Beijing

Set in a beautiful courtyard, this popular restaurant offers a set menu only according to what the chefs are prepared to cook on a given day. — Insight Guides

Over the years, Pure Lotus has repeatedly reincarnated itself, each time reaching a higher state of culinary enlightenment. — Time Out

Guest-bedroom sized sushi succulence. — BlackBook

Brick walls hung with cooking implements give the impression of eating with the family. — DK Eyewitness

There are plenty of places to savor the city’s signature dish, but Duck de Chine is arguably the most refined. — Condé Nast Traveler

This Beijing spinoff from chef Umberto Bombana of the original three-star Michelin 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo in Hong Kong. — Condé Nast Traveler

The aptly named Cépe has a menu tilted towards Italian cuisine that usually revolves around mushrooms. — Time Out

Slick, upscale Taiwanese restaurant where the speciality is xiaolong bao – juicy buns with a filling of crab, pork or seafood. — Rough Guide

This is the only place dishing up Persian food in the city... the portions are generous, grilled meats are seasoned with tasty spices, and the dips and sauces are divine. — Frommer's

There are many dishes here to recommend, but among the best are "beef on fire" (pieces of beef placed on a bed of chives over burning charcoal) accompanied by ground chilies. — Fodor's

Faux old Peking taken to its most tasteful extreme, Huáng Tíng resembles a Fifth Generation film set. — Lonely Planet

Great, spicy, and hot is what gets served in this modern Sichuan dining room that is dramatically lit with signature design elements. — Condé Nast Traveler

Industrial chic newcomer brings the 'loft in Madrid' vibe we've been so sorely missing. — BlackBook

You can't go wrong with the namesake dish at this world-famous spot, where it's served with panache. — Fodor's

Tucked away in a cozy traditional courtyard house, this mainstay of Beijing's international dining scene offers some of the city's best Southeast Asian flavors. — Fodor's

Lei Garden is a Hong Kong stalwart when it comes to top notch dim sum. — Condé Nast Traveler

Perched at the very top of Village Sanlitun South, this modern Yunnan restaurant is a great place to wrap up a day of exploring the city. — Fodor's

A playful slice of an authentic Italian bella vita awaits at Mio, the signature fine-dining restaurant of Four Seasons Beijing. — Forbes Travel Guide

With a name that translates roughly to "the fillings are huge," look no further than Xian Lao Man for authentic northern-style, delicious dumplings. — Travel + Leisure