An Yuan Wu Hao: Minimalist name. Artsy interior. Remote location.

The restaurant is in an old building in Beijing's Asian Games Village. Though the food may not be authentic, it still tastes good. Reasonable prices make it a good option for a simple dinner.

An Yuan Wu Hao is the peak of Beijing's minority food obsession. The cuisine is a trendy take on Naxi-influenced Yunnan dishes. The coloful dishes are a striking contrast to the bare concrete floors, black painted ceilings, and vertical sheets of pale, translucent cloth.

The Hot and Spicy Tilapia, a mix of diced deep-fried fish, green onion, garlic and Yunnan red peppers is worthwhile. The Pineapple Rice and Across the Bridge Rice Noodles are recommended, but the best offering is their free peanuts, salty and sweet with a hint of numbing peppercorn.

Location: 2/F, 5 Anyuan Beili Road
Open: 11am-10pm
Cost: 60 yuan per person
Tel: 010-6497 9173

Zhong Ba Lou

Less stylish than An Yuan, but Zhong Ba Lou is conveniently located in the Sanlitun bar district. It's hidden in a hutong opposite 3.3 Shopping Center, and can be hard for first timers to find. However, the dishes are worth the effort.The house specialty is Egg Fried with Jasmine Blossoms. The tender braised spare ribs in hot pepper sauce and the stewed chicken and papaya, a pleasant mix of spicy and sour, are both good choices. After dinner hour, the restaurant transforms into a lively bar.

The lackluster wait staff and loud wall-mounted TVs are the only drawbacks in an otherwise enjoyable dining experience. As it is one of the most famous in Beijing, reservations are necessary.

Location: No. 8 of east Sanlitun Zhong Jie, opposite the 3.3 Shopping Center in the Sanlitun bar street
Open: Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Tel: 010-64130629
Cost: 50 yuan per person

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