Merit award Maison Boulud a Pekin

This Legation Quarter hideout has become a staple treat. The stunning New-York-bistro-meets-Neo-Classical interior, the meticulously sourced food and the historic setting combine to create a chi-chi dining experience unmatched anywhere else.

Multi-award winning, Lyonborn, US-based chef Daniel Boulud may not be based in the kitchens at the Maison, but he has appointed a worthy replacement in head chef Brian Reimer, who worked at his flagship ‘Daniel’ restaurant in New York for three years.

Gracious service comes courtesy of equally experienced general manager Ignace Lecleir, while the wine list is a well-thought-out treat. 

What’s more, the 165RMB lunch deal, with its stunning petits fours, is one of the best value in town. A well deserved runner-up.

Maison Boulud Legation Quarter, 23 Qianmen Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district (6559 9200; www.maisonboulud.com). Open noon-2.30pm; 6-10.30pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sundays. 东城区前门东大街23号

Merit Award China Grill

At ground level, Beijing can seem grey, dry and not that glamorous. Up here, it’s transformed into a colourful, wonderful megalopolis. But it’s not just the views we’re smitten with.

The easy to navigate menu offers a solid selection of both Chinese and Western specialties; the Western fare in particular is outstanding.

Diners can tuck into everything from Caesar salad and grilled Boston lobster to sushi, wok-fried king crab or pot sticker dumplings. Add to that attentive service from staff who know what they’re talking about and you’ve got an incredibly smooth experience.

China Grill Level 66, Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district (8567 1234). Open 6-10.30am, 11am-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm daily. 朝阳区建国门外大街2号 北京柏悦酒店

Winner Sureno

There have been a number of great additions to the Beijing dining scene since the last Eating Out Awards – numerous five-star hotels have opened, new dining and shopping areas such as the Legation Quarter and The Village at Sanlitun have brought with them some incredible outlets, and many existing establishments have lifted their game accordingly.

However, if there is one restaurant that stands out as being an all-round gem it is Sureño. It’s hard to fault this Mediterranean restaurant in The Opposite House hotel.

The subterranean venue opens out onto a bright summer terrace and has an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven glowing at one end. From the minute you walk in, staff are attentive and keen to create an excellent all-round experience, whether it’s for a casual lunch, a birthday dinner or a client meeting.

The food is kept simple, classic and fun, and utilises only the best quality ingredients. From the warm herb bread served at the beginning of your meal to the delicious imported olives and melt-in-the-mouth mozzarella, everything is dangerously more-ish.

Freshly made pastas from 78RMB make for a perfect light lunch, and wood-fired pizzas are affordably priced at 88RMB. The grill cooks a variety of meats to perfection for those with more of an appetite, and there is plenty of choice for vegetarians too.

There is no other venue that matches quality food and refined service with a casual atmosphere so well, and the friendly professionalism of the staff ensures the venue is always packed with people who know quality when they see it.

Sureño The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district (6410 5240). Open midday-midnight daily. 朝阳区三 里屯路11号瑜舍

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