With the openness of the imperial palace, dining in the Forbidden City is not just exclusive for royal families, but also accessible to ordinary people. Here are restaurants within and near the Forbidden City. Save this list to shorten your time for searching.
Bingjiao Cafe
Situated right beside Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining Gong), the Bingjiao (ice storehouses) was used to cool the imperial family, and now, this time-honored imperial ice storehouses are open to tourists.
Located in a separate courtyard, Bingjiao is divided into two storeys. The lower storey is very icy, maybe this is why it is called "ice storehouse". Decorations inside Bingjiao are wrapped with glass-like materials, feeling cool like ice.
You have to order the roasted duck in advance, and then enjoy the common duck in the ice storehouses, a special experience.
If you're tired of strolling in the Forbidden City, come and have a cool drink.
Average spend: 73 yuan per person
Address: near Cining Gong of the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District 东城区故宫博物院慈宁宫旁
Corner Tower Cafe
Outside the Palace Museum’s Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men) is the youngest restaurant with the Forbidden City. Opened in 2018, Corner Tower Cafe is decorated with elements of the famous ink-and-paint work A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, a China’s landscape painting masterpiece by Wang Ximeng in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
"Kangxi Emperor's Favorite Chocolate," the most popular drink, always has people lining up to get a taste. There is also a "Royal selection" drink menu including Chocolate Latte, Hot Chocolate, Black Tea Latte, Bergamot Lemon Black Tea, Lychee Black Tea and so on.
Average spend: 55 yuan per person
Address: outside Shenwu Men of the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District 东城区故宫博物院神武门外
Palace Museum Restaurant
The two restaurants offer Chinese cuisine such as rice, noodles, dim sum, as well as spaghetti and coffee with a fairly reasonable price. The restaurant near the Gate of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Men) offers alfresco seating. Dining within the Forbidden City, the two restaurants present a fusion of contemporary and antique to visitors.
Kunning Gong Branch
Average spend: 57 yuan per person
Address: near Kunning Men of the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District 东城区故宫博物院坤宁门旁
Jingyunmen Branch
Average spend: 54 yuan per person
Address: south side of Jingyun Men of the Palace Museum, Dongcheng District 东城区故宫博物院内景运门南侧
Si Ji Min Fu
The restaurant is located near one of the exits of the Forbidden City - East Prosperity Gate (Donghua Men), so you can eat here after a long walking while enjoy the best view of the Corner Tower and city moat. It’s not just the quality of food but also the location that makes one wait for a place in a table.
Si Ji Min Fu restaurant is designed in gorgeous antique style embellished with elements like black-brick wall, grey tiles and the striking red façade which is like an old photograph carrying the unique memory of old Beijing. Stepping into the restaurant, you will see rectangular tables and back-rest chairs all in the same styles. In addition to roast duck, the restaurant also offers some special dishes of old Beijing. Si Ji Min Fuis well received by customers owing to its classic flavor, sufficient amount and fair price.
Just as a saying goes in Beijing: "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man, and those who have been to Beijing but missed Beijing Roast Duck will be regretful". So you will see what a great famous delicacy Beijing Roast Duck is in the world, for its ruddy lustrous skin and fat but not greasy tender meat, rich and mellow taste.
Average spend: 156 yuan per person
Address: Beside the East Gate of the Palace Museum, No. 11, Nanchizi Street 南池子大街11号故宫东门旁
