The Best Restaurants In 798 Art District Beijing

After you’ve worked up an appetite perusing the converted factories of Beijing’s bohemian 798 Art District, treat yourself to a meal at one of these great restaurants.

The 798 Art District is home to a collection of cutting-edge galleries, but it takes more than art to build Beijing’s coolest neighbourhood. Occupying the decommissioned Bauhaus-style factories dating back to the 1950s, the area’s eateries are every bit as exciting as the exhibitions on display, and these are the top 10 restaurants to sink your teeth into.

1. Buddha's Bite

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Chinese

This vegetarian restaurant creates an atmosphere so tranquil that Buddha himself would be happy to meditate here. Buddha’s Bite serves up a huge meat-free menu with a huge selection of vegan dishes, too – the tourist-friendly service and mouthwatering dishes will even make meat-eaters happy.

2. Eatalia Unique

Restaurant, Italian

Eatalia strives to bring authentic Italian fare to the Chinese capital, importing a number of traditional ingredients for a true taste of the Mediterranean. Diners can look forward to large bowls of pasta and huge plates of pizza, as well as delectable desserts like gelato and tiramisu washed down with bottles of Italian wine.

4. Ram Brewpub

Gastropub, Pub Grub

Craft beer lovers need to make a reservation at this trendy microbrewery. Choose something from the series of beer taps pouring a selection of Chinese and international beers, grab a table in the leafy sitting area outside, and feast on a burger from the tempting pub grub menu. Cheers!

5. Liao Ge Zi

Restaurant, European

As the name suggests, the 798 Art District is famous for its galleries… of which this restaurant is, in fact, also one. Opened by a contemporary painter, Liao Ge Zi occupies space in a converted art gallery and still hosts regular exhibitions. The artwork provides an eye-catching backdrop to the modern Western cuisine coming out of the kitchen.

6. Yi House

Restaurant, Mediterranean, Seafood

Situated inside the Gracie Art Hotel 798, Yi House offers exotic Mediterranean cuisine that lives up to its glamorous boutique surrounds. This bistro specialises in seafood – imagine grilled lobster, boiled crab, fresh oysters and world-class sashimi – while the breakfast menu has been recognised as the city’s best brunch by ‘The Beijinger’ blog.

7. Shenji Restaurant

Restaurant, Chinese

The 798 Art District is better known for its international cuisine, but this restaurant prides itself on showcasing authentic Chinese fare for visitors. Owned and operated by born-and-raised locals, Shenji’s signature dishes include steamed gluten, red-braised pork belly and stir-fried pea shoots in white wine.

8. Old Factory

Restaurant, Chinese, Italian

There are plenty of old factories in the 798 Art District, but only one Old Factory. This converted warehouse is still plastered with many of the Communist work slogans from its former life, supplying a scenic taste of the area’s past while you’re sinking your teeth into the menu of Chinese and Italian dishes.

9. Cava Cafe

Cafe, European

Cava is another Western-style restaurant sitting among the galleries of the 798 Art District, plating up a delicious menu to help you refuel in between sightseeing. Tuck into a tasty pizza or a grilled sandwich surrounded by the spacious, stylish interiors that make Cava Cafe one of Beijing’s chicest eateries.

10. At Cafe

Cafe, Coffee Shop, European

At Cafe is one of the most relaxed places to eat in this trendy corner of Beijing, with a shady courtyard out front and industrial-chic decor inside. Sitting just off the busy Jiuxianqiao Road, this Western-style eatery serves coffee, pizza and other international meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Katherine Lee.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.