Fodor's Expert Review Guo Yao Xiao Ju

Tucked inside a small hutong, the food served in this award-winning restaurant, which dates back to the Qing dynasty, is phenomenal. The owner's brother-in-law is a veteran of the Beijing Hotel and the fourth generation trained in Tan cooking. Chef Guo has also prepared state banquets for U.S. presidents Nixon and Clinton, and for Chinese leaders such as Deng Xiaoping. Go for the Tan cuisine set menu for a thorough experience of China's haute cuisine. An à la carte menu is also available, featuring enticing specialities such as homemade wine-flavored sausages, delightful duck and chive rolls, king-sized breaded shrimp, and comforting spaetzle in rich tomatoey soup.