Coffee, cocktails and codfish in the city

Italian restaurants are a popular choice for five-star hotels in Beijing, yet it's rare to find one in the heart of a business district.

Located in Chaowai Soho in Beijing's busy central business district, Lincey Italian Cuisine opened on April 1, with a painting of a peacock peeping through its windows helping to differentiate it from its neighboring vendors.

Owner Wang Danfeng, 31, wanted to create a warm yet elegant atmosphere that combined some home comforts with a dash of luxury.