VIBE

South Beauty’s chain of upscale Sichuan eateries has won legions of business diner fans with their cushy private dining rooms, VIP service, and gourmet fare. Their haute-couture interiors vary from location to location, but their oh-so-opulent Wangfujing digs are the best of a remarkable bunch, thanks to a bevy of private spaces and ultra-luxe detailing like gold-leaf encrusted walls, displays of priceless elite vintage wines, and curved corridors where floating walkways swing over delicate koi ponds.

CROWD

By day, the crowd is largely corporate lunchers, while well-heeled young fashionistas and hipsters parade in at night.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

If you’re here for a business lunch, go for a sharp suit, but otherwise a more laidback smart casual look is fine–think slacks with a chic top.

GO HERE WITH

Clients or colleagues; friends; shopping companions – for a break from retail therapy in Wangfujing

WHY WE LIKE IT

Excellent spot for a business lunch or upscale dinner. Book a private room at South Beauty, and you’ll have an ideal setting for pitching to a potential client or wooing your latest beau. And even if you’re just grabbing a bite in the main dining room, the stylish Sichuan fare is well worth indulging in thanks to the deft match-up of kicky spice and slick presentation.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The gorgeous servers (who doubled as models in their ad campaign around town) can be rather hoity-toity and less-than-hospitable.

GOOD TO KNOW

Most of South Beauty’s Beijing locations are in international office towers, making them just that much more convenient for business lunches.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Dongcheng (Beijing); Central Business District (Beijing); Xicheng (Beijing); Olympic Village (Beijing); Sanlitun (Beijing)

CLOSEST COMPS

Fei Teng Yu Xiang (Beijing); My Humble House (Beijing)

Read more about South Beauty in The Diary