We propose to the banquet reception

1001 Nights
Just off the corner of Gongtibeilu
and the Third Ring Road, in Sanction
Credit cards not accepted; cash only
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dress code: Casual
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
Location: Opposite the Zhaolong Hotel, or a 20- to 25-min. walk from the Swissotel, Kunlun, Sheraton Great Wall, Landmark, and Kempinski hotels

A variety of kebabs, barbecued meats, humus, pita bread, and other traditional Lebanese dishes

Big Easy
South Gate
Chaoyang Park
Credit cards not accepted; cash only
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Dress code: Casual
Reservations not required
Location: a 10-minute taxi ride from the Zhaolong, Swissotel, Sheraton Great Wall, Landmark, Kempinski, and Kunlun hotels

Big Easy -- a New Orleans-type of place -- is notable for its Cajun dishes and other Louisiana specialties. Overlooking Chaoyang Park

The Courtyard
95 Donghuamen Dajie
Dongcheng
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Amex
Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations required
Location: 10- to 15-min. walk from the Palace, Taiwan, Peace, Beijing, and Grand hotels

Set in a newly built courtyard house, this upmarket restaurant serves fusion cuisine--French-based cooking using Asian ingredients. Excellent place to discuss business. After dinner, enjoy a smoke and brandy in the cigar divan on the second floor overlooking the moat of the Forbidden City or enjoy works by some of China's leading contemporary artists in the basement gallery.

Fangshan Restaurant
Beihai Gongyuannei
(inside Beihai Park's south gate)
Credit cards accepted: Visa
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Dress code: Casual
Reservations required
Location: 20 min. from the Beijing, Grand, Palace, and Holiday Inn Crown Plaza hotels

Opened by former Forbidden City chefs, this restaurant serves the same dishes that China's emperors once enjoyed, and in a traditional setting in Beihai Park. Popular venue for entertaining business clients.