With the abundance of both high-end and family Italian restaurants around Beijing, along with the dense distribution of supermarkets that sell imported goods in town, finding good pasta in Beijing is a piece of cake.
Tavola is among the best high-end Italian restaurants in Beijing. If the delicious dishes offered don’t convince you, know that Tavola has been listed as ‘Best Restaurant’ by Chinese lifestyle media several times. The homemade cavatelli with daily fresh seafood and linguine with 1/2 Boston lobster are the restaurant’s signature pasta dishes.
It’s evident from this restaurant’s name that it does pasta well, which means that no matter what kind of pasta is your favorite, you can go back home full and satisfied. Their menu covers both traditional and adventurous pasta dishes, from lasagne or chicken and mushroom spaghetti to their Malaysian-style mie goreng with shrimp.
Restaurant Y is a new rising star among the numerous western restaurants in Sanlitun. It doesn’t specialize in any one cuisine, but playfully creates new dishes that blend the characters of different cuisines. For pasta lovers, try its squid and shrimp spaghetti. If you happen to be a fan of Spanish cuisine that’s even better, as Restaurant Y shares an owner with the famous Saffron Restaurant, one of the best Spanish restaurants in Beijing.
The Daccapo Restaurant in the Regent Hotel is regarded by some locals as the best Italian restaurant in Beijing. This is no surprise, as their pastas are both pretty and delicious. Try the mezzemaniche pasta from Gragnano with rabbit, mushroom and olive ragout.
The high-end Italian restaurant Cépe is located in the Ritz Carlton’s Financial Street Hotel. It’s got more pasta choices than the Regent Hotel’s Daccapo – there’s the always mouthwatering linguine Boston, the pappardella ripiena invented by the restaurant’s chef Fabio, as well as the cute tagliolini scampi made from the restaurant’s homemade egg yolk tagliolini. The restaurant is especially known for porcini dishes, so remember to get some of that while you are there!
If you fancy some authentic pasta at a budget price, then Annie’s is your top choice. This Italian family restaurant has nearly 10 branches in Beijing, so you don’t have to travel far as long as you are not downtown. Annie’s has over 20 kinds of pasta dishes on offer, plus other traditional Italian dishes from risotto to pizza. It fully deserves the honor of a family restaurant, with warm lighting, homey table settings and accessories, and considerate service.
La Mezzaluna is not as fancy as Cépe, nor as popular as Annie’s. What makes it stand out is its location. With both of its branches situated in suburban Beijing, it ensures that the restaurant has more free space, better air, and warmer sunshine. The budget restaurant is a good choice for a family outing or a night out with friends.
If you want to make your own pasta at home, this is entirely achievable. You can easily buy different kinds and brands of pasta in supermarkets and grocery stores with imported goods. Check out their locations and opening times here.