(Ecns.cn)—To meet the needs of certain targeted customers, many foreign restaurants tend to adapt themselves to local tastes. That is unwise, says famous food critic Chua Lam. According to him, such food should be prepared as authentically as possible in order to win loyal customers.
His idea has been echoed, if not proven, by the increasing popularity of various exotic restaurants in the Embassy District of Beijing. Here are a few that often top the lists of local magazines.
1) Schindler's Tankstelle, German style
Schindler's serves some of the most authentic German food in town, including sausages, grilled meat, oven roasted pork knuckle, fresh sauerkraut and more, as well as imported German beer. Prices are moderate at 80-120 yuan per person.
"This classically boisterous establishment satisfies the meat craving with hearty portions and large steins of European specialty brews," says City Weekend.
Add: 15A Guanghua Lu (200m east of Ritan Park South Gate), Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-8562-6439
2) Comptoirs de France, French style
With roots going back to 1855, Comptoirs de France surely knows how to bake.
Its mouth-watering pastries, breads, sandwiches and quiches explain its increasing popularity in town. From a flaky croissant (probably the best in the city) to a chocolate tart with a razor thin pastry, there is excellence in every bite. The range of delicacies, always neatly displayed, is every bit as unforgettable and varied as that in France. It's just the kind of place to meet up with friends or to sit with a book over a slice of cake.
According to Timeout Beijing, this is by far and away the best café in town.
Add: 1/F, East Lake Club, 35 Dongzhimen Outer Street
Tel: 010-6461-1525
3) Danieli's, Italian style
Tucked in the St. Regis, this is widely considered the best Italian restaurant in Beijing, not just for the food, but also for the Byzantine style décor that graces the dining hall. It's a top recommendation for a hot date.
Forget about the range of pasta choices (even though they are the most popular dishes at the restaurant). Opt instead for the cream of mushroom soup and the bass tossed in lemon butter.
Add: 2nd floor, St. Regis Hotel, No.21 Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-64606688-2441 or 8008103288
4) Athena Greek Restaurant
This is a comprehensive service offering food and beverage, leisure and cultural exchange. However, Greek food is the major attraction.
Many Greek delicacies, including gyros, are available at Athena. Other items on the menu are melitzanosalata (roasted eggplant and garlic spread), skordalia (creamy garlic and potato spread), feta or kefalotiri cheese (served with kalamata olives) and more.
As the first Greek restaurant in town, Athena is impressive not only for the food, but also for the white and blue décor that makes it look the part. The terrace is also a bonus, and prices are decent compared to other establishments in Beijing on a similar scale.
Add: No.1 West 5 Street, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-6464-6036
