Popular Weekend Brunch and Aesthetic Dining Spots in Beijing

For residents and visitors in Beijing, weekend brunch is more than just a meal—it is a cherished ritual of relaxation, aesthetic appreciation, and social connection. The city's brunch scene is defined by diverse culinary traditions, sun-drenched terraces, and unique spaces ranging from historic hutong courtyards to high-end hotels.

Based on local social media analysis, this guide highlights the most popular themes, standout dining spots, and practical tips to help you plan your next weekend outing.

Key Themes of Beijing's Brunch Culture

• Outdoor & Terrace Dining: Brunch lovers highly value dining outdoors, on terraces, or in gardens to enjoy the sun and breeze during comfortable seasons.
• Aesthetic "Pretty Food" (漂亮饭): Visual presentation and photogenic setups drive immense popularity. High-aesthetic, lower-guilt dishes featuring superfoods like avocado, kale, and light meats are particularly favored by health-conscious diners.
• Flowy Egg Dishes: Runny yolk textures—such as Shakshuka (North African baked eggs), eggs Benedict, and onsen eggs—remain the core staples of local menus.
• Hutong & Sunlit Courtyards: Dining inside historic courtyard structures with glass ceilings, rooftops, and quiet garden spaces offers a uniquely traditional yet chic atmosphere.

Top Recommended Brunch Venues

1. Healthy & Casual Community Cafes

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  Highly favored for its aesthetic, healthy offerings and comfortable atmosphere. The Dajixiang branch offers a historic capital vibe combined with a Western-fusion space, attracting an international crowd, while the Phoenix Mall (凤凰汇) branch has an artistic atmosphere suitable for solo dining.

  • What to order: Scrambled egg crab toast, Smoked Salmon Kimchi Poached Egg Rice, and fresh green juices (like kale and green apple).
  • Best for: Weight loss diets, aesthetic photos, and light lunches.

• Jamaica Blue / 蓝色牙买加
  An established chain known for robust breakfast plates and signature open sandwiches. While highly popular, experiences can be polarized (especially at the Xincheng Guoji branch, which is pet-friendly but prone to long queues and mixed service reviews).

  • What to order: Shrimp Avocado Toast, Pesto Chicken Sandwich.
  • Budget: ~150 RMB per person.

• O'eat
  Located at Hopson One (合生汇), this spot is praised for its solid ingredients, heavy use of superfoods, and abundant greenery.

  • What to order: Warm salads with avocado or kale, custom sandwiches, and their highly praised ice cream caramel waffles.
  • Best for: Post-workout dining and girlfriend gatherings.

2. Hutong Vibe & Rooftop Gems

• Cabo SUR (庆丰胡同)
  An architecturally unique venue hidden in a Western District hutong. Built around a central spiral staircase with concrete industrial ceilings, it features a rooftop terrace that directly overlooks the Baita Temple spire.

  • Tip: Visit around 4:00 PM to secure a shaded seat on the rooftop just in time for the sunset views over the temple.

• Toast at the Orchid / The Orchid (Baochao Hutong 65)
  A hidden North African and Middle Eastern style brunch spot. It boasts an Instagrammable white storefront, a sunny second floor, and a cozy third-floor terrace.

  • What to order: Beef Tagine, Shakshuka (served with pita bread).
  • Budget: ~100–150 RMB per person.

• the bake shop (Gulou Hutong)
  A Moroccan-style hidden rooftop cafe that is pet-friendly and serves excellent baked goods, including thick-crust pizzas, bagels, and fresh cinnamon rolls.

3. Budget & High Cost-Performance Spots

4. Upscale & French Garden Experiences

• 北京华尔道夫酒店 - 鸢尾宫1893餐厅 (Waldorf Astoria)
  Offers a luxury Saturday semi-buffet brunch featuring unlimited ordering (excluding oysters) with table service. Highlights include fresh bread with hand-scraped butter, a gourmet seafood cold platter, and their signature Flambé Rum Baba.
  • Price: 298 RMB per person (Saturday set). Reserve at least one week in advance.
• 23le jardin (Jiuxianqiao)
  A highly photogenic, French-style garden terrace decorated with hydrangeas and wicker chairs. It transitions into a bar at night.
  • What to order: Osaka Garlic Beef Rice, Pulled Beef Benedict.
  • Caveat: Service is noted to be quite slow.

Also Mentioned

• The Rug / The Rug Cafe: An established brunch pioneer in Beijing (with branches in Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and Chaoyang Park) known for vegetarian-friendly options and solid eggs Benedict.
• Commune / COMMUNE 幻师臻选 (Sanlitun / Huamao): A casual Western venue popular for its oxtail grilled cheese sandwich, burrata fig salad, and spacious spring terraces.
• The boots 泥靴Get holiday (三里屯): Extremely popular Christmas-themed sunroom venue with clear non-halal (清真友好) warnings on the menu.
• Cafe Zarah (Gulou East Street): A British-style cafe with a glass roof, quiet courtyard, and bamboo decorations.
• Lily's American Diner: A classic American diner known for burgers. The Sanlitun branch is spacious, while the Shuangjing branch is tiny and prone to long queues.

Practical Tips, Caveats, and Warnings

• Parking Challenges: Parking near community-based spots, such as Jamaica Blue at Xincheng Guoji, is highly limited and depends on luck. Grabbing a taxi or using public transport is recommended.
• Service Hours & Timing: At the popular Italian restaurant in Sanlitun Tongying Center, hot main kitchen items are not served until after 11:00 AM, though basic brunch and drinks are available earlier.
• Avoid Mojo: Local reviews consistently warn against Mojo, citing a noisy environment, uncomfortably cold seating, and food that cools down too quickly.
• Closed Venues: Please note that Fu San (福叁) has officially ceased its brunch services, and its Sanlitun branch is permanently closed.
• Self-Service Expectations: At some popular high-traffic spots like the Xincheng Guoji branch of Jamaica Blue, expect to order at the counter and pour your own water.

Locations

All Xiaohongshu Notes