With spring finally on the horizon in the capital and warmer weather already beginning to settle in, why not enjoy the change in season with a walk along the Liangma River. Dubbed the “Seine of Beijing” by China Daily last year, Liangma River has truly become one of Beijing’s most popular scenic spots over the past few years -- I’m sure everyone will remember the fervor it gained during May’s semi-lockdown last year.
Along with being a great place for a spring walk there are also plenty of eateries, cafes and bars dotted around the area where you can take in the river scenery or grab a drink or bite to eat and relax. Here is our part two of a few of our favorite Liangma River spots, you can check out part one here.
Monohini by 者火 Sake Bistro
Monohini is a chic Japanese bistro specializing in sake, characterized by a super sleek interior with low lighting and minimalist black decor with the centerpiece being a long bar facing an open kitchen. Go for their Japanese style hot pot, split betweeen the Sukiyaki (RMB 398) or Shabu Shabu (RMB 468). Along with hot pot there's also a selection of smaller dishes like Edamame (RMB 42), Japanese Style Buffalo Wings (RMB 118) or Fried Shrimp Cakes (RMB 78). To accompany your meal you must, of course, partake in one of their many sakes on offer, which start off at around RMB 80 a glass.
Monohini by 者火 Sake Bistro
(1/F of FX Hotel, east side of the lobby), 39 West Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店西街39号 富驿时尚酒店一层大堂东侧
Adagio/Bar Carolle
With a huge semi-circle window looking directly out onto the Liangma River you won’t find a view better than at Adagio/Bar Carolle, at least while the space occupied by WAA Gastropub remains closed. Adagio is the name of the restaurant that operates during the daytime in the space, which then becomes Bar Carolle in the evening. Adagio has a great brunch menu which includes classics like the Full English Breakfast (RMB 125) or the Eggs Royale (RMB 78) or more unusual options like their take on a shakshuka in which the eggs in a Bolognese sauce instead of the traditional tomato (RMB 88). Come evening when Bar Carolle takes over they have regular jazz nights where you can enjoy some smooth tunes while taking in the spectacular views.
Adagio/Bar Carolle
3F, South Building, Yansa Liangma Harbor Building, Chaoyang District
朝阳区燕莎亮马港湾大厦南楼三层3F
Porco Rosso
Fans of Studio Ghibli might be excited by the name, but sadly this Spanish bistro has nothing to do with the film Porco Rosso. What they offer instead is a nice variety of tapas dishes and great wines. Dishes to try include the Fried Spicy Octopus (RMB 58), Iberian Pork (RMB 88), Spanish Garlic Shrimp with Mushroom (RMB 88) or Mackerel with Green Onions (RMB 68). You can also pair the food with a glass of one of their six house wines for RMB 48, or splash out and get a whole bottle from their extensive collection.
Porco Rosso
101, 1F Longbao Building, 36 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店街36号龙宝大厦北侧一层底商101室
Soul Juice
As you’ll probably be able to guess from the name Soul Juice is a juice bar, serving up various juice combinations that are perfect for the health conscious. The different juices come with an explanation of their benefits and have some pretty imaginative names like the AngelBaby (RMB 32) that’s for a whole body detox or the Chuck Bass (RMB 28) that’s for curing hangovers. Along with juice they also do meals like Power Bowls (RMB 30-78) and Protein Burgers (RMB 42-59).
Soul Juice
108, Yansa Liangma Harbor Building B, 53 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District
麦子店街53号亮马港湾大厦中楼B区1层108
Paulaner
A large Bavarian style restaurant inside the Kempinski Hotel, Paulaner is just a stone’s throw from the north bank of the Liangma River. With ample seating indoors and plenty of natural light, they also have a large terrace area that’s perfect for catching some rays once the warmer weather hits. As you’d expect from a Bavarian restaurant the focus here is meat and they have numerous different meat platter options like the Sausage Platter (RMB 288/regular, RMB 488 large) or the Paulaner Butcher Platter (RMB 398/regular, RMB 598 large). However, they do have a dedicated page for vegetarian options too, although most of them are rather potato focused. Unsurprisingly they also have multiple different beers on offer and even have some beer cocktails like a Beer Mojito (RMB 78) or Paulaner Old Fashioned (RMB 88).
Paulaner
50 Liangmaqiao Lu
亮马桥路50号
Carpaccio
One of the newest additions along the Liangma River, Carpaccio has been open for just under a year. An Italian restaurant with a main focus on pizza they have a great outdoor seating area which looks out directly on the Liangma River. For pizza options they traditional toppings like Salami (RMB 128), Truffle and Parma Ham (RMB 148), Margherita (RMB 78) or if you’re one of the few people who are a fan a Durian (RMB 148). They also have a few pasta dishes such as Lasagna alla Bolognese (RMB 88) or Spaghetti alla Carbonara (RMB 72) along with some main meals like Roast Chicken with Rosemary (RMB 138) or Beef Burger (RMB 88).
Carpaccio
(1/F of FX Hotel), 39 West Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District
朝阳区麦子店西街39号 富驿时尚酒店一层
READ: A Few Spots to Grab Food and Drink Along the Liangma River, Pt.1
Images: Uni You