Zagat guide finds Beijing restaurants slicker, pricier

Wed May 7, 3:51 AM ET

SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - With Olympic-sized hordes of tourists set to descend this summer, Beijing has stepped up its culinary sophistication -- but slickness comes at a price, a new guide to the city's eats warns.

Published four years after the Zagat Survey first took on Shanghai, the group's first guide to the Chinese capital rates and reviews 432 of its restaurants, hotels, nightspots, shops and tourist attractions.

Based on the opinions of 1,244 surveyors, what most impressed guide compilers was the myriad of new dining options emerging in the lead-up to the August Olympics.

"It's amazing to see the transformation that is taking place in Beijing," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey, in a statement.

Next most startling fact? The price rises.

About three out of four surveyors reported spending more per meal than two years ago, said the survey, which launched its first food guide in New York in 1979 and now covers about 100 countries.

But higher prices aren't deterring diners, with 91 percent indicating that they eat out as much as ever.

The city has seen several hot openings recently, from the likes of French chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud a Pekin to a myriad of luxurious hotel restaurants such as the Regent Bar & Grill, Jaan at Raffles and Le Pre Lenotre at the Sofitel Wanda.

Top of the guide's 228 eateries was north Chinese cuisine specialist Made in China, which serves up "the best Peking duck in the whole wide world."

The Green T. House won for decor, while "bustling" and "chic" Brazilian restaurant Alameda rated most popular.

Also in the most popular top 10 were Din Tai Fun, Beijing Da Dong, The Courtyard, Hastune, Pure Lotus and South Beauty and Liqun Roast Duck.

So what are the downsides of dinner in Beijing?

The surveyors' main complaints were fairly universal -- service and smoking.

Zagat's guide featured 44 nightspots such as the Philippe Starck-designed Lan that boasts a surrealistic look. Surveyors rated Centro in the Kerry Centre Hotel as the most popular nightclub for "high-rolling" locals and travelers.

(Writing by Belinda Goldsmith, Editing by Gill Murdoch)