Courtyard

Literally just outside the outer wall of the Forbidden City, this place refutes the notion that eating in Beijing is unsophisticated. The décor could easily be from somewhere in London or New York, while the cooking is genuine fusion rather than traditional Chinese. Peking duck spring rolls were excellent (14/20) but a soup with a tamarind broth and water chestnuts tasted of neither (10/20), Better was salmon with broccoli mash and peppers, and a pork dish with tempura had delicate tempura and a tasty slab of pork. They have an extensive wine list with some very serious wines from around the world, and a knowledgeable sommelier.