2015 Year in Review: Best New Fine Dining

Fine dining openings have been decreasing in importance in the Beijing dining scene in recent years, but there have still been a few notable new openings in 2015, including a contender for TRB's position at the top of the fine dining tree, Beijng's only Austrian restaurant, and a fancy take on hotpot.

The Georg
None of Beijing’s independent fine dining establishments could hold a candle to TRB until The Georg crept quietly into being at the end of the year. Set in a transformed hutong complex just west of the clamor of Nanluogu Xiang, The Georg (from Danish silverware brand Georg Jensen) serves modern Danish cuisine – basically simple ingredients immaculately presented. More proof that fine dining has a place in the hutongs.

Cours et Pavillons
Hidden away in Weijia Hutong is a slice of time-honored French gentility, in the form of boutique hotel and restaurant Cours et Pavillons. Set in a lovingly restored courtyard, the restaurant is currently only open by prior reservation. Diners can choose from six to 10-course set menus (from RMB 1,000) that are then tailored to their individual requirements. Those that see similarities with TRB would not be unjustified; Chef Zak el Hamdou headed up the kitchen there in 2012.

Tafelspitz
Tafelspitz is a little slice of Austrian in the otherwise very Spanish Nali Patio. The restaurant specializes in its namesake dish, tafelspitz - boiled beef in broth served with horseradish. It might sound like something akin to school dinners, but in the hands of chef Alfred Krasser, it sings. Other Austrian dishes - think apfelstrudel - are rendered with equal aplomb and complemented by a menu of Austrian fine wines. We're not sure if Beijing needed an Austrian fine dining restaurant but we're certainly glad it has one.
 

Red Bowl
For those who are tired of the usual rough and ready hot pot experience, Red Bowl is a breath of fresh air. The Sichuan soup base may be authentic but the vibe is anything but – think sleek concrete, dramatic lighting, and Balearic-style beats. The menu of Beijing-inspired cocktails doesn’t hurt either – try the Hutong Daiquiri with Plantation 3 Stars rum, strawberry, and Sichuan peppercorn.

See the comprehensive (and growing) list of 2015 Year in Review blogs here or read more stories by this author here.

Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
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Photos courtesy of Red Bowl, courtesy of Cours et Pavillons