commercial districts like Sanlitun and the China World Trade Center, so that they can be easily visited on the same day. If you’re staying in Beijing for a while, why not check in a different country’s cuisine every day?

Enjoy your food and your time in Beijing!